If Your Cat is Approaching the Golden Years, There are Signs to Let You Know Once They Are Reaching the Homestretch of Those Nine Lives

If your cat is approaching the golden years, there are signs to let you know once they are reaching the homestretch of those nine lives. Although we love our cats dearly, sadly they are like humans who don’t live forever. Here are a few things to be aware of if your cat is getting older:

Getting up isn’t always so easy

As your precious kitty reaches their twilight years, it may prove difficult for them to get up as quickly as they once did. Allow them extra time to move about or help out by giving them a loving lift.

  

Gradual loss of appetite

This sign may be easier to spot if you have a kitty that always leaves their food bowl dry. The older your cat gets the lesser amount of food they will need to take in, so be on the lookout for a drop in weight as well.

Here, kitty kitty?

If your cat is truly getting older, that selective deafness they may have been practicing at times could take a turn to impaired hearing. As your cat ages so will all of their senses. This completely normal transition into a new stage of life may be a telltale sign for you as an owner.

  

Your social butterfly may start to retreat

Your cat may once have been the life of the party, but if they retreat to a safe place to hide every time visitors are present definitely take this as a sign. Cats that are older prefer peace and quiet as opposed to the lively lifestyle they may have once enjoyed.

Catching extra catnaps

Older cats require more sleep than younger cats do. As your cat approaches their senior years you may find them sleeping even more than normal.

They need you more than they used to

Cats are loyal to their loving owners, that’s for sure. As your cat gets up there in age you may find them becoming a bit clingy with a desire to be close to you almost whenever you’re around.

Not so high, please

With a slow decline in the senses also comes a steady decline in cat-like reflexes. The same cat that you may have once repeatedly told to “get down” may now have a hard time getting up. If kitty sleeps with you on your high bed at night, try investing in a cat ramp/step ladder to make getting on/off the bed easier for your aging feline companion.

A New Strain of Dog Flu Has Been Found in 25 States

A new strain of dog flu has been found in 25 states since last April including LA county. Now veterinarians are warning pet owners to be on alert.

Canine Influenza on CDC:

Canine influenza (also known as dog flu) is a contagious respiratory disease in dogs caused by specific Type A influenza viruses known to infect dogs. These are called "canine influenza viruses." Dog flu is a disease of dogs. No human infections with canine influenza have ever been reported. There are two different influenza A dog flu viruses: one is an H3N8 virus and the other is an H3N2 virus.

The signs of this illness in dogs are cough, runny nose, and fever, but not all dogs will show signs of illness. The severity of illness associated with canine flu in dogs can range from no signs to severe illness resulting in pneumonia and sometimes death.

Almost all dogs are susceptible to canine flu infection, and illness tends to spread among dogs housed in kennels and shelters. Canine flu can spread to other dogs by direct contact with aerosolized respiratory secretions (coughing and sneezing) from infected dogs, by uninfected dogs coming into contact with contaminated objects, and by moving contaminated objects or materials between infected and uninfected dogs.

More information on canine influenza in pet dogs can be found in this article: Influenza A Virus (H3N8) in Dogs with Respiratory Disease,Florida in Emerging Infectious Diseases journal, the AVMA website, and this update on the April 2015 Chicago H3N2 canine influenza outbreak. 

Please read: Key Facts about Canine Influenza (Dog Flu)

A Memorial Service for Canton Police K-9 Jethro, the First of the Department’s Dogs Ever Killed in the Line of Duty, Drew Hundreds from Across the Country

Canton, Ohio - Jethro was shot in killed in the line of duty over the weekend. Police said he was responding to a call of a burglary on Saturday, when he was shot multiple times. He died from his injuries on Sunday. 

The city held a funeral for the German Shepherd Thursday at the Canton Civic Center, on what would have been Jethro's third birthday.

Speakers included the Canton Police chief and the mayor. 

"Jethro's legacy is to remind us all is that bravery and devotion can travel on four legs, and that loyalty and love can be delivered by the playful nudge of a wet nose," Mayor Thomas Bernabei said to those assembled.

K-9 officers from as far away as Virginia and the New York Police Department attended the service. More than 100 K9s from various departments walked in a five and a half minute long procession in front of those gathered.

Jethro's partner, Ryan Davis, was presented with a flag and a fallen officer medal honoring his four legged best friend. At 12:27 pm the department officially declared Jethro's end of watch.

"A lot of people love dogs obviously, and they know the dog is doing it for us and he doesn't really have a choice, so to speak, so I think people really identify with that - that a lot of people have dogs that they believe would do this for them," said Eric Stanbro, the Canton Police K9 head trainer.

Stanbro said to those who may criticize giving a memorial service for a dog, that this was the least the department could do.

"We owe it to them. I believe 100% that without Jethro, today it's Ryan's funeral and not a dog's funeral," said Stanbro.

The suspect, Kelontre D. Barefield, received a gunshot wound to the leg and was taken into custody after being treated. He is being held on $5 million bond.

