March2011mews

ladew

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NEWSLETTER OF THE PATRICIA H. LADEW CAT SANCTUARY

4 Paw Digs for Pat’s Cats

VOLUME 2 NO. 3

MARCH 2012

Bring Some Luck to our Older Kitties.

Give One a Forever Home.

(See also Seniors for Seniors on page 5.)

Pat’s Cats (AKA, our Special Ops Kitties) now come in from the cold to a 4 Paw suite with spacious lounging and dining areas and cozy sleeping cubbies.

Adopt Cami

Cami is about 3 years old. She’s been with us for a few years, just hasn’t found her family yet. She’s playful and energetic and very inquisitive. She’s also quite the talker and we find ourselves having more conversations with her than we really should mention. Cami is the type of cat that will follow you everywhere, she just loves company! (Sponsorship is also available.)

If you can’t adopt her, click here to sponsor Cami!

Our Quarantine Room is ready for new admittants to ensure a healthy transition to the sanctuary while protecting all of our residents.

Adopt Sydney

Sydney’s a great cat who somehow gets overlooked. She’s really sweet, loves to drink out of the faucet and loves a good lap.

She landed on our doorstep several years back and just hasn’t found her forever home. Sydney’s about 7 years old (which is our best guess) and would make a wonderful companion for someone.

Call us at (516) 922-CATS! Our Fax # (516) 922-5203 Visit us at theladewcatsanctuary.org

If you can’t adopt her, click here to sponsor Sydney!

Lucky Cat Tales ladew mews

Some Lucky Older Cats Make Purrrfect Pets

© MARCH, 2012 The Patricia H. Ladew Foundation, Inc.

Executive Editor - Susan V. Whittred, DVM Creative Editor - Elise Klingensmith Board of Directors: Elliot L Hoffman, Esq. Bruce E. Trauner, Esq. Peter S. Matorin, Esq. Director of Veterinary Medicine Susan V. Whittred, DVM Licensed Veterinary Technician Andrea Castro Manager — Lynn Manno Caretaker — JoAnn Studley Volunteers: Tatum Christiansen (and Insperity) Steve Christiansen Janet Bruce Beata Boruta

Call us at (516) 922-CATS! Our fax # is (516) 922-5203.

Visit us at: theladewcatsanctuary.org

Send us your mews!

The Ladew Cat Sanctuary family is always on the alert for updates and happy, interesting, or just plain amusing cat tales about our former residents.

Please email to: Dr. Susan Whittred, DVM info@theladewcatsanctuary.org

Meet Jasmine Jasmine’s new mom, Vivien writes: “When my first cat, Oreo, passed away last March, I assumed when I was ready for another cat that I would get a kitten — mostly because they are small and adorable, but I also had some reservations about adopting an older cat.

I didn’t want to get attached to the cat and then have it get sick or die.

When I went to the Whiskers in Wonderland event in December, I was looking for a kitten. My mom and I went around the room three or four times, looking at all the cats offered from the different rescue groups, but I didn’t find one I had a connection to.

Finally, on our last trip around the room, we noticed another group that we hadn’t seen before. When we went to check them out, I was immediately drawn to Jasmine’s cage. She just looked like such a regal cat, so pretty and elegant. I interacted with her for a little while, and she was so sweet. After learning a bit about her personality, I thought she was perfect.

We brought Jasmine home that day, and I know I was right. She is such a sweetheart and a little quirky.

Even though she’s a little older, she is still playful and curious without being overwhelmingly so.

I’m glad I didn’t immediately disregard the older cats, because Jasmine’s the perfect addition to my family, and I can’t imagine not having her in my life.”

Editor’s Note: Jasmine wasn’t even slated to go to Whiskers in Wonderland. Another kitty came down with a cold that day, and we thought we’d try Jasmine!

How’s that for luck!

ladew mews — March 2011 — page two

Ask Dr. Susan...

Meet Chloe

“How can I tell if my cat is sick?”

Don’t leave your cat’s health to luck!

Cats are masters of disguise. It is not uncommon for a client to bring in a very sick kitty who seemed absolutely fine yesterday. That’s because cats can hide disease even from the best of us. But don’t despair, there are things that you can do at home to assess the health of your cat.

Sam holding Chloe Sam, Chloe’s (AKA Cleo) new mom writes: I recently adopted an approximately 3 year old cat named Cleo, whom I renamed Chloe.

She’s the sweetest, most lovable cat, who’s always in the mood to snuggle.

For me, Chloe was the best of both worlds — the playfulness of a kitten, with the mellowness that comes with an older cat.

A lot of people first think to adopt a kitten, because they think they’ll adapt better or be more friendly, but older cats are just as lovable and eager to get to know their new families!

Kittens are wonderful, but I’m so glad I picked an older cat (or, that she picked me!).

Chloe’s right at home already!

Monitor Kitty’s Eating and Drinking Habits.

Is Fluffy eating more or less than usual? Many of us have multiple cats or feed free choice so it can be difficult to tell who is eating and who isn’t. Some things that you can do to make it easier is to measure how much food you put in that never-ending bowl and see how much your cat(s) are actually eating. If you have multiple cats, try observing to make sure that each one is eating (break out the treats or the canned food).

