7 things you may not know about your cat

Andrews McMeel Syndication

You don’t have to know much about cats to know they’re among the best companions you can have. But the more you know, the more you’ll enjoy their unique traits and entertaining company, and the more you’ll be amazed by the peculiarities people have ascribed to them over many millennia.

I’m a 43-year veteran veterinarian, a lifetime cat lover and the author of 23 books on dogs and cats. While I still continue to learn feline facts, tips and tactics, I’d like to share with you some things many of you might not know about your feline family members.

1. The cat walk. If you’ve ever watched dogs walk, you may have noticed that they alternate sides when they step. In other words, the right front paw steps forward at the same time the left rear paw does. Their natural gait is a trot. Cats move differently. They step with both left paws, then both right paws. Their natural gait is called a pace, and camels and giraffes are the only other animals with the pace as their natural gait.

2. Cat feces Rx. The ancient Romans believed feline feces had healing powers. They used a concoction of honey, cat dung, spices and fat to heal burns and wounds. The Romans also thought drinking from lead cups was a great idea, so I don’t recommend trying this ancient burn ointment at home.

3. A hairball can help you win at Scrabble. Cats are great self-groomers and have a very raspy tongue (I often joke that it feels like a caterpillar wearing golf shoes) that can pull out a lot of hair, which the cat then swallows. Hair is indigestible, so when it enters a cat’s stomach, it has two exits: up or out. When it comes up, it’s a hairball (though it actually looks more like a slimy cigar).

The scientific name for a hairball is trichobezoar: “tricho” from the Greek word thrix, meaning hair, and “bezoar” from the Arabic word bazahr or Persian word padzahr, both meaning antidote. Bezoar is a great Scrabble word -- 17 points based on letters alone!

In early times, as far back as 1000 B.C. and continuing to the 11th century and beyond, trichobezoars were thought to have medicinal properties, especially for counteracting poisons as well as treating such diverse maladies as plague, dysentery, epilepsy and venomous bites. As with the aforementioned Roman remedy, I don’t recommend this treatment.

4. Why cats don’t need sunglasses. Cats are different than humans, dogs and most other animals in that the pupils of their eyes reduce to slits rather than tiny circles. Because the cat’s eyelids close at right angles to the vertical pupil, a cat can further reduce the amount of light entering the eye by bringing the eyelids closer and closer together. This works similar to the shutter on a vintage camera.

5. Who hears better? If you compare a human, dog and cat, the cat wins. Cats can hear nearly 3 times more frequencies than humans can. Technically, human hearing tops out at 20 kilohertz, a dog’s at 45 kHz, with cats at 80 kHz. Cats are able to hear a mouse walking 30 feet away or a bat in flight.

6. Do cats age seven years for every human year? No. In fact, dogs don’t either. A 1-year-old cat has reached full adult size and sexual maturity. This would be the equivalent of an 18-year-old human being. After the first year, a “four equals one” rule works pretty well. So a 10-year-old cat would be the equivalent of 54 human years: 18 (the first year) + 36 (4 x 9 years) = 54.

7. What are a cat’s whiskers for? A cat’s whiskers are deep-set, highly sensitive hairs called vibrissae (another great Scrabble word). These sensitive detection devices can perceive wind direction, help the cat gauge if they can fit through an opening and are important for body language signaling. If the whiskers are forward, the cat is friendly or curious. If they are pinned back, don’t approach or touch.

Q&A

Do dogs get

the mumps?

Q: I saw an old news story on social media about a woman whose dog caught the mumps from her. Do dogs get the mumps, and could they really catch them from a person?

A: Crazily enough, it can happen, but it’s extremely rare, in part because vaccinations protect humans from getting the mumps.

What the heck are the mumps? This viral infection (known as a paramyxovirus) of the parotid salivary glands gives human sufferers -- usually young kids or high school or college students who haven’t been vaccinated -- the look of a chipmunk whose cheeks are stuffed with nuts.

In rare instances, dogs who are exposed to people with the mumps can develop a crossover infection. Signs in dogs are fever, lack of appetite and swelling below the ears, the result of those swollen parotid glands.

