Here are some signs of OA to look out for:

• Reduced mobility such as “bunny-hopping” with both back legs, stopping for a break, angling their body, descending one step at a time while on the stairs, hesitating before jumping, not clearing jumps in one leap, pulling themselves up with their front legs, making small jumps instead of one big jump, and even inappropriate elimination (missing the litter tray)
• Reduced activity (sleeping more, reduced interest in toys, not playing as much, reduced interaction with you or other cats, muscle loss around thighs)
• Changes in grooming behavior (matted/scruffy/greasy coats especially in the lower half of their body, some cats will over-groom joints that are painful resulting in hair loss, and overgrown claws due to inactivity)
• Temperament or behavior changes (sleeping in different, easier-to-access areas, irritability when being handled or when interacting with children or other pets, withdrawal, and avoidance of interaction with the household)

OA often goes under-diagnosed in cats because of their ability to hide the signs of the disease so well. The signs of OA are often attributed to “slowing down” or “showing their age”, but it could be your cat’s way of telling you they are in pain and need a little help! This is exactly what happened to Dr. Shea and her kitties - Sherlock (19 yrs old) and Elementary (18 yrs old).
Dr. Shea noticed that Sherlock and Elementary had been “slowing down” for many years. They weren’t jumping up to their favorite perches and reluctant to jump down if they did get up there. They weren’t playing with toys, darting up the stairs, or running around the house like they used to.  They were even having difficulty posturing in the litter box for their elimination habits.  After careful observation and assessment with radiographs, Dr. Shea diagnosed her own cats with osteoarthritis pain.

After much research, Dr. Shea decided to give a newer medication called Solensia a try. Solensia is a monoclonal antibody and it works by lessening pain signals in your cat’s body. It does this by targeting and attaching to a protein called nerve growth factor (NGF). NGF is one of the drivers of OA pain and has been found in higher levels in arthritic joints. Although it’s not a cure for osteoarthritis, Solensia might help your furry friend move around easier and improve their quality of life. As a biologic (a protein, not a chemical), Solensia functions very much like naturally occurring antibodies from our immune system, with minimal impact on the liver, kidneys, or gastrointestinal tract. It is the first and ONLY treatment of its kind to help control OA in cats that’s approved by the FDA.

Within 2 weeks of their first Solensia injection, Dr. Shea and her husband, Phil, noticed dramatic improvement in Sherlock and Elementary’s movement, significant decrease in limping, and an overall improvement in their quality of life! Her husband noted Solensia added years back to their life!

We are so happy to have Solensia available to all our patients at TLC Cat Clinic! If you would like to have your cat assessed for OA or would like to learn more about how Solensia can help your feline family, make an appointment today!

Our resident clinic cat, Angel, also had success with Solensia - see her journey for yourself in the video below!

The first step is to take a second look at their essentials. Commonly used items sometimes get loved to pieces and could use a replacement throughout your cats’ life. Taking stock of these items before the holiday season can help determine if replacing an item or two of their essential gear would be a great gift for the holidays! Here is a smart place to start: 

Are you worried your cat is bored with their same old catnip mouse or crinkle ball? Boredom busting toys for your cat could be a great option for their PAWliday gift! There are so many great options for cats. Here are a few of our favorite toys that your cat is sure to love: 
 
Treat Dispensing Ball 
Rollerball Toy 
Treat Puzzle 
Concealed Motion Toy 
Flutter Rotating Toy 
Floppy Fish 

Are you ready to bring your cat into the future with a high-tech product? These techie gadgets are popular for good reason – so many cats love them! 
 
A Water Fountain: Perfect for the picky drinker, a water fountain will keep your cat hydrated and happy. Have you ever wondered why your cat is more interested in drinking from the faucet or that freshly filled glass of water you are drinking? Your cat’s natural instincts tell them that running water is better for them. Fountains can mimic nature, play to those instincts and encourage drinking! 

Automatic Feeders: Feeders are great for cats that are trying to watch their waistline. There are plenty of options out there for feeders and some that even work with your cat’s microchip!

Wi-Fi camera and Treat Dispenser: Headed back to work in the office in the new year? You can keep tabs on what your cat is up to as well as give them a treat or two with a wi-fi camera/treat dispenser combo. 

Smart Litter Box: Tired of scooping the poop every day? Cats are very tidy by nature and having a fresh box during every visit to the litter box is appealing to them and easier on you!

An Exercise Wheel: For your energetic feline, a wheel might be a great idea. Keep their cardiovascular health in mind and help encourage exercise. Some wheels even track milage and speed!  
 
Does your furball seem to have everything they want? Looking for a generous gift you can feel good about? Donations to your local rescue or charitable organization that loves cats as much as you do is a fantastic option! Monetary donations, or gifts of food, litter, toys, treats, and other essentials will not only make your heart feel good but will bring comfort to a feline in need.  
 