Many people think that if they’re eating well that this is a sign of good health.

While it’s true that I’d rather see a cat eating than one that is not, sometimes a voracious appetite can be indicative of diseases such as diabetes and hyperthyroidism. If your cat seems to have a voracious appetite, make sure his/her weight correlates. If your cat is eating well but losing weight then something is wrong.

If your cat is approaching the food bowl wanting to eat, but doesn’t take a bite or has trouble chewing, maybe there’s a problem in their oral cavity (anyone who has ever had a tooth ache knows what that feels like!) Many cats suffer from chronic stomatitis which is an overreaction by the immune system to the bacteria on the teeth – this condition makes it very painful to eat or groom themselves.

Cats don’t drink as much as dogs and if they are getting canned food, some of their moisture comes from diet. Cats drink about ½ ounce per pound of body weight – less if they’re eating wet food and maybe more if they’re eating only dry.

If you are always filling up the water bowl I would worry about diabetes, kidney disease and hyperthyroidism.

If your cat isn’t getting enough hydration, try the circulating water fountains to entice your cat to drink. (You can check your cat’s hydration status by lifting the skin over the scapula (shoulders) and see if it stays up. If the skin doesn’t immediately return to the body, your cat may be dehydrated).

(continued on page 4)

ladew mews — March 2011 — page three

Ask Dr. Susan...

“How can I tell if my cat is sick?”

...continued from page 3

Monitor Kitty’s Urination and Defecation.

Have you noticed more urine in the litter box, or not enough? Normal cats probably urinate between two and four times per day and the clumps should be small to moderate depending upon the size of the cat. If you’re finding unusually large clumps in your litter box, your cat could be diabetic or have renal (kidney) disease.

If you’re finding lots of little tiny clumps (sometimes blood tinged) it could be indicative of a urinary tract infection, bladder stones, idiopathic cystitis or worse, partial blockage. If you’re finding no urine, then either your cat has chosen another place to go (which can signal illness) or your cat may be blocked (which is an emergency!).

Are you finding normal stool in the litter box? Most cats defecate once or twice daily. Is the stool of normal consistency? If you’re finding diarrhea then your cat may be ill. Many diseases can result in diarrhea including but not limited to parasites, inflammatory bowel disease, hyperthyroidism and diabetes mellitus. If your cat is not going frequently enough, your cat may be constipated which can be a sign of renal disease or megacolon among other diseases.

Monitor Kitty’s Behavior.

Apart from eating, drinking, urinating and defecating, any change in behavior should be an alert that there may be a problem. In our February Issue we concentrated on problems with inappropriate urination and defecation which by themselves can be indicative of an illness. But other types of behavior changes can also indicate disease. Is your cat hiding more? Because cats are masters of disguise, they would rather hide illness from you. When it gets to the point that they can’t function normally in front of you, they may retreat under the bed. This is because in the wild, if they show weakness, they may become prey. This instinct is still intact even in our domesticated cats. If your cat is hiding, something may be wrong. On the other hand, if your kitty has become more vocal or more active, that can also be a symptom of hyperthyroidism and other illnesses.

Inspect Kitty’s Coat.

Is your kitty’s coat shiny and smooth? Are there any bald spots? Is he/she itchy? Any changes in your cat’s coat can signify many changes in your cat’s health. Bald spots can be a sign of parasites, fungal infection or allergies. Itchiness (pruritis) can be indicative of fleas, food allergies or environmental allergies (atopy). Is your cat’s coat clumpy with dandruff? This could mean your cat isn’t cleaning him/herself. This could point to systemic illness or a problem with a painful oral cavity.

Brushing your cat is a great way to check your cat yourself for any lumps or bumps that weren’t there before. If your cat doesn’t like to be brushed, then petting them everywhere is another way that you can feel if everything is in order.

Inspect Kitty’s Eyes.

Are your cat’s eyes bright and shiny and free of discharge? Squinting, discoloration, or discharge can signify many diseases from a primary ocular problem to systemic illness.

These are just a few of the ways that you can be proactive in your cat’s health.

Along with your veterinarian, you are an integral part in your cat’s health and finding things sooner rather than later will help your kitty live a longer, healthier and happy life.

ladew mews — March 2011 — page four

Spotlight on SPONSORSHIP

Alice Alice came to us after she lost her home.

We don’t know too much of Alice’s history, but what we do know is she prefers to be on her own.

She tolerates a pat on the head or two (but never three!).

Alice loves her treats and loves to look out the window, so for this old girl, we just let her be, and she seems pretty happy about that!

You can help us keep Alice in treats by sponsoring her ($25.00 minimum).

Gift Sponsorship is also available.

Click here to sponsor Alice

Seniors for Seniors It is now well known that companion animals, like cats and dogs, can improve our physical and mental health. Scientists have studied this phenomenon and have come to realize that pet ownership (or even handling of animals) may help the elderly (and the rest of us) live longer and have more enjoyable, healthier lives.

