Cats | Dr. Jeff Nichol - Residency Trained in Dog and Cat Behavior

Bird flu for humans, cats, and cows? Parvo cure?

Today, I have good news and bad news. First the bad news. Dr. Samantha Uhrig, DVM, state veterinarian with the New Mexico Livestock Board, explains that “Since March 20, 2024,…

Cat Poop Solutions

Don’t try correcting this bad behavior; it’ll never work. Stressors, like too many other cats, outdoor creatures, and physical disorders, are often major factors. Litter pan hygiene is another big…

Cat mischief – Instead of a life of crime, he can work to earn

Do you have a cat who, despite your good example, insists on prying open cabinets and wreaking havoc on your stuff? Does she complain or pester you relentlessly at the…

Big Drinking, Bad Hair Cat

Question: I have a 15 year old male cat about 7 kg. In the last 8 months his fur has been falling out in small chunks. He has not been…

Where is the Cat?

Do you see a fuzzy white cat? The correct answer, for this invisible kitty, is no. He’s hiding, not because he is afraid, although that can be a very good…

Don’t Let a Good Kitten Go Bad

House soiling, fighting, furniture damage – you don’t want it. A great cat’s life is not a random event. Good behavior starts with a healthy structure.

Don’t Let Your Cat Fool You

Do you examine your cat’s teeth? That would mean putting him on a table under a bright light with an assistant gently holding his shoulders as you slowly open his…

Trans-window Hissing Contest

Question: I have 2 cats, 10 months old. We have recently let them go outside. A few days ago another cat showed up in our garden. I took my cats…

Cat Mischief? Bad Behavior?

Cat parents often custom-fit activities for their indoor kitties that keep them engaged in activities that bring out their wildness in good ways. Here’s the lowdown from an excellent cat…

Cat Beasts & Feathered Prey

Question: I was truly dismayed reading your article in the Albuquerque Journal last Sunday. Feral cats are well known to be a major threat to small birds. The numbers of…

Sheltering a Feline Recluse

Question: We have a beautiful, long-haired black cat hanging around our backyard. My husband feeds the birds but the kitty is hunting and killing them. We set out food for…

Feline Athleticism & Failure at the Litter Pan

Question: I have an elderly female cat, age 18. She has for 10 years pooped next to the litter box, not in it. In the last month she has started…

Baby Boomer Brains & Hitting Balls

Are baby boomers concerned about their cognitive abilities declining? It gets my attention. I published my residency research on cognitive dysfunction syndrome in elderly pets. There’s a whole lot of…

My Cat Defecates While Running Away from My Other Cat

A cat parent is concerned about her cat who is fearful of using the litter box.

Cat Parent as Mouse – Don’t Fight Nature

Question: Russ, neutered, age 2 years, was rescued with his mum and siblings. I adopted him at 14 weeks. He was crazier than any kitten I’ve ever known. His aggression…

Lonely Cat Needs to Get a Life

Question: My 2 year old cat has separation anxiety. When he sees me getting dressed he starts crying and follows me, holding my leg, and when I get to the…

Tiger Mama Needs Babies

In a zoo in California , a mother tiger gave birth to a rare set of triplet tiger cubs. Unfortunately, due to complications in the pregnancy, the cubs were born…

Chin Acne in Cats

Feline acne starts as comedones on the chin and lower lip. Poor grooming may be a factor. Stressed cats may just hunker down and neglect their personal needs. When a…

Choosing The Greatest Kitten For Your Life

Dr. Nichol visits Animal Humane New Mexico with some advice on how to pick the greatest kitten for your life.

Missed the Litter Pan Again Oh No!

Avoid the Mess: Set your Cats Up for Success The scent of urine in all the wrong places is a drag on everybody’s wellbeing – your cats’ and yours too.…

CBD – Is it Safe? Does it Work?

Always on the lookout for new and better treatments, I follow the research. At the recent conference of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in Philadelphia I listened as…

Fireworks Freak-Out

There will be a whole lot of scared pets this weekend. It’s hard enough if they tremble and hide but some panic and escape the yard in search of safety…

Good Buddies

Friendships happen between creatures of different species because they share empathy and kindness. Our species could do better with other humans – we aren’t really different than each other. We can…

Missing the Litter Pan – Not Bad Aim

Question: Our family has a 19 year old “Heinz 57 variety” female cat who has taken to urinating outside her box. This happens only at night. Her box is pristine…

Why Is My Older Cat Shrinking?

Senior kitties can lose weight for some important reasons. A lot of this can be treated; some of it can be cured.

Olive Oil & and an Itchy Cat Head

Question: Amber was a feral cat. Last summer she had ear mites. Of course, I went online to find a cure. It was olive oil. She would not allow me…

Cat Toys that are Fun but may be Dangerous

Pets who eat nonfood items can pay a big price for their curiosity. Swallowed linear foreign material, like yarn, ribbon, or dental floss, can saw holes in the intestinal wall…

Cats and Dogs – The Bob Clark Podcast

Dr. Jeff Nichol answers your questions about the pets in your life on News Radio KKOB. Listen here: https://omny.fm/shows/the-bob-clark-podcast/cats-and-dogs

Worried About Your Cat? At Home Exam

Worried about Your Cat? – At Home Exam There are important reasons to keep a close eye on our cats. They tend to hide their illnesses and injuries. It’s just…

Cat Scratching the Furniture?

Scratching stuff is normal for cats. Forget punishing your kitty for scratching your good things. Our job is to set them up to scratch right.

Cat Attack Child

What’s wrong with this kitten? Why go after a child? Cats are hard-wired for predatory behavior to survive in the wild. Kept as pets, they must still be cats. This…

Fat Cat? Exercise by Eating

Cats aren’t hard-wired to be couch potatoes. They are meant to hunt and pull the guts out of the helpless creatures that keep them alive. It’s not pretty but it’s…

Feline Boot Scooting

Not your Typical Two Step Question: I have a male ginger cat, 9 years old, named Will. For the last 2-3 years he has had to have his anal glands…

Mr. L – Somebody got Lucky

I was wearily motoring home, down unlit El Pueblo Road, when my Triumph’s headlights lit up a slow moving small while object. Grocery bag in the breeze? Ah, no. White…

Crime Buster? Not

Last in a series Acute hearing is among most cat’s best methods of detecting movement of nearby prey but not for fuzzy Mr. Lancaster. Like the majority of blue-eyed white…

Assassin on the Job

Fourth in a series Mr. Lancaster Sr. was tall, lean, and spry, I’d guess about 80 years old. He was a quiet, likable man who typeset and printed our medical…

Are Predators Gentlemen?

Third in a series Young Mr. Lancaster was a kitten whose behavior was sometimes, as they say in learning theory, undesirable. He did turn out to be a pretty good…

A Cat & a Gentleman

Second in a series My practice was in its infancy in 1978 but we were ready for anything. I had an ECG, x-ray machine, and a full array of surgical…

Ever met a cat who urinates in the wrong places?

Veterinary behaviorists, like me, see them often. There can be many different reasons for this aberrant behavior including crowding with too many other indoor cats, messy litter pans, the stress…

Somebody got Lucky

First in a series I was wearily motoring home, down unlit El Pueblo Road, when my Triumph’s headlights lit up a slow moving small while object. Grocery bag in the…

Dental Hygiene at Fault

Fourth in a series By day 2 of Gucci’s recovery her temperature had risen to a healthy 101.2 degrees. Her grumbling and complaining, as we gently syringed warm saline through…

Nip and tuck

Third in a series I worked carefully and fast. Gucci, the tortoise shell cat, maintained strong vitals as I debrided (trimmed) the edges of her intestinal wounds and sutured them…

Act Fast or Lose

Second in a series Gucci wasn’t just having another routine bout of vomiting. Her 104.2 degree fever spoke major inflammation. It wasn’t too late; her immune system was fighting hard.…

Petting Cat – Ouch!

Grooming or petting a cat can be dangerous. Watch for dilated pupils and rippling skin. Physical problems can underlie serious aggression.

Vomiting – Serious or Watchful Waiting?

First in a series Vomiting is nobody’s favorite pastime. Sadly, some cats retch from time-to-time. Finding the cause can be tricky. I learned early that even when I was sure…

Lascivious Neutered Cat

Why? Fix it! Question: What do you do about a cat acting out sexually? We’ve had Sebastian “Basti”, 20 months old, for a year. He was neutered at 8 months.…

The Risk of Love

Poupon was an almost constant source of connectedness and entertainment for Cheryl and her husband Michael.

How to Know When to Adopt Again

Last in a series Inviting a pet into your life carries risk. They love us completely and they’ll never leave but their lives end. The grief can send you down…

Sadness can Bring Happiness

Third in a series Find Out How Life is precious, especially those shared with joy and acceptance. As Cheryl sat on her deck to meditate, Poupon waited at the door-every…

Weathering the storm

Second in a series Cheryl contacted me as soon as she and Michael were hit by the first wave of bad news. I learned long ago that what people in…

The Risk of Love

Poupon was an almost constant source of connectedness and entertainment for Cheryl and her husband Michael. One night he snuck into their dining room and carried off a pizza box…

Cougar Still Attacks

Last in a series And Stays in His Home Mary Beth was committed to bringing out the best in “Cougar”, not to mention her vested interest in her own safety.…

Taming the Dangerous Feline Predator

Third in a series Sharing stories of “Cougar’s” good behavior while living at their old house helped Mary Beth, his caring person, to relax. I told her that she really…

Cat Be Gone or Cat Behave?

Second in a series Aggression is never acceptable, especially toward the frail and vulnerable. The science of animal behavior would be central to “Cougar’s” treatment but the elderly lady on…

Cat Attack

First in a series The soft female voice on the phone told a poignant story. She wasn’t calling about her own pet but for her 83 year old mother and…

Senior Cats – Picky Eaters

Elderly cats, like 15 year old Tony Nichol, named by my young sons for the cereal box tiger, are prone to diminishing appetites and weight loss. Dental disease, common in…

Holiday Weirdness & Risk

What does it take? The holidays are great fun, aren’t they? Singin’, dancin’, and carryin’ on. For you and me, sure, but badly unsettled pets can engage in some unhealthy…

Media – Was there a Win or Just More Losses?

Last in a 4 part series Managing Herd Size Facing down this dual feline epidemic (leukemia virus plus herpes) I felt overwhelmed until I made another visit to the Peabody…

Media – Children in Furry Suits

Finding a Way to Save Lives Pet lovers can mistakenly assign human emotions to members of a different species. Firmly believing that cats want everything we do doesn’t make it…

Media – At-Home with the Feline Herd

Part 2 in a series At-Home with the Feline Herd Crowded Eccentricity Cattle, pigs, and sheep, rubbing shoulders in large groups, risk spreading infectious diseases, leading veterinary medicine to the…

Media – Idiosyncratic Cat Parenting

Morbid Fascination? Cats are interesting and entertaining creatures; their people maybe even more so. I’m rather fond of these folks, being part of this societal subset myself. The 1959 Cadillac…

Faith

Faith was important not just because we loved her but because she taught valuable lessons.

Media – Kitten Selection

Choose your Friends Carefully Question: I never had a cat and I decided to have my first one now. I wanna get it in adoption and I know it’s difficult…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Dogs & Cats who Hate the Veterinary Clinic

Most of us are nervous at the doctor’s office and so are our pets. Some get fearful and defensive. It doesn’t have to be that way.

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Ballistic Cat: Stranger Danger Dogs & Humans

A normally placid pussy cat can turn terrifying when facing unfamiliar visitors of the human or canine kind. They can even be dangerous.

