How do you know it is the right time to euthanize your chronically sick elderly cat?

Basic rule: do what it right for your cat not what is right for you (hanging on). It is one of the toughest decisions that you'll have to make. Perhaps the toughest and it can be emotional agony. You'll need the advice of a good, experienced veterinarian (10 years qualified). That is essential I feel. Here are some more pointers.

As a cat owner, making the decision to euthanize a chronically sick elderly cat is incredibly difficult. It’s essential to consider your cat’s well-being and quality of life. Here are some factors to help guide your decision:

1. Quality of Life Assessment:

   • Pain and Discomfort: Evaluate whether your cat is experiencing chronic pain or discomfort. Signs include changes in appetite, mobility, grooming habits, and overall behavior.
   • Joy and Engagement: Consider whether your cat still enjoys activities they used to love. Are they engaged with their environment, or have they withdrawn?
   • Hygiene and Self-Care: Observe if your cat can maintain proper hygiene, groom themselves, and use the litter box effectively.

2. Consult with Your Veterinarian:

   • Regularly consult with your vet about your cat’s health. They can provide insights into your cat’s condition, prognosis, and potential treatment options.
   • Discuss your cat’s quality of life and any pain management strategies.

3. Mobility and Independence:

   • Cats thrive on independence. If your cat’s mobility is severely compromised, affecting their ability to move, jump, or access essential resources, it may be time to consider euthanasia.

4. Appetite and Weight Loss:

   • Significant weight loss or refusal to eat can indicate underlying health issues. Malnutrition and dehydration can impact your cat’s overall well-being.

5. Chronic Illness Progression:

   • If your cat’s chronic illness is progressively worsening despite medical interventions, it’s crucial to assess their overall comfort.

6. Personal Considerations:

   • Reflect on your emotional and financial capacity to care for your cat. Balancing your cat’s needs with your own well-being is essential.

Remember that euthanasia is a selfless act of love, allowing your cat to pass peacefully and without suffering. Consult with your veterinarian, consider your cat’s comfort, and trust your instincts. It’s a heart breaking decision, but prioritizing your cat’s well-being is paramount. 🐾

Regrets cat owners might have on the death of their cat

As a cat owner, grieving the loss of a beloved feline companion can be a deeply emotional experience. Here are some common feelings and considerations that cat owners may encounter when their cat passes away:

1. Relief and Guilt: If your cat had been suffering from illness or pain, you might feel a sense of relief that their suffering has ended. However, this relief can sometimes be followed by guilt or shame for feeling relieved.

2. Loneliness and Isolation: Losing a cat can leave you feeling alone and misunderstood. Others may not fully grasp the depth of your grief, but it’s essential to recognize that your feelings are valid and unique.

3. No Set Time Limit for Grief: Grieving is a personal process, and there’s no fixed timetable for how long it should last. Everyone copes differently, and it’s okay to take the time you need to heal.

4. Helping Your Surviving Cat Grieve:

   • Stick to Routine: Cats thrive on routine, so maintaining familiar schedules can help your surviving cat adjust to the change.
   • Avoid Excessive Attention: While it’s natural to want to comfort your remaining cat, sudden increases in attention can be stressful. Balance your interactions.
   • Introducing a New Pet: Be cautious about introducing another pet too soon. Cats need time to adjust, and their needs should be considered during this period.

5. Understanding Your Cat’s Perspective:

   • Awareness of Another Cat’s Condition: There’s no conclusive evidence that cats are aware when their feline friend is dying. Some cats may show distress or sadness, while others may appear indifferent.
   • Showing the Deceased Cat’s Body: If the cause of death doesn’t pose a risk of infection, you can show your surviving cat the body. However, there’s no guarantee that this aids the grieving process for your cat.

Remember that grieving is a natural part of losing a cherished pet. Be patient with yourself and allow your emotions to unfold as you honour the memory of your beloved cat. 🐾

Sources: Multiple sources from the internet all guided and verified as correct by personal experience including veterinary websites and the Blue Cross.