According to the American Animal Hospital Association, a study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society in May of 1999 demonstrated that “independently living seniors that have pets tend to have better physical health and mental well being than those that don’t. They’re more active, cope better with stress and have better overall health.

Lillian Buyalski and Barney

Sam Manno and Bubbles

A 1997 study showed that elderly pet owners had significantly lower blood pressure overall than their contemporaries without pets. In fact, an experimental residential home of the elderly called the Eden Alternative, which is filled with over 100 birds, dogs and cats and has an outside environment with rabbits and chickens, has experienced a 15 percent lower mortality rate than traditional nursing homes over the past five years.”

Some of the reasons for these health benefits are simple. Pets need taking care of and that alone can get the elderly up and moving. A walk to the pet food store reaps cardiovascular benefits as well as helping to keep the limbs mobile. The simple act of brushing a cat or dog can significantly lower blood pressure and heart rate and the companionship can ward off loneliness and depression.

According to the study done in the Journal for American Geriatrics Society, “...people with pets were better able to remain emotionally stable during crises than those without. Pets work as a buffer against social isolation. Often the elderly have trouble leaving home, so they don’t have a chance to see many people. Pets give them a chance to interact. The responsibility of caring for an animal may also give the elderly a sense of purpose, a reason to get up in the morning. Pets also help seniors stick to regular routines of getting up in the morning, buying groceries and going outside, which help to motivate them to eat and sleep regularly and well.”

Many nursing homes have caught on and now have resident cats. Others have cats and dogs come to visit. In Nebraska, the Stanton Health Center, has dogs in its Alzheimer’s wing and cats that live in common areas.

“The animals help patients keep their mind off their problems,” says Jean S. Uehl, the Center’s Director of Nurses.

“The love the patients get from the animals is unconditional.” One particular stroke patient was withdrawn and rarely smiled, until she began to play with the resident cat. The patient and the cat became closely bonded to each other, and when the cat had kittens, “they became like the patient’s babies,” according to Uehl. The kittens played and slept on a tray on the resident’s wheelchair and slept in a chair near her bed whenever they could. The kittens brought the resident out of her shell and she began to talk and smile. “The kittens in particular get all the residents’ attention,” says Uehl. “Everyone always wants to know where they’re at and what they’re doing.” When there are kittens in the building, a number of residents stay busy all day, following them, playing with them and keeping an eye on them.

“If you think that someone elderly would benefit from cat ownership, the Patricia H. Ladew Foundation has a program to adopt out senior cats to senior citizens at a reduced rate,” said Dr. Susan Whittred, Ladew Resident Veterinarian. “Many seniors are afraid to adopt a cat, worried of what will become of the cat if something happens to them. At the Foundation, every cat we take in has a home for life, so if something should happen the cat can safely return to us and we’ll take care of him/her.”

Dr. Whittred urged, “For further information on Seniors for Seniors or if you would like to make an appointment to visit our facility and talk with one of our staff, please call the Patricia H. Ladew Cat Sanctuary at (516) 922-2287.”

ladew mews — March 2011 — page five

Some Lucky Cats Land at The Patricia H. Ladew Foundation. .

“Now that our quarantine and adoption rooms are nearly finished with renovations, we’re back doing what we do best – help lighten the load from overfilled shelters,” Dr. Susan Whittred, Resident Veterinarian reports. “Since we’re too small to take in from the public, when we have some room we go to the city shelters and rescue some cats that otherwise may not have a chance.”

“At the end of February, we had 4 cages that we could fill so we rescued a cranky mom (Lily) and her 4 kittens: Sergio, Rollie, Chelsea and Jellybean, II,” said Whittred.

“We also rescued three other adults (left to right: Julia and Joanie) and Sammy, on the right with Manager Lynn Manno and the far right with Caretaker JoAnn Studley.”

“Sammy, who is a snowshoe with beautiful blue eyes, is petrified and we think may have been abused. Our Manager Lynn Manno has been working her magic to make sure that every cat that walks through our doors feels at home.

Sammy was so scared he wasn’t eating so Lynn blended up her best savory cat dish, sat on the floor, put Sammy in her lap and proceeded to syringe feed him while petting him and making him feel safe. Little by little Sammy started to lick the syringe and before we knew it, Sammy was eating out of the plate. Our Caretaker JoAnn soon got into the act, and Sammy is coming out of his shell.

Lynn and JoAnn both advised Sammy that he’s going to have to eat on his own, and that they can’t hand feed him all the time, but between you and me Sammy has nothing to worry about – if that’s what he wants, they’ll be there for him,” said Dr. Whittred. Check our facebook page for updates about Sammy!”

“While at the shelter, the adoption associate asked if we could possibly take one more, as she had overextended her stay.

We hesitated for a nanosecond (we’re a hard sell) while we tried to figure out where we’d put the cat we now love and call Brittany.”

ladew mews — March 2011 — page six

We’ve made all of these beautiful kitties available for adoption.

Lucky you!

All you have to do is fall in love!

If you cannot adopt any of these kitties, click here to sponsor one!