Media – Faith Wins

Doing the right thing for our injured stray cat would take courage-and faith. She needed a name and I really needed to unite my team. I told my compassionate but…

Media – Fear and pain are real, but are not a reason to quit

Without warning our homeless cat went crashing, mouth wide open, into the cage door. She clamped her freshly operated jaws around the bars and howled. It was horrible. In the…

Media – Faith

For help with behavior problems, you can sign-up for a Zoom Group Conference on my website, drjeffnichol.com. Faith was important not just because we loved her but because she taught…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Cats who Play Rough & Bite

Kitties are so sweet and gentle. Well, most are. But some bite and scratch when you thought you were just having fun. Don’t swat or spray or yell. Bring out…

Media – A Cat who Licks Off her Hair

Itching & Anxiety Question: I adopted an anxious 3 year old cat 3 years ago. Recently I’ve noticed Bella appears more anxious when I’m away from our home. She has…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Fear & Loathing at the Veterinary Clinic

A whole lot of pets are unhappy going to the doctor. Veterinarians don’t mean to scare anybody but we can work with loving pet parents to reduce the angst. White…

Media – COVID19 in Cats & Dogs

Sick People Infect their Pets This COVID19 pandemic continues to hang over us like a dark cloud, new variants putting unvaccinated people at increasing risk. Now we know that pets…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Fireworks Freak-Out

There will be a whole lot of scared pets this weekend. It’s hard enough if they tremble and hide but some panic and escape the yard in search of safety…

Media – Freaked-Out by Fireworks

Many Great Ways of Helping Scared Cats & Dogs Startled by earsplitting blasts, many otherwise stable pets will endure almost continual panic this weekend. Dogs may hide, tremble, drool, cry…

Media – Homeless Dogs – Help with the Heat

Question: I feel bad for the dogs of homeless people during these really hot summer months as their owners beg for food on street corners. Just today I saw a…

Media – Healing Trauma & Feline Politics

“You are invited to get my help with a behavior problem by participating in a Zoom group behavior conference. Visit https://drjeffnichol.com/zoom-group-conferences/ to sign up.” A colleague of mine…

Media – Unsightly Cat Chin

Acne isn’t a Heart Breaker Question: I am wondering how cats develop feline acne. Dr. Nichol: We used to think that these unsightly carbuncles and blackheads on cats’ chins were…

Media – Meow, Meow, Meow – Too Much Talking

She may be Telling you She is Sick Question: A Facebook friend just adopted an 8 year old female cat who she says is perfect for her. The cat seems…

Media – Rear Leg Disability

Blood Clots from Heart Disease Question: My poor Abby who is still a youngin at 5 years old is having severe problems walking. She is an indoor only cat and…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Hiding Scaredy Cats

Some kitties live under the bed; others may run for the hills when you sneeze. Dogs, noises, or just daily life can trigger a bunker mentality.

Media – Injured Strays – Be Hopeful

The doctors, staff, and volunteers at Albuquerque’s Animal Welfare Department do what it takes for the homeless pets they treat but post-operative recovery is sometimes harder than the procedure itself.…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Killer Plants and Chocolate Bunnies

Buds, bulbs, leaves, seeds and chocolate Easter eggs: What could go wrong?

Media – Springtime Pet Toxins

Be Careful this Easter Everybody loves springtime flowers and plants but some buds, bulbs, leaves, and seeds can be unsafe for our pets. Swallowing any plant material can cause a…

Media – Jolted Cat

Feel Better; Sleep Well Question: My cat will be fast asleep, then she wakes up suddenly and flies out of the spot she was in and acts very terrified. Is…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Don’t Let a Good Kitten Go Bad

House soiling, fighting, furniture damage – you don’t want it. A great cat’s life is not a random event. Good behavior starts with a healthy structure.

Media – Feline Fights in a Fishbowl

Peace & Privacy Question: I need advice on displaced aggression in my 2 cats that are normally very loving to each other. It started after a neighborhood cat started appearing…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – COVID Risk to Pets or from Pets?

Research on cats and dogs in households with confirmed human infections found that a minority of pets got infected. Will they be OK? How about the rest of the family?

Media – Facing Feline Flatulence & Faucet Foibles

A Fecal Exam may Reveal the Cause Question: My 5 month old adopted kitten is Pimienta “Pimi” and she is such a good girl. I waited for a kitten that…

Media – Toilet Paper under Assault

Improvising Indoor Cat Question: My grandmother and I got my cat Remus in September. In the last few months he has been causing major problems by tearing up our toilet…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Cat pee – Where do you want it?

Shouldn’t a cat, who’s livin’ the feline dream at your house, crave the answer to this age-old question? They do, sort of. It matters what the person wants but it’s…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Cat mischief – He can work to earn instead of a life of crime

Do you have a cat who, despite your good example, insists on prying open cabinets and wreak havoc on your stuff? Does she complain or pester you relentlessly at the…

Media – COVID19 Pet Infections

Who are the Carriers? Are pets capable of spreading COVID19? The SARS CoV 2 (cq) virus, the organism responsible for the human epidemic, has been investigated in cats and dogs.…

Media – Hair Pulling Cat: Angst or Itch?

Constant Misery needs Immediate Attention Question: My 15 year old male orange tabby started pulling his hair out 10 months ago. We started him on steroids 8 months ago. It…

Dr. Nichol’s Webinar – Children and Santa and Grown-ups, Oh My! Sudden Changes Cause a Risk Reaction

Media – Plants, snacks, & drugs

Avoid Poisons & Injury Conspicuous Christmas consumption isn’t just for humans; our pets eagerly indulge in dietary indiscretion too. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center provides the following list of…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Gifting Pet? Trojan Horse?

The pets in my life have taught me, saved me, and grounded me. Shouldn’t everybody have unconditional love and support? Maybe. Christmas pet presents can go right or they can…

Media – Elder Cats Losing Interest?

Maybe they could Feel Better Question: Are my two 15 year old cats harmed if they don’t play? When they were younger they would play until midnight. Now they sleep…

Media – It’s More than Just Mouth Pain

Non-stop Misery is Curable Question: Is my cat’s plasma cell stomatitis contagious? Can it be passed from a cat to a human? Dr. Nichol: Mouth pain, swelling of the gums,…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Cat Attack – Swat, Squirt, Declaw, Rehome?

Aggression and destructive behavior are not what we cat lovers have in mind when adopting a pet. Injuries and furniture damage have to stop! Hint: What feels best actually works…

Media – Feline Heartbreak

Treat with Empathy & Kindness Question: My sweet little six year old cat, Pepper, had a ‘boyfriend’, Fluffy, who lived in the home in back of us. They had both…

Media – If your cat is less active, do this

The Cause is Dangerous but Not Difficult to Control If left to fend for themselves in the wild our cats would survive by stalking and devouring prey, displaying their prowess…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Cat Poop Solutions

Shift your focus away from correcting this bad behavior. Your cat needs to defecate on fabric? You can make peace and live without poop! Tune in at 6 PM Mountain…

Media – Eye Language

Calming Blinking It’s really hard having less contact with people. Socially distanced can mean socially isolated. But your cat may be trying to help by inviting you to snuggle by…

Media – Learning in the Bullied

Stress Matters Magawa isn’t just any rat; he is the very best at what he does. You may recall from “The Year of the Rat” in last week’s Fetch page…

Media – Fear-Free Cats at the Doctor’s Office

Here’s How to Keep a Cranky Kitty Calm Does your cat hate going to the veterinary clinic? I get it. Lots of cats freak-out with anything away from home. Despite…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Cats Hate Cars

Yowling, urinating, maybe even some in-the-crate defecating: Are we having fun yet? The anxiety and misery our traveling cats feel, often on the way to the veterinary clinic, needs to…

Media – Thyroids Gone Wild

Feline Seniors Need Gentle Care Tony, a grey tabby cat pushing 15, has been ours since he was just a baby. He and I share the belief that we’re still…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – No Welcome Mat Can a Feline Newcomer Find Love?

If you’re a cat lover like me you may want even more of them. But kitties stuck inside together can struggle badly: threats, aggression, and house soiling are miserable for…

Media – Feline Travel Terror

Good Management & Helpful Meds Question: We have a cross-country move at the end of the summer and are curious what recommendations you have for moving with kitties. We have…

Media – Rickety Felines

Older Joints – Never Assume Question: I read that most older cats have arthritis. My 14 year old female spayed cat does not show any overt signs of pain. She…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Yowling, meowing, pacing cat

Do you have a talkative kitty? One who may have more to say than ever before? There may be good reason for all that yakking/complaining/crying. Attend this Facebook Live event…

Media – Alien Invasion

Can Old Cats & Young Puppies Mix? Question: We have a 15 year old cat who is well, happy and calm. In September we will receive a Golden-Doodle puppy from…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Cat Pee on Furniture

Do you live in a litter pan? OK, not really – but does it feel that way when you find cat urine around the house? I feel your pain; one…

Media – Diabetes: A Worthy Challenge

The Right Care Goes a Long Way Question: My 12 year old male cat Prancer was diagnosed with diabetes. He was immediately put on insulin injections. He has his regular…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Fireworks Fear & Sweaty Paws

Startled by earsplitting blasts, many otherwise stable pets will endure almost continual panic this weekend. A freaked-out dog or cat needs serious relief from fear. I’ll make it easy for…

Media – Fireworks Freak-Out

Comfort Scared Pets with Good Management Startled by earsplitting blasts, many otherwise stable pets will endure almost continual panic this weekend. Scared dogs may hide, tremble, drool, cry or howl,…

Media – Grain-Free Could be Risky

Regular High Quality Pet Food is Best Question: Dr. Nichol, what are your thoughts on grain-free diets for dogs? Dr. Nichol: Well, I thought you’d never ask. Considered a fad…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Stranger Danger: Freak-Out at the Veterinary Clinic

Dogs and cats who are frightened or try to bite at the doctor’s office are at serious risk. Without medical care they face unnecessary illness or early death. But that…

Media – Feline Culture Clash

Mutual Disdain Likely to Fester & Explode Question: Apparently this cat found us. She is part of Community Cat Program here in El Paso. She is not feral; she is…

Media – Eye Discharge & Thyroid Tumor

This Senior Cat could Feel Better Question: The eye discharge in my 15 year old male cat has slightly diminished with Neopolydex ophthalmic suspension. A senior profile exam at Animal…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Cantankerous, Curmudgeonly Cats

Cats are simpler pets to care for than dogs, right? Uh, no. They are every bit as complex and just as prone to pain as any of us. We can…

Media – Feline Family Feud

Social Distancing is Best Question: My mother-in-law is living in nursing home/hospice. We are seeing her Miss Pearl twice a day for feeding and social time. We would love to…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Cats Go Back to Work

COVID19 doesn’t scare our cats but they might get wiggy when we return to work. They thought we were home for good. Finding themselves without us all day could trigger…

Media – I’ll Drink to That!

