Cat Hospital of Coppell

Pet's Appetite for Oddities Adds Up To Millons in Treatment Costs

2012-02-01T15:04:00.003-06:00

Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. policyholders spent nearly $5.2 million treating pets that ingested foreign objects from January through November 2011, VPI reported. The Brea, Calif., pet insurance company received more than 6,500 foreign-object ingestion claims during that period. Surgery to remove foreign objects cost an average of $1,472, and surgery to remove foreign objects from the intestine cost an average of $1,910. Top 20 items that deserve recognition:

- Box of razor blades
- Entire tube of dog toothpaste
- Artificial finger nails
- Two plastic baggies and a bottle cap
- 62 vitamin D soft gels
- G.I. Joe action figure
- Glass ornament
- 5 inch skewer
- Fish hook and line
- Jellyfish
- Marijuana cookie
- Hemorrhoid suppositories
- Burrito wrapped in foil
- The corner of a bed
- Rat (swallowed whole)
- The head of stuffed animal, a long leather lace and multiple hard plastic pieces
- Two plastic eyeballs and a bunch of broccoli stems
- Deer antlers
- Dental floss
- Sweatshirt

Please call the Cat Hospital of Coppell for a list of recommended insurance companies.

Does your cat have anxiety? Travel poorly? Cat Hospital to the rescue!!

2012-01-27T16:01:00.003-06:00

Does your kitty have trouble traveling to the Veterinarian? Do you wish you could take away their anxiety without sedating them? Do you have a kitty that just wont take a pill or liquid?

The Cat Hospital of Coppell is proud to announce the product Elavil Transdermal Gel. We here at the Cat Hospital have asked many clients what prevents them or their cats from having a pleasant and easy experience and the answer is almost always how their pet behaves in the car or in the Veterinarians office. Elavil transdermal gel is a anxiety medication that allows the medication to be absorbed into the bloodstream through the skin of your cat's ear. Elavil is best used in patients who do not travel well, show aggressive behavior at the Veterinarian's office, storm anxiety and many others. Please contact the Cat Hospital of Coppell today to discuss if this would meet your feline's needs.

Foods Your Cat Should Never Eat

2011-12-15T11:30:00.002-06:00

As we all know there are some very common household items that are toxic if not lethal to your furry friends. Here are some updated lists and how they may ingest them:

1. ONIONS, GARLIC, CHIVES: Onion in all forms-- powdered, raw, cooked, or dehydrated can break down a cat's red blood cells, leading to anemia. That is even true for onion powder that's found in some baby foods. An occasional small dose probably won't hurt but eating a large quantity once or eating smaller amounts regularly can cause onion poisoning. Along with onions, garlic, and chives can cause gastrointestinal upset.

2. CAFFEINE: Caffeine in large enough quantities can be fatal for a cat, and there is no antidote. Symptoms of caffeine poisoning include restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, muscle tremors, and fits. In addition to tea and coffee (Including beans and grounds)caffeine can be found in cocoa, chocolate, colas, and stimulant drinks such as Red Bull, Monster etc. It is also in some cold medicines and painkillers.

3. ALCOHOL: Beer, liquor, wine, foods containing alcohol are all very toxic for your cat. This is caused due to the alcohol has the same effect on a cat's liver and brain that it has on humans but takes far less to do its damage. Just two teaspoons of whiskey can cause a coma in a 5 pound cat and one more teaspoon could kill it. The higher the proof, the worse the symptoms.

4. GRAPES AND RAISINS: Grapes and raisins have often been used as treats for pets but it's not a good idea. Although it isn't clear why, grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in cats. A small amount can make a cat very ill very quickly. Repeated vomiting and hyperactivity are early signs on ingestion. Although some cats show no ill effects its internally that is the problem. Unfortunately by the time your pet begins to show signs the kidney will have sustained kidney damage. It is best to keep grapes and raisins off counter tops and other places accessible to your cat.

Some Frighting Fact About Our Cats.

2011-12-15T11:18:00.002-06:00

Did you know?

A staggering 53% of America's cats are considered overweight or obese. Lets see how the amount has changed over the years:

1970s- 12% of America's cats were considered overweight or obese
1990s- 25% of America's cats were considered overweight or obese
2000s- 30% of America's cats were considered overweight or obese
TODAY: 53% of America's cats were considered overweight or obese

A little bit about Nutrition and Weight:

A one-size-fits-all approach won't work with nutrition. The right diet depends on the age of your cat, whether or not your cat has been spayed or neutered, and your cat's overall health and activity level. Diet often plays a role in preventing and treating disease- an excellent reason for your cat to visit your veterinarian for twice a year wellness exams. When considering how much to feed your cat, the labels on commerical food are only a starting point. Portions may be adjusted to maintain each individual cat's ideal weight by checking your cat's body-condition score, which your Veterinarian can determine. Also you must remember to feed to what your pets weight should be and not what it is!!!

This article was printed by the CATalyst Counsil, Inc

2011-11-17T11:37:00.003-06:00

It's that time of year again... Donations for Pause for Paws have begun. Starting November 17th, 2011- December 28th, 2011 we will be accepting donations for Coppell Humane Society to aid in their effort of keeping pets safe, healthy and happy during the Christmas/New Year season. Last year we raised more than 2,000 and supplied much needed food and supplies to the Society. Please help us anyway you can on providing aid to the Coppell Humane Society. Please visit www.cathospitalofcoppell.com for further details of needed items.

2 cats only one needs to loose weight.

2011-10-04T07:57:00.007-05:00

Fat cats may be cute. We all love Garfied the fat cat. However, if a cat is too overweight, it may result in health problems such as diabetes. Oftentimes a cat may be so fat that it won't participate in the usual fun activities for cats.

Many of you have been affected by one kitty in your household that has trouble loosing weight. Your Veterinarian recommends a diet but your thinking how will I separate my two cats who have eaten together their entire life? Well below is one suggestion that seems to be working very well.

The picture above displays a product called MeowSpace, although this is not the only product like this we feel confident that this is the most effective. The MeowSpace is an enclosure with a locking pet door. The MeowSpace pet wears a small access device on their collar to unlock the door and enter the enclosure for food, litter box, or a safe haven. Pets without an access device cannot enter the MeowSpace. The MeowSpace puts you back in control so you can follow the petcare plan easily.

