We are continuing to have monthly specials, and focus on different “themes” for each month. For the upcoming quarter the themes are as follows:

July is Nutriceutical month. Dr. Robin truly feels that all cats with chronic illnesses should be on a supplement plan that will enhance their health and their body’s ability to balance itself. For more information on what is available see the article “Are Supplements right for my Cat?” There is a coupon for purchases of nutriceuticals in the month of July on our coupon sheet.

August is Odor Control month. As the summer heats up and we start closing our windows and using the air conditioner it seems like the small, occasional odors become monsters. We have several products that will help “clean up your kitty’s act”. Stop by our Feline Emporium for suggestions specific to your particular needs. All odor control products will be 10% off with the August coupon.

September is National Rabies Awareness and Animal Safety Month. We all certainly want to keep our Cats as safe as we possibly can. We will have window stickers to alert emergency personnel that you have pets, and where carriers are located if there is an emergency evacuation of your home. We also have emergency preparedness literature, so you can check off everything you might need in case of an emergency. With all the crazy weather this past year, it makes me feel a little bit calmer to just “be prepared”. We are also going to try something new for Rabies Awareness Month. On Saturday, September 6th we will have a Rabies Clinic. What this is, is a no appointment, first come first served, vaccines only Clinic. While we do feel all cats should have a physical examination at least once a year, we know that being vaccinated against Rabies is very important to the Owner as well as the Patient. A current rabies vaccination is also required by the state of New Hampshire. So we will try a vaccine only clinic from 9 am to Noon and see what happens.

Please remember we will be having our OPEN HOUSE on Saturday, October 18th from 2-4 pm. Mark your calendar now so you can join us for the fun. We will be having our Costume Photo Contest again this year. Please make sure to submit your Photo by October 1st so everyone will have plenty of time to vote. Winners will be awarded prizes and trophies at the end of the Open House. The more photos the more fun choosing the winners, and the more CATegories to choose from.

