Yes, You Can Exercise Your Cat

How to get overweight or obese cats back in shape.

An estimated 57% of U.S. cats are overweight or obese, according to a 2008 study by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention.

So WebMD asked Rolan Tripp, DVM, for advice on how to get fat cats back in shape. Tripp is an affiliate professor of applied animal behavior at Colorado State University veterinary school and the University of Wisconsin veterinary school, and founder of animalbehavior.net.

Q: Why are so many of our cats fat?

A: Because they’re over fed and under exercised. There’s no magic here. The pet food companies make their foods the tastiest they can make it. And then there’s the misconception that when a cat isn’t eating it’s somehow sick. That’s not always the case.

Q: My cat has the run of the house, isn’t that enough exercise?

A: No. Could you get all the exercise you need just walking around your house? An indoor cat needs planned exercise. The best exercise is object play - playing with your cat with toys. That’s the answer to exercise problems, obesity, and how to get a well-adjusted cat. If your cat doesn’t get enough exercise, it comes out in bad ways.

Q: If I get another cat, will they get more exercise?

A: If it’s a kitten. Kittens are the high-energy ones. If it’s another adult cat, you have to be very careful. Bringing another adult cat into the house has very few positives for the established cat. What you need to do when you bring home another cat is buy a bunch of new resources - new toys, new food, new beds, new treats. So the association for your old cat is that this new cat comes in with a bounty, a dowry.

Q: What are some games I can play with my cat to get him moving?

A: Cats are predators, and the way to get them to play is to let them use their hunting talents. Buy toys and then use them to mimic the actions of the animals a cat would normally hunt - a mouse, bird, lizard, rabbit or bug. Take a laser pointer and skitter it across the floor like a bug. Get a wand toy that looks like a bird and pretend to land and take off. But don’t just flap it around. No bird acts like that. Try to think about what a bird really does and then reenact that with the toy. It’s all pretend play, but try to make it as real as possible for your cat.

Q: Do cats like videos showing birds, squirrels, and other animals? Should I get them a fish tank or put up a birdfeeder outside a window that they can watch?

A: Some might like the videos, but I don’t personally know of any. I think those videos are really more for people who have guilt because they’re gone all day at work. But dragging a piece of string around for a little while when they get home is too much work, so they’d rather buy a video.

Now fish tanks are great. And cats love watching birds outside a window. I don’t recommend birds inside a house with cats, because birds are very intelligent and know they are being stalked. But a birdfeeder outside a window that cats can watch is a great idea.

Q: Can you train a cat to walk on a leash?

A: Yes, but they don’t get a lot of exercise from it because they’re too busy sniffing around and checking things out. The main reason to walk your cat on a leash is to safely give them some time outdoors when they can’t run away. It’s more mental exercise than physical exercise.

Q: My cat doesn’t like toys, or gets bored with them quickly. What can I do?

A: Toys for cats to play with by themselves have marginal interest. You’ve got this ball on a spring. The cat bops it a few times, it goes up and down, and the cat says “OK, now what?”

Cats do want toys, but the toys should be “prey play” oriented. In the wild, a cat will only stalk prey for about three to five minutes. After that, he’ll give up and go search somewhere else. So don’t try to play longer than the genetic capacity of the cat.

When he’s beginning to lose interest, change to another game. Now, some cats will really like bird and they’ll play that longer than other games. Some might really like the bug. Fine. It doesn’t have to be equal time.

Also, let them win occasionally. Put a tasty treat under the toy and let them pounce on it, eat it, and win.

I also believe if a kitten between 7 weeks and 12 weeks is given a lot of toys to play with, it will probably be more likely to play with toys when it gets older, although that’s just my opinion. Two great cat toys are ping pong balls, because they’re light and they go a long way if you whack them, and walnuts, because they make a little crackly sound, like a mouse scurrying away, and they roll irregularly, like a mouse would run.

A really good game is bathtub hockey. Give a kitten a ping pong ball in the bathtub and just watch what happens.

Q: How long should our play periods last, and how often should I have them?

A: As often as the cat will play, because a tired cat is a well behaved cat. But at least a couple times a day. And the best time to play is right before bed, so you can tire them out.

