Albuquerque Journal Articles

Kidney Failure follows 24-48 hours after Ingestion Easter lilies: This beautiful flower is potentially dangerous. Cats who eat any part of this plant become lethargic as their kidneys fail within 24-48 hours of ingestion. Any cat or dog who has eaten an Easter lily needs emergency treatment, ideally before the onset of symptoms.

Cats are very Different. Human Products are often Risky for Cats Question: My cat is 15 months old and is getting over an allergy attack that affected her eyes. I burned some incense and used an insect repellant with DEET. Can those things be harmful to a cat? Dr. Nichol: Your kitty may have a few good reasons for those unhappy eyes. Incense smoke or allergies could do it but I am highly concerned about that insect repellent. DEET is serious stuff and can be toxic to cats as well as dogs.   Chemicals can be high risk for cats.…

Diagnosing the Cause is Important & usually simple Question: My baby Roo is a little tabby cat we found abandoned in a park. She had little lumps just under her chin on her neck, approximately where humans would have lymph nodes. Her Feline AIDS test came back negative. When the lumps hadn’t gone away another vet prescribed antibiotics and said wait and see. The antibiotics reduced the size of the lumps, but they are still there. Other that this, she appears to be in good health. She is currently about 6 months old. This kitty is the sweetest, most loving…

Dangerous & Unnecessary Question: My friend has a cat and when he gets into trouble or does something bad she either hits him hard on the top of the head or on the butt. Will this hurt the cat? He also squinches his eyes tight when he gets hit on the head? Can the hitting have any effect on the cat when he is hit on the head?   Dr. Nichol: Hitting a cat is worse than unnecessary; it’s dangerous. This little fellow is at risk for concussion as well as damage to his ability to think properly. Any of…

Skin, Dental, or Ear Disease can all be Responsible. Anal Glands cause the Worst Odor. Question: My cat stinks!! It is getting to the point where I don’t like him on my knee because he pongs. It’s not his breath but his actual fur. Do cats have BO or do you think there is something wrong with him? Dr. Nichol: Ponging has been the undoing of many a fine cat. I’ve met a few in my practice, but I’ve been too polite to mention it. Now, I think, it’s time to speak my mind on this pivotal issue. There are…

Dogs & Cats are Not at Risk Question: Do I need to protect my dogs from the West Nile virus?   Dr. Nichol: This spreading infection is nerve wracking for horses, birds, and humans, but our dogs and cats are way out of the loop. For the latest and greatest on West Nile, I contacted state epidemiologist Dr. Paul Ettestad in Santa Fe. The good doctor pointed out that with carrier mosquitoes spreading this infection as far west as Texas and Colorado, our state is likely to be next. Testing is currently being done on mosquitoes, horses, and large birds…

Inherently Sensible, Cats Lie Low Question: A couple of weeks ago you wrote, “Presumably we have enough sense not to leave pets in the heat”…outside. What about inside? Can we leave our pets in the house without air conditioning or some type of air circulation? If so, are cats better able to handle this than, say, dogs or ferrets? Dr. Nichol: You’re right. My heat stroke column did not address indoor disasters. A hot house without ventilation can be miserable and possibly dangerous. Leaving a window open is a start but a good evaporative cooler or air conditioner is a…

No Risk to the Kitty as Long as he/she Get Some Shelter Question: How are cats with rain and cold weather?  My cat always likes to go out at certain times of the day to do his business as he seems to much prefer this than his litter tray.  But I worry a little about him getting cold and wet when the weather is not good.   Dr. Nichol: Cats are fastidious. They really hate those little spots of mud on their shoes. But if your cat is willing to go out on those cold, wet days, well, I’m betting…

Unable to Enjoy Normal Activities this Cat will Improve with the Correct Diet Question: Our cat used to be tiny and rambunctious but as he has aged, he has put on a lot of weight.  His sides are now distended and he is definitely not as playful as other two year old cats.  Could he be depressed?   Dr. Nichol: Cats have essential needs. Even indoors they are hunters who rely on their lithe athletic bodies. Your cat is fat, his joints ache, and he struggles to get around. He may well be depressed.   Before launching a serious weight…