Dr. Robin is now accepting patients for holistic examinations/work-ups. You may call for an evaluation form, or printable from our website. www.drdandvm.com. If necessary, we can work via the computer or phone as needed. The workup includes nutritional, supplemental, herbal, homeopathic and holistic modalities. It is often best to do specialized lab work to determine specific needs. This appointment can be set up at the office or as a house call. Please call the office at 603-595-2287 with any questions or to make an appointment.
Yours in Wellness, Dr. Dan and Dr. Robin
“How do I know … when to call the Vet?
One of our frequent clients suggested giving some pointers on when to call the vet. Below I have listed some of the most common issues that arise with cats and when to be concerned. Certainly this list is not all-inclusive, and when in doubt, please call us to speak with a nurse or schedule an examination!
Vomiting or diarrhea: It is extremely common for cats to vomit or have diarrhea on occasion. If either is noticed, it should be observed for contents and frequency. The most common cause is eating something unusual such as something rotten outside or rich table scraps, causing an upset stomach or intestines. Cats with vomiting or diarrhea should be fasted from food (and still given water) for 12-24 hours. In many cases fasting resolves the issue. However, call the vet if you notice:
v Frequent vomiting or diarrhea that continues for more than 24 hours, or persists even with fasting.
v Your cat is unable to keep water down.
v There is blood, foreign objects, worms or other unusual contents in the vomitus or diarrhea.
v Your cat vomits multiple times in a short period, such as 5-6 times in 12 hours.
v Your cat refuses to drink water for more than 12 hours.
v You know your cat ate something which could be causing an obstruction in the stomach or intestines. This could include fabric items, strings (including thread, floss, Easter grass, tinsel) toys, etc.
Trauma: Such as a fall, being hit by a car, etc. We advise you call us and have your cat examined in any case of trauma. The greater the impact, the greater the danger could be to your pet. For your cat’s health and your peace of mind, have your pet looked at even if there appears to be no damage from an accident.
Limping: Sudden limping is very common in pets. Often there is no history of trauma, or the cat was confined to the home or out playing and simply “let out a yelp” and started limping. In these cases, we advise watching the cat for 12-24 hours. In many cases there has been a minor bruising or sprain (a soft tissue injury) and within a day the limping resolves. Call us if the limping worsens or persists after 36 hours, if there is known trauma, or if any wounds are seen on the leg. In these cases, an examination and possibly x-rays are advised.
Toxin Ingestion: Call the vet immediately if your cat ingests rat or mouse bait or anti-freeze. These are the most deadly toxins we encounter with cats - never wait to seek treatment. Keep in mind that cats can be poisoned if they ingest a mouse which has eaten mouse bait. Also call if your pet ingests human medication or gets into large quantities of its own medication. Chocolate can be toxic in large quantities as can onions and garlic. Some houseplants are also very toxic, including lilies, azalea, philodendron, spider plants, ivy, amaryllis, plant bulbs, holly and mistletoe. Always call if your cat eats anything that could potentially be toxic and we can advise you regarding treatment. Often the first course of action is to induce vomiting at home within 30 minutes of toxin ingestion. This can be done with hydrogen peroxide orally, from 1-2 tablespoons depending on the size of the cat. This should cause vomiting within 15 minutes.
Wounds/Bleeding: If you cat has puncture wounds or lacerations due to an accident or animal fight, call us. Sutures and/or antibiotics may be needed. Any bleeding from the mouth or nose should also be examined. Blood in the stool is not typically an emergency but can be very alarming to pet owners. Call us if you notice blood in the stool or bring in a stool sample. We receive a lot of calls regarding bleeding toe nails due to cutting it too short or a broken nail. Baking flour can be applied over the broken nail to help clot the blood and stop the bleeding. Although a nail can bleed profusely, this is not an emergency and the bleeding will usually stop with time. If you cannot get the bleeding to stop within 30 - 60 minutes, call us.
Eye problems: Mild issues such as red or watery eyes should be monitored for 1-2 days as these issues can often resolve. However, if there is green or yellow eye discharge, swelling around the eye, or the cat holds the eye closed, or you know of an injury to the eye, it should be examined. Eye issues can rapidly worsen and should not be taken lightly.
Again, this is only a partial listing of the common issues we encounter at our practice. Always call, as we take seriously all questions regarding your pet’s health. The technician or doctor can help evaluate the problem and make the appropriate recommendations.
July is Nutriceuticals Month!
Nutriceuticals (Supplements) for various conditions:
Allergies: Derma Strength, Cell Advance, Vetri DMG, Homeopet Skin and Itch, Duralactin, Dr. Dan’s Aloe and Oatmeal Shampoo and Conditioner, Dr. Dan’s Catty Acids and Specific Diets
Arthritis: we have a variety of supplements to help your kitty be less painful and more flexible. Nu-Cat Senior, Glycoflex (both tablet and chews), Arthri-max liquid and Dr. Dan’s Joint Health.
Bladder issues: Bladder Strength, UT Strength, Methigel, specific Diets.
Cardiac Health: Cardio Strength, Coenzyme Q 10 and Heart Essentials.
Dental Health: Perio Support, Biotene products, CET dentifrice and brushes and CET Chews.
Digestive System Issues: Acetylator, Fast Balance GI, Oli-vet, Prozyme, Fortiflora, Laxatone, Laxanip, Vetasyl, Dr. Dan’s Catty Acids, and Dr. Dan’s Digestive Enzymes and Specific Diets.
Ear Issues: DermaStrength, Cell Advance and T8 Solution.
Eyes: Lysine and Herbal Eye Wash.
Kidney Problems: Renal Essentials, Renal K +, Azoldyl, Renakare, and Specific Diets.
Liver Issues: Liver Defense, Dr. Dan’s Little Liver Pills, and Specific Diets.
Skin Problems: Derma Strength, Nu- Cat, Nu- Cat Senior, Dream Coat, Homeopet Skin and Itch, Dr. Dan’s Medicated Shampoo and Specific Diets.
Vitamins for all stages of your Furchild’s life: Nu Cat, Nu Cat Senior, Felovite, Flavor Tablets, Felo Form, Liquitinic, Nutrived Chews and Wellness Welltabs.
Dr. Robin also has pet specific mixtures that include:
Hawthorn Blend, Milk thistle, Melatonin, Homeopathic Tincture remedies, Heart Harmony, Holistic Antimicrobial Ear Drops, Herbal Cancer Support Liquid, Mast Cell Tumor Treatment and other specific remedies.
With the Vacation Season here we also have several products for travel anxiety and stress. These include:
Anxiety drops, Anxiety FTLN , Anxiety Travel, Composure Liquid, and specific flower essence and homeopathic remedies.
We also have a pet sitter’s proxy form so your pets will be treated in case of an emergency while you are away.

