Cat Writer's Association Awards 2011

The Cat Writer's Association (CWA) is an organization of professionals writing, publishing and broadcasting about cats.  Members include writers, editors, publishers, artists, public relations specialists, broadcasters and others. 

 Every year the CWA sponsors a contest in which they give out awards for the best written articles in a variety of categories.  The winners are announced at their annual conference.  This year, I submitted a few articles for consideration, and I’m pleased to announce I won three (!)  awards this year!

Shelter Sketches: Meet Vincent, Marellus, and Mia

This is amazing! Meet Chelsea Conlin, a freelance illustrator who also uses her artform to save animals. She is in charge of Shelter Sketches on http://iloverescueanimals.org.( ILRA )

Each week, Chelsea snags a photo posted from an animal shelter or rescue group of animals that need homes, and transforms the picture into a work of art.

This week Chelsea picked the three kitties rescued, and up for adoption at Manhattan Cat Specialists! Yay!  We posted this picture with some information about how to adopt these kitties:

Before Chelsea:

Pulp Kittens - available for adoption now at Manhattan Cat Specialists

We have three new rescue kittens available for adoption at Manhattan Cat Specialists; Vincent, Marcellus, and Mia are approximately 8-10 weeks old..  These kittens were scheduled to be euthanized. Instead, they're relaxing with us at the hospital, shaking off small colds, and almost ready to be adopted into loving homes.

All specific info (testings for FIV and FeLV, vaccination record, ect) will be updated here in about a week.  In the meantime, if you are in the New York City metro area and would like to adopt a cat, please visit our adoption info page, and then give us a call.  If you have friends or family that may be interested in some adorableness in their lives, please share this post.  These kitties deserve loving homes.

Manhattan Cat Specialists

230 West 76th Street  |  New York, NY 10023  |  212-721-2287

Cat Litterbox Problems Solved

CatChannel solves all your cat litterbox problems.

Cat Litterbox Resources Get answers to your cat litterbox questions with a quick check of litterbox resources from CatChannel.com and CAT FANCY. Find articles that discuss cats’ inappropriate elimination, cat constipation, loose bowels in cats, cats who use the litterbox to sleep and other cat litterbox conditions. Looking for something not on our cat litterbox resources list? Contact a CAT FANCY and CatChannel.com expert to ask your about your cat’s litterbox condition. All this and more can be found in our cat litterbox resources section. Spaying/Neutering What will happen when you fix your cat? Find out from an expert. Constipation Sources Learn why your cat might have a stoppage of stools. Cat Spraying When your cat uses scent marking to mark territory, try some simple steps to help redirect your cat's behavior. Locate the LItterbox Check this quick tip to see how good litterbox location will help your cat have healthy habits. Inappropriate Elimination Going outside the litterbox is a common cat problem. See how to help correct this behavior and get your cat to use his litterbox again. My Cat Is Sleeping in the LItterbox — Why? Your cat might be trying to tell you something if he's using his litterbox for a bed. Soft Stools Your cat's loose bowels can signal a problem. Get expert advice on your next step. Keep It Inside the Box CatChannel.com's veterinary expert explains how to teach cats to use their litterboxes. Defecating Outside the Litterbox Your cat could avoid the litterbox for everything. Get tips on how to correct bad litterbox behavior from cat behaviorists. Why Cats Stop Using the Litterbox Do some detective work to discover why your cat went from using the litterbox to using the floor around it. Find more cat litterbox information >>

Hepatic Lipidosis in Cats

Hepatic Lipidosis in Cats

by Arnold Plotnick MS, DVM, ACVIM, ABVP

Section: Overview

Hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) is a syndrome characterized by an accumulation of excessive amounts of lipid (fat) within the cells of the liver, abnormal bile flow within the liver, and impaired liver function. Severe impairment of liver function may affect the liver's ability to detoxify the blood. As toxins accumulate, they can affect the mental status of the cat, leading to mental dullness, severe depression, and seizures. Hepatic lipidosis can occur as a primary event, or it can occur secondary to other disease processes, such as diabetes. It is the most common liver disease encountered in cats.

Adult cats of either sex can be affected. Any breed of cat is susceptible. Middle aged to older cats are most likely to be affected.

Hepatic lipidosis can be a serious disease. Even with aggressive therapy, a significant number of cats die from the condition.

The cause of hepatic lipidosis remains unknown. Obesity is thought to be a predisposing factor, as most (but not all) affected cats are obese at the time of disease onset. A period of anorexia (decreased appetite), occurring as a result of a stressful event (such as the addition of a new pet or family member, or a sudden change to a less palatable diet) can trigger the onset of hepatic lipidosis.

Need a New Wingman? Adopt a Cat.

Here's a great pro-cat adoption PSA by the Denver Dumb Friends League

Top 5 Healthy Cat Treats

Don’t serve up tricks, just treats that your cat can eat for health this holiday and beyond.

By Arnold Plotnick, DVM   Posted on Catchannel.com

The best treats serve two purposes: tasty reward and healthy supplement.

Cats require a nutritionally complete and balanced diet to live an active, healthy life. Life is meant to be enjoyed, however, and every now and then it’s OK to toss your cat a tasty treat.

Not all cat treats are the equivalent of kitty candy. Some “treats” are actually beneficial for cats and are almost on par with giving medication. Here’s my list of five “treats” that can make your cat happy and healthy.

My Stray Cat Expedition in Istanbul, Turkey - Day 7

My Stray Cat Expedition in Istanbul, Turkey - Day 7 (continued from Day 6)
Dr. Arnold Plotnick

(click pictures to enlarge)

Tuesday

It’s our last day in Istanbul.  Sigh. 

When I booked the flight, I had originally planned on taking the 11:00 a.m. flight, bringing us back into NYC  at 2:30 p.m.  Instead, accidentally, I booked the 5:15 p.m. flight.  Once I did this, it was too late to switch without paying a substantial penalty.  So I kept  the 5:15 flight.  This flight would arrive in NYC at 9:00 p.m, and by the time we got home it would be 10:30 or 11:00.  Having to work the next  day, it wouldn’t give much time at all for unwinding or unpacking.  As it turns out, I’m glad I did it this way, because we didn’t have to catch the shuttle to the airport until 1:00, giving us a half day of sightseeing.