Our last holiday gift reminder is that cats and kittens are a 10-15+ year commitment that require ongoing and sometimes costly care. Cat ownership costs about $1,000 a year on average and that number can go up significantly based on their needs. Giving a kitten or cat as a gift can be very well intended; however, consideration of cats’ lifelong cost and commitment on behalf of the recipient is wise for all involved parties. The adoption of a cat without consideration of lifelong care is a major contributing factor to the number of cats that wind up in shelters through no fault of their own. 
 
Before purchasing a gift for your cat, remember that a long and happy life is the most amazing gift you can give them. Regular and consistent veterinary care is the key to spending many more holidays with them to come! We hope you have a PAWSatively FURbulous PAWliday! 

So, what exactly is diabetes? Diabetes is a condition where glucose, also known as blood sugar, cannot be regulated properly or effectively utilized by the cells of the body. It all starts in the pancreas, a small organ located near the stomach that is responsible for the production of the hormone insulin. Insulin’s job to carry glucose into the body’s cells where it can be converted into energy. Without sufficient levels of insulin, glucose doesn't reach the cells like it should, leading to an excessive buildup of glucose in the bloodstream. Think of insulin like a gatekeeper between the bloodstream and the inside of the cells of the body. It opens the portals in cells to allow glucose to pass. 
 
 
When your cat is not producing insulin or isn’t using it properly, their body begins to break down protein and fat which results in rapid weight loss, despite a ravenous appetite. Unintentional weight loss is often the most common symptom, though diabetes can also manifest in a myriad of other symptoms. Some of which include: 

• Increased appetite
  
• Lethargy or weakness 
• Dehydration 
• Increased thirst 
• Increase urination
• Urinary accidents
• Diarrhea or vomiting 
• Unhealthy coat and skin 
• Walking flat on backs of their hind legs (diabetic neuropathy due to glucose toxicity) 

 
 
Untreated diabetes can lead to a variety of debilitating, expensive, and potentially fatal conditions. If your cat is showing symptoms of diabetes, make an appointment to see a veterinarian as soon as possible. Though there is no cure for this condition, the sooner your cat can begin treatment, the better the prognosis and the more manageable the condition typically is. 
 
If we suspect your pet is suffering from diabetes, an official diagnosis can be made using a combination of blood and urine tests. Once diagnosed, feline patients are treated similarly to older adults who develop Type 2 Diabetes that require twice daily insulin injections.  Dietary changes and scheduled feeding times can also help to prevent unwanted spikes in blood sugar throughout the day.  We can help you find a food that is properly balanced with the right combination of protein, carbohydrates, and fiber to best suit the needs of a diabetic cat. To help keep track of how well a patient is managed, we teach many clients how to perform blood sugar testing at home and request you keep an accurate journal of their appetite and bathroom habits. 
 
While a diabetes diagnosis may sound scary, rest assured that we are here to help you every step of the way. Most diabetic cats can go on to live normal, playful, happy lives with a little extra assistance from the TLC Cat Clinic team. Our goal is to work with you to help you provide a comprehensive treatment plan that will leave you confident and feeling in charge of your cat’s health!
 

Always research any plant before bringing it home. There are plenty of other house plants out there that could spell disaster for your kitty. On the flip side, there are also plenty of plants out there that are cat-safe! Regardless of their toxicity, it is important to discourage your cat from viewing your house plants as a salad bar. If you believe that your cat has ingested a toxic plant, give us a call right away or head to your closest emergency vet. Go get your grow on!

So, how much throwing up is too much throwing up? First, we need to deep dive into… 
 
Regurgitating, Retching, and Vomiting (Oh My!) 
 
Regurgitation: A passive motion that does not require effort or contraction of the abdominal muscles. When your cat regurgitates, the expelled food and fluid tend to be undigested and may have a cylindrical shape reflecting the shape of the esophagus.  
 
Retching: Also known as dry heaving or gagging, the abdominal muscles are contracting, and effort is going into the motion. Sometimes cats retch for benign reasons like a simple tickle in the throat or, in some cases, to help them hear better. YES, you read that correctly. For example, there are videos of cats gagging after hearing their owner run their thumb down the teeth of a comb. The scientific reason for this is that sound reminds them of prey, and they are zeroing in on the sound. 
 
Vomiting: Like retching, your cat is working hard when vomiting. Vomiting might be accompanied by several retches before the actual contents of the stomach come out.  
 
Now that we have established the differences between these lovely actions, why would your cat vomit, retch, or regurgitate? 
 
Gorging: If your cat eats too much too fast, it may trigger regurgitation due to a stretch reflex in the stomach. Dr. Shea calls this the “scarf and barf.” The regurgitation will look like undigested food, may contain whole pieces of kibble, and will likely be tubular in shape (like their esophagus) but not always. 
 