Are Supplements Right for My Cat?
Every day I take a multivitamin. And I take a different vitamin now at my age than I did when I was in my twenties. Well, believe it or not, your cat can also benefit by certain vitamins and nutrients. If you’re feeding your cat homemade meals they absolutely will benefit. There are additional benefits if your cat has any of the “chronic” conditions listed above. As cats age they do not digest as well as they once did and do not get all the benefits of the food they eat. So, just like us, they can benefit from supplements from vitamins and minerals to herbs and whole foods. Our bodies want to heal themselves and stay in balance. Nutritional supplements are one way we can provide our bodies with the building blocks they need to stay balanced.

August is Odor Control Month
CAT ODOR PROBLEMS
Cat odor can be unpleasant for you and your family, and a source of embarrassment when company calls. Because germs are the leading cause of odor, odor control and good hygiene are also important to the health of your family and your pet. Odor control is not a single-source problem with a single-source solution. That’s why we find a multi-focal approach to odor control to be the most effective.
1. Replace your current litter, if your cat seems not to be impressed by it. A clumping litter is usually preferred as the urine and feces are easily “covered” and removed by you. But each cat is different and has their own preference for the right texture for their paws. Just be aware of the many types of litter, so you may find the one that makes your furbaby happiest.
2. Freshen Up. You don’t like a dirty bathroom, and neither does your cat. Your cat’s sense of smell is 1000 times better than yours, so be sure to clean the litter box thoroughly. Remove feces and urine clumps daily; if your cat does not respond to a clean litter box, you may need to replace it. Some old boxes become scratched and permeated with a scent your cat may find offensive. Replace it and set up a second litter box in a different area. Having one more litter box than you have cats is a good idea, just be sure the boxes are not next to each other.
3. Destroy the Evidence. Once a cat has marked an area with urine or feces, a problem cat naturally regards it as an appropriate area for relieving himself. Do all that you can to eliminate any trace of odor from the “trouble spot”. By using an Ultra-Violet light you will be able to fine the urine as well as know if it has been removed fully. Clean the area thoroughly with a product specific to cat urine such as Cat Odor-Off or Dr. Elsey’s Urine Removal Program. Avoid ammonia based cleaners, which actually contribute to the problem because of their urine like scent. Try to keep your cat away from the trouble spot by covering the area with a plastic carpet runner placed spike side up, self-sticking shelf paper placed sticky side up, or aluminum foil. A lemon-scented air freshener will also help in both repelling the cat and neutralizing the odor. If your cat still can’t resist the area, try placing its food there, cats are unlikely to urinate or defecate where they eat. Use your cat’s own fragrance to your advantage: rub a cloth between your cat’s eye and ear to pick up its scent, then rub the cloth over the problem area. You can also use Feliway. This feline behavior modification spray mimics a cat’s natural facial pheromone…it’s a comforting, reassuring feeling that reduces the impulse to urine mark or scratch. Recognizing this friendly scent on walls, curtains, or furniture, a cat is usually reluctant to mark the area again. Do this two to three times a say to be most effective. Cat Attract and Feliway make a great combination.
4. Consider a Litter Box Makeover. Hooded liter boxes are designed for owners, not cats. Try removing the lid and rethink the location of the boxes. They should be in quiet, out-of-the-way places with convenient access for your cats. Keep the boxes away from bright lights, loud noises and vibrations. Set up one more litter box than the number of cats in your household to cut down on traffic and mess. If your house has several floors, have a box on each level. Finally, do not put a litter box near the cat’s food dishes— this is no more appealing for a kitty than it would be for you!
5. Treat your cat to some R & R. Stress is the leading cause of litter box problems. Fortunately, there is a lot you can do to ease your cat’s worried mind. Territorial by nature, cats need to feel secure in their environment in order to relax. In multiple cat households, make sure each cat has a separated “zone” with its food, water, litter box, scratching post, toys and elevated perch for lounging on. Play with your cat for at least 15 minutes every day, make sure there are plenty of toys to stalk and chase and that toys are rotated to keep them interesting. Hide treats and pieces of dry food for your cat to hunt and eat. Leave the radio on while you are away to reduce boredom. There are many behavioral modification toys that can help relax even the most high-strung kitty. .If you have specific needs that are not addressed above, feel free to discuss your needs with our helpful staff.

