Cat Too Hyper at Night

Question:

Hi, how can I get my cat to calm down at night cuz she gets really hyper so I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong?

- Melissa

Answer:

Melissa,
Cats are nocturnal creatures and naturally more active at night. You might try keeping her awake during the day, so that she sleeps more at night. Since she is not spayed, she may be in heat. If she is rolling around and yowling, this is likely her problem. The only "cure" for this is spaying, which should be done anyway, along with vaccinations, as part of an ordinary healthcare routine!

Good Luck,
Sara F Jennen DVM

Cats Vomiting When Eating Urinary Cat Food Formulas

Question:

My cats have urinary crystals. Are there other foods other than Iams L/pH and Eukanuba Ur for them to eat as they have periods of vomiting after eating the food?

thanks,
Betty

Answer:

Betty,
I am sorry that your cats are having problems with the food they are currently eating. There are multiple brands of cat food that lowers urniary pH and has certain minerals that are decreased to help alleviate urinary crystal formation, some are prescription and some are not. This forum does not recommend a specific brand of food. If you do a search on the internet for "urinary formula cat food" it will bring up several different brands and suggestions on where to purchase each one. Unfortunately, it may be trial and error to find one that they can all tolerate. These types of food do not normally cause vomiting, any more that any other food, so you might search for a different cause, such as hairballs, which is the most common cause of vomiting in cats.

Good luck!
Sara F. Jennen DVM

Cat Losing Weight Even Thought He's Eating

Question:

Our cat is one of 2 cats, and 2 dogs. He was a bit of a puffy cat and very healthy. Of late, he has lost a lot of weight [bony], and will eat like a glutton. After this he will throw it up. I have been giving him small amounts more often which works. I also gave him a whey protein powder mixed with milk to help build him up again.

I had given him some "hairball eliminator" in a tube thinking he had a hairball blockage or something of this sort. No spitting-up any hairballs. He did end up with diarrhea so I gave less. His stool is now normal again, but he is still thin. The last two weeks he has stopped using the litter box and is pooping wherever the mood arises. He did the same urinating. He has urinated in the box, but still poops anywhere.

When I took him to the box the other day he started to nibble at the cat litter, so I immediately took him away! What is going on with this old guy?? His name is "Dopey" and it is becoming quite appropriate. I am unsure what to do for him and as I live on a disability allowance... funds are very very limited. PLEASE HELP ME.

My appreciation,
Brenda

Answer:

Brenda,
I am so sorry to hear that your kitty is having problems. The age and signs are very suggestive of some sort of metabolic problem, such as diabetes or hyperthyroidism. The weight loss sounds like you are dealing with something much worse than a behavior problem. In order to diagnose the condition and find a remedy, your veterinarian will probably have to run blood tests. I know that this can become quite expensive, but I know of no other way to diagnose a medical condition so that it can be treated.

Good luck to you and your kitty!
Sara F. Jennen DVM

Tabby Keeps Urinating on Rug

Question:

My male Tabby cat never had accidents and now he has gotten so he urinates on the rug part of the time. He does not have a urinary infection -- had him checked -- and he knows he is not supposed to do it. What can I do as I don't want to have to get rid of him?

- Ruby

Answer:

Inappropriate urination is a very frustrating and common problem in cats. There is no simple solution. It is likely that something has changed in the environment, the type of litter, or something else in the household that is making him anxious. There are anti-anxiety drugs that may or may not help with this problem that your veterinarian can prescribe. You should ask your vet to run a complete blood panel to rule out metabolic problems like kidney disease or diabetes before starting any long-term medication.

Good luck to you!
Sara F. Jennen DVM

Where to find a vet or clinic?

Question:

I would like to know of any clinics that are reasonable in the NYC area, pet health plan?

- Lillian

Answer:

Lillian,
I'm sorry, I am not familiar with any veterinary clinics in your area. Your best bet would probably be to ask neighbors and friends who they have had good experiences with. You could also try a social networking site, such as Facebook. Most veterinarians are listed on the Internet and have reviews written about them by their clients.

Good luck!
Sara F. Jennen DVM