Q: Can cats learn tricks like a dog?

A: They’re not genetically very well equipped for this. Dogs are pack animals, and they’re always looking at their counterparts, seeing what they’re doing, and then changing their behavior based on what the other dogs in the pack do.

Cats, on the other hand, hunt on their own. If another cat comes around, they pay attention only long enough to drive them away. They’re not taking their cues from other cats. That doesn’t mean we can’t train cats to do things. They can learn simple, basic things. But it takes a lot longer than it does to train a dog to do a trick.

The Best Dog Breed for Your Health and Personality

Love Connections and Socializing

If you’re a party giver, a busy volunteer, an inveterate socializer, or looking for a love connection, you probably crave a canine confederate who likes to go places and loves to meet new people -- and it would help if your pup doesn’t tend to bite! People-lovers to consider include clumber spaniels; English and Irish setters; golden, flat-coated, and Labrador retrievers; as well as beagles, Siberian huskies, and bichon frises.

Need Motivation? Walking Breeds

If you need a little incentive to get out for a bit of exercise -- perhaps you’re coping with hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, or heart disease -- think about a pooch that delights in walking, such as Akitas, clumber spaniels, airedales, or American Eskimo dogs. Small pups like Pomeranians and toy poodles also enjoy walks, but they need much shorter strolls than larger breeds.

Go, Go, Globe-Trotters

Do you travel a lot for work or play? You may want a pet who’ll enjoy the journey with you. This probably means a small, easily-transportable dog, one that enjoys travel, can fit in a suitable carry-on, and remains calm and generally quiet as you two jet from coast to coast. That’s a lot to ask of a little one, but a Yorkshire terrier or a Maltese pup may be just the ticket.

Beachcomber Breeds

Whether you love the sea’s salty tang, or romping at river’s edge, a golden retriever loves to be right there beside you. Another aquatic pooch is the Portuguese water dog, which has a waterproof coat and loves fun with family. Make sure your water-loving dog doesn’t get dehydrated, sunburned, or drink salt water, and never leave your pup alone near water.

Dogs for Special Needs

Dogs big and small have been helping those with special needs for a long time. Specially-trained dogs can help reduce the anxiety of a person with Alzheimer’s, aid those who are blind or deaf, alert people with epilepsy of a pending seizure, or help those with issues such as autism or agoraphobia to focus and connect with others. Called assistance, companion, service, or therapy dogs, you can find out more about having such a noble companion in your life -- or training your own dog -- from many nonprofit groups, such as Assistance Dogs International, Canine Companions for Independence, International Association of Assistance Dog Partners, or Service Dog Central.

Soothing Stress and Depression

Whether it’s the playfulness of a pug, the self-confidence of a Shiba Inu, or the warmth of a Great Pyrenees, having the right dog (or dogs) in your life can help banish stress, ease depression, and simply make you happier. Add the grace note of your pup’s “smile” when they see you, their unabashed joy in life, and their devotion, and it’s no wonder that people and their pooches have loved each other’s company for so many years!

Dog Shopping: Pure or Mixed Breed?

Now that you know which breeds may fit your lifestyle, the next question to ask yourelf: pure or mixed breed? Whether a dog is a pure breed known for certain characteristics, or a mixed-breed mongrel, dogs are as individual as people, and can vary greatly. Visit your prospective puppy, and its parents if you can, before deciding which one is for you.

Tips for Dog Adoption

Whether you want a mixed or pure-breed dog, you can often find the right pup at an animal shelter or breed rescue group. Shelters accept thousands of dogs of every type and temperament, while rescue groups focus on aiding dogs of one particular breed, for example, greyhounds or Pekingese, Great Pyrenees or collies.

The Puppy-Mill Problem

Puppy mills, high-volume breeding facilities with substandard breeding practices and conditions, can have a huge effect on a dog’s health and personality. A particular breed of dog may be known for docility and quiet, yet that same dog, when bought from a puppy mill, may turn out to be aggressive and destructive. Always deal with reputable breeders if you decide on a pure-breed dog.

Slideshow: The Best Dog Breed for Your Health and Personality

Which Dog Is for You?