September is National Rabies Awareness Month

Rabies Fact Sheet
What is Rabies?
Rabies is a viral disease affecting the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It is transmitted from infected mammals and is always fatal once symptoms appear. Fortunately, only a few human cases are reported each year in the United States.
Who gets Rabies?
All warm blooded mammals including man can get rabies. Among wild animals, rabies is most often seen in raccoons, bats, skunks and foxes.
How do people get Rabies?
People can get rabies if they are exposed to the saliva or nervous tissue of a rabid animal through a bite or scratch. Although rare, exposure can also occur if infected saliva or nervous tissue gets into a fresh wound (one that has bled within 24 hours) or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth). There have also been a few cases of person to person transmission in corneal transplant recipients when it was not knows that donors were infected with rabies.
Can people be exposed to Rabies and not know it?
Bats have small, sharp teeth that may not leave a visible puncture wound or noticeable pain at the bite site, therefore it is possible to be bitten without knowing it as described in the following scenarios. These scenarios indicate a reasonable probability that an exposure could have occurred:

+ Contact between a person’s bare skin and the bat’s head ( or any part of the bat while not looking directly at the bat)
+ Bat found in a room with a sleeping person
+ Bat found in a room with an unattended child
+ In some circumstances, bat found close to an unattended child outdoors
+ Bat found in a room with a person under the influence of alcohol or drugs or with other sensory or mental impairment
What should be done if a bat is found indoors?
If the bat is found in any scenarios indicating reasonable probability of exposure, as listed above, it should be captured and tested for rabies. To avoid losing the bat, leave one person in the room watching it with doors and windows closed, while another person goes to get a coffee can, lid, gloves or similar equipment to capture it. Your county health authority may also be contacted for advice on how to capture the bat and submit it for rabies testing. If it is certain the bat did not have contact with a person or pet, the bat can be allowed to leave through an open window. Do not exit the room until you observe the bat leaving through the window. Close the window when the bat leaves.
What are the symptoms of Rabies?
Early symptoms include irritability, headache, fever and sometimes itching or pain at the site of exposure. Within days, the disease progresses to paralysis, spasms of the throat muscles, convulsions, delirium, and death.
How soon after exposure do symptoms appear?
The incubation period (time between exposure and the start of symptoms) is variable but is normally two to eight weeks. Incubation periods of over one year have been reported.
What is the treatment for Rabies?
First, the wound should be washed with lots of soap and water. Treatment consists of one dose of rabies immune globulin (dosage dependent on body weight) and five doses of rabies vaccine given on days 0, 3, 7, 14, and 28 after exposure. The rabies immune globulin should be given as soon as possible after the exposure. The full amount should be put into the wound, if possible. The first dose of vaccine should be given at the same time but in a different site, usually the upper arm.
What happens if a rabies exposure goes untreated?
Exposure to a rabid animal does not always result in rabies. If treatment is obtained promptly following a rabies exposure, most cases of rabies will be prevented. Untreated cases will invariably result in death.
What can be done to protect a pet from Rabies?
All cats, dogs and ferrets should be vaccinated against rabies starting at three to four months of age and again one year later. After that they should be placed on a one or three year schedule, depending on the vaccine used, and their level of exposure, for regular booster shots.
Why is pet vaccination important?
Pet vaccination is important because vaccinated pets act as a barrier between wild animals and people to keep the rabies virus from spreading.
What should be done if a vaccinated pet fights with another animal?
Any time your pet fights with a wild animal, or another pet, contact your county health authority for advise on what to do. Even though your pet has been vaccinated, a booster dose of rabies vaccine may be needed within 5 days of the incident. If you pet fought with a known or suspect-rabid animal this will keep your pet from getting rabies as a result of the current incident. (Your pet’s vaccine must be current for this booster)
What can be done to prevent the spread of Rabies?
Exposure to rabies may be minimalized by:
+ removing all stray dogs and cats
+ having all pets vaccinated and keeping them up-to-date on their vaccinations
+ avoiding contact with all wild animals, especially those acting abnormally

April is Keep Cats Indoors Month. We are celebrating the Love of Cats and the joy they bring to our lives. Our monthly specials to go with our theme include Cat activity items (scratching posts, pet stages products, toys) bedding products, grooming products and soft paws are 10% off for the month of April. We are also having our fourth bi-annual Open House on Saturday, April 19th from 2-4 pm. We will be having special sales and promotions, chances to win prizes, behind the scenes tours, exciting educational displays and free gift bags with products for you and your fur baby. Please join us for the fun. Bring the attached coupon for extra discounts as marked, during the Open House. We have joined the WhimsiClay family by carrying not only the adorable pins, but several of the miniature statues as well as ornaments and other products. All WhimsiClay products will be 25% off during the Open House.