There is a GoFundMe https://www.gofundme.com/h8xbvs8s account to pay for Jethro's vet bills and buy new K-9 vests for the department.

"I absolutely think Jethro is a hero. The dog did his job and it's tough to take. And for that  some officers went home safe," said Tim Wilmoth, a canine handler and retired police officer.

The Canton Police Department is not actively seeking donations. However, those that wish to donate can make a check out to the Canton Police Department and write K9 donation on the memo line. Donations and condolences can be sent to the Canton Police Department at 221 3rd St. SW, Canton, OH 44702.

Jethro's Procession

K-9 Jethro is Laid to Rest

Every Single K9 in the Norfolk, Virginia’s PD Will Be Getting a Lifesaving Ballistic Vest: Thanks to a Donation from Anderson Cooper

On Monday January 11, 2016 the Norfolk, Virginia police department lost one of its bravest members, a K9 named Krijger. The pup was a four-year-old Belgian Malinois. The brave canine officer died during a shootout after officers responded to a domestic violence call.

According to Pilot Online, those close to the pup say that he would have survived had he been wearing a ballistic vest.

These vests are expensive, each one costing roughly $2,200, and most police departments cannot afford them. But, thanks to one very kind, and very famous, good Samaritan, every single dog in the Norfolk PD is about to get one.

Who’s the good Samaritan in question? Anderson Cooper.

The CNN news anchor donated the funds via the Virginia based charity Spike’s K9 Fund. Cooper had previously interviewed the charity’s founder, retired SEAL Jimmy Hatch, in 2015 and the two have stayed in contact.

Hatch announced the donation on Spike’s K9 Fund’s website:

We are humbled to announce that Anderson Cooper has donated his speaking fee for his upcoming “Norfolk Forum” speech (26 January) to Spike’s K9 Fund for the K9 Krijger Ballistic Vest Campaign. His donation was quite generous. All of the Norfolk K9’s will be outfitted and we will start outfitting K9’s from other cities in Hampton Roads with the remainder.

Dogs love us unconditionally and, every day, many of them selflessly risk their lives to protect us. Anderson Cooper did a beautiful thing by donating this money and making sure that they are protected when they put their lives on the line.

You can watch a local news report about Krijger below:

If you would like to help other canine officers obtain a lifesaving ballistic vest, you can donate funds in Krijger’s memory via Spike’sK9 Fund.

Spay and Neuter: Frequently Asked Questions

Should my female have a litter before she is spayed?

No. Females dogs and should be spayed before the first heat which usually occurs at 5-6 months of age for dogs and 4 months of age for cats. We stress BEFORE, since a female can become pregnant at that age and she is in no way ready for it. Pregnancy will place a great strain on the system, often resulting in birth defects, and she may not be able to nurse, resulting in seriously malnourished offspring. In addition, early spaying prevents later problems, including mammary tumors, uterine infections, and uterine tumors. If a female is allowed to go through a heat before spaying, those problems may still arise later in life because estrogen is stored in the system as a result of the heat.

How old should my pet be before the surgery?

Pets as young as three months old can have the surgery with no ill effects. If females are spayed before their first heat (which usually occurs when they are four to six months old), breast cancer can be almost completely prevented. Younger pets also recover more quickly from the surgery and experience less pain following surgery than older pets. In short – the sooner the better.

  

Will my animal’s behavior be changed by surgery?

Behavior changes as a result of sterilization surgery are positive. Male cats reduce territorial spraying. Neutered animals fight less and do not wander in search of a mate.

  

Will my animal gain weight after this surgery?

Weight gain is more a product of exercise, nutrition and aging, not neutering.

  

Why neuter my male animal?

Males can impregnate many females, many times during the year. Neutered males experience a decreased risk to reproductive organ cancers.

  

Is the procedure painful?

Surgical sterilization is performed under general anesthesia by licensed doctor of veterinary medicine. The animal is asleep during the procedure, and may experience mild discomfort after surgery. Most animals feel well enough to return to normal activity within 24 to 72 hours, but you must continue to limit their activity level for 10 days.

Can you spay an animal in heat or when pregnant?

Sterilization procedures are performed when the female dog or cat is in heat or pregnant. This procedure will terminate the pregnancy.  Client must be informed of the increased risk that lies in having an in-heat or pregnant animal spayed.  In the event of a late term pregnancy that requires the use of Euthasol for the fetus’s there will usually be an additional fee for the Euthasol drug.  In late term pregnancy or when in heat, the DVM on duty may deem it necessary to administer SQ fluids to compensate fluid loss during surgery.  There is an additional fee for the administration of SQ fluids.

  

My animal just gave birth, how long should she wait for surgery?

Females can be spayed 2 weeks after weaning her litter..  After spaying of a post-partum mother it is imperative that you separate the kittens from the mother until she is fully healed.

  

It is very cold (hot) outside, is it OK to do surgery?

