Special to the Aroostook Republican
It’s all about the “Paws for the Cause” but what is the “Paws for the Cause” all about? It is about doing your part to save lives. Whose lives? The lives of unwanted, abandoned, neglected and displaced animals of the County. It is about pitching in and lending a hand; it is about participating in a “feel-good thing” while doing something for a worthwhile cause. Our Paws for the Cause walk is an annual event and each year it continues to be our biggest fund-raising event. We will all meet at the Central Aroostook Humane Society at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 6, to register. The walk will start at 9:30 a.m., so bring your dog and help support your local humane society. Pets are optional; all are welcome to participate.
June is Adopt a Shelter Cat Month. An ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital veterinarian offers advice to prevent the most common cat complaints with these tips for a healthy cat:
Dehydration
Canned food usually has more than 75 percent moisture; dry food usually has l5 percent moisture. This is why cats eating all-dry or a mix of dry and canned food tend to drink more water. In fact, older cats may develop kidney disease from being dehydrated.
If you are feeding all-dry food and change to canned, you may see your cat stop drinking as much water. This is a good sign that the cat is more hydrated.
Obesity
Any weight-loss program is best done under the supervision of a veterinarian.
Play together actively 20 minutes a day.
First, feed only twice a day as opposed to free-choice feeding. Then, reduce the total amount of food in increments of 10 percent a month.
Monitor your cat’s weight weekly. He shouldn’t lose more than l percent to 2 percent of his weight in a month.
Feed a high-quality cat food. Avoid “lite” foods; they have reduced protein and fats — the nutrients cats, especially overweight cats, need.
Hair balls
When a cat grooms herself, the ingested hair may get stuck in her stomach, resulting in vomiting. Other times, the hair remains in the esophagus, creating irritation and coughs. To help decrease the amount of hair your cat swallows, brush or comb her daily. In addition, give her a hair ball medicine or put some Vaseline on the top part of her paw once or twice a week. The cat will lick it off as part of her grooming ritual.
Injuries from falls
At the ASPCA, we see an alarming number of cats who unintentionally fall from high windows. Keeping your cat inside with windows closed or blocking open windows with good-quality screens may be a lifesaver for your cat.
If you are looking for a friend for life, please visit the Central Aroostook Humane Society. We are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday, or give us a call at 764-3441.
Please have your pets spayed or neutered.