May is National Be Kind to Animals Month. We are celebrating the special bond we share with our fur children by “treating them right”. We will have specials on treats, toys and grooming products. If you have questions about the best ways to treat your fur baby, just let us know and we will be happy to help.

June is National Adopt-A-Cat month. If you are thinking about adding a new member to your family, we can help you find the best breed and attributes for you and your life style. We will have lists of what you need to have on hand, as well as special package discounts for “everyday items”. We also have books you can come browse through or borrow with Cat Names, Breed descriptions and other informational books. Just let us know what you are interested in, and we’ll see what we can do to help. Remember, as the days get longer, our furry friends who are not yet neutered seem to find more and more interesting things outside. For their safety and your sanity, remember to have your cat spayed or neutered by their 6 month birthday. We still have several packages for cats of all ages. Ask which one is best for your family. All the packages have at least a 20% savings, and many have a great deal more. You can check them out online, or ask us to mail you a brochure. Yours in Wellness… Robin

Give Your Cat A Heart Health Exam

When I consider which trait I like most about cats, I’d have to say that it’s their mysterious manner. I never know when they will pounce on my computer keyboard, or where they will hide on a particular day. Unfortunately, they are also masters at concealing any illnesses they might have. A cat can have a medical problem and even the most watchful owner may not know until the symptoms have become full-blown.

An unhealthy heart is all too common in cats, regardless of age. Some breeds are more prone to heart illnesses than others. Maine Coon Cats, Oriental Short Hairs and Munchkins are just some of the breeds that commonly suffer from heart conditions. Of course, any mixed-breed cat can also have heart problems. The good news is that if treated early, a cat with a heart condition can still live a relatively healthy and happy life. All we have to do is be proactive and examine our cats. Don’t worry - it’s easy and fun.

Place your cat where you can both be comfortable, as you’ll be examining him from head to tail. As you’ll soon learn, heart problems can manifest themselves in multiple ways.

Are the eyes nice and bright? Heart disease can cause respiratory issues, which can lead to a dull look. It’s easy to notice if the twinkle in your kitty’s eyes has diminished.

Lift the lips and inspect the gums. Most cats should have nice medium color pink gums, although dark cats may have gray gums. When you press your finger on the gums, they should lose color; as soon as you remove your finger, the original color should return. Cats with heart problems can be anemic, resulting in very pale or blue gums. Bright red gums are generally not healthy and could be an indication of heart problems.

The whiskers should be nice and long. Broken or thick whiskers may indicate that your cat is not completely healthy. Please be aware that some breeds, like the Devon Rex or the American Wirehair, almost always have short whiskers.

Examine your cat’s skin and coat. A healthy cat will usually have a silky coat. A dull and brittle coat (again, unless a Wirehair) may indicate a health problem. A cat with heart disease can have poor circulation and, as a consequence, the hair will not receive the necessary nutrients. Dandruff may be another indication that your cat is not well.

Put your right palm on your cat’s right shoulder and your left on his left shoulder. Move your hands together along the spine in the direction of the tail, slightly pressing downward to feel the ribs. If there is more than an inch to pinch, then chances are that your cat is too heavy. Note that the hanging tummy is not an indication of obesity, but more often a lack of particular hormones.

Feel the pads of your cat’s feet - they should be warm. Cold feet may be indicative of a blood clot and/or poor circulation. Pay special attention to your cat’s breathing pattern. It should be steady, not very deep, but not too shallow. A cat with heart problems may appear to breathe with difficulty. As a quick test, take a thick cord and throw it up on something so your cat runs to chase it. Young or old, your cat should have no problem doing this a handful of times. If your cat starts to breathe through his mouth, or begins to breathe with effort, we have a problem.

If you notice any of these negative symptoms, I suggest you consult with us as soon as possible.

Cat Trivia….Did you Know?

A cat sees about six times better than a human at night because of the tapetum lucidum , a layer of extra reflecting cells which reflect light.

A cat uses its whiskers to determine if a space is too small to squeeze through. The whiskers act as feelers or antennae, helping the animal to judge the precise width of any passage.

A cat will clean itself with paw and tongue after a dangerous experience or when it has fought with another cat. This is believed to be an attempt by the animal to soothe its nerves by doing something natural and instinctive.

The Chinese, during the reign of Kublai Khan, used lions on hunting expeditions. They trained the big cats to pursue and drag down massive animals - from wild bulls to bears - and to stay with the kill until the hunter arrived.