For patients that do not wear collars we recommend more simple boxes like shown below

Visa the kitten Vs. Spike the Pit Bull

2011-08-04T08:49:00.002-05:00

The Below link is the link to one of the most adorable video's the Cat Hospital of Coppell has come across for a long time. Just click on the link and you will be directed to the video. WAY TO GO SPIKE : )

Pitbull vs kitten - Offbeat

Onion and Garlic Poisoning in Cats

2011-07-11T07:52:00.002-05:00

The genus Allium includes onion, garlic, leek, chives, shallots, and scallions. All Allium species and their derivatives can be poisonous to dogs and cats. Their toxic components can damage red blood cells (RBC), leading to hemolytic anemia. In particular, cats are 2-3 times more susceptible to RBC damage from these components than other species. Onion toxicosis is noted in animals that consume more than 0.5% of their body weight; in a 10 lb cat, this would be 8oz. Ingestions of smaller amounts over several days can lead to RBC damage. Notably, manufacturers often add onion powder to baby food to decrease palatability; and baby food is often given to cats when they are ill to entice eating. Commonly, signs lag behind consumption by a few days- vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and dehydration may occur. Treatment is mainly supportive. Owners should restrict access to these food stuffs.

Rare case of Plague foung in Cat

2011-06-28T08:19:00.000-05:00

An “on-top-it” veterinarian in Prineville, Oregon treated a cat last month for the very rare bacterial disease, (only three human cases in the state since 1995).

On Thursday, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) said in a press release that the Oregon State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have confirmed that that the cat tested positive for plague, or Yersinia pestis.

According to a report from KTVZ.com, The infection was first suspected when the owner took their very sick cat to the Prineville Veterinary Clinic. The feline was tested for several different diseases, but its lack of appetite and a pus-filled abscess on its lymph node hinted at the plague.

"The fact that it had a high fever, it had lots of fleas, it was a wandering cat, because of all those reasons we tested for it," said Dr. Rhett Schultz from the Prineville Veterinary Clinic.

The cat has been treated with antibiotics and is recovering. So, too, is the owner, who had to deal with the scare of hearing her cat had the plague.

Emilio DeBess, D.V.M., M.P.V.M., Oregon Public Health Division veterinarian says people can protect their families and pets by using flea treatment on your pets.

The OHA says the symptoms of plague typically develop within one to four days after exposure and include fever, chills, headache, weakness and a bloody or watery cough due to infection of the lungs (pneumonia), enlarged, tender lymph nodes, abdominal pain and bleeding into the skin or other organs. People should contact their health care provider if plague is suspected and a veterinarian if pets or other animals exhibit symptoms consistent with the plague.

Plague is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium, Yersinia pestis. It is found in animals throughout the world, most commonly rats but other rodents like ground squirrels, prairie dogs, chipmunks, rabbits and voles. Fleas typically serve as the vector of plague. Human cases have been linked to the domestic cats and dogs that brought infected fleas into the house.

People can also be infected through direct contact with an infected animal, through inhalation and in the case of pneumonic plague, person to person.

Yersinia pestis is treatable with antibiotics if started early enough.

Continue reading on Examiner.com Oregon vet finds a rare case of plague in a cat - National infectious disease | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/infectious-disease-in-national/oregon-vet-finds-a-rare-case-of-plague-a-cat#ixzz1QZoBXmna

Pet Talk: Curb your cat's conniptions at the vet!!

2011-05-16T14:32:00.002-05:00

This information can be found at usatoday.com under the above title by author Sharon L. Peters.

You're belly-crawling under the bed, trying to peel a shrieking mass of hostility off the far wall. Or thundering through the house, attempting to trap her behind the drapes and jam her (unsheathed claws and all) into a carrier without drawing blood (your own is of paramount concern). Then there's the hideous drive across town while she screams and yowls and hurls herself against the carrier like some underworld creature possessed. And when you finally reach your destination, there's the horrid humiliation of people edging away, exchanging glances, all of them suspecting what you know to be true: When finally uncaged, she'll attempt to maim or murder everyone in the room. Just your routine trip to the veterinarian.

Collins says you have to convince the cat that each chunk of the process is non-threatening, even pleasant. That's simple with a kitten, slower with an adult cat (especially if negative association have already been made), but definitely improvable.

So first, her tips for getting kittens journey- and vet-ready ("3 to 9 weeks old is a critical socialization time, so it's best if it can start then," she says). She recommends putting on a harness and leash (she prefers one from Premiere Pet Products) and "going out in the world." You can visit other people with kittens, hold "kitten parties" as increasing numbers of cat people and trainers are doing, and check into kitten socialization classes ( yes they exist ). When the kittens goes to new places, she should get wonderful treats and fun play time.

Outings to the vet "once or twice a week" should occur. The kitten isn't examined or doctored, but merely gets to eat treats, play and get accustomed to the place without unpleasantness.

Also, acclimate the kitten to being handled "outside the vet context in ways that would happen with the vet." So, at home you start- for just seconds at a time- getting the kitten to the point she can tolerate lying on her back, or having her hind end handled, so non of this feels foreign at the vet's.

With an adult cat, you follow all the same procedures, but you MUST go much slower. And the carrier, since it already has negativity attached, may be more challenging. So start by putting the food bowl 12 inches from it, then moving it an inch closer daily until it's inside. A few cats (but not nearly as many as we describe as hyper-anxious/crazy) may not, regardless how patiently and determinedly you pursue this training, ever become fully comfortable. But if you can "even make a dent with them," it helps, says Collins. "Any reduction in stress is worthwhile." For a cat and owner alike.

Do you know the 10 signs of illness in your cat?

2011-05-09T16:38:00.002-05:00

Signs of illness may not be readily apparent in cats, says Susan Little, DVM, DABVP. Speaking at the CVC in Washington D.C., Dr. Little urges owners Veterinarians to help teach clients about subtle signs of illness in their cats. Dr. Little says one reason cats are not being brought in for veterinary visits as often as they should be is that owners don't always know their cats are sick.

Clients should look for these 10 subtle signs of sickness in their cats:

1. Inappropriate elimination
2. Changes in interaction
3. Changes in activity
4. Changes in sleeping habits
5. Changes in food and water consumption
6. Unexplained weight loss or gain
7. Changes in grooming
8. Signs of stress
9. Changes in vocalization
10. Bad breath

Knowing these subtle signs of sickness in cats can lead to better communication between you, your pet, and your veterinarian. Understanding these subtle signs can help treatment and a more timely diagnosis which may make all the difference in their recovery.

There is no such thing as a indoor only mesquite... Protect your pets today

2011-04-21T11:29:00.008-05:00

In the past few years alarming reports have surfaced about the mesquito born disease called "heartworms." In the feline medicine community it has only been a whisper. Through the blog post I hope we can show you the seriousness of not protecting your cats from this horrible disease. The heartworm life cycle is demonstrated below:

Heartworm disease is very hard to detect due to the different stages of a heartworm.

Below are symptoms that this disease may cause:

1. Pulmonary arterial, bronchial, and alveolar disease—Heartworm Associated Respiratory Disease (HARD)—is associated with the death of developing juvenile worms. Cats may present with cough, dyspnea, and/or wheezing.

