Category Archive

© Pelaqita PersiansMany people feel cats are low-maintenance pets and are perfect for owners that have a busy lifestyle and do not have time to care for a dog. Many cat owners mistakenly believe cats are great at fending for themselves, but in reality it is just that cats are very good at hiding signs of illness. Because of a … Read More

© Pelaqita Persian”Ack, Ack, Ack.” We all know that sound, it is a distinctive sound a cat makes as it coughs up a hairball. Even in the middle of the night when you are fast asleep, it is a noise that almost always will pop open your eyes. It is a sound that is guaranteed to make an owner bounce … Read More

Hip dysplasia is not as prevalent in felines as it is in canines.  Occurrences of hip dysplasia in cats are very rare.  As a former German Shepherd Dog breeder, I am well aware of this painful disorder.  In almost 20 years of raising and showing German Shepherd dogs, I had less than four incidences of hip or elbow dysplasia.  Hip … Read More

© Pelaqita PersiansMany common items that can be found in most homes are toxic to cats. Below is a list of some of those items. I have also outlined some of the symptoms that are common. What To Do:   IMMEDIATELY CONTACT YOUR VETERINARIAN! Common household items that are toxic to cats laxatives lead acetaminophen acetone ant/bug traps and baits … Read More

© Adobe Stock ImageThere is an old saying about “an ounce of prevention …”. This is especially true with our cats and their ears. Routine ear care is one of the most overlooked areas of cat health and can result in ear issues that require a veterinarian’s intervention in order to resolve (infections or mite infestations). These types of issues … Read More

© Adobe Stock ImageBy: Carissa Altschul Cacao Cattery What is Ketamine? Ketamine is a type of anesthesia still used by many veterinarians, especially in low cost neuter/spay clinics. What are other names for Ketamine? Ketamine is found in products such as ketaset, ketalar, vetalar, ketaject, ketanest, ketalin, ketmin, and others. It is also a street drug often known as “Vitamin … Read More

© Pelaqita PersiansObesity is usually defined as 15% to 20% above ideal body weight. Less than 15% over ideal body weight is considered “over-weight”. Obesity is a condition in which excess body fat accumulates to the extent that it may have a negative effect on health, leading to reduced life expectancy and/or increased health problems. Excessive weight results when more … Read More

© Pelaqita PersiansFor many years, I have recommended that one can save money by ordering cat-related medications, vaccines, and other cat-related products on-line. Below is a list of such suppliers who are all VIPPS accreditated for compliance criteria. Vaccines, Medications, etc. I have made a notation by each supplier to indicate whether or not I have ever used the company for supplies. … Read More

© Adobe Stock ImagesBy: Peggy Williams, DVM Refugee Canyon Veterinary Services When considering surgery for your cat, discuss the surgical procedure including the anesthesia protocol with your veterinarian to determine what will be done and what drugs will be used. Most recommendations will include the following: PREMEDICATIONS Premedications are frequently given. Premedications are part of “multi-modal” anesthesia which will generally … Read More

© Pelaqita PersiansPersian cats and some other breeds are brachycephalic; “Brachy” means “shortened” and “cephalic” means “head”. The skull bones of brachycephalic cats are shortened in length, giving the face and nose a “pushed in” or “flat” appearance. Due to the shorter bones of the face and nose, the anatomy and relationships with other soft tissue structures are altered. These … Read More