This is part two of a series addressing the wonder and splendor of the human-animal bond as it pertains to interacting with cats and dogs. In the last issue I discussed many common canine concerns. In this article I’ll characterize the special needs felines have, how they impact our lives, and what we, as caregivers can do to co-exist in a safe and amicable manner.

For those of you who have wondered, cats are not small dogs. They have their own set of rules that we, as their providers, must live by! If you don’t believe me, just ask any feline.

No two relationships cats and people share are the same. These furry little creatures are best known for curiosity (it really didn’t kill the cat) and how they rule the roost. In return for you providing them with exactly what they want (food and toys, in that order), when they want it (NOW!), in the quantity they specify (more than adequate), you may have the privilege of petting them, occasionally brushing their thick coat, feeding them just what they want, and changing their litter box. The joy that you experience from doing all of this is immeasurable.

Please allow me to discuss a number of behavioral and health issues cat owners should be aware of. Let’s start with where they reside.

Almost without fail, so long as there is minimal stress, cats relish the status quo. They thrive on peace, tranquility, quiet, and a regular schedule. Very few cats are comfortable with noise and change. The opposite seems to be true for dogs. Many of our canine buds seem to thrive on a small amount of variation interjected into their routine.

From the get go, one of the more stressful things you can do to a cat is introduce them to another creature (kitten, puppy, cat, or dog). Many of us think that this is a good idea. We just want to find another loving, happy little ball of fur to keep them company. For what it’s worth, don’t even consider presenting them with another human. After all, it is THEIR domain. An unwelcome visitor is sure to cause significant turmoil and rebellion.

Should you consider doing something like this, be prepared for the existing ruler to display his/her dissatisfaction. Almost never is the newcomer welcomed with “open paws.” We occasionally see nothing more than a little hissing that lasts but a few days. In fact most cats are far more verbose! Fur flies while teeth and claws are used in a serious display of territorial rights. Occasionally, some lay claim to their domicile by “marking” various areas of the house with bodily fluids, (dare I say the fluid of choice is urine) or excrement. Professionally speaking, remedying this type of behavior is very difficult and all too often impossible!

Cats are not dogs and conversely, dogs are not cats. Please respect your cats right to privacy. When they go off to be alone it isn’t because they want to die. Rather, they just want some peace and quiet.

Some toys, thought to be inherently safe, in actuality put a cat’s life at risk. “String” things are a definite no, no. Batting around a ball of yarn, as seen on a cartoon, is not a good idea for a young or old kitty. Chewing, then swallowing an unraveled strand can cause a life threatening obstruction. Similar problems occur when they consume a solid, un-digestible object. Cats that chew on houseplants may start salivating, vomit or have diarrhea. If any of these symptoms occur you should immediately contact poison control at 800-222-1222.

This next bit of information is slightly technical, however, I’m certain you’ll be able to follow. When it comes to feeding your feline friend they must eat cat food - that’s a no brainier. Why? Cats have a little different protein requirement than dogs and other animals. Felines lack the ability to make taurine. What is taurine? This is a protein building block called an amino acid. As they cannot make taurine, nutritionists call it an essential amino acid. It is necessary for the cat’s heart muscle to function properly and for them to have good vision. Two pretty important parts of life.

To meet federal nutritional guidelines, all commercially available cat foods must have an adequate amount taurine. I have witnessed two different situations where owners have caused their cats to have problems, those trying to economize by feeding their cat dog food and individuals who make their own homemade cat food. Many times these owner-made diets also lack the proper levels of certain vitamins and minerals. Please consult your veterinarian before you embark on a journey that can cause visual impairment or heart failure.

Like their owners, cats need an annual comprehensive physical examination. As a professional, I am more likely to uncover subtle changes that have otherwise gone unnoticed by those who see their feline friend everyday. Cats like dogs should be kept current on their immunizations.

There is a life threatening disease cats are able to contract by coming in contact with their owners clothing or shoes! Heartworms are spread from dogs to cats through the bite of a mosquito. Living in this geographical area means that all of us are going to be bitten by a mosquito. A single heartworm may cause a reaction in a cat’s lung field that is so severe it claims their life! Then of course there are those pesky little blood sucking fleas. Please be certain to ask your veterinarian about the newer, safer heartworm and flea preventives.

Here is the bottom line: Prevention and early intervention are the keys to keeping your kitty happy and healthy. Before a situation gets out of hand, please consult your veterinarian. In the case of a medical condition, the longer you wait, the fewer the options available for resolution. As for behavioral issues, delaying only serves to reinforce a behavior, making change or at least some form of modification difficult, if not impossible.