June 29, 2007
Let's talk about hairballs
Dr. Amy Fischer, Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Cat lovers, this is a good time of year to watch for signs of hairballs. Fortunately this common feline predicament is usually harmless, and there are several ways that we can help control the problem. Specialized diets, treats, and laxative products are available, but the most helpful way to manage the hassle of hairballs is though regular grooming.
Dr. Amy Fischer is a Teaching Associate in the Companion Animal Biology and Humane Education program, Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, pets.ansci.uiuc.edu/outreach. Lyrics of Wild Kitty (podtrailer) and Cats Chasing Butterflies (podintro) by Marc Gunn, www.catdrinkingsongs.com; All music is traditional.
June 29, 2007
Extra-Let's talk about hairballs
Dr. Amy Fischer, Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The best way to help manage our cats’ hairballs is through frequent grooming. This giant pile of hair formed in only five minutes, with the aid of special a comb that removes loose hairs of the undercoat. This hair can now be discarded instead of ending up on the furniture or being swallowed by the cat.
June 15, 2007
Homemade pet diets
Dr. Amy Fischer, Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The pet food recall has prompted many pet owners to consider
preparing
homemade diets for their pets. Preparing an adequate homemade pet
diet requires a tremendous amount of knowledge and work to ensure that
the final product provides an appropriate and complete nutritional
balance. Most veterinary and animal nutrition experts recommend
high-quality commercial diets, formulated over decades to meet the
specific needs of our cats and dogs.
For
a list of human foods that can sicken pets, visit the the website of
the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at www.aspca.org/apcc.
Dr. Amy
Fischer is a Teaching Associate in the Companion Animal Biology and
Humane Education program, Department of Animal Sciences at the
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign,
pets.ansci.uiuc.edu/outreach. Lyrics of Wild Kitty (podtrailer) and
Cat's Chasing Butterflies (podintro) by Marc Gunn, www.catdrinkingsongs.com; All music is traditional.
June 1, 2007
It's kitten season!
Dr. Amy Fischer, Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Cats are long-day breeders, which means that increasing day length
triggers an increase in reproductive hormone activity. As a
result, animal shelters see a sharp increase in pregnant cats and
litters of kittens during the spring and summer. A great way to
help out with all those kittens (and many other animals) is by
providing foster care for your local humane society. You can find
shelters in your area at www.pets911.com. ---- Dr. Amy
Fischer is a Teaching Associate in the Companion Animal Biology and
Humane Education program, Department of Animal Sciences at the
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign,
pets.ansci.uiuc.edu/outreach. Lyrics of Wild Kitty (podtrailer) and
Cat's Chasing Butterflies (podintro) by Marc Gunn,
www.catdrinkingsongs.com; All music is traditional.