2. Death of adult heartworms (if present) can potentiate HARD signs. Sudden death occurs in approximately 10 to 20% of diagnosed cases. Pathogenesis is unclear, but a condition (similar to acute respiratory distress syndrome [ARDS]) caused by the release of antigenic moieties from injured or dying adult worms is suspected.

3. Vomiting unrelated to eating may be present.

4. Pulmonary thromboemboli (fragments from dead adult worms) may cause acute vascular and interstitial inflammatory events that lead to dyspnea and death.

5. Hematological abnormalities may include anemia, hyperglobulinemia, basophilia, and eosinophilia.

6. Neurological signs may indicate aberrant migration of the worm to the brain, eye, or spinal cord.

Below are the prevelance maps from 2007 for positive testing in the United States. 2008-2011 studies are still being conducted for more accurate results. Please remember that these numbers are only a fraction of the total as most of the positive feline heartworm cases do not show positive on a test.

Generally speaking the only treatment for felines is prevention. We recommend monthly use of revolution a topical flea, heartworm, roundworm, hookworm, and ear mite protection. There are also feline heartworm prevention only for owners who prefer to not protect against flea, roundworms, hookworms and ear mites on a monthly basis.

Recap: Heartworms are transferred through mesquitos and generally affect the lungs and respiratory for a feline. There is no treatment at this time for any stage of the heartworms and the most common side affect associated with feline heartworms is death which made up almost 25% of the most recent studies.

Pickle Von Corndog? 2010's top 10 wackiest names

2011-04-21T10:04:00.002-05:00

Each year VPI pet insurance sifts through it's roster of insured pets to find those with the wackiest names. The top 10 names for 2010 follow.

Cats:
1. Purr Diem
2. Bing Clawsby
3. Cleocatra
4. Admiral Pancake
5. Optimus Pants
6. Chairman Meow
7. Boo Manchu
8. Watts In a Name
9. Cheno Azure Marshmellow-Puff
10. Senor Nachos

Do you have any wacky names to list?

How to Tell if Your Cat is in Crisis!

2011-04-12T15:12:00.001-05:00

We have all heard the old adage that cats have nine lives. Your cat may be tough, but getting him to the veterinarian in time to save his life may depend on your ability to identify signs of serious injury or disease. Some of these physical signs are more obvious than others.

Cats may be masters at hiding their illness. How do you know when it is an emergency? Always error on the side of caution. Most concerns are at least worth a phone call to your veterinarian.

The following signs or event may be indicative of a medical emergency:

Trauma: If you cat has fallen, been mauled by a dog, or hit by a car, call your veterinarian even if the cat appears to be all right.

Straining in the litter box: Your cat may be constipated, but straining without elimination of urine or feces may indicate something even more serious may be happening. ( i.e. urethral obstruction )

Eye problems: Is he squinting, tearing, or holding his eye shut? This may indicate a medical problem like an ulcer, or an injury to the eye like a puncture wound. Most of the time an eye issues isn't visible without the use of special instruments.

Breathing difficulties: Rapid or labored breathing can indicate a true medical emergency.

Seizures: A seizure of more than one minute in duration may be life threatening. Call your veterinarian, even if the seizure is brief.

Loss of consciousness: Clearly a potentially life threatening situation that requires immediate medical attention.

Lameness: Sudden onset lameness may be a result of injury, poisoning, or possible a serious heart aliment called cardiomyopathy. Cardiomyopathy is a disorder of the heart muscle that may lead to a blood clot formation and heart failure.

Vomiting and Diarrhea: Repeated vomiting within a short period of time can be caused by a gastrointestinal obstruction or poisoning. In the event that the vomiting and diarrhea is caused by stress it is still important to discuss with your veterinarian because dehydration in felines is a huge cause of being unable to eat.

Skin wounds: Wounds from visible injury, either lacerations or puncture wounds, should be treated as soon as possible. Skin wounds are likely to become infected if the cat can reach the wound with any of their paws.

Hemorrhaging: Heavy bleeding may result from injury, disease, or from ingestion of poison. Cats who have eaten rate poison experience profuse nosebleeds and may bleed under the skin- causing swelling, or bleed into the joints, causing lameness. Blood in feces, urine or vomit can be signs of serious disease.

A day in the life of a bladder stone

2011-04-05T10:03:00.004-05:00

As many of you know bladder stones and urinary tract infections are unfortunately common in feline medicine. Bladder stones are commonly diagnosed in patients with signs of bloody urine. "Heidi", a 14 year old female spayed DSH, was one such patient. Radiograph's demonstrate the stone in her bladder (see arrows). The stone was successfully surgically removed and "Heidi" is now feeling much better. A picture of the stone is shown below to demonstrate its size and texture.

Boarding buddies... The Cats We Live For

2011-03-14T14:17:00.005-05:00

Here are some wonderful boarders who are here with us for the week of 03/14-03/21.

Normal Dentals Aren't Always Normal

2011-03-11T09:41:00.004-06:00

We here at The Cat Hospital Of Coppell offer a variety of services including dentistry. Below are two cases of dental disease with before and after photographs. Please note the description below each before and after to show the importance of prophylactic cleanings in felines.

CASE STUDY #1

Please note the grade two gingivitis with grade 2-3 dental tartar accumulation. Note the severe discoloration and gingival inflammation noted on all upper teeth. Please note tooth in between canine and premolar is unable to see due to swelling of the gum overlapping the tooth itself.

Patients age: 10
Last dental performed 05/10/2010

Patient inflammation is decreased significantly, nearly all noted discoloration is resolved, and patients tartar has been removed.

CASE STUDE #2

Patient has periodontal disease grade 2 on bottom level of gum line, grade 3 gingivitis with a grade 3 tartar accumulation. Patient upon gingival survey showed two teeth that needed immediate extraction

Patient age: 13
Last dental cleaning: 08/15/2009

Please note the patient has a slightly chipped tooth but was not extracted. Unfortunately for this pet the gingivitis is still very present but inflammation has decreased slightly. Patient had a total of 2 teeth extracted due to severe gingival recession and one tooth was a resorptive lesion ( no picture available )

Conclusion: Both of these cases studies were geriatric and needed a dental prophylaxis. Patients that are geriatric are screen with a pre-surgical exam and bloodwork to ensure that they will be able to handle the anesthetic appropriately. Both owners upon follow up indicated that eating had increased and patient was not painful.

Please call your veterinarian today if your pet has even mild- moderate dental calculus as it is very important to stop these problems above from becoming an issue for your pet. Peridontal disease can affect more than just your pet's teeth, it can affect the pets heart, kidneys, liver and may cause other serious oral issues. We recommend that your pet is evaluated every 6 months- 1 year. Generally pets need a dental cleaning once a year but some require more frequent visits.

Cat Facts and Trivia of The Day

2011-03-07T14:26:00.002-06:00

Did you know that...