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P.S. please forgive the occasional typo. These articles are written at breakneck speed using Dragon Dictate. I have to prepare them in around 20 mins.

This cat sneezing fit video will make you smile guaranteed

I am sure that this cat is healthy. Something irritated their nose and this happened. Poor thing but it is not serious. Just a bit amusing.

What causes cat sneezing?

Cat sneezing can occur for various reasons. While the occasional sneeze is normal, frequent or persistent sneezing might indicate an underlying issue. Here are some common causes of cat sneezing:

1. Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URIs): These are often caused by viruses like feline herpesvirus and feline calicivirus. These infections are contagious among cats but cannot be caught by humans. Stress can worsen the symptoms or increase transmission between cats. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms while the cat’s immune system fights the infection. Secondary bacterial infections may also occur and can be treated with antibiotics.

2. Irritants: Cats may sneeze due to inhaling irritants such as tobacco smoke, dusty cat litter, perfume, cleaning sprays, mold, pollen, or even candles. Pay attention to when your cat sneezes to identify potential triggers.

3. Tooth Root Infections: These infections can drain into the cat’s sinuses and cause sneezing.

4. Foreign Bodies: Inhaled foreign objects like blades of grass can irritate the nasal passages and lead to sneezing.

5. Polyps and Tumors: Polyps or tumours in the nasal passages may cause persistent sneezing.

6. Allergies: Although not common, cats can sneeze if they inhale something irritating.

Remember, if your cat’s sneezing persists or is accompanied by other symptoms like runny nose, eye discharge, coughing, or fatigue, consult your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment. 🐾

Sources: Myself, Purina, PDSA, First Vet, Great Pet Care.

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P.S. please forgive the occasional typo. These articles are written at breakneck speed using Dragon Dictate. I have to prepare them in around 20 mins.

Riverside County told a woman with a neonatal kitten to put him back on the street

This news comes from one of my favourite animal advocates, Nathan Winograd, in the United States who is the founder and campaigner of the No Kill shelter policy saving many thousands of lives.

He has reported on Riverside County Department of Animal Services. He has described their actions as "obscene". He is correct.

He said that last week Riverside County "told a woman who found a neonatal kitten - with his eyes not yet open - to put him back on the street. She left in tears. That kitten was entitled the foster care and then a loving home. And as obscene as Riverside County's policies, they are not alone."

Comment: I'm shocked. It's completely unthinkable but it happened.

Mr Winograd also reports on Orange County Animal Care. He says that they are doing the same thing. He cites another example. Here it is, in his words.

"For example, when a pregnant cat showed up in the yard of a Good Samaritan and then gave birth, the woman did what she thought was responsible: allowed the kittens to nurse and then wean before taking them all — mama and kittens — to the shelter.

Shelter staff told her to return the feline family to where she had found them."

Remarkable. Apparently the woman explained to them that the female cat might not have a home. She didn't have a collar or tag and was pregnant when she was found. The kittens had no home to go to because they weren't born. The staff at the Orange County shelter still turned her away telling her "to release them back on the street".

As I said, remarkable. Callous. Insensitive. This cannot be right.

These rescue cats deserved a lot better. Sometimes it is applicable to put cats back on the street where they came from if there are unsocialised and not lost and reasonably healthy and sometimes cared for by TNR volunteers. But when cats are socialised, lost and unclaimed then they deserve to be found a home via a rescue center. The two organisations referred to did not discharge their duties.

These are my views and the views of Nathan Winograd. Different people have different views including of course these shelters referred to. I respect those views but strongly disagree with them in this instance.

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P.S. please forgive the occasional typo. These articles are written at breakneck speed using Dragon Dictate. I have to prepare them in around 20 mins.

