What is the Feline Herpes Virus (FHV)? According to Matthew J. Chavkin, DVM, MS – Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists of Veterinary Referral Center of Colorado – Ophthalmology (VRCC): “The feline herpes virus most commonly infects kittens and causes sneezing, ocular and nasal discharge, and a reluctance to eat and play. With good nursing care, the vast majority of kittens … Read More
Advantages to Microchipping Your Persian Cat
Two sisters on the go – © Pelaqita PersiansIn 2012, I started to microchip all of my Persian kittens. Before a kitten leaves our home it is registered into the new owner’s name with the registering agency – Microchip ID Systems. UPDATE: As of August 2013, Pelaqita Persians is using the “new” Mini Pro ID microchip which is only … Read More
Antibiotic Use in Veterinary Dentistry
© Adobe Stock PhotoBy: Fraser A. Hale, DVM, FAVD, DiplAVDC This article has been reprinted in its entirety with permission of Dr. Hale. © All Rights Reserved. The management of bacterial infections and the use of antibiotics are complex subjects. This will be a brief discussion of some of the issues involved. The clinical decision to use or not use … Read More
Banfield and VCA Are Under Same Corporate Umbrella
© Adobe Stock ImageRecently, I came across an article written by Laura Northrup on Consumerist.com dated January 9, 2017, regarding a pending merger of a number of the nation’s biggest veterinary care chains (VCA, Banfield Pet Hospital, and BluePearl Veterinary Partners) under the ownership of Mars Inc. (the candy and packaged foods giant). This is NOT a good thing. I have my … Read More
Cat Emergency First Aid Kit
© Pelaqita PersiansYou never know when an accident will happen or an emergency involving your cat, keeping a cat emergency kit at your home is a good idea. You can put a first aid kit together yourself and buy the items separately or buy one ready-made. If you make one yourself, use a small plastic tub with a tight fitting … Read More
Cat Vaccinations
© Pelaqita PersiansFor a while now, I have been noticing an increase in the instances of kitten owners not taking their kitten in for its 16th week vaccination. Not only are kitten owners not getting this crucial vaccination for their kitten, but there seems to be a few breeders out there that are also not properly vaccinating their kittens even … Read More
Cat Vitals and When Is It An Emergency?
© Adobe Stock imageKnowing how to take your cat’s pulse, take its temperature, and find out its respiration is a handy skill if you feel your cat is ill and trying to decide if a trip to the veterinarian’s office is necessary. The rate a cat’s heart beats is his “pulse” rate which normally beats between 140 and 220 times … Read More
Cats and Bad Breath
© Adobe Stock PhotoIn medical terms, bad breath is “halitosis” and it is a common problem reported by pet owners to their veterinarians. Some sort of dental problem is the most common cause of bad breath in cats as bacteria, saliva, and food particles can form plaque which causes bad breath. If left untreated, the build-up of plaque can develop … Read More
Cats and Hairballs – National Hairball Awareness Day
© Pelaqita PersiansAll cat owners have experienced their cat’s “gift” – the hairball. The last Friday in April is “National Hairball Awareness Day” and is an important day to recognize. I am not sure of the origin of this “special day”, but I have found references to it beginning around 2011. Hair balls are not just an annoying habit, but … Read More
Cats and Toxoplasmosis
I came across a report published in Arch Gen Psychiatry, “Tosoplasma gondii Infection and Self-Directed Violence in Mothers” which is an example of the bad journalism that is rampant on the internet and as seen on CNN Health, NPR.org and TIME. The T. Gondii Study The actual study does not suggest that cats cause women to commit suicide. In fact, other studies have shown quite … Read More