Wet your Cat Question: I have two kittens about nine months old. They have access to water and dry food all day and I give them wet food in the…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Working Cats

Cats can be cranky, pesky, and a bit snarky with other pets. Scolding and water spraying doesn’t teach them better behavior. Instead of reacting badly, kitties can have fun with…

Media – Socially Asocial

Most Cats are Not Party Animals Question: I adopted two female cats a couple of years ago. The younger one has always been energetic and playful. The older cat recently…

Media – Herpes Eye Discharge

Treatment Matters Question: My cat Harry is very special at age 14, a little flame point Siamese. He suffers from an eye condition that became much worse several months ago.…

Media – COVID-19 in Pets

Don’t Panic-Be Careful Staying home is a real drag but if you have pets you’ll never be alone. We don’t need social distancing from them, do we? Here’s the update…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Churchill Sheltering with a Cat

You and I are stressed by the collective anxiety of a serious epidemic. Winston Churchill was prime minister of Great Britain while his country was getting bombed by Nazi Germany.…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Outdoor Joy & Shelter in Place

We have a lot to worry about, don’t we? Our activities are restricted, we can’t go out to eat, the kids are home from school, and your 401(k) is…

Media – Hissing, Spitting, & Feline Invective

Amusements, Separation before Reconciliation Question: I have two cats that aren’t getting along. One is my husband’s and the other one is mine. We moved in together 7 months ago…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Pet Cat – Nip

Good cats can go bad when petted. Yell at him? Hose him? Just give up on sharing affection with a kitty you love? Much better – find out why a…

Media – Cat Bladders

Water Matters Question: My cats don’t like to drink cold water and since giving them lukewarm water I haven’t had any problems with urinary infections. I used to have a…

Media – Feed Me or Die

Manage – Don’t Suffer or Punish Question: I have a little cat of horrors. He is a 4 year old black American Short hair and when he is hungry he…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Pets at Work

Build morale! A shared passion! Bring your own? Barking, biting, messes, bathroom breaks? I love office pets. The shoulds of rules and accountability.

Media – Fostering Feline Friendships

Young Cats with Enriched Lives more likely to Succeed Question: I have always had a cat. Several months ago we lost our last cat and we were heart broken. I…

Media – Feline Windbag

Big Appetite? Weight Loss? Question: What can I do with my cat’s incessant meowing? Myrtle is 18 years old. She’s able to hop up on the furniture. First thing in…

Media – Cat with Swollen Ear Flap

Mites or Other Infections are the Primary Cause Question: We took our cat to the veterinarian due to noticing his ear was down and swollen. The doctor reassured us his…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Gift Pets: Good Idea? Bad Idea?

You’ve found the perfect pet for someone really special. In your mind you can already see them together! Watching the wriggling box get unwrapped and that look of astonishment and…

Media – Oxygen Hose Abuse

Reduce Temptation; Cat Chewing Done Right Question: My cat Bella Lynne is 3years old and she chews on oxygen hoses. I need help. Dr. Nichol: Cats are predators who need…

Media – The Mouse Diet

Or Purchase the Right Cat Food The raging debate on healthy cat diets continues. Dry vs. canned, high protein or grain free? You could go to the mountaintop and consult…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Painful or Freaked-Out when Alone

Our pets bring us so much joy when they’re active and playful. When these characters are at peace, I am too. But if they have pain or if they struggle…

Media – Alien Feline Freak-Out

Can New Cat Succeed? Question: I have 2 other cats and since I’ve brought the new guy home it is a divided household. My 2 established cats are terrified of…

Media – Holidays Happen

Keep it Safe I can’t wait for Thanksgiving: Family, turkey, pie, and political football. Well, maybe for you and me. Keep a close eye on your pets. Tense body postures…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Yelling Feline Urinators

Cat urine on the rug (yuck), on the sofa (eewww), on your bed (OMG!!!) How about a kitty who howls and yowls when she can’t find you? Beyond the urine…

Media – Silent Suffering Cats

Chronic Pain can Dog your Cat Do you know anyone “of a certain age” with chronic pain? Most people don’t keep it a secret. Dogs don’t suffer silently either. You’ll…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Fear Agitation – Help on the Spot

It’s not about you; your pet’s brain needs to calm down. But when you relax – your dog or cat will feel better too.

Media – Cat Claws Desecrate Vital Resource

Toilet Paper Alternatives Question: My name is Courtney and I have a question regarding my cat Remus. My grandmother and I got him a few years ago. He has been…

Media – Aging like a Fine Feline Wine

Fear-Free Kidney Care The Nichol family really loves its kitties, Tony and Gaston. They tap into the same part of our hearts as children but there are differences. They haven’t…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Balloon Freak-Out

Scary Monsters in the Sky

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Cats Losing Steam

Chronic Pain can Lurk. Find out how to locate it and fix it.

Media – Wild Kittens – Should we Stay or Should we Go?

Feral at 8 Weeks Question: There is a tame but stray cat in our back yard. She recently had 3 kittens, who are now 8 weeks old. The kittens seem…

Media – Runny Eyes & Itchy Face

Allergies & Smoldering Infection Question: My 10 year old cat has had eye drainage for quite a while. My veterinarian referred us to an ophthalmologist who thought it might be…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Early Death Stunted Life Not for my Cats

Cats with free access to carbohydrate-rich, dry diets do more than pork-up. Think diabetes, liver disease, joint pain, and behavior problems.

Media – Replacement Cat Friend?

Most Do Best Alone in the Jungle Question: I adopted two female cats from the shelter 3 years ago. One was a year old; the other was three. The younger…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Cranky Cats & Kids

Does your cat hate kids? Can you turn that around – safely? You can teach your kids how to stay safe and how to set a cat up for success.…

Media – Cats Suffer Silently

Observant Pet Parents & Preventive Care Save Lives In the pet popularity contest cats are a close second to dogs, yet they get much less preventive medical care. That’s because…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Cats Gone Wild-Indoors

Cats are predators wherever they live. Satisfy those essential primal urges with this cool Indoor Hunting Feeder.

Media – Feline Predation Risks more than Human Health

Protection for Diminishing Birds Question: I was disappointed in your reply to the owner of the “trophy hunting cat” in the July 19 Albuquerque Journal. While you made good points…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Death by Summer Heat

Heat stroke can end a life quickly – And it’s about more than just hot cars

Media – Predation can Make You Sick

Tularemia, Plague, Rabies, & Hanta Virus Question: Our formerly feral five-year-old cat is now a tamed cuddler, purrer, and a chatterer. Her favorite activity is catching baby rabbits, baby squirrels,…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Incoming Fire – Wigged-Out Jittery Pets

The rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air mean Independence Day for you and me but our pets that just isn’t so. They think that the end is near.…

Media – Feline Fisticuffs

Fighting Among Household Cats Relationships among multiple indoor cats could devolve into a slugfest. The head banana may lurk in the shadows, pounce, and scare the snot out of an…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Stick–in–the Mud Cats

Love cats enough to bring out their inner snuggle bunny? For some it’s a walk in the park of catnip, for others it can be more like a briar patch.

Media – Stress Whizzing

A Crowd of Cats Question: One of our foster families has a cat with bladder disease. She had a UTI, which has now cleared up after medication. She is now on…

Media – Raiding Dangerous Snacks

Beware of Sugar Substitutes in Prepared Foods Did you know that dogs and cats are not little people in furry suits? They’re like us in a lot of ways. They…

Media – Cat Calls

Kitties often Speak Non-Verbally Question: Having watched your Facebook Live on cats who fight, I wonder about how do two cats living in a house communicate with each other? Dr.…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Foxtails: That’s Tails, not Tales

Aggressive grass awns invade the bodies of dogs and cats.

Media – Grass for Cats

Be Wary: Serious Trouble may Lurk Question: What is your view of “cat grass?” Dr. Nichol: I have never used cat grass. I don’t eat it, smoke it, grow it…

Media – Womb Mates make BFFs

Adopt Kittens in Pairs Question: I have always had a cat throughout my 60 years. Several months ago we lost our last cat and we were broken hearted. I would…

Media – Eat More; Weigh Less

Not a Road Map to Feline Health Tony is a 12 year old kitty who started fussing for food frequently. But when his family was petting him they realized that…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Cats who Hate each other’s Guts

Dangerous cat fights can worsen fast. Some cats belong together; others don’t. Keep the peace and learn how to give them space from each other.

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Mama’s Empathic Example

Kindness can be found everywhere from chimpanzees to dog, cats, and people.

Media – Hermione has fatty liver

Question: Hermione, our 11 year old long haired calico, was diagnosed with hepatic lipidosis. She received a month of treatment per our veterinarian. We then made a tough decision to…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Cats ‘n Kids

Snuggle Bunnies? Predators? If they’re close to losing impulse control they might actually communicate. Hissing, growling, spitting, ears back, pupils dilated – Cats in this mindset need space. Keep all…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Pets & Kids Make it Safe – Keep it Fun

Make it Safe – Keep it Fun. Did you ever do dumb things when you were a kid? I never did. Well, ah yes, actually I did. I have two…

Media – Cat Urine Spray

Are We Having Fun Yet? Question: I have indoor cats. One of the black cats (Toby) has gotten aggressive with the others and he started to spray about 6 months…

Media – Sphinx calls Ork

Regurgitation is Dangerous Question: Blue Boy is a Sphynx cat, 13 years old. Ever since he was a kitten he has scooped food into his mouth like a bull dozer…

Media – Stinky Cat 3 AM

Cat Daddy as Midnight Toy Question: Stinky, at the age of 5 months, adopted us by walking in the back door. The weird thing is his habit of waking me…

Media – Possum Home Invasion

Not Man’s, Woman’s, or Cat’s Best Friend Question: I have two 15 year old cats who are both well toilet trained. Recently I moved from the city to the country.…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – A Cat Named I. P. Daily

Cat pee on the floor, cat pee on the bed, cat pee on the door – could make you lose your head. The most common feline behavior problem often has…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Hissy, Scratchy, Cranky Kitties

Cats are so sweet and cuddly. But they can damage you with their sharp teeth and claws. Don’t get angry – get cat smart.

Albuquerque Journal Article – Caged Cats

Born to be Wild, or to At Least Believe They Are Question: I’m trying to help half a dozen cats who are kept in pens. I would like to see…

Albuquerque Journal Article – Secretly Sick

Don’t Let Your Cat Fool You Do you examine your cat’s mouth? That would mean putting him on a table under a bright light with an assistant gently holding his…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Holiday Disasters & Near Misses

You’ve done your best but somebody in your house ate a poinsettia or a chocolate Santa. And what about New Year’s Eve fireworks? Share with your friends. Together we’ll survive…

Albuquerque Journal Article – Celebratory Bombing Raid

Pets ready for Fireworks? In the next few days many of us will be treated to (or cursed by) fireworks and even a few skyward gunshots, all to improve our…

Albuquerque Journal Article – Trans-window Hissing Contest

Indoor Cats Freaked-Out by Visitor Question: I have 2 cats, 10 months old. We have recently let them go outside. A few days ago another cat showed up in our…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Cars, Cats, & Furry Suits

You’re invited to my Facebook Live event called Holiday Worries for Jangled Pets. I’ll share valuable methods for keeping pets peaceful and avoiding hazards on Wednesday, December 19 at 6…

Albuquerque Journal Article – Feline Boot Scooting

Not your Typical Two Step Question: I have a male ginger cat, 9 years old, named Will. For the last 2-3 years he has had to have his anal glands…

Albuquerque Journal Article – Girl Cat Pees like a Boy

Good Housekeeping Promotes Etiquette Question: My female cat pees like a lady when outside, but inside she stands and sprays the wall. I have had to buy an enclosed litter…

Dr. Nichol’s Podcast – Cars, Cats, & Furry Suits

Prior to JP’s stretch in animal control, where his new person Esther found him, this feline waif had already been through two homes. This good lady wanted to learn how…

Albuquerque Journal Article – Cat Tosses House – Hungry & Indoors

Question: Am I feeding my cat too much or not enough? She is a 5 year old, spayed Calico. She eats 3/4 of a can of Hill’s Science Diet Metabolic…

Dr. Nichol’s Blog – Cars, Cats, & Furry Suits

Do you know anybody whose adult life could have been easier and a whole lot happier if they’d been treated better as a child? Not only do I know people…

Albuquerque Journal Article – Imposters and Monsters and Chocolate, Oh My!

Halloween can be Scary and Dangerous The idea of Halloween is rather appealing. It’s fully legal and socially acceptable to assume a different identity. If you are underage you can…

Albuquerque Journal Article – To neuter or not to neuter?