Dictatorships and autocracies are taking over from democracies

Democracy has been found to be defective or highly defective in two thirds of democratic states as assessed by the German Bertelsmann Stiftung Foundation as reported in The Times today. The newspaper's headline is that "Strongmen [are] on the rise as democracy falters".

The concept of democracy in running a nation has slipped "to its lowest standing in two decades".

The above-mentioned foundation assesses 137 countries classed as developing or transitioning. Developing nations are considered to be poorer and transitioning nations are those such as former Communist states in Europe.

Over the past 24 months elections in 25 countries were less free and fair and in 39 countries freedom of expression was subject to tighter controls.

Comment: in the UK freedom of expression is also subject to tighter controls than in the past! Just a point I'd like to make.

A senior expert at the above mentioned foundation, Hartmann, said: "I think every autocratic ruler who portrays himself successfully can be an example for other autocrats. Autocrats learn from each other."

What is an autocrat?

An autocrat is a ruler who holds absolute power. Typically, this term applies to individuals like monarchs or dictators who have unrestricted authority over the governance of a state. They make decisions without external legal constraints or checks and balances from other branches of government. In history, autocratic leaders have often maintained their power through measures such as political repression, control over resources, and the absence of a free press or political pluralism.

Source: Conversation with Bing, 20/03/2024.

Putin

Perhaps the world's greatest autocrat currently is Vladimir Putin who recently celebrated his victory in sham elections; yet more sham elections. No genuine challenger is allowed to run against him.

Autocrats maintain power through "a corrupt and wasteful system that only benefits a narrow elite" according to Hartmann

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The foundation has an index of the standard of democracy in which 10 is the highest rating as a "consolidated democracy". Russia rates at three . four three and has become a hardline autocracy since 2022.

New autocracies

The new autocracies in the world are:

Tunisia: the current autocrat is Kais Saied, who reversed a trend towards democracy by reversing reforms. In 2021 he issued an emergency declaration assume executive power. He fired 57 judges and arrested journalists and dissenters. That's how autocrats operate.

Kyrgyzstan: the current autocrat is Sadyr Japaroz. He was elected in 2021 after mass protests. He did away with investigative press outlets and overturned legislation limiting the presidential term of office.

Benin: the current incumbent autocrat is Patrice Talon, a businessman. Corruption rules. His government awards contracts to state affiliated companies. He arrests critics and uses anticorruption bodies to investigate opposition according to The Times report.

El Salvador: the current dictator declared a state of emergency in 2022. His name is Nayib Bukele. His agencies arrests gang members without trial and almost 2% of the adult population has been arrested. There is unease about his autocratic approach but he won a second term in February despite the constitution disallowing it because there's been a dramatic reduction in violence in the country.

It is said that the Covid pandemic helped to fuel the rise in autocracies. Singapore is marked down as a moderate autocracy but scores highly in terms of government efficiencies. The badly governed nations such as Eritrea, North Korea and through the are deeply undemocratic.

Revolution

It takes some kind of revolution or people power to undo an autocracy which takes a lot of courage. And if the autocrat has a firm stranglehold on the country in terms of the dissemination of propaganda through television outlets et cetera then it is very hard for people to rise up because they been indoctrinated to believe that the autocrat has their best interests at heart.

Animal welfare implications

I think that there are distinct animal welfare implications in the rise in autocracies. Dictators and autocrats are less likely to be concerned about animal welfare. They are less likely to wish to introduce new legislation to improve animal welfare in their country. Animals come well down the list of concerns in the minds of autocrats and dictators. This leads to animal abuse and a reduction in animal welfare. These are my personal views.

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P.S. please forgive the occasional typo. These articles are written at breakneck speed using Dragon Dictate. I have to prepare them in around 20 mins.

Why do cats drink dirty water? What about chloride and fluoride?

Image: DALLE-E 3

Cats may drink dirty water due to a variety of reasons:

1. Proximity to Food: Cats instinctively avoid water sources that are too close to their food. In the wild, water sources near dead animals can contain bacteria, so cats tend to drink water as far from their feeding area as possible.