Other paramyxoviruses include measles and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Dogs with the mumps typically recover in five to 10 days. They need to drink plenty of water and keep up their food intake. Ask your veterinarian for suggestions of special dog-friendly meals you can give to encourage them to eat. Foods that are soft and easy to swallow may be a good choice. If your dog isn’t drinking enough water, subcutaneous fluids can help them to stay hydrated.

Dogs with mumps may have a fever. If it’s high, your veterinarian can prescribe medication to help bring it down. Don’t give your own over-the-counter medication for fever, as these drugs can be toxic to dogs. And remember that antibiotics won’t help because this disease is caused by a virus, not bacteria.

If a member of your family has the mumps, protect your dog by keeping them apart until the infection has run its course. By the way, there’s no evidence of people getting mumps from dogs. -- Dr. Marty Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

How to teach

dogs their name

-- It’s important for dogs to respond to their names, especially when you need to get their attention quickly. Teach them to tune in by saying their name once and following up with a treat or a quick playtime with a favorite toy. If your dog doesn’t respond immediately, up the ante by using a high-pitched, happy tone of voice, inviting body language or the sound of a crinkled treat bag. Play the “name game” at random throughout the day, including at mealtimes just before you put down the food bowl, or when it’s time for a walk.

-- A pet may need to have a limb amputated if they are hit by a car or have developed bone cancer or a nervous system disorder. You may be anxious if your pet needs to have a limb amputated, but animals have two advantages over humans facing amputation: It’s easier for them to adjust because they start with four legs instead of two, and they don’t have any preconceived notions about their appearance or their ability to get around with only three legs. Most animals adapt rapidly to losing a limb, although recovery may take longer for seniors or pets with cancer. Learn more here: fearfreehappyhomes.com/pet-losing-a-limb-how-to-help-him-get-back-on-his-feet.

-- Never underestimate your cat’s (or dog’s) ability to pull a zipper open, especially when they’re riding in the car in a zippered carrier. One cat lover recalls the time she was driving in the fast lane and suddenly heard the sound of passenger side window being lowered, followed by the sound of wind rushing into the car. Her feline passenger had unzipped the carrier from the inside, climbed out and opened the window when she stood on the control while looking out the window. Now she puts a safety clip on every zipper on every carrier. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet care experts. Veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker is founder of the Fear Free organization, co-founder of VetScoop.com and author of many best-selling pet care books. Kim Campbell Thornton is an award-winning journalist and author who has been writing about animals since 1985. Mikkel Becker is a behavior consultant and lead animal trainer for Fear Free Pets. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/Kim.CampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

Our canine best friends range in size from tiny to titanic. Meet the smallest of all dogs, the Chihuahua

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Andrews McMeel Syndication

If you love Chihuahuas, you might know that May 14 is International Chihuahua Appreciation Day. While Chihuahuas might be tiny in size, they are huge in personality. It’s one of the things that makes them popular companions for everyone from celebs to grandmas to long-distance truckers. As the author of the third edition of “Chihuahuas for Dummies” and owner of the late, great, much-missed Chihuahua-mix Gemma, I thought it would be fun this week to share some fascinating facts about these widely loved dogs.

Modern Chihuahuas are largely descended from Eurasian dogs introduced to the Americas between the 15th and 20th centuries, but about 4% of their ancestry is from pre-Columbian dogs.

Chihuahuas were “discovered” in the late 19th century by American visitors to Mexico, some of whom brought the little dogs home as souvenirs. They’re named for the Mexican state of Chihuahua. The first Chihuahua was registered with the American Kennel Club in 1904.

Chihuahuas have made a name for themselves in film and TV, with Moonie starring in “Legally Blonde” and “Legally Blonde 2,” and Gidget grabbing attention as the Taco Bell spokesdog.

A Chihuahua named MacKenzie was named American Humane’s 2020 American Hero Dog for helping to raise young animals with birth defects.