- Americans spend more annually on cat food than on baby food.
- In 1987 cats overtook dogs as the number one pet in America.
- Cat's can't taste sweets.
- Black cat superstitions are as American as apple pie. In Asia and England, black cats are considered lucky.
- When a domestic cat goes after mice, about one pounce in three results in a catch.
- The cheetah is the only cat in the world that can't retarct it's claws.
- A cat's jaw has only up and down motions; it does not have any lateral, side to side motion, like dogs and humans. For this reason, dont rely on feeding dry food as a dental car program- cats need to have their teeth cleaned by a veterinarian.

H1N1 Virus confirmed in Wisconsin cat

2011-02-21T14:54:00.002-06:00

Idexx laboratories reported on 02/14/2011, that a indoor only cat from a Wisconsin household tested positive for the H1N1 flu virus, commonly known as "swine flu". Humans in the household had been ill with flu-like symptoms.

Despite aggressive supportive care, both the 6 year old male and 10 year old female cats were euthanized due to their deteriorating condition. The younger cat, which presented first, tested positive for H1N1.

Anyone suffering flu-like symptoms should practice good hygiene, washing hands frequently, especially after sneezing or using a tissue. Avoid cuddling with your cat or ferret if you have flu symptoms.

Both cats presented with difficulty breathing. If your cat is not breathing normally, please seek Veterinary care as it is an emergency.

( This article was posted by Dr. Lorin Shearburn, Milwaukee Cats Examiner ) and the article can be located on www.examiner.com

Fatal Cat Disease Persists

2011-01-21T18:53:00.003-06:00

The following information was published on Wednesday, January 19, 2010 from www.dailyfreeman.com by Ariel Zangla-Girard

Kingston, New York- A local Veterinarian says he continues to see sporadic cases of highly contagious but preventable viral disease that can kill cats.

Arnold Rugg, of the Kingston Animal Hospitalon Albany Avenue, said on Tuesday that his office had two more fatal cases of feline distemper, formally known as panleukopenia, last week. He said the two cats were from the same West Park household and one of the pair had been allowed to go inside and outside. Rugg said he believes the distemper virus probably is in the feral cat population, though house cats can be exposed to it if they are allowed outside at any time.

In October, Rugg said his Kingston has at least 13 cats die over the course of two months from feline distemper. Since then, his office has treated four or five more cases. Rugg said the virus seems to be occurring sporadically in unvaccinated cats.

"We had a number of them in the summer," Rugg said, adding that the cases were confirmed by a pathologist.

Most of the previous distemper cases handled by the Kingston Animal Hospital were in cats from Kingston's Downtown area, though there was one case in a Port Ewen cat, Rugg said.

Rugg previously described feline distemper as a "highly contagious viral disease that is spread in feces, vomit, and body fluid of infected cats."

"The symptoms are weakness, vomiting and diarrhea," he said. "The cats display an extremely low white blood cell count and are often anemic. Most cases are fatal."

Rugg said, though, that distemper is preventable with a vaccine and booster shot.

He said cat owners should contact their veterinarians about their pets vaccinations.

Rugg said the recent increase in distemper cases probably is the result of people not getting their cats vaccinated and an increase in the number of feral cats.

Kitty pedicure anyone?

2011-01-07T14:31:00.003-06:00

Meet "Stache"
Age: 14 weeks
Diagnosis: Healthy Pet
Mission: To be a DIVA : )

You may recognize Stache from her previous debut on the Cat Hospital's Blog earlier in November but now look as she has grown. Stache is still very playful and is has found her voice. Stache received her last round of vaccinations today. Stache enjoys cocktails and mini pedicures on her day off. We LOVE YOU STACHE!!

Meet Mickey Carlito

2011-01-04T16:35:00.002-06:00

Meet "Mickey Carlito"
Age: 3 years
Diagnosis: Healthy Pet
Mission: "Just keep the belly rubs-a-coming"

Mickey Carlito is a wonderful joy to be around. Mickey has been a photogenic kitty since he was a kitten. Mickey Carlito was here for routine examination, vaccinations and viral testing. Thankfully all of Mickey's viral testing were negative. Mickey Carlito is a gentle giant and we are proud to have him at The Cat Hospital Of Coppell.

Did you know?

2010-12-27T15:36:00.002-06:00

- Both humans and cats have identical regions in the brain responsible for emotion.

- A cat's brain is more similar to a man's brain than that of a dog.

- A cat has more bones than a human; human's have 206, but the cat has 230 (some cites list 245 bones, and state that bones may fuse together as the cat ages).

- Cats have 20 vertebrae ( humans have 33 vertebrae during early development; 26 after the sacral and coccygeal regions fuse ).

- The cat has 500 skeletal muscles (humans have 650).

- Cat's hearing is much more sensitive than human and dogs.

- Cat's hearing stops at 65 khz (kilohertz); humans' hearing stops at 20 khz.

Got Game?

2010-12-16T16:37:00.004-06:00

Almost anything that rolls will invite your cat to play. Check out the toy section at your local pet shop for treat balls ( designed for cats to retrieve treats through an opening) and balls that light up as they move. A Ping-Pong ball is safe for kittens, especially if it's enclosed in an oblong tissue box; this can keep them occupied for hours as they try to fish out the ball. : )

Water, Water...

2010-12-13T11:13:00.001-06:00

To keep your cat properly hydrated, it's a good idea to place two or three water bowls around the house or in a big apartment. Be sure that the water is tasty. Wash the bowls daily to get rid of bacteria that not only makes water taste so bad that your cat wont drink it, but can also make him sick. It takes a little time, but it's well worth the effort.

Litter Boxes For All

2010-12-10T13:22:00.003-06:00

For all of you cat lovers who always asked the question, " How many litter boxes should I have with muliple cats?" Well according to behavior experts they stress the point that every cat needs his/her own litter box- and an extra one just in case. This means three boxes for two cats, preferably all in different rooms. In a two-story home, there should be at least one box on each level; this also helps an older cat who may find it difficult to climb the stairs.

2010-12-07T16:42:00.003-06:00

Meet "Thumper"
Age: 8 years
Diagnosis: Asthma
Mission: To get lots of chin rubs

Thumper suffers from asthma that requires periodic injections to help him feel better. Thumper also has an amazing ability to change his eye color from green to blue.

Welcome Thumper you sure are amazing

Saying Of The Day

2010-12-07T15:27:00.003-06:00

" Who among us hasn't envied a cat's ability to ignore the cares of daily life and to relax completely?" Karen Brademeyer

Cats & Calories

2010-12-07T08:10:00.000-06:00

Nutrition experts tell us that meals should provide at least 90% of our cats total calorie intake, with treats never exceeding 10%- Even if they're being used for positive feedback. The problem as of mid-2009, is that cat food manufacturers are not required to include calorie content on their product labels. New legislation is being considered to correct this situation. Stay tuned.

