How Many Litterboxes Do I Need?

Multiple cats need multiple boxes in multiple locations

Your new kitty is home, getting along (or at least tolerating) the dog or other cats, and things seem to be going smoothly. However, you may notice some litterbox aversion when introducing a change as big as a new pet. There are several ways to help remedy this, and the first question we ask is "How many litterboxes do you have?"
Take the number of cats you have. Add 1 to that number, and that is your magic litterbox number. Those litterboxes should not all be in one spot; they should be spread all throughout your house. The kitties in the above picture are members of a 3-cat household, and there are 4 litterboxes in the house - in the hallway, in the den, and 2 separate spots in the kitchen.
It seems like so many litterboxes! A lot of people don't want so many because they believe it will make their house stink. Well, litterboxes must be scooped EVERY DAY. No exceptions, no excuses, it's hands-down the healthiest thing for your cats. If you do it every day, they won't smell. Also, as soon as it smells, scoop - even if you already scooped today. If your cats will go in one, you can buy a litterbox disguised as a cabinet, a washroom bench, or a planter to name a few.
The type of litter you use is part of personal preference. Some cats prefer some litters over others. Probably the best way to find out is to purchase a few different types of litter, and try one in each box, and see which one your cats prefer. Flushable, biodegradable litter may be something for which we as owners strive, but if your cats won't use it, and go outside the box instead, is it really worth it? Ask yourself "Which one does my cat prefer?" and stick with that choice. It will bring the most harmony to the litterbox situation.

Toilet Training your Cat Takes Patience

If you have a cat, chances are you've heard that it's possible to train them to eliminate waste in the toilet. It's certainly every cat owner's dream, isn't it? Ahh, to be free of the weights of the litter scoop and bag, and only have to remember to flush more frequently. Keep in mind:

• It will take time and patience, because standard cat behavior is to be upset when there is a change.
• If you have a second bathroom, it is best to devote that one bathroom to training the cat until the task is done.
• Kittens are messy. Be extra patient with them.
• It IS POSSIBLE to train a cat!

Step 1. Move the litterbox toward and into the bathroom. If you are introducing either an older cat or a kitten to going in the bathroom, you should start off with litter of some kind. The litterbox starts outside the bathroom, and every 3 days, move it 4 inches closer to the toilet. Once it is against the base of the toilet, you can move on.
Step 2. Raise the litterbox. Place some newspapers, a telephone book or a very low cardboard box under the litterbox, raising it about 2 inches. Three days later, raise it another 2 inches. Keep doing this until the litterbox is level with the toilet. Once it is at that height, leave it for a few days and move on.
Step 3. Shift the box from the raised support to on top of the toilet seat. Just as you moved the box into the bathroom very slowly, move it over to the top of the lid very slowly.
Support it the best way you can, with boxes or other things placed next to it to steady it, or you can even use duct tape to secure it. Just make sure it does not shift, or Kitty will feel insecure and won't go in the raised box.
Step 4. Get a special litter pan specifically for toilet training cats. Some of the most notable training pans are CitiKitty and Litter Kwitter. They employ special plastic rings that hold litter, and eventually the rings get smaller, training the cat to balance on the toilet seat. Litter Kwitter even has a system for training MULTIPLE cats (which is definitely something I would need in my house).
If you and your cat are having a hard time, go back a step or two. The cat will be more likely to absorb its training if you move slowly. Also, make sure other cats are not bothering them when they go to the bathroom, because that can be a major factor when we see inappropriate urination. Give us a call if you need anything!