Neither variety of Chihuahua -- smooth coat or long coat -- has ever won Best in Show at Westminster (yet), but a smooth-coated Chihuahua named Ch. Quachitah For Your Eyes Only took the Toy Group in 1984.

Typical Chihuahuas weigh between 3 and 6 pounds, but some are larger or smaller. Oversize Chihuahuas are sturdier and can make better pets for families with kids than tiny and more fragile dogs.

There’s no such thing as a “teacup” Chihuahua; that’s simply a marketing term used by breeders selling extra-tiny dogs.

Chihuahuas can have short or long coats, but they all have large, erect ears -- somewhat resembling satellite dishes -- that flare to the side. The large ears help them to dissipate heat.

In April, a 2-year-old Chihuahua named Pearl was named the world’s shortest dog by Guinness World Records. Pearl stands 3.59 inches at the shoulder -- shorter than a Popsicle stick -- and weighs just over a pound.

Chihuahuas come in a rainbow of colors and patterns. To name just a few, they can be any solid color, including fawn, peach, sable, blue, black or white; spotted or splashed with white; tricolor; or black and tan or chocolate and tan. None of the colors or patterns are considered more desirable than another.

Both shorthaired and longhaired Chihuahuas shed, but you might be surprised to learn that the shorthaired variety sheds more. Smooth-coated Chihuahuas are always growing new hairs and shedding old ones, while long-coated ones shed seasonally -- a few thorough brushings are called for during shedding season (usually spring and fall), then they don’t shed for a while. Both varieties should be brushed at least weekly to distribute skin oils and, in longhairs, to prevent development of mats.

Chihuahuas are considered “natural” dogs, meaning their coats don’t need to be trimmed, shaved, stripped or plucked; their ears aren’t cropped; and their tails aren’t docked.

A Chihuahua adopted from a rescue group or shelter can’t compete in conformation dog shows, but they can participate in dog sports such as agility, nose work, obedience, rally and more, and they are keen competitors in whatever they do.

Chihuahuas don’t shiver because they’re scared, but because they’re sensitive to cold. Get them a coat or sweater!

Chihuahuas are born with a soft spot on their skull known as a molera, or fontanel. Usually it closes by the time they’re 6 months old, but sometimes it remains throughout life.

Chihuahuas can have long life spans, living well into their teens. One, named TobyKeith, is 22 years old.

Q&A

Keeping turtles

healthy, happy

Q: My kid wants a red-eared slider. What kind of environmental setup are we looking at?

A: I’m so happy you asked, because often these attractive and popular turtles don’t get an adequate habitat. Here’s what you need to know.

They are aquatic. You can start them out in a large indoor aquarium, but as they grow bigger, it’s best if they have a real or artificial pond with water deep enough that they can swim around as well as an area where they can get out of the water to sun themselves.

Whether aquarium or pond, the turtle’s habitat must have good filtration. Otherwise, waste products will build up, causing excess ammonia and salmonella and leading to infections and intestinal problems. It’s important to remove feces and leftover food daily to keep the tank or pond clean.

Even without the presence of a male, female turtles lay eggs. They need an area with dirt or sand where they can dig a hole, lay eggs and bury them to protect them from predators.

Red-eared sliders are omnivores, enjoying both plants and animal protein. Don’t rely solely on pellets, but offer a variety of food to help ensure their diet is balanced. They like to snack on plants such as water hyacinths and elodia, as well as earthworms, beetles, grasshoppers, crickets and mealworms. Other plant items to offer include carrot tops, collard greens, dandelion greens (untreated by herbicides or pesticides), endive, green beans and parsley. Avoid keeping turtles and koi in the same pond, or you may find that the koi become part of the turtle diet.

Turtles brumate in winter. That means they’re less active, but unlike hibernation, they will occasionally seek out food or air. Outdoor turtles will appreciate being able to burrow into the bottom of their pond and dream of spring. -- Dr. Marty Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

Flat faces, more

health problems

-- Got a short-faced dog such as a French bulldog (current tops in popularity), bulldog or pug? They are cute, no doubt, but they’re also more susceptible to certain health conditions, including having trouble breathing, spinal disease and eye injuries. To help them stay healthy, keep them slim and trim (ask your veterinarian to show you how to do hands-on body condition scoring); prevent them from overheating, especially now with summer approaching; and avoid strenuous activity. Limit walks and active outdoor play to cool mornings and after sundown.