Big Holiday No No's

2010-12-06T16:02:00.002-06:00

For the health and safety of your pets, please don't "Deck the halls with boughs of holly."

- Holly, the christmas rose, poinsettias, and mistletoe are toxic
- Ornament fragments can perforate the stomach
- Frayed or chewed holiday light and electrical cords can shock or burn your pet
- Artifical snow, snow globe "water" and liquid potpourro are poisonous.
- Batteries are easily swallowed
- Tempting ribbons, bows, strings, and tinsel can lodge in your pet's intestine and require surgery
- Curious cats swishing dog swishing dog tails can topple lit candles

Stay safe and have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Love,

The Cat Hospital Of Coppell

Meet "Abbey"

2010-11-30T14:30:00.003-06:00

Meet "Abbey" Hazlewood
Age: 17
Diagnosis: Feline Urinary Track Infection
Mission: to purr as loud as she can

Abbey is an older gal but she is very spirited. Yesterday Abbey had some urinary issues and had a few radiographs taken to ensure there were no stones and we were all clear. She cuddled with her nurse the whole time and instantly stood up to great you when you opened her cage.

Abbey get well soon!! We LOVE you : )

2010-11-23T13:01:00.002-06:00

Meet "Snowball"
4 years old
Diagnosis: ADORABLE
Mission: to roll all over his bed

Snowball is a Ragdoll with quiet the personality. He enjoys having his belly rubs and you will catch him sleeping on his back every once in awhile. Apart from the personality would you look at those eyes?

Welcome "Snowball" you keep us laughing

Meet Little Miss Polly

2010-11-23T12:34:00.003-06:00

Meet "Polly"
8 weeks
Diagnosis: Cute as a button
Mission: To play with your nose and maybe even bite it

Polly is a cute bundle of joy who enjoys playing with
anything that she can get those paws wrapped around.
Today she received a feline distemper vaccination and
lots and lots of kisses.

Welcome "Polly" you are a DOLL!!!

2010-11-15T11:43:00.003-06:00

MEET "STACHE"
6-8 weeks
Diagnosis: Roundworms
Mission: to cuddle with everyone

Stache came for boarding and altough to young for vaccinations she couldn't escape the roundworms. She is now being dewormed and is happy as a clam... she also loves her toys to play with.

Welcome Stache you are a sweety

Did you know????

2010-11-11T20:07:00.002-06:00

- Cats cannot taste sugar
- Cats have four rows of whiskers
- Ailurophilia is defined as the 'love of cats'
- When a cat is stressed, its right ear is hotter
- Cat urine glows in the dark if a black light is shined on it
- Cats sweat through the bottom of their paws as a marking mechanism
- A group of kittens is called a 'kindle'. A group of grown cats is called a 'clowder'
- Sir Isaac Newton, discoverer of the principles of gravity, also invented the cat door.
- The biggest breed of domesticated cats are the Maine Coon and the smallest is the Singapura
- The world record for the cat with the most toes belongs to Jake, a polydactyly cat with 28 toes, with 7 on each paw : )

If you know of any fun facts of our furry feline friends post them on our blog today!!

Cooler than a iPad

2010-11-11T20:05:00.003-06:00

You know that cats are cooler than iPads because like cats, iPads are sleek and sophisticated, responsive to touch, have lots of memory, can be held in most any direction, use very little energy and can enterain you for hours.

First Ever Cat's Eye View Contest!

2010-05-24T13:43:00.003-05:00

To celebrate the May 20th ribbon cutting event at the Cat Hospital of Coppell, we are sponsoring the first ever Cat's Eye View Contest, open to cats across the Metroplex."We thought this would be a great way to see what our cats are up to and to have some fun in the process," joked Dr. Hague,"We know how inquisitive and creative our cats are, now the world will know!"

Whiskers will need to get his very own Pet's Eye View camera to snap away. Here are some links we found where you may purchase one (in order from least to greatest cost):

http://www.buy.com/prod/pet-s-eye-view-camera/q/loc/20269/209884793.html

http://www.petgadgets.com/product_details.cfm?product_id=971&content_id=18

The winning photograph, chosen by the Cat Hospital of Coppell team, will be displayed in the front office, the CHoC blog, and in the local newspaper!

The winning cat will receive a complete vaccine package and wellness blood screen (a $250 value) at the Cat Hospital of Coppell.

The second place cat will receive a free week of boarding (a $129 value) at the Cat Hospital of Coppell, just in time for summer vacations!

The third place winner will receive their choice of any ten pound bag (or comparable size) of Hill's brand Science Diet or Prescription Diet cat food.

Submit your favorite photo snapped by your cat as a JPEG with the cat's name, owner's name, and contact phone number to catvet909@aol.com

All entries must be received by 5:00pm Friday, June 25th, 2010.

Have fun!!

Remember how we tell you to feed your skinny cats on the counter? This is why...

2010-03-23T13:14:00.002-05:00

Special Elevator.

2010-03-22T12:42:00.000-05:00

Kitty Vs. Lazer

2010-03-18T13:20:00.001-05:00

Hairstylin' Kitty!

2010-03-18T13:12:00.000-05:00

Happy St. Patricks Day!

2010-03-17T13:57:00.002-05:00

Musical Kitty!

2010-03-16T10:17:00.001-05:00

Meet Noel!

2010-03-15T09:34:00.004-05:00

This is Noel! She is here boarding with us at the hospital. Isn't she cute?

She wasn't too keen on posing all pretty for me, she must have seen a few cameras in her lifetime.

She loves her comfy blanket!!

Fishin' Kitty.

2010-03-11T14:37:00.000-06:00

Static Electricity Kitty!

2010-03-08T14:16:00.000-06:00

Remember Gilligan?

2010-03-04T13:49:00.004-06:00

He's here in the clinic today because he's been limping on one of his front legs for a few days. We did an x-ray and everything looks just fine! It appears to be a soft tissue injury and not a break!

He was talking to us all morning and now he's passed out from exhaustion!

This kitty must have worked REALLY hard for that dollar....

2010-03-03T15:00:00.001-06:00

This is Christian!

2010-03-02T09:49:00.004-06:00

Isn't he cute all cuddled up in his cloud blanket? He is a Persian kitten and he's staying with us here at the clinic for a few days. He is such a lover!

He loves to be held and carried around. Such a sweet boy!

Everyone knows Grayce!

2010-03-01T10:24:00.004-06:00

This is Grayce! She is our oldest clinic cat and we are so lucky to have her with us. She's been here since she was a tiny kitten and has always been the best girl!

You will rarely hear Grayce make a sound unless nobody is around, you'll hear a raspy echoing meow coming from the back of the clinic. But by the time you get back there she'll just look up at you with her innocent face and do her usual silent meow. We all know she has a voice, she just chooses not to use it. :) Clever girl.