A four-legged companion in your life can bring a bounty of rewards. Not only does a pet offer love and affection, but they can help keep your immune system strong, reduce depression, even lower blood pressure. Part of finding the right dog, of course, is getting to know yourself. What hobbies do you enjoy? Is the dog meant for you, the kids, or grandma? A dog should be for life -- the dog’s life -- so think hard about the pooch you hope to have.

Dogs for Fitness Buffs

If you love the great outdoors, you probably want a canine companion that shares your joy. Just about every dog loves to get out and about, but breeds that adore long daily walks or vigorous exercise tend to be medium-large breeds, including Doberman pinschers, rottweilers, Irish and English setters, Weimaraners, border collies, most pointers, German shepherds, and dalmatians.

Dogs That Love Kids

Just about every kind of dog can turn out to be a great companion for a child, but there are some breeds that are particularly known for their love of children. Beagles and boxers are good for little kids who love to romp and play, dachshunds are great for gentle, older kids, while Great Danes and Saint Bernards adore having children of all ages to play with and protect.

Independent Dogs for Busy Bees

You’re a busy one, always on the go. While dogs are pack animals and need companionship, some dogs are more independent than others and may fit your busier life, including Alaskan malamutes, borzoi (Russian wolfhounds), and Chinese shar-peis. You can also help your pup cope with your absence by having two dogs, and they needn’t be a matching set. A lab can find great companionship with a papillon, for example.

Attention Hogs and Homebodies

You’ve got a lot of love and affection to give. If you want a pup that thrives on human companionship, think Pomeranian, Chinese crested, French bulldog, or toy poodle. For a dog that loves your attention and is a good watchdog too, one who’ll bark when strangers are near, your ideal canine mate may be a beagle, bloodhound, Old English sheepdog, or American cocker spaniel.

Pups for Apartment Dwellers

If you live in an apartment, you’re probably looking for a dog that doesn’t tend to bark without reason, and who also needs only the moderate exercise a short walk around town gives. In that case think English toy spaniels, Bedlington terriers, or Cavalier King Charles spaniels. A short walk or a good bout of indoor play is all a havanese, affenpinscher, or Chihuahua needs too, though these dogs may tend to be more vocal.

What if You Have Sleep Problems?

If sleep problems keep you wide-eyed some nights, a quiet canine companion could be the dog for you. Basenjis are famously known to be non-barking (they make low crowing sounds), though they’re very energetic dogs devoted to play. Other breeds known to have a quiet temperament include greyhounds and English sheepdogs. You may want to steer clear of boxers and bulldogs, who tend to snore.

Dogs for Allergy Sufferers

Because all dogs have a protein in their saliva and dander (flakes of dead skin) to which some people may be allergic, there’s no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog. Yet some dogs do produce less dander, while others shed less and so don’t drop as much dander-laden fur around the house. A few dogs that allergy sufferers may consider include schnauzers, poodles, bichon frises, and Portuguese water dogs like Bo, the First Family’s new pup.

When You Have Mobility Issues

Whether it’s knee pain, rheumatoid arthritis, or MS limiting your mobility, you probably want a pooch that can get plenty of exercise romping around the house, or needs only short walks. In that case, it may pay to think very small or very big. Bullmastiffs and Saint Bernards need only moderate exercise, as do basset hounds, shih tzu, and Pekingese. Terriers and medium-sized dogs, on the other hand, usually need lots of action.

Caution Urged in Use of Flea, Tick Products for Pets

Environmental Protection Agency Reacts to Reports of Health Problems in Pets

March 18, 2010 -- In the wake of mounting reports of adverse pet health effects, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued new restrictions on spot-on flea and tick products -- and urges extra care in their use.

The products are concentrated pesticides applied from a small tube to the skin beneath the fur on a cat or dog's back. They can keep a treated pet free of fleas and ticks for weeks. Popular brands include Advantage, Bio-Spot, Frontline, Hartz, and Zodiac.

The EPA, which is responsible for pesticide safety, noted an increase in the number of safety reports on these products. In 2009, the agency asked eight manufacturers for detailed information from adverse-event reports on their products.