Hey – wasn’t that settled a long time ago? The oversupply of pets hasn’t gone away. The behavioral benefits of spaying and neutering are clear. Roaming, urine marking/spraying, and aggression…

Albuquerque Journal Article – Cat Snarls & Swats

Fear can be Learned just Once Question: New Mexico Animal Friends has a spayed female foster cat, Twyla, a young tortoiseshell shorthair, who has become difficult at adoption clinics. We…

Dr. Nichol’s Podcast – Cat Bites when Petted

As Lily headed toward the bedroom she glanced at her cat as a way of getting a read on his mood. She loved Omar but he could be impetuous. At…

Albuquerque Journal Article – Blind Senior Cat

Quality of Life is Central Question: My cat Kayla just turned 23 years old and suddenly went blind. When do I know that it’s too much for her to handle…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Petting Cat – Ouch!

Grooming or petting a cat can be dangerous. Watch for dilated pupils and rippling skin. Physical problems can underlie serious aggression.

Dr. Nichol’s Podcast – Cat Bites when Petted

As Lily headed toward the bedroom she glanced at her cat as a way of getting a read on his mood. She loved Omar but he could be impetuous. At…

Albuquerque Journal Article – Rotund Cat Urine Soils

Moving is Painful & Stressful Question: My fiancé and I are having a house built. I have an enormous 20# tabby male cat named Tortellini. Should I kennel him for…

Dr. Nichol’s Blog – Cat Bites when Petted

Lily had just finished putting away her groceries when she walked past Omar, her 2 year old Ragdoll cat. This good lady relied on her fuzzy house mate for more…

Albuquerque Journal Article

Question: I recently moved to Albuquerque from Colorado. I have two yellow Labs. They have always shed hair, but it seems to have gotten worse since the move. I brush…

Albuquerque Journal Article – Cat Fears the Gentle Man in the House

Set Tiger up to Choose to Snuggle Question: We adopted Tiger as a kitten 3 months ago. At first he was very affectionate with me and my husband. Suddenly, when…

Albuquerque Journal Article – Itchy Kitty with Diarrhea

Food & Airborne Allergens take their Toll Question: Pippi, my 4 year old Maine Coon cat first suffered with indolent ulcers at six months of age that has been controlled…

Albuquerque Journal Article – Blind Cat with a Rich Life

Basic Obedience Skills will make a Difference Question: How do you improve the quality of life for a blind cat? Dr. Nichol: Caring for this special needs cat can be…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Considering a Second Cat? Think Twice

Does your cat seem lonely? Wouldn’t he love to have a friend? Well, maybe. I treat a lot of aggression between household cats. Fret not; I’ll also explain how to…

Albuquerque Journal Article – Cat Freaks-Out at Veterinary Clinic

Make it Easy to Reduce Fear Question: Your columns convinced me to take my cat to the veterinarian for regular exams. Now I need your advice on how to…

Dr. Nichol’s Podcast – Considering a Second Cat? Think Twice

Does your cat seem lonely? Wouldn’t he love to have a friend? Well, maybe. I treat a lot of aggression between household cats. Fret not; I’ll also explain how to…

Dr. Nichol’s Blog – Considering a Second Cat? Think Twice

Cats are a unique species. They’re not 10# people in furry suits and they’re certainly not dogs with short ears. Despite those differences, or maybe because of them, their presence…

Albuquerque Journal Article – Options for pets who freak out for the 4th

Restrictions on fireworks won’t stop the earsplitting blasts that turn otherwise stable pets into trembling, panting emotional disasters. Some will get so overwhelmed that they‘ll drool, cry or howl, urine…

Albuquerque Journal Article – Cat Sleeps in Dirty Litter Pan

Better Alternatives will mean Better Choices Question: My cat has a thing about sleeping in her litter tray even when it has been used. How can I get her to…

#34 – Fireworks Freak-Out

There are lots of remedies for this phobia. Beyond recommending drowning out the noise with fans and music, pheromones (Adaptil), and food toys to promote foraging, I urge you to…

Albuquerque Journal Article – Avoid Hydrogen Peroxide for a Cat Wound

Veterinary Treatment is Best – Question: I put hydrogen peroxide on a cat wound, ooops, now I know. What can I do now? The wound looks like a gouge. A…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Missed the Litter Pan Again? Oh No!

Avoid the Mess: Set your Cats Up for Success – The scent of urine in all the wrong places is a drag on everybody’s wellbeing – your cats’ and yours…

Dr. Nichol’s Podcast – Missed the Litter Pan Again? Oh No!

There are a lot of different reasons for nefarious urinating. Cats don’t stink up our homes because they secretly hate our guts. They’re not spiting their people as retribution for…

Albuquerque Journal Article – Bad Cat Teeth & Failing Kidneys At-Home Dental Exams

Today’s cats live a lot longer than their free-living ancestors not just because of advances in nutrition and medical care. Their people are getting educated and paying closer attention. A…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Stranded and Alone in the Night

A scroungy stray kitten called for help and taught lessons. Live in the moment and listen. We’re all in this life together. Lifelines come when they are needed the most.

Albuquerque Journal Article – Cat Suddenly Bites his Person’s Hands

Predatory Aggression can be Redirected Question: Like the cat you wrote about last week my 7 year old neutered-male craves affection but will viciously and without warning bite me. I…

Dr. Nichol’s Podcast – Stranded and Alone in the Night

Lifelines come when they are needed the most Surprises happen on the Rio Grande irrigation system. Gaston had already been watching us when he called out for help. He had…

Albuquerque Journal Article – Missing a cat’s signals can lead to punishment

Question: I have a four year old female cat that, on occasion, viciously bites me without warning when I pet her. When my previous cat would bite, I chalked it…

Dr. Nichol’s Blog – Stranded and Alone in the Night

Lifelines come when they are needed the most Gaston had already been watching us when he called out for help. Rather than panicking and running toward us with abandon he…

Albuquerque Journal Article – Speechless Cat

Soldering Infection may be at Fault Question: I have a 10 year old male orange tabby. He has always been a vocal cat and enjoys “talking” back and forth with…

Dr. Nichol’s Blog – Use of Punishment in Pet Training

Download a .pdf version of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) position statement on The Use of Punishment. Giving dogs and other creatures a clear reason not to…

Albuquerque Journal Article – Can you Know who that Kitten will be?

Science reduces the Guesswork You’ve decided to adopt a kitten and you’ve been a careful, detached observer of a litter. You’re chafing at the bit, just itching to snuggle and…

#30 – Feline Fear & Loathing in the Veterinary Clinic

1.3.18 NMVMA listserve Behavior Tip #30 Hi colleagues- Here is the story of a cat who was sweet at home but scared to the point of serious reactive aggression…

Albuquerque Journal Article – Choosing the Greatest Kitten for Your Life

Kittenhood matters Can you choose a great kitten who will be the excellent companion you’ve always wanted? I think you can if you follow an objective method. That’s easier said…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Choosing the Greatest Kitten for Your Life

Can you choose the great feline friend who will be the excellent companion you have always wanted? I think you can if you follow an objective method. Allowing fate to…

Dr. Nichol’s Blog – Choosing the Greatest Kitten for Your Life

Is this possible? Can you choose the great feline friend who will be the faithful excellent companion you have always wanted? I think you can but there are many “ifs”…

Albuquerque Journal Article – Diabetic Cat Feels Bad

My excellent and, sadly, late colleague Dr. Sophia Yin presents a wonderful method for giving injections to cats. The pet parent with this diabetic kitty can learn to make it…

Albuquerque Journal Article – Veterinary Fees Cause Pet Owner Angst

Ask Questions & Make Informed Choices Question: I am writing to you to vent my frustration toward the excessive fees charged by veterinarians. We took our pet for a routine…

Albuquerque Journal Article – Culture Shock: Taking Outdoor Cat to Far-Off Apartment

Loss of Territory; Stress with New Indoor Cats Question: I was at my mother’s for her birthday and there was this beautiful cat on her porch. I petted and loved…

Dr.Nichol’s Video – Home Wrecking, Ripping, Scratching Cats

It would seem logical to correct or punish a destructive cat but these apparently nefarious acts are actually part of the normal feline behavioral repertoire. Feliscratch is a synthetic analogue…

Albuquerque Journal Article – Chronic Kidney Failure is Manageable

Older Cats need Special Care Question: I have a 17 year old long haired female cat that was diagnosed with chronic renal failure two years ago. She has received 100…

Dr. Nichol’s Podcast – Home Wrecking, Ripping, Scratching Cats

Declawing is so ‘90s (actually ‘60s) I was recently contacted by a 72 year old man who explained that he’d had cats his entire life. He and his wife had…

Dr. Nichol’s Blog – The Damage of Cat Scratching

Declawing is so ‘90s (actually ‘60s) There is a definite calming influence that comes with having a cat sharing my home. They are delightful creatures but even the best-behaved kitty…

Albuquerque Journal Article – Cat Scratching Redirected

Declawing is so ‘90s (actually ‘60s) Question: I am 72 and have had cats since I can remember. We recently lost our last cat and I feel lost without another…

Albuquerque Journal Article – Holiday Dietary Indiscretion

Our American tradition of conspicuous Christmas consumption isn’t just for humans. Your pet can be a pig even without being a pet pig. Edibles: Alcoholic beverages, chocolate, coffee (grounds, beans,…

Albuquerque Journal Article – Fear Free Handling Saves Lives

I recently shared the story of Sherman, a well-loved cat with long-standing defensive-aggression in veterinary clinics. It was so bad that his people quit taking him for routine wellness exams.…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Feline Fear & Loathing in the Veterinary Clinic

This is the story of Sherman, a well-loved cat with long-standing defensive-aggression in veterinary clinics. It was so bad that his people quit taking him for routine wellness exams. As…

Albuquerque Journal Article – Safe Exams for Frightened & Aggressive Cats

Medication can make the Difference In last week’s column I introduced Sherman, a cat who did fine in the doctor’s office as a youngster but later became frightened and reactive/aggressive.…

Dr. Nichol’s Podcast – Cat Fear & Aggression in the Veterinary Clinic

This is the story of Sherman, a cat who learned to hate going to the veterinarian. This sad turn of events led to serious challenges for this fine kitty. His…

Albuquerque Journal Article – Feline Aggression at the Veterinary Clinic

Cats who Hate the Doctor When I met Sherman he was a sporty little black and white feline youth of about 8 weeks. I vaccinated and neutered him, events that…

Dr. Nichol’s Blog – Feline Fear & Loathing in the Veterinary Clinic

When I met Sherman he was a sporty little black and white feline youth of about 8 weeks. During my first exam room encounter with him he stood up for…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Dogs, Family Gatherings Overwhelmed & Badly Behaved

Hey-it’s a holiday. Let the good times roll! Maybe not for everybody. Some pets get badly unsettled and engage in unhealthy and dangerous behaviors because they’re nervous or scared. The…

Albuquerque Journal Article – Dogs & Cats who Dread Thanksgiving

It’s Easy to Give them a Break & Keep them Safe Thanksgiving is great fun, isn’t it? Family, football, turkey, pie, and beer. Well, maybe for you and me. Keep…

Dr. Nichol’s Podcast – Thanksgiving Hazards

Thanksgiving is great fun, isn’t it? Family, football, turkey, pie, beer. Hey – let the good times roll. Well, for you and me, sure, but maybe not for everybody. Badly…

Albuquerque Journal Article – Yowling, Fighting, and Lapses in Bathroom Etiquette

Stressed Cats Struggle Behaviorally and Physically Do you live in a litter pan or suffer through feline caterwauling and brawling? Take a long gulp of coffee just for maintaining your…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Lions & Tigers & Loud Noises in the Sky

Dogs who freak-out during storms, fireworks, and airborne events like the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta have true phobias. There’s nothing logical about these fears. Just like humans with unfounded anxieties, these…

Dr. Nichol’s Podcast – Halloween is Scary, Maybe Poisonous

Chocolate is Dangerous for Dogs Halloween is great, isn’t it? You can go incognito and so can your dog. And the snacks, oooh, they’re to die for, aren’t they? But…

Albuquerque Journal Article – Pugnacious Feline Pests

A ScareCrow will Prevent Intrusions by Neighbor Cats Question: I have a spayed female cat who mostly stays indoors and but likes to go out in the evenings. There are…

Dr. Nichol’s Blog – Pugnacious Feline Pests – A ScareCrow will Prevent Intrusions by Neighbor Cats

A ScareCrow will Prevent Intrusions by Neighbor Cats Question: I have a spayed female cat who mostly stays indoors and but likes to go out in the evenings when it…

Albuquerque Journal Article – Lions & Tigers & Hot Air Balloons – Oh My!