Isn't she the prettiest girl? She is very smart too, she knows just when dinner time is. About 10 minutes till 4 PM every day she starts hunting someone down to fill her bowl. Such a smart kitty.

We love our Grayce so much!

This is Jazz!

2010-02-25T14:53:00.006-06:00

Jazz is a 5 year old Devon Rex. He is such a sweet boy! He was here in the clinic today for some testing and we couldn't pass up the opportunity to share his cuteness with you all!

Here is a close-up shot of his fur so you can see how fine and wavy it is. Devon Rex cats are different from other breeds because they have very little guard hair while this type of hair is common in our domestic house cats.

Jazz decided he has had enough of the spotlight and it's nap time. Such a wonderful patient!

Jumping kitties!

2010-02-24T10:35:00.000-06:00

Meet Sweet Pea!

2010-02-23T08:59:00.002-06:00

This is Sweet Pea! She is a purebred Pixie Bob and was abandoned here at the clinic with her sister Savana awhile ago. We spent months looking for the perfect home for them both. We found a home in Houston for Savana a few weeks before we found a loving home for Sweet Pea with one of our own pet lovers!! We are so lucky that a loving client of ours took her in and we'll get to see her at least once a year for her annual visit! Happy endings are great!

This video concludes "Cute Kitty Video" week!

2010-02-18T15:47:00.001-06:00

Kitten Vs. Mirror Kitten

2010-02-17T11:06:00.000-06:00

Quacking kitty?

2010-02-16T09:58:00.001-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-02-15T10:27:00.000-06:00

Introducing: Hills J/D

2010-02-11T09:08:00.008-06:00

J/D is a joint diet made by Hill's Science Diet. It has been around for Canine patients for awhile now but in April it will be available for Feline's as well! We will add it to our already vast line of Hill's Science Diet products.

We carry almost every product for Feline's in the Hill's Prescription Diet line. If there is anything we don't have in stock we'd be happy to special order it for you!

We also carry a wide range of the Science Diet products as well!

And of course we carry all of the Prescription Diet in canned form as well, and a select few of the Science Diet line.

We will update you as soon as J/D is available for sale here at the hospital! :) Please follow the link below to learn more about what J/D can do for your arthritic or older kitty!

Hill's Science Diet J/D

This is Pepper!

2010-02-10T10:33:00.001-06:00

He lives here with us a the hospital as one of our "welcome committee kitties". He loves this little bed that Dr. Hague bought for him! Isn't he cute? He was left on our doorstep a little over 2 years ago along with his sister Slice. We are glad to have them!

SO cute!

2010-02-09T10:18:00.001-06:00

Epic Battle: Kitty Vs. Ferret

2010-02-08T12:47:00.000-06:00

Domino is Here!

2010-02-04T08:28:00.003-06:00

Remember Domino? The mother of those 6 precious babies! She is here today to be spayed so that she doesn't have to worry about taking care of any more babies. She's raised her 6 little ones and they have all found wonderful new homes.

Domino is such a sweetie and we are glad that she made it through birth and the problems with her uterus safely.
She is still curious and adorable!

Meet Ringo Starr!

2010-02-04T08:10:00.006-06:00

This is Ringo Starr! He is a Munchkin Kitty! He has shorter legs than most average kitties because of his special breed.
His front legs are especially short! He is built a bit like a Dachshund in the canine world. He is here today in the clinic to get his teeth cleaned so that he can stay healthy and happy for many more years.

He is a very affectionate kitty and loves any kind of attention!
He tends to fall over onto his side when he's very excited! It is so cute! We love this little guy and are so glad his owners take such good care of his current and future health by having his teeth cleaned regularly.

This is Casper!

2010-02-03T08:37:00.002-06:00

He may look a little different but he has a story to tell! This boy was found by some lucky clients of ours and they decided to take him in and make him their own! On his first visit we removed most of his teeth as they hadn't been taken care of for many years. He had been an outdoor kitty for most of his life so his new owners let him have his freedom around the neighborhood. One day he came home and his right eye had taken some serious damage. They brought him in to us and we removed the eye and it's healed wonderfully! He is such a sweetheart and loves attention. He is now a completely indoor kitty and while he gets a bit restless sometimes he is glad to have a forever home.

Say Hello to Gilligan!

2010-02-02T08:46:00.003-06:00

He has been staying with us for the past few days after a routine surgical procedure. He is the sweetest most loving boy!
He loves to cuddle and roll around on his back to get belly rubs. He is constantly talking to us and trying to get us to come over and give him some attention.

Just one more cutie from the Cat Hospital of Coppell!

Meet Annie and Cody!

2010-02-01T11:17:00.003-06:00

These two cuties are almost identical brother and sister! Cody's hair is a tiny bit longer than Annie's and they are both so adorable! They love to share one igloo even though they each have their own.
Annie loves the camera! I couldn't get a solo shot of Cody because he wouldn't sit still!
We love it when cute babies come to stay with us! :)

Bear Vs. Kitty

2010-01-28T13:22:00.001-06:00

This is one brave kitty!!

This kitty really likes melon....

2010-01-27T12:15:00.002-06:00

Kitty on the Prowl!

2010-01-26T14:44:00.001-06:00

This is Zoe!

2010-01-26T13:16:00.004-06:00

Isn't she the cutest? She boards with us fairly often with her brother Zeus and she is the prettiest girl. You might have noticed the author of this blog has a soft spot for Siamese-Tabby mixes. They are my favorite!

Hi, I'm Pai Gow!

2010-01-21T11:27:00.003-06:00

This is Pai Gow! He is the cutest! He was brought into the clinic yesterday because he's been urinating outside the box. We kept him over night, tested his urine and did x-rays. All appears well health wise so his Mom is going to start taking him to work with her so they can spend more time together. He is definitely a Momma's Cat and gets a bit of anxiety when his Mom has to go out of town. Hopefully getting a bit more Mom time will help him with his issue. It was a pleasure to have him here with us! He is such a lover and we miss him already.

Hi, I'm Luca!

2010-01-20T10:01:00.003-06:00

I board fairly regularly at the Cat Hospital of Coppell and I LOVE it here! They let me explore sometimes because I get bored being all cooped up.

I love being up high so sometimes the wonderful assistants will carry me around on their shoulders and let me look at all the places I cant reach.

I enjoy my stays here but I love when I get to go home even more!

Rules for Cats to Live By:

2010-01-19T08:26:00.002-06:00

Bathrooms: Always accompany guests to the bathroom. It is not necessary to do anything. Just sit and stare.

Doors: Do not allow any closed doors in any room. To get door open, stand on hind legs and hammer with forepaws. Once door is opened, it is not necessary to use it. After you have ordered an "outside" door opened, stand halfway in and out and think about the meaning of life. This is particularly important during very cold weather, rain, snow, or mosquito season.

