| Cat care home
> Cat care News Center >
Loose cats disappearing
Loose cats disappearing
 Posted
on Sun, Aug. 20, 2006
PET DOCTOR
by Dr. Michael Fox / Pet Doctor
Q: My neighbor has captured two of my cats, and I don't know whether
he has killed them or dumped them somewhere far away. I know it
is my neighbor who has done this because we saw a trap with bait
in his yard.
Although these neighbors have complained about cats entering their
yard in the past, they have absolutely no reason to believe it's
my cats that are entering their property, especially since there
are several feral cats that roam the area around here. They are
literally luring cats into their yard so they can do away with them.
One of my other neighbors who owns cats is also missing three of
her four cats. We have confronted the neighbor, and he admitted
he has the trap and intends to use it to capture cats in the area,
but he denied having anything to do with the disappearance of our
cats.
I contacted the police and animal services, but neither was willing
to do anything. I find it incredible that someone could get away
with stealing five pets from the neighborhood. I feel that if some
other personal property had been taken, I would have a better chance
of getting the police involved, which is disheartening since my
cats are like family and mean more to me than mere property.
I am writing to you in hopes that you can give me some ideas or
suggestions as to what I can do. Please help!
-- M.S., Miami
A: I sympathize with your situation. You should call your local
humane society or animal shelter, give the neighbor's name and see
whether they have any records on file of him bringing in cats for
adoption/euthanasia. They may even have descriptions or photos of
your cats in their files.
Some municipalities have laws prohibiting people from allowing
their cats to roam off their property. I wish, for cats' and wildlife's
sake, that this was the rule for all communities across the United
States, and that cat owners would never let their cats leave their
property.
There are fence manufacturers whose products vary in price but
are generally effective when attached to the top of an existing
yard fence to keep resident cats in -- and all other cats out. Alternatively,
build a chicken-wire wood-frame enclosure for your cats so they
can enjoy the outdoors safely. Some people attach a ''cat house''
to the main house, with an enclosed catwalk accessed via a flap
door or windowpane.
Q: What is your opinion about using flea and heartworm medicine
on dogs? I have a 4-year-old Yorkie and have been using Revolution
on her. I have mixed feelings regarding this medicine. My vet tells
me it's safe, but I have heard of dogs getting kidney disease and
dying at the young ages of 5 to 7 years old.
My dog has skin issues. She breaks out with contact dermatitis,
licks her paws a lot and gets rashes. I was wondering if the medicine
contributes to this. Is there anything else that is safer?
My dog is very picky about food, so I can't add things to it or
in her water. She is only 4.5 pounds.
-- J.C., Fort Myers
A: Your dog's skin disorder needs attention, and tests need to
be done to find out why she develops dermatitis. Products like the
one you are using can cause problems, and I have many letters from
readers documenting the potentially harmful side effects of this
type of broad-spectrum anti-parasite and anti-flea-and-tick product.
I strongly advise against long-term use, especially when animals
like yours already have a health problem.
To repel insects, use a flea comb daily, and try safe alternatives
like Avon's Skin So Soft or eucalyptus lemon oil rubbed lightly
over your dog's fur every two to three days. One half teaspoon each
of Brewer's yeast and flaxseed oil daily in her food may also help.
Your dog may have a food allergy or be allergic to grass, pollen
or other allergens in her environment. A holistic approach to boosting
her immune system with various supplements is called for.
CHICKEN-BONE
CLARIFICATION
I do not advise giving cats and dogs any chicken or other bones
to chew on to help keep their teeth clean because of the risk of
splintering and internal injury, with two exceptions: Raw beef-marrow
bones for dogs are relatively safe, and cats can be fed raw chicken-wing
tips that have had the main bones removed, leaving mainly cartilage
and tendons. Most cats will chew them slowly, but it's pointless
giving them to dogs, as they will swallow them in one gulp.
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/living/home/15305125.htm
|