The Importance of X-rays at the Veterinarian

Our Digital X-ray Machine

X-ray machines use electromagnetic waves that are invisible to the human eye. They are the same type of waves as light waves, only we can't see them. The X-ray machine emits the waves through the body, and then projects onto a film or digital image device, depending on the type of machine. Some of the tissues in the body are more dense than others. Bone is more dense than muscle, so it will absorb more of the X-ray radiation. When that happens, we get a picture of the inside of the body.
It's easy to imagine why a picture of the inside of the body would be beneficial to our veterinarians. So many conditions are detectable through X-ray imaging. Not only can we see fractures and arthritis, but we can visualize bladder stones, the spine, pelvis, heart and lungs, impaction of the bowels and foreign bodies.
Animals sometimes eat the craziest things. We've gotten calls here about patients eating an engagement ring, baby pacifiers, rocks, a soda cozy, and a sewing needle with the string still attached. Our doctors were able to see these things in the stomach and do what needed to be done for the patients. "They Ate What?" from Veterinary Practice News
Here at Rau Animal Hospital, we have a digital x-ray machine. This is beneficial in several ways:

• A darkroom with processing chemicals is no longer needed on premises
• The processing time is cut down from minutes (film) to seconds (digital)
• Transport of X-rays involves a CD or email, instead of a bulky set of films
• Less radiation is needed for every X-ray

All of our radiographs are sent out to a specialist for reading, after our vets look at them. This ensures a correct diagnosis of each condition, and also a second pair of eyes to catch things we may have missed. The results are quick, due to our ability to send X-rays electronically.
We love knowing we can give fast treatment for serious cases with the aid of our Digital X-ray machine. Rau's Surgical & X-ray page

Seasonal Dangers

from desktopnexus.com

It is the festive time of year again, when we hang up all kinds of beautiful decorations, have a dish full of Santa Claus chocolates or Hannukah Gelt, and maybe a Christmas tree. It brightens the Winter landscape. Unfortunately, pets can get into some trouble while investigating all the shiny new things around them.

1. Tree Hazards. When decorating your tree, it may be best not to use tinsel, ribbons or bubble lights, or put them on higher branches. When ingested, tinsel and ribbons can cause all sorts of internal injuries. Bubble lights have a toxic liquid inside them that causes the bubbles, and you can find out about safe replacement bulbs here. Decoration hooks should be kept off the floor when trimming the tree, and any type of ornament can cause an obstruction. If you have a crazy cat that won't stay out of the tree and away from ornaments, you may want to forego the tree entirely, and hang some fresh wreaths around on your walls and decorate them. Tree water can be very unhealthy, because it is stagnant, and if you add the preservative, it can be deadly. Be sure to choose a covered tree water dish, or one with a narrow opening such as this Ultimate stand. It may be more of a chore to water, but your pets will be safe.

2. Fire Salts. These will change the color of the flames in your fireplace, but the salts themselves contain heavy metals, which will cause gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, and pain if eaten. If you really want to have a different colored fire, making colored fire pinecones is a simple and safe project at home.

3. Household plants. Pine trees, mistletoe, holly are traditional plants of the Christmas season, but can be deadly to animals, especially the berries. Keep away from pets. Poinsettia plants, while irritating to the mouth and stomach, are generally overrated in toxicity. Check out the ASCPA's full list of toxic plants here.

4. Chocolate. While different kinds of chocolate have different sorts of toxicity for animals, when caught quickly enough, we can make them vomit to prevent any health problems. However, foil wrapped chocolates are especially dangerous. If we make a pet vomit after eating foil wrappers, it can cut up their esophagus and stomach, causing even worse problems. Any foil-wrapped candy needs to stay in the cabinet, without fail. Educate your children on the best thing for their furry friend.
When in doubt, put yourself in your pet's paws. They don't know what's going to keep them safe. They only know that something smells good or is fun to chew. So have mindful, safe, and happy holidays!

Hurricane Kittens Need Homes

All are female except the upper right kitten

These four scrumptious fluffballs were inside mama cat's belly when she was dumped in a parking lot. Luckily, one of our clients took her in, and the kittens were born on August 27th, 2011, the day before Hurricane Irene. We're so glad their mom didn't have to find a place to give birth outside. They are friendly, socialized kittens, and would love to take a spot in your heart. Contact us at 215-884-0453 if you are interested.