Nausea: Sometimes your cat just doesn’t feel great, and they can catch stomach bugs just like us. These episodes should pass within a few hours or days. 
 
Hairballs: Cats spend a lot of time grooming, and because their comb is their tongue, they end up swallowing a lot of hair.  Some cats are able to pass hair through their digestive tract into the litter box, but sometimes the hair accumulates in the stomach. When the hair in the stomach becomes too much, it is vomited up. Hair in your cat’s throat can also lead to retching. 
 
Curiosity: If a cat eats something other than food like grass, plastic, hair bands, etc., it may lead to vomiting.   
 
Food allergies: Allergies aren’t just for people! Your cat could frequently be vomiting due to an allergy to an ingredient in their food. If you suspect this is the problem, it is important to bring them in to discuss their diet. 
 
Constipation: If your cat is constipated, it has to come out somewhere. If their digestive tract is backed up and they can’t poop, they might vomit for digestive relief. 
 
Other health issues: Vomiting can be a symptom of many other illnesses. It is important to rule out more benign causes and bring them in for an exam if you suspect a more severe health issue.   
 
In Conclusion, How Much is Too Much?  
 
Our general rule of thumb is that more than 2 or 3 times a month warrants investigation. There are some cats that are, for lack of a better phrase, just a little more pukey than others. Yearly visits help us establish a baseline for what is normal for your cat. 

We are here for you and your cat! Vomiting can happen for many reasons, and we can get to the bottom of it, so give us a call to schedule your cat’s next appointment. ​

Your cat is the descendant of desert dwelling felines. Their bodies, like that of their ancestors, are designed to adapt to periods of scarce water intake. In the wild, a lot of felines get most of their water intake from consuming their prey. When their food source becomes a kibble with very little water content, it’s no wonder that many cats live in a constant state of dehydration. So why don’t they just drink more water? Because your cat has a hard time drinking water! Liquids with low viscosity like water prove difficult to drink for your kitty. While you may think they can lap up water just like a dog, the reality is that cats cannot create suction with their tongues, and they do not ladle water with the back of their tongue like dogs. The physics behind how cats lap water is unique, complex, and fascinating! In short, the tip of your cat’s tongue touches and retracts from the surface of the water quickly enough to create a small column of water from the surface to the mouth, seemingly defying gravity. Even with this complex method of drinking, a single lap of water only results in 3/100th’s of a teaspoon per lap. That means your cat has to lap approximately 33 times to get a mere teaspoon of water. 
 
Your cat’s vision is also a factor in their title as world’s worst drinkers. Cats have a hard time seeing things less than about a foot in front of their face (like when they can’t see that treat right in front of their face!). Poor up close vision makes it hard for cats to see the surface of their water, and no one wants to dive face first into their bowl! Other factors such as their finicky nature on the presentation and taste of their water are also reasons why cats have a hard time staying hydrated.

What can you do to help? If you feel your cat is not getting enough water, here are our suggestions to help increase their hydration: 

• Try wet food. The added moisture of wet food compared to dry kibble can help give your cat the boost in hydration that they need. 

• If your cat is super picky about their food and only wants their kibble, try adding water to the kibble. Start with just a light coating of water and gradually work up to a little more.  
• Try different bowls and place them around your home for easy access. Cats are generally most comfortable when they are off the floor, so a bowl conveniently placed on an accessible shelf could be the right fit! 
• Instinctively, your cat might prefer moving water to still water because in the wild, stagnant water is more likely to contain harmful bacteria than moving water. If your cat is fascinated by the faucet, give a pet fountain a try! 
• Clean your cats’ bowls regularly. Bacterial build up in the bowl can be very off-putting for your cat!  
• Location, location, location! It is a tendency of humans to try to put things conveniently close. There are certain spots throughout your home where your cat may feel more comfortable drinking as well as places that won’t work for them. Water bowls located too close to the litter box, too close to their food, or in a location they feel vulnerable can cause them to drink less. 
  

• Your cat has crazy taste-buds. It’s possible they would prefer some other type of water rather than tap. Have you seen the cat who drinks the fancy waters? If your cat doesn’t like the taste of your tap water, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to buy them cases of Evian. Adding a little flavor to water should work just fine. Try the water from a tuna can, bone broth, or running your water through a filter.  
  

There are other options available to make sure your cat stays properly hydrated! If you are concerned about the amount your cat is drinking, be it too much or not enough, give us a call to schedule an appointment!  
 