Phobia of Celestial Assault Balloons Fiesta is fun for us, but it’s not much of a party for pets who freak-out from those cosmic monsters leering and looming over them.…

Albuquerque Journal Article – Diabetic Cat has Off Days

Careful Evaluation & Dosing are Critical to Success Question: I have a 14-year-old diabetic cat. She was healthy and stable; her insulin (glargine) dose was 1.5 units. About a month…

Albuquerque Journal Article – Itchy, Itchy Angry Cat

Atopic and Zylkene can Help Question: Our cat is a bit of scaredy cat but is also aggressive towards me and my husband. He was poorly socialized as a kitten.…

Dr. Nichol’s Podcast – Faith

This is the story of a cat I named Faith. She was important not just because we loved her but because she taught some important lessons. A box was pushed…

Dr. Nichol’s Videos – Cat Toys that are Fun but may be Dangerous

Pets who eat nonfood items can pay a big price for their curiosity. Swallowed linear foreign material, like yarn, ribbon, or dental floss, can saw holes in the intestinal wall…

Albuquerque Journal Article – Cat Chews Electric Cords at Risk of Tongue Slough and Electrocution

Food Toys & Cord Covers Bring out the Best Question: My cat has a terrible chewing problem. He chewed through my curling iron cord, leaving exposed wires. He chews the…

Dr. Nichol’s Video – Worried about Your Cat – At Home Exam

https://youtu.be/Wnmv8uVHiuQ There are important reasons to keep a close eye on our cats. They tend to hide their illnesses and injuries. It’s just who they are. Their genetically programmed reality…

Albuquerque Journal Article – Canned Kitten Food for Heavy Cats

High Protein, Low Carb Question: Sometime back you suggested feeding cats over 12 pounds canned kitten food. Our cat weighs about 18 pounds. He eats canned food and dry. You…

Albuquerque Journal Article – Cat Angry, Losing Weight after Moving in With Mom’s Cats

Reduce the anxiety, improve the home environment Question: I took in a stray kitten back in August, 2012 after being tased and thrown out by a neighbor. Baby Girl isn’t…

Albuquerque Journal Article – Fireworks Fear

Comfort Scared Pets with Good Management Startled by earsplitting blasts, many otherwise stable pets will endure almost continual panic this weekend. Scared dogs may hide, tremble, drool, cry or howl,…

Albuquerque Journal Article – Spayed Cat Comes into Heat

An Ovarian Remnant May Be Lurking Question: Pepper, aka Ms. Incorrigible, was a newly spayed rescue. After 6 weeks, she went into heat behavior. A second spaying procedure found 25%…

Cats Shedding

Frequent Brushing Benefits Skin & Emotional Well-Being Question: I have two cats, Snowball and Alfie who were rescued as newborns from a box in a feed store 8 years ago.…

Cats Hangs Rump Off Pan to Eliminate

Dirty Restroom Facilities Create Trouble Question: Sadie is a large, four year old, spayed calico cat with a big rump. Consequently, she goes outside her box because she backs into…

Hair Loss – Bad Sign

The Road to Fatty Liver Disease Question: Hermione, our 11 year old long haired calico, was diagnosed with hepatic lipidosis. She received a month of treatment per our veterinarian. We…

Putting Catnip Toys in Food Bowl

An Enriched Indoor Life would Improve Kitten’s Well-Being Question: My daughter has a 6 month old Tonkinese kitten. She brings any toy with catnip in it to her food bowl. …

Matted Elderly Cat

Consider Mouth Pain from Dental or Kidney Disease Question: My long haired cat (Ragdoll) will be 16 this month. He gets badly matted. I have tried cutting out the mats,…

Swollen, Puffy Ear Flap on a Cat

Ear Mites Cause Pain & Injury Question: Hey my name is Christina and I live in North Carolina. I have a tom cat his name is Checkers. Tuesday I saw…

Cat Bites Visitors

A Safe Haven Before Visitors Arrive Question: My cat Haley is 10 years old. When I have visitors she will attack them even when they are sleeping. She has attacked…

Pain from Cat’s Leg Amputation

The Right Medication can make the Difference Question: Marley is a 2 year old, male tabby with his right rear leg amputated at the hip. He is getting around amazingly,…

Festivities May Be Upsetting for Pets

The holidays are great fun, aren’t they? Singin’, dancin’, and carryin’ on. For you and me, sure, but maybe not for everybody. Badly unsettled pets can engage in some unhealthy…

Cat Terrified of Visitors

Patience, Zylkene, & Feliway Question: My 6 month old kitty came from Animal Control when she was 5 weeks. She was definitely scared but settled in with me in a…

Fat Cats & Diabetes

The Link is Strong but it can be Broken Garfield the comic strip cat, famous for his obsessive eating, is not alone. Just this morning our cat Tony, having ripped…

Human Blindness & Feline Toxoplasmosis

Testing Cats can Assure Human Safety Question: I have friends that have macular degeneration. One is legally blind. I have read Internet articles telling that cats can carry the parasite…

Cats Stay Calm while Owner Travels

Question: Will the mist of an essential oils diffuser bother my two male cats? How long is a cat’s memory? I will be gone for a month as my daughter…

Reducing Fear of Humans in Feral Kittens

Question: I have a nonprofit cat rescue, ForeclosurePets, here in Washington State (I am a NM native). I currently have a mom, who is very friendly, and her 3 kittens.…

Scooting Cat Leaving a Trail of Blood

Vaginal Foxtail Awns cause Infection & Misery Question: My cat Mystic is a 3 year old spayed female. She scoots on our carpet and leaves a streak. Our veterinarian said…

Cat Lip Lesion & Diarrhea

Allergic Causes respond to Diet + Medication Question: Our 4 year old Maine Coon cat, Pippi, has suffered with indolent ulcers that are under control with Hill’s z/d. In January,…

Hot Spots & Maggots

Older Pets Outdoors are at Risk Are you eating your breakfast as you read this? If you don’t have a strong stomach you may want to enjoy a news story…

Cat Rescued from Electric Pole

Electrocuted and Concussed “Chico” Survives Last week I shared tales of a few foolish felines who reached heights they could hardly handle. Here’s the story of “Chico”, told by his…

Cats Rubs Off her Whiskers

Allergies & Mange need Medical Attention Question: We got our cat, LuLu, from a shelter 10 months ago when she was 8 months old. She has always liked to have…

Aggressive Cat Triggered by Outdoor Agitators

Booby Traps & Window Coverings can Help Question: My male neutered cat Giorgio has been acting out for about a year; he is 100% indoors. Sometimes a cat outside will…

Hyperactive Older Cat

Hyperthyroidism Responds Well to Treatment A super active kitty visited recently for a behavioral concern. At first glance you might take her for a playful kitten, jumping onto the counters…

Ear Flaps & Sopapillas

Appetite Loss is the Greater Concern Question: My cat has an ear hematoma. It was first drained and then injected with steroids. Her veterinarian also gave her ear drops for…

Russell the Vagabond Moves In

Feline-Specific Choices for Behavioral Well-Being Question: Last week in your column you answered my letter about Russell, the cat about town. Well, we opened the door and he gradually got…

Ear Pain and Discharge

Every Painful Ear needs Medical Attention Ear disease is the most common problem seen by veterinarians and there are still too many uncomfortable pets flying below radar. Redness, swelling, and…

Sneezing Cat may have Infectious Disease

Lab Work & Treatment should be Started Soon Question: I have a male cat, 20 months old, who gets sneezing fits, sometimes sneezing 9 times in a row (all without…

Fatty Liver Disease can Affect the Brain

Porky Pussy Cat needs to be Re-Litter Trained Question: We adopted Kiki from the City Shelter. She’s about 7 years old and was obese. Jaundice was noticed and she was…

Cat with Mouth Pain & Excessive Salivation

Thorough Dental Treatment is Essential Question: Our cat is 10 years of age and lately started to salivate a lot, having trouble eating and her tongue slightly protruding. Don’t know…

Cats and Christmas Catastrophes

Time to Cat-Proof for the Holidays Canine dietary indiscretions like chocolate, raisins, grapes, and turkey carcasses are well known. Let’s be fair; cats are sneakier; their Christmastime binging can go…

Feline Diets

Treat the Patient; the Diagnosis is Secondary Question: A couple of weeks ago you spoke regarding overweight kitties. Smokie is five years old and weighs 13.8 pounds. I have moved…

Cat Fights & Reconciliation

Feline-Specific Outlets for Natural Behavior are Essential Question: We have a 3 year old female cat, “Tuxie”. Our other cat “Merlin” was adopted by a fellow who later hanged himself.…

Fat Cat Risk Liver Failure

Canned Kitten Food is Best for Healthy Cats of All Ages Are chubby cats cute and happy? As youngsters their bodies can tolerate abuse but like us, as they reach…

Hen Hysteria

More than just Freaked-Out Fowl I want to discuss hen hysteria. Don’t get me wrong – this is not a pejorative term; I’m not a politician. Hen hysteria is a…

Kidney Failure in Senior Cat Advances

Blood Pressure control becomes Key to Long Term Success Mungojerrie, the 14 year old kitty whose story graced this page last week, had become a heavy drinker and a world…

Senior Cat with Kidney Failure

Lab Draws require Gentle Handling Mungojerrie, a 14 year old male kitty, has been a cherished companion to a man who fell for and married a woman of fine character…

Discouraging Neighbor Cats from Using Your Yard as a Latrine

Dirty Tricks & Booby Traps Question: Is there anything we can put around our trees to keep the neighborhood cats from using them as their personal cat box? Dr. Nichol:…

Cats contact with Human Pain Creams

Flurbiprofen: Safe for Humans-Deadly for Cats Do you need relief from joint or muscle pain? How about a skin cream that would avoid the side effects of oral antinflammatories and…

Over-grooming Cat

Evaluate for Skin Disease before considering Behavioral Causes Question: My cat is pulling out her own fur several times a day- lots of it. She has bald patches now. She…

Xylitol is Not Your Dog’s Friend

Read Labels of Prepared Foods & Snacks Have I ever mentioned that dogs and cats are not little people in furry suits? Oh, sure, they’re like us in lots of…

Teaching a Cat to Come when Called

Motivate, have Fun, Never Punish Question: My nine month old kitten will not come when I call her. My other two cats come when they are called and for supper.…

Diabetic Complications

Seizures are a Major Challenge Question: Our 13 year old cat had been a diabetic for 9 months. We dropped her off for boarding but later received a call that…

Replace a Deceased Cat or Allow Remaining Cat to be “Friendless”?