Chairs and Rugs: If you have to throw up, get to a chair quickly. If you cannot manage in time, get to an Oriental rug. If there is no Oriental rug, shag is good. When throwing up on the carpet, make sure you back up so it is as long as a humans bare foot.

Walking: As often as possible, dart quickly and as close as possible in front of the human, especially: on stairs, when they have something in their arms, in the dark, and when they first get up in the morning. This will help their coordination skills.

Bedtime: Always sleep on the human at night so he/she cannot move around. Also, be sure to dance on human's head or face no later than 5:00am.

Litter Box: When using the litter box, be sure to kick as much litter out of the box as possible. Humans love the feel of kitty litter between their toes. When possible, convince your humans that you should never be forced to share a litter box, even if it means you and your siblings will thus be entitled to side-by-side litter pans.

One Last Thought: Whenever possible, get close to a human, especially their face, turn around, and present your rear to them. Humans love this, so do it often. And don't forget about guests.

Where did the fishy go? Did you get him?

2010-01-18T11:23:00.000-06:00

Meet Kitty!

2010-01-14T11:06:00.002-06:00

Kitty was here in the clinic for a routine surgical procedure and we always keep our patients a few nights to ensure they are doing well before sending them home. She is a very sweet girl and LOVES attention!

She's very cuddly and loves to have her tummy rubbed.

She reaches her cute little paws out to grab your hand when she thinks you are done petting her. She never gets enough love!

I had eaten a cheese stick shortly before playing with her and apparently I had the smell of cheese on my finger! She was licking and chewing very gently but it was too cute!

Such a sweetie! :)

Jarhead?

2010-01-13T10:39:00.002-06:00

Can you believe this picture? It was taken many years ago when a patient came in with her head stuck inside a jar. As you can see it couldn't have been an easy task to get her head all the way inside, but she somehow did it! Dr. Hague fixed her up and she went home good as new.

Cats do some crazy things sometimes.

Picture of the Day!

2010-01-12T09:46:00.000-06:00

Introducing C.J.

2010-01-11T12:46:00.002-06:00

This is C.J.- She's been vomiting a lot lately and her owner recently noticed a bit of pink mixed in with her "usual" vomit. C.J. has a history of bladder stones and they can be quite painful which can sometimes cause vomiting. So the first step was to check her urine, it was positive for blood. Dr. Hague then recommended doing an xray to make sure she doesn't have another stone.

We found evidence of one stone located in the bladder, C.J. was immediately given some pain medicine and seemed to feel much better.

She may end up having surgery to remove the stone later this week but until then she's got some wonderful pain medication to keep her comfortable.

We've had several bladder stone cases in the last few months, it's very interesting to compare what each patient eats, their ages, etc. to try and narrow down any similarities between cases.

Brrrrr......

2010-01-08T11:49:00.003-06:00

With all this cold weather don't you wish you could just cuddle up and sleep all day like this?

Attack the Pants: Mission Accepted.

2010-01-05T08:24:00.001-06:00

A Cat's New Years Resolutions.

2009-12-31T10:15:00.002-06:00

Cat's New Year's Resolutions

I will not slurp fish food from the surface of the aquarium.

I will not eat large numbers of assorted bugs, then come home and puke them up so the humans can see that I'm getting plenty of roughage.

I will not lean way over to drink out of the tub, fall in, and then pelt right for the box of clumping cat litter. (It took FOREVER to get the stuff out of my fur.)

I will not use the bathtub to store live mice for late-night snacks.

I will not drag dirty socks up from the basement in the middle of the night, deposit them on the bed and yell at the top of my lungs (Burmese LOUD yowling) so that my human can admire my "kill."

I will not perch on my human's chest in the middle of the night and stare into her eyes until she wakes up.

We will not play Herd of Thundering Wildebeests Stampeding Across the Plains of the Serengeti over any human's bed while they're trying to sleep.

Screaming at the can of food will not make it open itself.

I cannot leap through closed windows to catch birds outside. If I forget this and bonk my head on the window and fall behind the couch in my attempt, I will not get up and do the same thing again.

If I bite the cactus, it will bite back.

When I am chasing my tail and catch my back leg instead, I will not bite down on my foot. This hurts, and my scream scares my human.

Birds do not come from the bird feeder. I will not knock it down and try to open it up to get the birds out.

I will not stuff my rather large self into the rather small bird feeder (with my tail hanging out one side) and expect the birds to just fly in.

The dog can see me coming when I stalk her. She can see me and will move out of the way when I pounce, letting me smash into floors and walls. That does not mean I should take it as a personal insult when my humans sit there and laugh.

I will not play "dead cat on the stairs" while people are trying to bring in groceries or laundry, or else one of these days, it will really come true.

I will not swat my human's head repeatedly when she's on the family room floor trying to do sit ups.

When my human is typing at the computer, her forearms are *not* a hammock.

I will not walk on the keyboard when my human is writing important emiognaioerp ga3qi4 taija3tgv aa35 a.

Any critter that lives in the house (hamsters), stay in the house and any wild critters (frogs and earthworms) stay outside. I am not allowed to set the hamster free in exchange for finding a frog to put in the fish tank.

The goldfish likes living in water and should be allowed to remain in its bowl.
I will learn to relax at the vet's office so they will start writing things in my records like "Good Kitty" and "Sweet Kitty" instead of the stuff that's there now like "MEAN!!" "BITER!!!" and "GET HELP!!!!!"

I will not be miffed at my human all day and then kiss her on the nose at 2:00 a.m. to tell her that she is forgiven and can now pet me.

If I must give a present to my human's overnight guests, my toy mouse is much more socially acceptable than a big live cockroach, even if it isn't as tasty.

KITTENS!!

2009-12-30T09:00:00.002-06:00

These babies are just too cute! Here are some more pictures full of adorable kittens.

Does anyone ever get tired of kittens?

2009-12-29T13:12:00.003-06:00

We don't think it's possible. Enjoy some more pictures of Domino and her babies. We'll update with more after nap time when the babies are awake!

Momma taking a break from the sleeping babies.

The adorable six!

It's Momma's turn now.

A cat's gift is ON the tree, not under it!

2009-12-29T09:57:00.001-06:00

An Update on Domino!

2009-12-28T12:59:00.004-06:00

Domino and the babies came to stay with us again over the Christmas holiday!

The babies are getting bigger everyday! It's so exciting to see them grow right before our eyes.

They opened their eyes over the weekend! Unfortunately, it was lunch time when we went to snap photos. Domino is a very sweet girl and her babies are growing up to be just as sweet as she is!

Update: Domino was finished with lunch time so I got a chance to take a picture of my favorite little kitty with his eyes open!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T10:04:00.001-06:00

Have a Happy Holiday!

Just a Reminder!

2009-12-23T10:51:00.003-06:00

We are still taking donations for the Coppell Humane Society until Monday, December 28th. All donations will be delivered on Tuesday, December 29th. We really appreciate the amazing generosity from you all! This will be an amazing Christmas for all those dogs and cats without a home.