2. Plastic Bowls: Plastic containers can get scratched over time, allowing bacteria to build up in the small crevices. Cats have sensitive noses and taste buds, and they may refuse to drink clean water if it’s in a contaminated bowl.

3. Bowl Shape: Cats dislike lapping up water from bowls where their sensitive whiskers touch the brim. The shape of the bowl can therefore be a factor.

4. Preference for Running Water: Some cats prefer running water and may seek out alternate water sources if they’re unhappy with their assigned water bowl.

5. Old Habits: Cats have been living alongside humans for thousands of years, but they still retain some of their wild instincts. This can result in odd habits, like drinking dirty water.

6. Chemicals in tap water - see below.

Remember, it’s important to provide clean, fresh water for your cat to ensure their health and well-being. If your cat continues to drink dirty water despite having clean water available, it may be worth consulting with a veterinarian.

RELATED: Bottled water or tap water for your cat?

Some more reasons:

• Dislike of Bowl Location: If the water bowl is too close to their food, cats might avoid it due to an instinct that tells them water near food could be contaminated, as would be the case in the wild with animal carcasses near water sources.

• Sensitivity to Bowl Material: Cats have sensitive noses and may detect bacteria in scratches of plastic bowls, leading them to avoid the water even if it’s clean.

To encourage your cat to drink clean water, consider providing multiple water sources, using wider and shallower bowls, and keeping the water bowl separate from the food bowl. Additionally, regular cleaning of the bowl to prevent bacterial build up can also help.

Does the chlorine or flouride in tap water put cats off drinking it?

Chlorine and fluoride in tap water can affect cats differently. While most municipal water sources treated with chlorine are safe for cats, some cats may dislike the taste of chlorine and ammonia, which could deter them from drinking tap water. Letting the water stand for a while before serving can help, as chlorine evaporates off over time.

Regarding fluoride, it is generally safe in the levels found in tap water, but high levels of fluoride or other minerals could be harmful if consumed in large quantities. Cats can typically drink any plain water that’s safe for humans, including tap water. However, if you’re concerned about the quality of your tap water or if your cat seems reluctant to drink it, you might consider using filtered water to remove chlorine and other chemical elements.

It’s important to ensure that your cat stays hydrated, as not drinking enough water can contribute to urinary problems in cats. If you notice your cat is avoiding its water bowl, you might want to try providing water from different sources or consider a water fountain that provides running water, which many cats prefer.

How can I tell if my cat is drinking enough water?

To ensure your cat is properly hydrated, you can monitor their water intake and look for signs of good hydration. Here are some tips:

• Monitor Water Intake: A general guideline is that cats should drink about 1–2 millilitres of water per kilogram of body weight per hour. For a 10-pound cat, this translates to roughly one cup of water daily.

• Check the Litter Box: Observe how often your cat uses the litter box. Most adult cats urinate two or three times a day. If you notice a decrease in the frequency or amount, it could indicate insufficient water intake.

• Physical Signs: Look for physical signs of hydration. A well-hydrated cat will have moist gums, and their skin will quickly return to place if gently pinched (known as the ‘skin tent’ test). A dehydrated cat may have dry gums and their skin may not fall back as quickly when pinched.

• Behavioural Signs: A healthy cat will have a good appetite and energy levels. If your cat is lethargic or has a decreased appetite, it could be a sign of dehydration.

If you’re concerned about your cat’s water intake, consider placing multiple water bowls around the house, using a cat water fountain, and ensuring the water is fresh and clean. If you suspect your cat is not drinking enough or shows signs of dehydration, consult your veterinarian for advice tailored to your cat’s specific needs.

P.S. please forgive the occasional typo. These articles are written at breakneck speed using Dragon Dictate. I have to prepare them in around 20 mins.