Albuquerque Journal Articles

Skin, Dental, or Ear Disease can all be Responsible. Anal Glands cause the Worst Odor. Question: My cat stinks!! It is getting to the point where I don’t like him on my knee because he pongs. It’s not his breath but his actual fur. Do cats have BO or do you think there is something wrong with him? Dr. Nichol: Ponging has been the undoing of many a fine cat. I’ve met a few in my practice, but I’ve been too polite to mention it. Now, I think, it’s time to speak my mind on this pivotal issue. There are…

Dogs & Cats are Not at Risk Question: Do I need to protect my dogs from the West Nile virus?   Dr. Nichol: This spreading infection is nerve wracking for horses, birds, and humans, but our dogs and cats are way out of the loop. For the latest and greatest on West Nile, I contacted state epidemiologist Dr. Paul Ettestad in Santa Fe. The good doctor pointed out that with carrier mosquitoes spreading this infection as far west as Texas and Colorado, our state is likely to be next. Testing is currently being done on mosquitoes, horses, and large birds…

Inherently Sensible, Cats Lie Low Question: A couple of weeks ago you wrote, “Presumably we have enough sense not to leave pets in the heat”…outside. What about inside? Can we leave our pets in the house without air conditioning or some type of air circulation? If so, are cats better able to handle this than, say, dogs or ferrets? Dr. Nichol: You’re right. My heat stroke column did not address indoor disasters. A hot house without ventilation can be miserable and possibly dangerous. Leaving a window open is a start but a good evaporative cooler or air conditioner is a…

No Risk to the Kitty as Long as he/she Get Some Shelter Question: How are cats with rain and cold weather?  My cat always likes to go out at certain times of the day to do his business as he seems to much prefer this than his litter tray.  But I worry a little about him getting cold and wet when the weather is not good.   Dr. Nichol: Cats are fastidious. They really hate those little spots of mud on their shoes. But if your cat is willing to go out on those cold, wet days, well, I’m betting…

Unable to Enjoy Normal Activities this Cat will Improve with the Correct Diet Question: Our cat used to be tiny and rambunctious but as he has aged, he has put on a lot of weight.  His sides are now distended and he is definitely not as playful as other two year old cats.  Could he be depressed?   Dr. Nichol: Cats have essential needs. Even indoors they are hunters who rely on their lithe athletic bodies. Your cat is fat, his joints ache, and he struggles to get around. He may well be depressed.   Before launching a serious weight…

Question: My daughter has a 4-year-old cat, Gus-he weights 24 pounds. She put Gus on Iams low calorie, but he still hasn’t lost any weight. He may be eating the other cat’s food as well. She’s worried that the extra weight is putting a strain on his heart.   Dr. Nichol: So how does Gus feel about this? Does he have to buy two tickets on airline flights? Does he even care what you and your daughter think? Cats have feelings, you know.   To give you a perspective on Gus’s health, consider that his weight is three times normal.…

Testing Is Less than Reliable. Fear Not for the Positive Cat-Most Never Get Sick. Question: Recently I adopted a wonderful cat from animal control who had developed an upper respiratory infection. All the blood work came back perfect and negative for Felv and FIV. The corona virus came back as a high titer 1:1600. I was advised that more than likely, the cat does not have FIP but, of course, no guarantee. He is almost over the respiratory infection.   I have another cat at home who tested 1:1600 three consecutive times for corona virus. She has continued to be…

A contagious disease, that is always disease. Our best success is helping some cats feel OK.  Question: My cat Roger is real sick. He’s only about one year old and for the past 3 weeks he’s not been very active, and not eating very much. I think he has a fever too. Then his belly started to get kind of bloated looking. His doctor said that Roger might have F.I.P. Can we try antibiotics?   Dr. Nichol: I am sorry to hear about Roger’s illness. He truly is quite sick. Unfortunately while there are a few medications that could help…

Cats love a warm, cozy spot on cold winter nights. Horrible trauma occurs when the car is started.   Question: Our neighbor’s cat got stuck in the fanbelt of his car last week. How common is that? How do I make sure that doesn’t happen to my cat?   Dr. Nichol: Great question. I’m delighted to hear you thinking about prevention. The truth is that automobile fans and fanbelts kill and maim many cats every fall and winter. It is tragic but preventable. It happens because it takes awhile for a car engine to completely cool down even on a…