-- It’s time to update your pet emergency and first-aid kit. The Schwarzman Animal Medical Center in New York City recommends having the following items on hand: a 7-day supply of food in an airtight container; 3-day supply of water; bowls, liquid dish soap, manual can opener; 2-week supply of medication with dosage and administration instructions; microchip and license information, vaccination history, emergency contact list (including your veterinarian), photo of your pet, preferably with you, all in a waterproof bag; carrier or crate with your contact info attached to it; extra collar and harness with ID and leash; portable litter box and litter; a favorite toy and bed; and first-aid materials such as antibiotic ointment, adhesive tape, scissors, nonstick bandaging; absorbent gauze pads, saline solution, instant cold pack, towels and a blanket, digital thermometer, styptic powder to stop bleeding and muzzle.

-- Traveling with a cat? Always confirm that your hotel accepts cats -- even if you’ve been there previously with a cat -- and how many cats are permitted per room. Before letting your cat out of the carrier, inspect the room for hazards such as open windows or doors, vents and grates where they could hide, ability to crawl under the bed (some places block the bottom of the bed), electrical cords or window blind cords. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet care experts. Veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker is founder of the Fear Free organization, co-founder of VetScoop.com and author of many best-selling pet care books. Kim Campbell Thornton is an award-winning journalist and author who has been writing about animals since 1985. Mikkel Becker is a behavior consultant and lead animal trainer for Fear Free Pets. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/Kim.CampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

This week is a perfect storm of pet celebrations

Andrews McMeel Syndication

I often say, “There’s only one greatest pet in the world, and every family has it.” I’m sure you agree.

I was in a business recently, and the winner of the Employee of the Month contest was the owner’s dog -- as it had been every month for the past three years. (The dog is 3 years old.)

I’m not only a veteran veterinarian of 43 years, I’m also a lifetime pet lover. Just like you, I give our dogs nibbles from the table; I love to watch them tap dance for treats, almost rub the fur off of them in the evening while watching TV and let them take over the lion’s share of the bed.

And while our pampered pooches and fussed-on felines would probably like us to celebrate and spoil them every single day of the year with special meals, tasty treats, play and even massage, this particular month focuses on pets in several ways.

In May we celebrate Be Kind to Animals Week (May 1-7; created in 1915 by American Humane); National Pet Week (May 7-13; created by the AVMA in 1981); and Dog Anxiety Awareness Week (May 1-7; created by Assisi Animal Health).

If you go to the websites for these events, you can find a lot of great curated information designed to celebrate that special bond -- that affection-connection -- we share with our beloved pets, as well as tips and tactics to help them live happier, healthier, fuller lives.

In addition, here are my Top 5 tips to make your pet’s life the best:

1) Choose wisely. Most people spend more time looking for the right Range Rover than the right Rover. Consider your home, age, lifestyle and financial situation when choosing a pet. If you live in a small high-rise apartment and work 10-hour days, a border collie is probably not for you. Today’s hottest pet, the French bulldog? Honestly, with the breed’s myriad medical issues, probably not the best choice for the vast majority of prospective pet parents.

2) Plan for care. My sister is a physician, and she never has talks about the cost of her medical recommendations with patients. Conversely, veterinarians almost always have conversations about the costs of their recommendations. The difference is in insurance. I highly recommend purchasing pet health insurance because when your pet becomes sick or injured, you want the best medicine -- not just what you can afford. I’m a veterinarian, and I have pet insurance for all of our pets. Why? Because some procedures -- like a kidney transplant in a cat -- can cost $35,000, and some cancer treatments can soar to the tens of thousands of dollars.

3) Exercise. While fat cats and pudgy pooches are funny in cartoons, in real life they’re like tubby time bombs ticking away. These animals’ bodies are built for movement. Try and exercise your pet daily. If you can’t because of time or inability, consider day care or hiring a dog walker.