Young Cats are More Likely to Accept a Newcomer Question: In May 2011, I adopted two female cats. The younger one is five now and has always been energetic and…

Senior Cat Afraid of Handling

Sedation is Safer for Medical Care Question: I have a 15 year old cat who cannot stand to be touched by hands. He got extremely traumatized when he was neutered…

Aggression between Family Cats following Surgery

Separate Warring Cats, then Reintroduce Carefully Question: I have a brother and a sister cat. They used to be very loving to each other by sleeping, playing, and cuddling. Then…

Elderly Cat: Big Appetite and Dilated Pupils could mean Thyroid Tumors

Feline Senior Citizen needs a Thorough Geriatric Workup Question: I have a senior Siamese going on 17 years. She has eaten Iams dry food all her life, turning her nose…

Advancing Rear Lameness in a Cat

Heart Muscle Disease a likely Cause Question: My poor Abby who is still a youngin at 5 years old is having severe problems walking. She is an indoor only cat…

Male Cat Mounting & Terrorizing other Pets

Determine that Neutering was Complete Question: My cat is ten years old. This last year he has been climbing on the back of another male cat that we have (who…

Socially Isolated New Kitten

Enrich the Environment for a Full Feline Live Question- I have 5 cats and 5 months ago, I saved 3 kittens that were 3 days old. I just adopted 2…

Trapping-Reader Feedback

Effort Underway to Outlaw Trapping on Public Lands A few weeks ago in this column I posted a letter telling the story of a dog who spent 3 days caught…

Holiday Risks for Pets

Prevention is the Best Medicine The time honored American tradition of conspicuous Christmas consumption isn’t just for humans; pets too can be guilty of dietary indiscretion. The ASPCA Animal Poison…

Cat with Food Allergy

Reliable Food Trials Require Rx Diets Question: We have a 13 year old female cat. Recently she started itching above her eyes and has removed most of the hair. Our…

Kidney Failure following Anesthesia

Normal Precautions can make All the Difference Question: My 9 year old cat has recently undergone a dental procedure. No bloods were checked before anesthesia and we were not offered…

Feline Obesity

Dangerous but Not Difficult to Control If left to fend for themselves in the wild our cats would survive on prey, displaying their prowess with buff physiques. Instead they park…

Indoor Feline Dirt Rolling

Accommodate Natural Needs Question: I saw your web post about why indoor cats like to roll in the dirt. I work out of town. Is there any way to bring…

Cats Hide Illness

Watch Carefully for Clues If I could change one thing about cats it would be their communication skills. They are certainly a social species but in rather different ways than…

Fecal Soiling & Fireworks

Litter Pan Choices & Fear Avoidance Question: Last year during the July 4 fireworks, my 5 year old cat tried to use the litter box, messed on himself, and got…

Sticky Matted Hair in an Older Cat

Kidney Failure may Cause Excessive Licking While oooing and ahhing at the beautiful and peaceful new Cattery at Animal Humane last week I was asked about a 17 year old…

Cat with Swollen Ear Flap

Mites or Other Infections are the Primary Cause Question: We took our cat to the vet due to noticing his ear was down and swollen. The vet reassured us his…

Video-Predatory Aggression Against a Child

Heroic Family Cat Derailed a Tragedy Question: I keep seeing this video everywhere and hearing lots of theories about the dog’s behavior. The dog is completely unprovoked, but it also…

Cats & Dogs as BFFs

Choose Carefully & Raise them Together Question: Am I crazy or is this possible? I want 2 cats and 2 large dogs to get along peacefully in our mountain home.…

Discharging Eyes & a Sore Face

Diagnose First; Treat Second Question: My 10 year old cat has had eye drainage for quite a while. My veterinarian referred us to an ophthalmologist who thought it might be…

Older Cats Suffer Silently

Observant Owners & Thorough Medical Care Saves Lives Cats are America’s favorite pet, yet they are seen less often than dogs in veterinary clinics. Why? I thought you’d never ask.…

Spaying & Neutering May have a Downside

Some Disorders may be More Prone to Occur To neuter or not to neuter: That is the question. Really? Wasn’t that settled a long time ago? As a veterinarian, obliged…

Pet Medical Insurance Saves Lives

A Good Plan can make Veterinary Expenses Affordable A dog or cat who is sick or injured needs competent medical care but the cost can be a serious problem. Research…

Feline Fatty Liver Disease

Obesity is Dangerous Question: Hermione, our 11 year old long haired calico, was diagnosed with hepatic lipidosis. She received a month of treatment per our veterinarian. We then made a…

Cat Killed in Yard

Coyotes may be Responsible. Rule out Involvement of Dogs Question: We raised two LGD puppies with sheep — neither of them showed aggression toward anything — not chickens, cats, sheep,…

Cat Wakes Owner at 3 AM

Add Feline-Specific Activities Question: Stinky, at the age of 5 months, adopted us by walking in the back door. The weird thing is his habit of waking me at 3…

Veterinary Fees Cause Pet Owner Angst

Ask Questions & Make Informed Choices Question: I am writing to you to vent my frustration toward the excessive fees charged by veterinarians. We took our pet for a routine…

Cat Frightened of Humans

Quiet Enticements and Anxitane can Help Question: We got our 2nd cat last August, a beautiful female calico about 3 years old. Her name is Sweety. She has been abused…

Unhealthy Cat Diets: Blindness and Heart Disease

Taurine is a Critical Nutrient Like humans thriving on a healthy diet, properly fed pets feel better and live longer. If you have a creative bent with nutrition or a…

Female Stands-up to Urinate

A Cleaner Litter Pan can make a Big Difference Question: My female cat pees like a lady when outside, but inside she stands and sprays the wall. I have had…

Feline Acne

Appropriate Treatment Pays Off Question: My mostly feral/domestic cat has chin acne very badly. I’ve read stuff on line and am now only giving food and water out of glass/porcelain…

Blind Cat with a Rich Life

Basic Obedience Skills will make a Difference Question: I have to ask, how do you improve the quality of life for a blind cat? Dr. Nichol: I am so glad…

Regurgitating Cat needs a Diagnosis

Vascular Ring Anomaly can be Surgically Corrected Question: Blue Boy is a Sphynx cat, 13 years old. Ever since he was a kitten he has had trouble with food. He…

Balloon Phobia

Avoid the Fear Triggers; Reduce the Anxiety Balloon Fiesta is great fun for us, but it’s not much of a party for pets who freak out from falling cosmic monsters.…

Air Travel for Scared Cats

Chewable Anxitane can make a Difference Question: I will retire soon to Ecuador and my two cats will be relocating with me. The plan is for them to travel in…

Plastic Licking Cat

Stomach or Intestinal Causes are Most Likely Question: My oddball cat loves to lick shiny plastic bags, such as Ziplocs and dry cleaning bags. What is that about? Dr. Nichol:…

Cat Bites like a Snake when Petted

Avoid touching Behind the Shoulders Question: I have a four year old female cat that will, on occasion, viciously bite me without warning when I pet her. When my previous…

Feline Scooting & Scooching

Anal Gland need Maintenance; maybe Removal Question: I had to have my cat’s analog glands taken out. Since then he has been scooching on carpet. I had him checked for…

Kitten Assaulting Family

Correct the Bad Behavior while Reinforcing Correct Human Interactions Question: My kitten is 10 weeks old and is constantly biting and scratching my family’s hands and feet. How we can…

Itchy Cat with Diarrhea

Itchy Cat with Diarrhea Food and Airborne Allergies Likely Question: Pippi, my 4 year old Maine Coon cat first suffered with indolent ulcers at six months of age that has…

My recent exposé of our volunteer efforts…

My recent exposé of our volunteer efforts to spay and neuter stray cats has turned our contraception conundrum into a veritable feral feline fiasco. Here are the final comments I’ll…

In last week’s column…

In last week’s column I explained volunteer efforts to reduce our burgeoning population of feral cats. Here are shortened versions of a couple of reader responses. My wife and I…

Trap, Neuter, Release

Feral Cat Population Control & the Impact on Wildlife A few times a year I spend a Sunday morning spaying and neutering feral cats at the behest of Street Cat…

Cat Seizuring following possible Head Trauma

Medication only needed until Healing is Complete Question: I have a 6 month old foster kitten and she has seizures of unknown origin. She has a healed fracture of her…

Cat Defecates Next to Litter Pan

Make Success Easy; Avoid Punishment Question: I have two cats, Puppy and Critter. Puppy uses the Litter Robot to urinate but defecates right in front of it. When I catch…

Who Decides How Much Care is Right for an Older Pet?

The Doctor Informs & Advises. The Owner Makes the Call Question: Last week you advised an owner of a Great Pyrenees to get expensive tests for her dog’s breathing problems.…

Cord Chewing is Shockingly Dangerous

Taste Bads & Funner Alternatives. Avoid Punishment Question: My cat has a terrible chewing problem. He chewed through my curling iron cord, leaving exposed wires. He chews the plastic top…

An Anxious Cat with a belly ache

Care for the Behavior & the Physical Pain Daffodil (not his real name) is a cat who complained so much and so loudly his owners could hardly talk over the…

Diabetic Cat Feels Bad

Complications like Urinary Infections Derail Good Control Question: I have a 14-year-old cat who was diagnosed with diabetes about 3 years ago. She was completely healthy and stable; her insulin…

Glo-Sticks & Glow-Jewelry cause Misery for Pets

Have a good Christmas? Great! The carousing and cavorting has only begun. With New Years Eve right around the corner everybody who’s anybody is certain to accessorize with glo-sticks and…

Cats and Christmas Catastrophes

Time to Cat-Proof for the Holidays Canine dietary indiscretions like chocolate, raisins, grapes, and turkey carcasses are well known. Let’s be fair; cats deserve recognition for their high risk Christmastime…

Sudden Stabs of Pain following Amputation

The right Medications can make a Big Difference Question: Marley is a 2 year old, male tabby with his right rear leg amputated at the hip. He is getting around…

Cat Attacks Visitors

Territorial & Fear-related Aggression is best Avoided Question: My cat Haley is 10 years old. When I have visitors she will attack them even when they are sleeping. She has…

Feline Bladder Disease and Diet

The Right Food Matters but a Cat must Eat it. Question: My 14 year old cat has had increased urination. The vet gave antibiotics, ruled out diabetes, and prescribed c/d…

Cat Defecates outside Litter Pan

Set Him Up to Succeed; Avoid Punishment Question: My husband and I got a shelter cat about 6 weeks ago. He is one and a half years old and neutered.…

Matted Geriatric Cat

Mouth Pain or Uncomfortable Joints are likely to Blame Question: I have a 20 year old cat that is having “fur” issues. Her coat is matted in several places. I…

Ear Pain and Discharge

Every Painful Ear needs Medical Attention Ear disease is the most common problem seen in veterinary clinics and we still aren’t treating enough of it. Redness, swelling, and nasty smelling…

Indoor Cat is Hostile toward Visiting Felines

Prevent the Angst by Uninviting Strays Question: My male neutered cat Giorgio has been acting out for about a year; he is 100% indoors. Sometimes a cat outside will make…

Diabetic Cat has Off Days

Careful Evaluation & Dosing are Critical to Success Question: I have a 14-year-old diabetic cat. She was healthy and stable; her insulin (glargine) dose was 1.5 units. About a month…

Diet and an Overweight Feline Senior

Protein & Sodium Restriction may trump Kitten Food Question: A year ago I contacted you about an older cat, overweight. I thought you said to feed her canned kitten food…

Maggots

An Important Summertime Threat Maggots are worse than disgusting; they are among the most dangerous summertime hazards to pets’ health. Confronting these flesh eaters and their unmistakable odor is a…

Weak Cat can Hardly Walk

All Meat Diets cause Thiamine Deficiency Question: Our cat had a possible stroke 3 weeks ago. Every other day we are thinking he’s getting better. The next day he’s not.…

A Cat who Hates taking Pills

Cats can Learn to Earn Treats by Taking Medicine Question: How do I give a pill to a cat? My previous cats have been cooperative, but this cat is much…

Infections Disease Prevention for Cats owned by Cat Shelter Volunteer

Changing Clothes, Washing Hands Best Question: I’d like to volunteer at a cat shelter, but I’m wondering if I could inadvertently transmit disease to my cats at home. Dr.…

Rapid Weight Loss in an Overweight Cat

Question: Our 13 year old cat has stopped eating altogether. He has gone from 15 lbs. down to 13 in two weeks. We took him to a local veterinarian and…

Best Age to Neuter a Cat

Age doesn’t Matter; It’s a Great Move for All Cats Question: My daughter wanted to know if having her cat neutered at one year of age could change his personality.…

Are Cats with Stomatitis Infectious?