The anesthetics used in the surgical process tend to disturb the animal’s natural ability to regulate body temperature. Animals must remain indoors for seven days after surgery, in a temperature-controlled environment suitable for their human companions. Clients bringing animals for surgery on days when the local temperature is predicated to drop below freezing, and who cannot keep the animal in the heated house, will be rescheduled.

  

Do cats need special litter boxes after surgery?

Male cats should use shredded newspaper instead of litter to 3 to 4 days after surgery. This helps prevent irritation to the surgical incisions from the clay litter dust particles.

What does the tattoo look like and where is it on my pet?

The tattoo is 1/2 to 1 inch long, straight line in green ink located right by the surgical incision. It will fade a little after the skin heals.

  

Can’t veterinarians tell if my pet is spayed or neutered without the tattoo?

Sometimes not. Of course this would only be an issue if your pet were lost or in a shelter without it’s medical history. With newer dissolvable suture materials, there are no stitches to feel in a female’s belly to indicate she was already spayed and if they have surgery at a young age, there is no scar to see. In male dogs, if you can’t see or feel a scar, there is a possibility that the dog still has testicles but they never dropped into the scrotal sac (cryptorchid). The doctor would open the male dog up like a spay to look for those testicles, a painful and unnecessary surgery that could have been prevented with a permanent identifying mark.

David Bowie: The Man Who Loved Cats

As fans around the world mourn the death of David Bowie, a certain sub-genre of fans – felines and ailurophiles alike – are claiming the beloved musician as one of our own. And why shouldn't we? Bowie wrote an ode to cat lovers in 1982, the seminal “Cat People,” recorded with famed producer Giorgio Moroder for director Paul Schrader's infamous film of the same name. You may also remember it from a pivotal scene in Quentin Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds.

Cat-loving Bowie fans have also unearthed some gems of photographic evidence over the years. Like this:

           Soon, cats began to express their mutual love for Bowie as well:

There's even a Tumblr devoted to the topic of cats who look like Bowie. For meowers in mourning, it's a must see. (Here's another.) 

Fairfax County, Virginia: More Coyotes Spotted in Your Area

Residents in Fairfax County are seeing an increase in the number of coyotes in their neighborhoods in recent months.

A wildlife official for the county said the canines are well established and widespread, so residents should know and understand how to deal with any interactions. January to June is considered mating season for coyotes, and lone male coyotes are on the move, looking for a mate, or females may be looking to create dens in small, enclosed areas.

Small pets may be considered prey due to their similar size to the animal’s natural prey. Larger dogs may be viewed as potential competitors since coyotes are territorial.

“The best way to safeguard pets in areas where coyotes are active is to keep them indoors and do not leave them outside without supervision,” said Dr. Katherine Edwards, Fairfax County Wildlife Management Specialist, in a release.

Officials said coyotes have been sighted in most county parks and residental areas. Recently, a coyote was found after it was hit by a car in the Riverside Park area of Alexandria, Virginia.

In 2012, a dog was attacked by coyotes in Daniel Run Park, located in the area between Old Lee Highway and Main Street. Officials believe the dog, which was off its leash, probably wandered too close to a coyote den.

Preventive practices, such as reduction and removal of food attractants, habitat modification and responding appropriately when interacting with wildlife, are keys to minimizing the likelihood of conflicts with coyotes. People that are approached by a coyote should make noise to scare it off.

If coyotes are behaving aggressively or appear sick or injured, contact the Fairfax County Police non-emergency number at 703-691-2131.

Tips on dealing with coyotes

Prince William County, Virginia: Coyotes Spotted in the Manassas Area

Coyotes have been spotted in the western part of Prince William County in the Manassas area.

Police said two separate coyotes were spotted in two areas recently. They said many coyotes have been seen in the county in the past few years, and the next two months are the breeding season for coyotes.

Single coyotes are likely seeking a mate. They are nocturnal animals, venturing out mostly at night.

Police said they can be seen during the day in urban and suburban areas if there is a food source or an easily accessed area to make a den. They said the best way to prevent them from becoming a problem is to not give them a reason to take up residence in the community.

Some tips to keep coyotes away:

• Keep trash inside until the morning of trash pick-up or place trash in an animal proof container, such as a metal or plastic trashcan with latches on the lids.

• Do not leave pet food outside; keep pet feeding areas clean.

• Close up all openings under and into your buildings. Animals look for places to den and raise their young - don't give them that opportunity.

• Clear fallen fruit from around trees.

•  Keep brushy areas in your yard cut down to prevent cover for coyotes.

•  Keep small pets inside, and on a leash when outside. They may be viewed by a coyote as prey. Larger dogs are viewed as a threat particularly from January to June while mating and birthing coyote pups.

• Install coyote proof fencing to protect unsupervised pets.

Anyone experiencing a problem with coyotes or other wildlife, please dial the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries toll-free wildlife conflict helpline at 1-855-571-9003.