4) Nutrition. Feed smart. Don’t fall for slick marketing campaigns or aggressive sales associates at stores encouraging you to buy wildly expensive pet foods. Your dog or cat will do just fine on widely available medium-priced national brand commercial foods.

5) Healthy pets visit vets. Pets can’t tell you how they were injured, where they hurt or even how they feel. Sure, we can see clues -- loss of appetite, lethargy, limping -- but only through regular visits to the veterinarian can your pet receive a comprehensive physical exam, diagnostic tests if needed and preventive care. For you, the pet parent, regular vet visits alert you to emerging risks in your community and provide you with answers to your pet health questions.

Q&A

Do cats

get carsick?

Q: My cat is always so unhappy in the car. Do cats get carsick?

A: You bet! Cats don’t really enjoy new experiences, and riding in the car is one of those things that they don’t do very often, so it makes them anxious.

Being picked up, crammed into a carrier (as so many people do) and placed in a moving vehicle that makes noise, smells funny and makes their tummy roil is a recipe for carsickness when it comes to most cats.

Motion-sick cats might not turn a sickly pea-green color, but they may yowl, pace (as much as they can in a carrier), lick their lips, drool, vomit or have diarrhea. None of that is pleasant for them -- or you.

So how are you supposed to get your cat to the vet or get her moved to your new home? The good news is that cats can be desensitized or counterconditioned to being in a carrier and riding in the car. The bad news is that you need to start well in advance, from a few days to a few weeks, to help accustom your kitty to car travel. I don’t have enough space here to describe how to do that, but this article can get you started: fearfreehappyhomes.com/teach-your-cat-to-go-into-a-carrier-without-a-struggle.

Once your cat is comfortable going into a carrier, you can take steps to make car rides more comfortable, too. Tips include playing audiobooks (maybe a cat-centric mystery or fantasy) or cat-specific music; using a pheromone plug-in made for use in cars; placing the carrier on a level area where it won’t tip over, like the footwell of the rear passenger seat; putting a T-shirt you’ve worn into the carrier with her to provide a sense of familiarity; and talking to your veterinarian about anti-anxiety or anti-nausea nutraceuticals or medications that can help. -- Dr. Marty Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

What to look for

when boarding bird

-- Need to board your bird? Many birds are social and may enjoy a stay at an avian veterinary clinic or bird shop that offers boarding. Avian boarding facilities may have health testing requirements that must be met before they’ll take in a bird. Whether or not testing is required, look for one that controls the amount of exposure birds have with one another to ensure that your bird doesn’t acquire any diseases while there. Ideally, the facility you choose should emphasize good food (not a seed diet), plenty of enrichment to keep your bird entertained and cleanliness. Ask if there’s a bird cam so you can check in on your feathered friend while you’re away. With your permission, staff may post photos of your bird on social media or text photos to you. Last but not least, a great facility should be staffed by people who really know and love birds and will give your bird the best care possible.

-- It’s spring, but don’t be surprised if you see a sled dog team in training. Top competitors train nearly year-round, switching to sleds with wheels when snow disappears. Competitive sled dogs are usually a blend called Alaskan huskies, selectively bred for traits such as endurance, strength, speed, intelligence, problem-solving, aptitude for pulling and tolerance for extreme weather. While many different breeds have contributed to their makeup, studies have shown that they have a distinct genetic signature.

-- Burmese cats are solid and muscular, living up to their description of “bricks wrapped in silk.” These intelligent, charming, talkative cats often enjoy interacting with kids and dogs or spending time with their people. Burmese have a short, silky, easy-care coat that comes in sable, champagne, blue and platinum. Expect a Burmese to chat with you in a deep, raspy, rumbling voice. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet care experts. Veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker is founder of the Fear Free organization, co-founder of VetScoop.com and author of many best-selling pet care books. Kim Campbell Thornton is an award-winning journalist and author who has been writing about animals since 1985. Mikkel Becker is a behavior consultant and lead animal trainer for Fear Free Pets. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/Kim.CampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.