Feel free to drop by anytime during our business hours to donate! We will be open Wednesday, December 23rd from 7:30am-5:30pm, Thursday, December 24th from 7:30am-Noon, and closed Friday and Saturday for the Christmas holiday. We will return on Monday, December 28th with our regular business hours.

We thank you very much.

Differences Between Cats and Dogs

2009-12-23T10:17:00.004-06:00

Dog's way of thinking vs. Cat's way of thinking:
Dog: "My owners are so nice to me - they feed me, they take care of me, they play with me, they caress me...They must be Gods!"

Cat: "My owners are so nice to me - they feed me, they take care of me, they play with me, they caress me...I must be a God!"

This kitten only has one foe, and it's his own foot?

2009-12-22T11:14:00.000-06:00

Meet Domino!

2009-12-21T13:25:00.008-06:00

This is Domino! She gave birth to six beautiful kittens on Thursday night! Her story has a happy ending but a rough start. She came into the clinic when a kind soul saw her wandering down the street looking a little odd....she had recently given birth and after wards her uterus made it's way out of her body! This is called a Uterine Prolapse. Dr. Hague fixed her up and decided it would be best to keep her for the weekend so that she could be monitored closely. She is doing wonderfully and her six babies are happy, healthy, and oh so adorable! Here are just a few of the pictures we have taken of them.

Domino is a very attentive mother! Making sure her babies are clean and well fed.

A close-up of the six babies.

Momma needs to rest occasionally, she gets worn out. Imagine if you had six babies!

Their eyes aren't even open yet!

We love having kittens in the clinic! They are getting spoiled already!

Did You Know....?

2009-12-16T10:25:00.005-06:00

It's not the cat's fur that causes allergies. It's a protein (FEL D1) in the cat's saliva. When a cat grooms itself, it deposits this protein on its fur (and the protein then may be transferred to upholstery and carpets). Some cats have less (or more) of this protein. There is no way to predict which cat in a litter, if any, will be less allergenic, though females seem to be the lesser allergenic. Bathing a cat to reduce the amount of protein in the cat's fur is traditionally recommended, but research may be tending to negate that conclusion. Instead, wiping down the cat using a damp microfiber cloth to remove visible dander may be more effective.

Did You Know....?

2009-12-15T10:24:00.002-06:00

Food is not love: Get the pounds off your pet.

Obesity in pets causes a lot of the same problems it does in people. An overweight pet is prone to a host of related problems, including: diabetes, joint, ligament, and tendon difficulties, and breathing and heart challenges. Overweight cats can even develop skin problems from not being able to groom themselves properly. The overall impact on comfort and longevity can be dire.

Did You Know....?

2009-12-14T13:18:00.004-06:00

The colder the day, the rounder the cat: Cats sleep in one of two basic positions: upright (think the New York Public Library lions) or on their sides. How curled a cat is when sleeping on her side will depend on how hot or cold the animal is: The more tightly curled a cat is, the colder the air temperature. Curling into a tight ball helps to conserve body heat.

When cats stretch out, they expose their bellies, allowing for heat to escape and help to cool them.

Did You Know....?

2009-12-10T10:58:00.003-06:00

Cat got her tongue: If you look at a cat's tongue with a magnifying glass, you'll see it's covered with row after row of barbs. These little structures that line the surface of a cat's tongue are called filiform papillae. They're hooked, and they are directed toward the throat.

These barbs help to hold prey while eating, and they also help a cat keep her fur in perfect (or should we say purrfect?) condition, pulling out dead and dying hairs, along with debris picked up in the day's travels. Cats can actually feel when a few hairs are out of place, so that tongue is also a convenient, built-in hairbrush.

Focus on Feline Medicine.

2009-12-09T09:58:00.003-06:00

We will be presenting interesting medical cases in this section of the blog. WARNING: Many people may find some of these images uncomfortable to view.

Source: VIN

Patient presented with a snake in his nasal cavity and occasional sneezing when the snake was pulled while trying to remove it. The patient was given a light sedative to help relax and comfort him while the Veterinarian tried to remove the snake. The patient was eventually intubated and given gas anesthesia in the hopes the snake would be removed easier. The snake aparently didn't like the smell of the anesthesia and backed his way out of the patient's nose very quickly and was wiggling around on the table. The cat recovered fine and the snake was set free.

Surpised Kitty!

2009-12-08T09:48:00.003-06:00

Isn't this the cutest thing you've ever seen?!

Just a Reminder!

2009-12-08T07:41:00.002-06:00

Pause for Paws

We will be accepting donations until December 28th! Please see our website for a list of things the Coppell Humane Society needs to make Christmas joyful for needy pets.

Do It Yourself: Kitty Christmas!

2009-12-07T08:40:00.004-06:00

Tug of War Toy

Supplies:
1 old sock
1 plastic grocery bag
1 tablespoon catnip
1 shoelace

Take the catnip and place it in the toe of the sock. Stuff the sock with the plastic grocery bag. Tie the shoelace around the open end of the sock. You now have a great tug-of-war toy for you and your cat to play with!

Focus on Feline Medicine.

2009-12-02T08:53:00.003-06:00

Shimano:

Shimano is a 4-year-old Spayed Female Ragdoll. She came into the clinic with symptoms of straining to urinate and her owner had noticed a red tint to her urine. Dr. Hague recommended an x-ray of the bladder where we found evidence of a bladder stone.

The following day we did a surgical procedure known as a Cystotomy and removed the stone. Shimano was sent home with pain medication and kept comfortable while we waited for the results of the stone analysis. The results indicated the stone was composed of Magnesium Ammonium (Struvite).

Shimano's owner was told to begin feeding Hill's C/D and increase the amount of water bowls at home. Shimano is doing much better now!

Keeping Your Kitty Safe This Holiday Season.

2009-12-01T14:40:00.002-06:00

Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanza, or just gathering friends during the festive season, here's a list from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) you can use to keep your favorite feline happy and healthy.

-Season's eatings shouldn't include holiday greenery such as holly, mistletoe, lilies, and amaryllis. They can make your cat sick if ingested.

-Look before you light. Your cat's wagging tail can easily knock over a burning candle. Liquid potpourri is also dangerous to cats if ingested.

-Keep batteries-loose and in packages-away from cats. They contain corrosives that can cause ulceration of the mouth, on the tongue, and in the gastrointestinal tract if bitten, chewed or swallowed.

-Your Christmas tree tempts cats to chew on the branches and the decorations hanging from them. Place small, breakable ornaments high up, and keep tinsel and garland out of your cat's reach.

If you suspect your cat has eaten a potentially poisonous substance, call your veterinarian or the APCC's emergency hotline at 1-888-4-ANI-HELP.

HAVE A GREAT HOLIDAY SEASON!