Many Possible Causes Question: What is your recommendation for placing an 11 month old cat who now has all but her canines removed, because of plasmacytic lymphocytic stomatitis, with other…

Feline Leukemia Infection in Kittens

Risks and Test Results Assessed in Light of Physical Health Question: Our two adorable kittens have been diagnosed with feline leukemia. We are concerned they will not survive their shots…

Old Cat: Weight Loss & A Growing Appetite

Most Causes can be Treated at Home Question: Our old cat Spunky (13 years) is a disagreeable animal but I hate to see him decline. Two years ago we let…

Small Skin Mass & Stinky Urine with Bugs

Potentially Deadly: Malignancy & Diabetes are Manageable if Treated Early Question: My cats are brother and sister; they are 14. My female cat has had a small lump near her…

Warm vs. Cold Noses

Nose Temperature is Never Reliable; a Thermometer is Much Better Question: Is a cold nose an indicator of health in a cat (like a dog) or is it OK if…

Easter Lilies are Dangerous

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…

The Safety of Insect Repellents containing DEET

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…

Enlarged Lymph Nodes are an Important Sign

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…

Hitting Cat on Head for Correction

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…

Cat Who Pongs with Body Odor

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…

West Nile Virus

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…

Cats & Summer Heat

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…

Cats Outside in Cold, Wet Weather

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…

Overweight Dogs & Cats

R/d is the Best Way to Shed the Pounds & Prevent Serious Disease Question: Is Science diet r/d formula equal to the prescription r/d? Can I buy this r/d food…

Obese Cat Seems Depressed

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…

Overweight Cats

Question: My daughter has a 4-year-old cat, Gus-he weights 24 pounds. She put Gus on Iams low calorie, but he still hasn’t lost any weight. He may be eating the…

More FIP

Testing Is Less than Reliable. Fear Not for the Positive Cat-Most Never Get Sick. Question: Recently I adopted a wonderful cat from animal control who had developed an upper respiratory…

Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)

A contagious disease, that is always disease. Our best success is helping some cats feel OK. Question: My cat Roger is real sick. He’s only about one year old and…

Fanbelt Injuries

Cats love a warm, cozy spot on cold winter nights. Horrible trauma occurs when the car is started. Question: Our neighbor’s cat got stuck in the fanbelt of his…

Complications in Infant Kittens

Problems develop fast. Learn to correct low blood sugar & hypothermia. Question: My cat just had kittens 2 weeks ago and one died yesterday. I found him off by…

Feline AIDS Can Cause Chronic Disease in Cats

Many different long term symptoms can suggest AIDS. Infected kitties must be handled carefully to allow them to live as long and as well as possible. Question: My cat…

Excessive Drinking in Older Cats

Always a serious sign- move quickly. A thorough exam plus lab work may uncover age related kidney failure-a disease which may be treatable. Question: Our cat Bugsy is 17…

Stiff Legged Weak Cat

Low potassium causes poor muscle function. Get a thorough health evaluation to rule out other problems. The right supplement will make it right. Question: “Blinken” is my 9 year…

Postoperative Pain

Pets, without question, feel pain just as we do. Better pet hospitals treat & prevent pain. Question: I have often wondered about cats and dogs and pain, especially when…

Intestinal Parasites Can Put Your Cat at Risk-& You Too

Have a stool check done for the kitty’s health. Have a new kitten wormed for yours. Question: We got a new cat last week and took him to the…

Hookworms

A nasty parasite, they can also infect humans. Question: What causes hookworms and what are the symptoms? Can my kitten be reinfested with them? (She is strictly an indoor…

Excessive Sleeping

A grumpy, sleepy cat with fleas is also anemic & sick. Frontline should do the trick. Question: My cat of eight months, recently has been sleeping a lot, and…

Adult Littermates w/ Anemia

Don’t Waste Time with Meat Diets & Supplements. Get a Diagnosis & Save Your Cats’ Lives Question: When my 5-year old sibling cats had a dental cleaning, the vet performed…

Feline Hyperthyroidism Research Update

Feline hyperthyroidism (benign thyroid tumors) continues to advance among our pet cat population so I thought I’d share some useful research. The big bad guy in the blogosphere has been…

Bisphenol-A & Hyperthyroidism

Cat Food in Pop Top Cans & other possible Risk Factors Question: I just heard about the possible link between bisphenol-A in pop-top canned cat food and hyperthyroidism. How can…

Hyperthyroidism

Methimazole Helps Many. Consider the Cures Carefully Question: My 10 year old female cat was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism 2 years ago and placed on oral methimazole 10mg. The dose was too…

Intermittent Diabetic Symptoms with Mouth Pain

Symptoms are Red Flags; there is Help for Financial Constraints Question: Gritz is an 8 year old cat, weighs 14 lbs. His urine has an overwhelming odor. When he uses…

The Latest on Feline Diabetes

New Insulin & Better Diets Question: Please write about feline diabetes and its management. Every owner I meet has been told something different by his/her vet. Food is a biggy,…

The High Cost of Newer Insulin

Many Feline Diabetes can do Fine Without Expensive Insulin Question: I have a 14 year old diabetic cat. We’ve always used Humulin U insulin. We now use PZI-Vet at a…

Diabetes in a Cat

When to Feed, What type of Insulin Question: My 14 year old cat has just been diagnosed with diabetes. She is getting 2 units of insulin once a day in…

Diabetes

Learn about this difficult disease & how best to control it. Question: My 13-year-old cat has recently been diagnosed with diabetes. My doctor has me injecting him twice a…

Feline Diabetes

Potentially devastating, it’s nearly always treatable. Question: I have a male cat about 7 years old who was just diagnosed as diabetic. He has been slowly losing weight and…

Vaccination for Older Cats

After Age 13 Well Immunized Pets are considered Protected for Life Question: Our dearly loved cat is 20. She has faithfully had her shots every year. She no longer goes…

Overvaccination

How Vaccines Work & the Risks of Too Much of a Good Thing Question: I read your column regularly and respect your advice. What do you think about this perspective?…

Vaccinations for Puppies & Kittens

What do they really need & what’s unnecessary. Question: My kids and my wife and I have decided that we want to have a pet but we can’t agree…

Three Year Rabies Vaccination

Even with Less Frequent Vaccinations, Health Exams are Needed every 6-12 Months Question: We understand that the New Mexico legislature was considering a measure that lengthened the time between rabies…

Vaccinations for Solo Kitties

Some vaccines may be less important for cats without exposure to other cats. Question: I have chosen not to vaccinate my indoor cat. I take my cat outside in…

Vaccine Reactions

Our best methods at disease prevention have a down side risk. Here are the facts. 276c Question: When my cat gets her shot series, she seems sick the next couple…

Geriatric Cat: How to Know When It’s “Time”

First Find Out What’s Causing the Symptoms. Many Older Cats have Manageable Problems; Others have Reached the End Question: I have a cat that is turning 20 years old. We…

Weight Loss in a Geriatric Cat

Kidney Failure & Hyperthyroidism are Major Concerns Question: My 18 year old cat, Milo, is shrinking. She had a geriatric checkup 6 months ago and all tests were normal, just…

Icterus/Jaundice in an Older Cat

Thorough Diagnostic Work & Careful Treatment Saves Lives Question: Our cat Ginger is 13 or 14 (do you think I’m not protecting him if I use his name?) has lab…

Annual Exam Needs for an Older Cat

A Thorough Exam is Even More Important than the Vaccinations Question: I have been disappointed with the short visits when I take my 12 year-old kitty for her annual check-up.…

When to Go to the Veterinarian: How Sick is Sick Enough

How much should it cost? How sick is that kitty anyway? Question: My cat has had all of his shots plus a recent tapeworm shot. He has been lethargic…

Raw Food Diets

It’s Complicated and Risky to try to Duplicate Mother Nature Question: I’ve heard good things about a raw food diet. Are there any negatives to raw food for our cats?…

Home Made Pet Diets

A Disaster in the Making Question: In your Journal article on July 30th, you comment about people food for dogs. I have a friend who has a “handicap assistance…

Designer Pet Foods & High Price

If the ingredients match & the analysis looks as good, why pay more? Because you won’t get what you don’t pay for. Question: I read an article in last…

How Much to Feed

Being overweight is unhealthy. Here’s how to get it right. Question: How much should I feed my cat? I thought I was doing the right thing by following the…

Canned Food for Dogs & Cats

Different Species Have Different Needs Question: I read in your column, three weeks ago, about the reverse opinion about feeding cats dry food. Would this advice, also, apply to dogs?…

High Protein Diets for one Cat with FLUTD & another with Obesity

Cat with Different Needs Should have Individual Diets to Manage their Individual Health Question: I live with 3 cats: a 7-year old spayed female with a tendency to UTIs, a…

Raw Meat Diet for Cats

A Good Start but the Best Diets are Balanced Question: I’ve had a shelter cat for a year now. I recently stumbled onto some basic information about pet nutrition and…

Canned Kitten Food is Best for All Age Cats

Avoid Cheese. A High Protein, Low Fat, Low Carbohydrate Diet is Best. Question: Is cheese bad for cats? Are there foods cats should not eat? Dr. Nichol: Cats should…

Dogs Eating Cat Food & Cats Eating Dog Food

Cats & dogs are different species with very different needs. Poor health can result from the wrong diet. Question: Our 8 month old Pomeranian – dachshund sure enjoys eating…

Plant Eating

There is no way to stop plant eating. Give the gift that keeps on giving: a Catnip Garden. Question: We have an 8 year old purebred Manx who seems…

Weight Reduction for the Overweight Feline

Gradual change to a high fiber low fat diet is safe & effective. Question: I have a special problem with my cat “Tigger”. He is fat. But I don’t…

Dog will Eat only Cat Food

Protect his Kidneys; Try Tough Love Question: My mother took in a throw away dog. He will eat only table scraps and cat food. When she first got him he…

Cheap Pet Food is No Bargain

Lower priced diets boast comparisons to the better brands, but you won’t get what you don’t pay for. Question: I read an article recently in Consumer Reports that said…

Maintaining Healthy Weight

Prescription diets r/d & w/d make it easy to help your pet keep that slim figure. Question: I have my dog on diet food & he is now @…

Chocolate Candy & Smoking

Second hand or otherwise this stuff is poison. Question: Hi. My dog, Bruce, is 5 years old. He likes to eat chocolate. I heard that chocolates are toxic to…

Overweight Cat with Food Allergy

No Hypoallergenic Diet Controls Weight. Add Fiber Question: My cat Annabelle was 16.5# of love, but with Science Diet r/d she is now down to 15#. Unfortunately she is showing…

Fat Cats

Here’s how to enforce a safe & effective diet for the rotund feline. Question: I have a male cat that weighs 22 pounds. I have him on lite cat…

Supplements

Feed an excellent diet & forget the rest. Question: Can you tell me your thoughts regarding supplements for young pups? It seems there are differing opinions as to whether…

Diet: Which Food is Best?

