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Muller Veterinary Hospital is
proud to be an accredited
member of the American Animal
Hospital Association (AAHA).
Since 1957, we have regularly
undergone inspections by AAHA
to ensure that we comply with
the association’s high quality
standards of care. These standards cover nearly every aspect of our
hospital, including facilities, equipment, and quality procedures.
Approximately 15 percent of animal hospitals in North America are
accredited by AAHA..
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The MVH doctors enjoy speaking to school groups,
community organizations and parent clubs as well as hosting tours
through our hospital. Check out the link to see local events where we
will be in the near future. |
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Keeping Your Cat
Slim
by Karen S.
Phillips, VMD
Pinching an inch is not a problem just for you and
me these days: An increasing number of pets also suffer from weight
problems. Carrying extra pounds increases the risk of developing
diabetes mellitus, heart disease, urinary tract infections,
arthritis and poor grooming habits.
Is your cat overweight? Feel along the rib cage. If
you cannot feel the individual ribs because of a fat layer, your cat
is probably carrying extra pounds. Another area where cats carry
excess fat is in the hanging “paunch” of their abdomen. Your
veterinarian can help you determine whether your cat needs to slim
down.
To prevent obesity, play with your cat every day-
have it chase a feather on a stick, or use a laser pointer to
stimulate a romp. A sprinkle of catnip creates blissful play in many
cats, while getting a feline or canine playmate may activate a
sedentary cat. Place your cat’s food in a separate room from its
sleeping area so your cat must be motivated to eat. Similarly,
placing the dish on a counter or shelf will require kitty to expend
energy to get its dinner. Also, do not treat your cat to human food.
It is important that everyone in the household
cooperates with the weight–loss program- no one should sneak kitty
any snacks. Many low-fat, high-fiber, “lite” cat foods are on the
market, allowing the same volume of kibble to be eaten without the
excess calories. Dividing the daily allotment of food into three or
four smaller meals will help kitty feel satisfied throughout the
day. If obesity is severe, your veterinarian can prescribe specially
formulated diets that are dramatically reduced in calories, yet
completely balanced. These can literally be lifesavers.
Feeding A Cat
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Feed prepared food from a reputable
manufacturer, two or three small meals a day. Do not overfeed
treats or table scraps. Keep dishes clean, toss spoiled food,
remove bones from fish and chicken.
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Milk may cause diarrhea; lactose-reduced milk
for cats is available.
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Keep fresh water in cat’s bowl at all times.
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Never feed cats chocolate, onions, raw fish,
poultry or eggs, bones or food intended for other animals.
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Give nursing mothers extra food. Kittens start
sampling canned or moistened dry food at three weeks.
Play
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Good diversions include catnip toys,
feathers, fuzzy mice and balls. Activities include
hide-and-seek, pulling a mouse or feather on a string.
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Leaving toys unsupervised increases the
possibility of a cat swallowing string or yarn.
About The Author
Karen S. Phillips, VMD, is a practicing small-animal veterinarian in
Pittsburgh and president of the Western Pennsylvania Veterinary
Medical Association. Phillips shares her apartment with three cats:
Dorian, Hooti and Par.
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