7 Foods you Should Never Feed Your Cat

Although cats are not usually table beggars, giving them human food can still pose a hazard to their health. Here are the top foods that should never be fed to cats.

1. Raw fish can cause vomiting and diarrhea in cats. It also contains thiaminase that can break down an essential B vitamin, thiamine. A deficiency of thiamine can cause neurological problems and convulsions. 

2. Onions and Chives are more toxic to cats than dogs. The toxic allium components they contain can damage red blood cells and cause anemia, even in trace amounts. It doesn't matter if the onion is raw, cooked, or powdered. Therefore some human baby foods should also not be fed to cats because they may contain onion powder.

3. Uncooked eggs may contain salmonella and other parasites that could lead to pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). On occasion, and in small amounts, it is safe to offer cooked eggs.

4. Bones can splinter and cause choking and intestinal blockage or perforation. Never give your cat a bone.

5. Fat Trimmings can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and pancreatitis if fed to cats. 

6. Caffeinated drinks/foods can cause an increased heart rate and agitation that could be dangerous.

7. Milk can cause diarrhea and other stomach upsets, especially in the adult cat whose digestive tract has normally become somewhat lactose intolerant.

* Although not a food, Tylenol and Aspirin can be deadly if given to your cat.

* For more information on foods hazardous to felines, visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center website. Their call center is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and their phone number is 888-426-4435.

Animal Emergencies that Should Receive Immediate Veterinary Consultation/Care

Pet emergencies can occur anytime and without warning. Yet often the pet owner is unsure as to whether or not immediate veterinary care is needed. Although it is always better to err on the side of caution, there are specific situations where prompt veterinary care is essential. Emergency clinics are equipped to handle just about any situation, but some general veterinary practices, like Herschel, are likely to refer emergency cases to full service hospitals for more extensive diagnostics and hospitalization services that emergencies require. The following situations warrant immediate veterinary care (AVMA):

-Severe bleeding and bleeding that does not stop within 5 minutes.
-Severe dog fight wounds.
-Choking, difficultly breathing or non-stop coughing or gagging.
-Bleeding from the nose, mouth, or rectum. Bloody urine or coughing up blood.
-Inability to urinate or defecate and/or obvious pain associated with urination or defecation.
-Injury to the eye.
-Snakebite.
-Difficult or unproductive labor.
-Suspicion or knowledge of ingestion or exposure to poisons.
-Seizures and/or staggering.
-Fractured bones, severe lameness or inability to move.
-Being hit by a motor vehicle.
-Obvious signs of pain or anxiety. 
-Heat stress and heatstroke.
-Refusal to drink for 24 hours or more.
-Loss of consciousness.
-Severe vomiting and/or diarrhea (more than 2 episodes in a 24-hour period). Vomiting and/or diarrhea combined with other illness or any other problems listed above.

Note: Any concern about your pet's health warrants, at a minimum, a call to your veterinarian. 

Thinking of Getting a New Puppy?

Owning a new puppy is a joyful experience, but it also requires responsibility and a big commitment! Consider the following tips before you choose:

-Carefully research the breeds/types that you are considering and make sure that the puppy you choose will fit in well with your environment and lifestyle. 

-Choose a reputable breeder, facility, or family source. Are the premises clean? Are the puppy's parents available to see? Do the people selling the puppy seem to be knowledgeable? If the breed that you are looking for has traits that should be genetically tested, have these tests been done? 

-Look for a puppy of at least 8 weeks of age that has bright eyes, pink gums, clean ears, and a clean nose. He/she should be lively and friendly. 

-Insist on a complete and detailed account of all treatments and vaccines that the puppy has received. GET IT IN WRITING! Beware of vaccines/treatments that have been given by someone other than a veterinarian. 

-If you plan to purchase a puppy in Florida, be sure to look up Florida State Statute 828.29, which requires the puppy be at least 8 weeks of age and be accompanied by a certificate of Veterinary Inspection signed before the sale. This law is designed to protect you, the buyer, and helps ensure that your puppy has received proper preventative care. Make sure that the seller provides you with this valid Florida Health Certificate on your puppy and that it has been signed by a veterinarian within the past 30 days. 

-Finally, congratulations! Be sure to have your puppy checked by your veterinarian as soon as possible after your purchase in order to continue his/her wellness needs.