A cat’s jaws cannot move sideways.

A cat’s tongue consists of small “hooks,” which come in handy when tearing up food.

A polecat is not a cat. It is a nocturnal European weasel.

Adult cats with no health problems are in deep sleep 15 percent of their lives. They are in light sleep 50 percent of the time.

An adult lion’s roar can be heard up to five miles away, and warns off intruders or reunites scattered members of the pride.

Ancient Egyptians believed that “Bast” was the mother of all cats on Earth. They also believed that cats were sacred animals.

Cat scratch disease, a benign but sometimes painful disease of short duration, is caused by a bacillus. Despite its name, the disease can be transmitted by many kinds of scratches besides those of cats.

Catnip can affect lions and tigers as well as house cats. It excites them because it contains a chemical that resembles an excretion of the dominant female’s urine.

Cats are the only domestic animals that walk directly on their claws, not on their paws. This method of walking is called “digitigrade.” When cats scratch furniture, it isn’t an act of malice. They are actually tearing off the ragged edges of the sheaths of their talons to expose the new sharp ones beneath.Cats have a third eyelid called a haw and you will probably only see it when kitty isn’t feeling well.

Cats have amazing hearing ability. A cat’s ear has 30 muscles that control the outer ear (by comparison, human ears only have six muscles). These muscles rotate 180 degrees, so the cat can hear in all directions without moving its head.A cat has four rows of whiskers.

Cats have better memories than dogs. Tests conducted by the University of Michigan concluded that while a dogs memory lasts no more than 5 minutes, a cat’s can last as long as 16 hours - exceeding even that of monkeys and orangutans.

Cats have more than one hundred vocal sounds, while dogs only have about ten.

Cats purr at about 26 cycles per second, the same frequency as an idling diesel engine.

Cats step with both left legs, then both right legs when they walk or run. The only other animals to do this are the giraffe and the camel.

Cat’s urine glows under a black light.

Cats, not dogs, are the most common pets in America. There are approximately 66 million cats to 58 million dogs, with Parakeets a distant third at 14 million.

Cheetahs make a chirping sound that is much like a bird’s chirp or a dog’s yelp. The sound is so an intense, it can be heard a mile away.

Despite its reputation for being finicky, the average cat consumes about 127,750 calories a year, nearly 28 times its own weight in food and the same amount again in liquids. In case you were wondering, cats cannot survive on a vegetarian diet.

Each day in the US, animal shelters are forced to destroy 30,000 dogs and cats.

Felix the Cat is the first cartoon character to ever have been made into a balloon for a parade.

In ancient Egypt, entire families would shave their eyebrows as a sign of mourning when the family cat died.

When a domestic cat goes after mice, about one pounce in three results in a catch.

Lions are the only truly social cat species, and usually every female in a pride, ranging from 5 to 30 individuals, is closely related.

Neutering a cat extends its life span by two or three years.

Purring is part of every cat’s repertoire of social communication, apparently created by the movement of air in spasms through contractions of the diaphragm. Interestingly, purring is sometimes heard in cats who are severely ill or anxious, perhaps as a self-comforting vocalization. But, more typically, it is a sign of contentment, first heard in kittens as they suckle milk from their mother.

The biggest member of the cat family is the male lion, which weighs 528 pounds (240 kilograms).

The cat lover is an ailurophile, while a cat hater is an ailurophobe.

The cat was domesticated over 4,000 years ago. Today’s house cats are descended from wildcats in Africa and Europe.

The catgut formerly used as strings in tennis rackets and musical instruments does not come from cats. Catgut actually comes from sheep, hogs, and horses.

The cheetah is the only cat in the world that can’t retract its claws.

The phrase “raining cats and dogs” originated in 17th Century England. During heavy downpours of rain, many of these poor animals unfortunately drowned and their bodies would be seen floating in the rain torrents that raced through the streets. The situation gave the appearance that it had literally rained “cats and dogs” and led to the current expression.

The color of the points in Siamese cats is heat related. Cool areas are darker. In fact, Siamese kittens are born white because of the heat inside the mother’s uterus before birth. This heat keeps the kittens hair from darkening on the points.

The declawing of a pet cat involves surgery called an onychectomy, in which the entire claw and end bone of each toe of the animal are amputated.

The domestic cat is the only species able to hold its tail vertically while walking. Wild cats hold their tail horizontally, or tucked between their legs while walking.