How to tell the good nutrition from the junk. Question: I know someone who feeds her dog people food constantly. I try to tell her that it is not good…

Cat Refuses Canned Food-Holding out for Dry

Failure to Eat, especially for Fat Cats, can be Deadly Question: Our 2 year old cat Zipper REFUSES to eat canned food. He pretends to cover his wet food as…

Feline Obesity & the Risk of Fatty Liver

Fat Cats Are in Serious Danger Question: I gave a kitten to a cat-loving family about 6 months ago. He was about 2 months old then. Now he’s HUGE. I…

Overeating

Most hungry overweight cats are just bored. Question: My eight-year-old cat, Nelson, was placed on IVD special diet three years ago. I have noticed that giving him the same measured…

Baby Food for Cats

Heinz Body Anemia Results from Onion Powder in Many Baby Foods. Question: My kitty’s special treat is one half jar of meat baby food every morning. I have heard that…

Vegetarian Diets for Cats

Cats are Carnivores. They need a Balanced Diet with Meat. Question: I’ve been told about a vegetarian diet that is available for cats. I am thinking of putting my cat…

Appetite-Poor Eaters

Elderly cats who fail to eat may have serious illness. But we can help many. Question: We have a 20 year old female cat. She will not eat canned…

A Smorgasbord of Gastronomic Delights for Fussy Eaters

Give Dogs a Structure for Eating Dog Food Question: I’ve tried to find a dog food that will satisfy both of my Chihuahuas but haven’t been successful. As a last…

Finicky Eaters

What’s good, What’s junk, Why it matters Question: For most of my cat’s 12 years she would only eat canned food. She got cat acne and our vet suggested…

Varying the Diet-Changing Brands of Pet Food

Variety is the spice of life-but cats can get gas & diarrhea. Pick a good diet & stay the course. Question: I live alone and my cat is my…

Milk for Cats

Kitties love milk-But it’s not part of a balanced diet-Unless you’re a calf Question: I am in first grade and have an assignment that is asking why cats like…

Slow Heart Rate during Anesthesia

Preventable with Medications, a Diagnosis is still Essential Question: I have a 15 year old terrier cross. She is very healthy, however the last time I had her teeth cleaned,…

Dusty Cat Litter can cause Respiratory Disease Flare-Ups

Premium Quality Clumping Litter is Safest Question: I recently switched from using clay litter to clumping litter. I noticed that it’s extremely dusty when pouring it into the litter box. …

Sneezing & Eye Discharge in Shelter Kittens

Symptoms can Worsen. A Veterinarian can Guide the Best Treatment Question: I recently adopted a 2 month old kitten from a shelter and the kitten has been sneezing, coughing, had…

Worsening Cough in a Senior Cat

Severe Disease is a Dangerous Possibility Question: We have a 14 year old cat (Sam) who has recently been coughing as if he trying to cough up a hairball. It…

Coughing & Feline Asthma

Siamese Cats are 5 Times More Likely Than Other Breeds to have Asthma Question: I have a 3 1/2-year-old female Siamese. Lately she has been hacking. She never actually throws…

Coughing Cats

Asthma is common in cats-but it’s not the only cause of coughing. Question: Hunter is my 6 year old kitty and she’s been coughing lately. I take really good…

Cat Susceptibility to Canine Bordetella

Question: I am considering adopting a dog from my local shelter, but they have informed me he has kennel cough and that I should isolate my other animals. My children…

Heart Disease in Cats

Cardiomyopathy can cause blood clots. Severe pain & paralysis can be debilitating. Question: My cat has just had his second thromboembolism. My vet has treated him with heparin. Does…

Chronic Nasal Discharge Indicates Serious Disease

Antibiotics are Necessary but so is a Clear Diagnosis Question: I have a cat that falls into the “feral cat living in a confined space” definition! Rosebud lives in my…

Breathing Difficulty

Persian cats can have a simple surgery to correct their narrow nostrils. Question: We have three Persian cats. Two are just fine but one of them (two years old)…

Vaccinations for Puppies & Kittens

What do they really need & what’s unnecessary. Question: My kids and my wife and I have decided that we want to have a pet but we can’t agree…

Vaccine Reactions

Our best methods at disease prevention have a down side risk. Here are the facts. Question: Last year, my standard poodle had a very severe reaction to her annual…

Cat Fights Eye Treatment

Cats can Learn to Enjoy being Medicated Question: Our veterinarian provided us with eye drops for our cat. She demonstrated how to apply them. She did it so quickly that…

Glaucoma Risk

Prevention is the Best Cure Question: I hope you will remind your readers about the importance of making provisions for their beloved pets should they die before the pets. A…

Cat Missing Jumps onto Bed

Cataracts or Lens Instability are likely causes Question: Our cat, Stevie, is 12 years old. In the last few months she seems to have a hard time jumping up on…

Eye Discharge in a Sick Kitten

Feline Herpes can Cause Severe Eye Disease & Death Question: We have recently taken home 3 kittens to nurse them back to health. Two of them are healthy, but one…

Dry Eye in an Elderly Cat

Effective Treatment will Eliminate Pain & Preserve Eyesight Question: My elderly cat has red rimmed crusty eyes. What causes this and how do I treat? Dr. Nichol: Your kitty…

Entropion

An Older Chow’s Blindness may be Reversible with Eyelid Surgery Question: I have a Chow and he is 10yrs old. Lately I have noticed that he runs into things. There’s…

Superficial Pigmentary Keratitis

Brown Pigment on the Surface of the Eyes Can Cause Blindness in Pugs, Boston Terriers, & Lhasa Apsos. Question: I recently adopted a 10-month-old female fawn pug, Phoebe. I was…

Cataracts-Hereditary

Surgical Approaches to Correction in a Miniature Schnauzer Question: My miniature schnauzer will be 5, and has congenital cataracts (knew she had something wrong the first few days of…

Eye Discharge

Extra eyelashes can cause discharge & damage the eyes. Question: I have a wonderful little female Bichon Frise. She has these really bad leaky eyes that turn the hair…

Eyes: Uneven Pupils

It may be normal, or maybe not. Get a good physical exam. Question: We have recently acquired a new cat to our household. She is an odd eyed white.…

The Third Eyelid

Third Eyelids can be visible with stress, infection, or foreign material. A good exam is important & essential. Question: I must say that I am very worried about my…

Cherry Eye

Not just unattractive, chronic eye can result. Surgical correction is best. Question: I just bought a boxer/bulldog mix and he has what you call a cherry eye. What do…

Spring Time Winds & Eye Discharge

Grey Mucous can be Managed by Simple Eye Cleaning Question: I live in the East Mountains and have a 3-year-old healthy Doberman. Just recently with all of the high winds,…

Feral Cat’s Eye Discharge Suggest Viral Disease

A Risky Disease with Long Term Issues Question: I have a feral cat and cannot cage him to get him to a vet. Otherwise he jumps in my lap and…

Chronic Eye Discharge in an Otherwise Healthy Cat

Immune Suppressive Diseases like Feline AIDS, Leukemia, & FIP are Important to Consider Question: We have the best cat in the world, his name is Bing. He has chronically goopy…

Eye & Nose Discharge

Infectious upper respiratory diseases can linger & run rampant in multiple cat households. Question: I have a litter of white kittens who are approximately 3 months old plus 6…

Overweight Dogs & Cats

R/d is the Best Way to Shed the Pounds & Prevent Serious Disease Question: Is Science diet r/d formula equal to the prescription r/d? Can I buy this r/d food…

Chronic Discharge from One Eye is Potentially Dangerous

Let Go of Fears of Expense or Losing Cat-Get Treatment ASAP Question: A homeless, male tabby that comes by our home is such a sweet boy. Poor Goober has had…

Eye Discharge

Don’t goof around at home. See the doctor fast. Question: I just noticed today that my cat’s eyes were tearing and one was infected with green pus. Is there…

The story of a cat named Ugly:

This is a beautiful story of the love taught by a cat named Ugly. It reminds me of why pets are so profoundly important in our lives. Everyone in…

Pets Need You to Plan for their Care in the Event You Die First

Caretaker has no $ for Dog’s Expensive Eye Medication Question: I hope you will remind your readers about the importance of making provisions for their beloved pets should they die…

Careers in Veterinary Technology

College training in the highly skilled area of medical support in a veterinary hospital. Question: I just love animals. I think it would be great to be a veterinarian but…

Outdoor Shelters For Pets

What’s the right size, how much house is enough Question: I’m worried about my neighbor’s pets because it’s getting so cold at night. They have 2 cats and a dog…

Tobacco Kills

Nicotine is a potent nerve toxin. Feeding cigarettes to any critters is deadly. Question: I think my dog Harvey has worms. He drags his rear end a lot. So a…

Quality Standards for Veterinary Medical Care

How to know if your veterinarian is doing the job right. Question: Why is there so little standardization between vets? The best ones do extensive prep work, blood testing,…

Blood Types in Pets

Cats, with only Two Blood Types have Good Success with Kidney Transplants Question: One of my students asked me if animals of the same species have different blood types like…

Where to Find Good Care for Your Pets When You’re Out of Town

Leave out food & water? Friends who visit your home? Expensive kennels? Here’s how to choose. Question: Soon our children will be back in school and our family has…

Vaccinations for Puppies & Kittens

What do they really need & what’s unnecessary. Question: My kids and my wife and I have decided that we want to have a pet but we can’t agree on…

Pets & Children: Teaching Responsibility

Carefully consider the maturity of the primary caretaker before adding a new pet to your home. Question: I’m thinking that a pet is a good way to teach responsibility…

Grieving Pet Loss

Other family dogs share the loss & the grief. Question: A few weeks ago I had to put down Sam, one of my four dogs, due to liver failure. The…

The Expense of Raising Pets

There are places to trim costs & do just fine. But cut quality on the wrong priorities & your pets will pay more later. Question: Should I give vitamins…

Pets as Gifts

It may be a great idea. But the surprise of a real live long-term responsibility wears off fast. Talk about it first & be ready for the real investment of…

Estimating Age Pets

Teeth and, Later, Eyes are the Best Indicators of Age Question: How can I tell how old my cat is, he is a rescue cat and the center had no…

Why do Cats Purr?

Similar to Roaring, No Cat can do Both Do questions like this keep you awake at night or, like most cat owners, do you believe your kitty purrs just because…

Zoonotic Disease Transmission

Good Hygiene is Essential but other Humans are the Greatest Risk Question: When the Europeans came to America they brought diseases that we as a people only scarcely survived. Because…

Dirt Rolling Cat

Everybody’s Scalp needs to be Scratched Question: Thomas escapes whenever possible and we always find him rolling in the very dry dusty dirt. This cat loves it; he rolls so…

Cat is Lost; Littermate is Depressed

Antidepressant Medication can Help; Advice on Adding another Cat Question: I recently lost one of my 6 year old cats. “B” and “J” are mostly indoors. The last time I let…

Feral Cat Urine & Stool

Discourage Access to your Yard or Spay & Neuter Question: My neighborhood is infested with stray cats. I made the mistake of feeding some and now I have 6-7 cats…

Kitten Selection

Learn a Kitten’s History & be Observant Question: We recently had to put our beloved cat to sleep after 16 years. This cat was so loving to us, sat in…

Euthanasia of Elderly Frightened Cat

Tranquilizing the Cat First can make it Easier Question: Sage, a beautiful and loving 18 year old cat, is now blind and has begun to have potty accidents and some…

Is it Right to Spend Money to Treat a Sick Cat?

Pets are Valuable for Most of Us Question: I would not have any tricky problem with any sick cat. I grew up on a farm in 30’s and 40’s and…

Green Cat Litter

Great Ways for Cat Owners to Protect Mother Earth Question: While I focus on going “green” (i.e. no plastic at the check out line, thank you) how do I best…

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