House Fire: On average, about 358,300 house and structure fires occur in the United States. In a house fire incident, time is of the essence to making sure you and your cat get out unharmed. In fire situations, cats will typically turn to their natural instincts to get away by any means necessary. If you experience a fire and need to get out quickly, having a conveniently placed go bag and carrier can be very helpful. In extreme situations, a cat placed in a pillowcase can be frightening, but helpful in getting out. Know where your cat hides and be sure to have a window sticker with the number of pets inside to assist rescue teams. To learn more about cats and fires, check out our Fire Safety Blog.

Natural Disaster: The most common natural disasters in the Midwest come in forms of snow and ice storms in the winter and heavy thunderstorms and tornadoes in the spring and summer. Regardless of the disaster, it is essential to have an idea of how you and your cat will cope with sheltering in place or evacuation scenarios:
          Snow/Ice Storm: During the winter months, Minnesota is notorious for heavy snows    and cold snaps that can last for days and even weeks. In the event of a snow or ice storm, it is imperative to think about how you and your cat will keep warm and to ensure you have enough food and water to make it through a few days. We commonly suggest keeping at least 7-14 days of food, water, and medication for your cat on hand. While our state and citizens are generally well prepared to handle these events, storms can move in quickly and leave the under-prepared vulnerable.
         Tornado/Extreme Storm: With our fair share of extreme storms and tornadoes, there is no doubt that you should be prepared for these situations. Tornadoes are fast moving and can come with little warning, so it is necessary have a plan in place of where you will seek shelter should one appear. With that in mind, it is a good idea to put your cat into a hard carrier and bring them into the shelter room with you. Hard carriers can help protect your cat should the structure begin to deteriorate and collapse. Your cat will naturally be stressed out, just like you, and they could try to get away if you do not have them properly contained inside of a carrier. If your cat likes to explore the great outdoors, it is a good idea to watch the weather carefully during the spring and summer for any signs of impending storms. At the first sign, entice your cat back indoors and monitor the weather closely, only allowing them to return outdoors once again once the storm has passed and there is no immediate threat of another.

Health Emergency: In early 2020, with the onset of the COVID-19, we began to consider a new situation that we might have to contend with. As lock-down measures began to tighten, a lot of pet owners were concerned about supplies for their pets. As a result, we saw a sharp uptick in early medication and prescription diet refills. Because we have all have shared the reality of a long-term shelter-in-place order, many people are beginning to understand the value of an emergency supply kit for their pets. This handy checklist will help you to make sure that you and your cat are ready for whatever situation arises:
 

While we hope that you and your cat never need to put your disaster plan into action, being prepared will make it easier to navigate an already stressful situation. If you have any questions about making sure you are prepared for an emergency with your cat, give us a call!

Gingivitis: That’s right! The same gingivitis that your dentist warns you about plagues our purr-babies as well. Gingivitis is inflammation of the tissue surrounding the teeth. Ranging from mild to severe, gingivitis is extremely common and affects cats of every age. It is considered the first stage of dental disease and, if left untreated, can lead to periodontitis. Advanced gingivitis will eventually lead to receding gums, accumulation of plaque and tartar under the gum line, and infection. 
 
Periodontitis: As gingivitis progresses, it leads to periodontitis. Plaque, tartar, and bacteria infiltrate below the gum line where it is no longer visible from the surface. Once periodontitis sets in, radiographs from inside the mouth are needed to see how the infection has wreaked havoc on the soft tissues, tooth, and jawbone.   

Signs and Symptoms of Dental Disease:

• Bad breath 
• Tooth discoloration 
• Visible tartar 
• Lip smacking 
• Tooth grinding 

• Drooling 
• Pawing at the mouth 
• Head or mouth shyness 
• Tooth loss 
• Red, swollen or bleeding gums 

• Refusal to eat certain textures of food 
• Anorexia 
• Weight loss 

Remember, cats are masters at concealing what is ailing them, so they may not show any outward signs of dental distress unless you look for them! 

How Can You Help Prevent Dental Disease?

There are several ways you can help prevent dental disease for your feline friend at home:

1. Daily tooth brushing using special finger brushes and delicious cat-friendly flavored   toothpastes offer rewards while tooth care is being performed. Be sure never to use  human toothpaste as it is not meant to be swallowed - it can be toxic to your cat. 
   
2. Daily dental wipes have additives to help smooth out dental plaque and help slow accumulations.
3. There are several treats and prescription-based diets on the market that are designed to promote healthy teeth by forcing our kitties to chew the large kernels. Greenies Dental Treats are one well-known over the counter brand.
   
4. Dr. Shea warns against the use of oral rinses and water additives as it may make your feline not want to consume their water.
5. The best way to keep your cat’s mouth in tip-top shape is to make regular wellness appointments so we can evaluate their teeth for problems and regular dental cleanings when indicated will ensure the overall wellness, health, and happiness of your cat!   

You can check out the dental products we recommend by visiting our online pharmacy. At first, your cat will most likely hate their new tooth care routine, but with patience, treats, and scritches they will come to love it!