Those details linked the products to health issues ranging from mild skin irritation to seizures and, in rare cases, to the death of the pet. Because the reports did not account for product popularity -- and because the reports were not verified -- the EPA was not able to identify if any specific products were particularly dangerous.

EPA Actions

Nevertheless, the EPA has announced it is taking several actions:

• Product misuse, such as using doses intended for large dogs on small dogs, led to many of the negative health incidents. New product labels must carry clearer, more precise instructions.


• A number of incidents were caused by consumers using dog products on cats. New product labeling requirements will prevent the use of similar names for cat and dog products and require a clear indication of which products are formulated for dogs or cats.


• New products will receive only conditional approval to allow for post-marketing surveillance.


• Some of the products' safety issues may be related to inert ingredients. The EPA will investigate these ingredients and restrict their use if necessary.


• Pre- and post-marketing tests will be required to bring these products into line with regulations required by the FDA for similar products.


• The EPA is launching a consumer information campaign to educate pet owners about the appropriate use of these products.

The EPA lists eight firms making the products:

• Bayer (Advantage brands)


• Fort Dodge (owned by Pfizer, brands include ProMeris for Cats)


• Hartz Mountain (brands include Control One-Spot)


• Merial (Frontline brands)


• Pet Logic


• Sergeants (brands include Sergeant's and Sentry)


• Summit Vetpharm (Vectra brands)


• Wellmark/Farnam (now Central Life Sciences, brands include Bio-Spot and Zodiac)

All of the products were linked to some reports of deaths and other serious events, but the most of the incidents were not serious.

In dogs, the EPA found that:

• Most of the adverse events involved the dog's skin, gastrointestinal system, or nervous system.


• Symptoms included vomiting, diarrhea, salivating, itching, hair loss, skin ulcers, lethargy, nervousness, loss of muscle coordination, tremors, and seizure.


• Small-breed dogs were more likely to be affected. Most incidents were in dogs weighing 10 to 20 pounds.


• Most incidents were in dogs less than 3 years old.

In cats, the EPA found that:

• Most of the adverse events involved the cat's skin, gastrointestinal system, or nervous system.


• Clinical symptoms were similar to those seen in dogs.


• Many incidents arose from the treatment of cats with products intended for dogs.

Manufacturers' Reaction

WebMD asked each manufacturer to comment on the EPA action. All of those who responded expressed a willingness to work with the EPA to continue to make these products safer.

Mark Newberg, director of corporate affairs for Central Life Sciences, noted that the vast majority of people who use his firm's and other firms' products have no problem at all.

"If you look at the fact that 270 million doses of product [from all companies] were sold, and a rate of 16 incidents per 10,000, it means you have millions of dogs and cats protected from flea allergy dermatitis, tapeworm, and other diseases," Newberg tells WebMD. "These are satisfied customers. But on occasion there are adverse incidents we can't predict."

Bob Walker, director of communications and public policy for Bayer Animal Health, noted that of the 16 incidents per 10,000 doses, few were serious.

"We have done a thorough analysis of our own incident reporting, and Bayer did not see an increase for Advantage over the period cited by the EPA," Walker tells WebMD. "And our rate of adverse incidents is lower than the aggregate rate reported by the EPA."

In a statement provided to WebMD, Hartz Mountain expressed a willingness to work with the EPA on making labeling clearer.

"While Hartz is the leader in flea and tick retail sales, Hartz flea and tick drops account for less than five percent of all adverse effects reported to the EPA in 2008 for topical dog and cat flea and tick treatment," the statement says.

Merial also provided a statement to WebMD.

"Although EPA has said that its initiative was prompted by a 'sharp increase' it had noted in 2007-2008 in the number of reported adverse events related to the use of spot-on flea and tick control products in general, Merial's data does not indicate that this is the case for Frontline. The number of adverse events reported for Frontline has remained consistently low since the product's introduction in 1996," the statement says.

Source WebMD

Learn About the Role of Histamines

Allergies are an overreaction by your immune system to generally harmless things like pollen, dust mites, and ragweed. Let's say you're allergic to dust or pollen and you come into contact with it. Your immune system will send out a chemical substance called histamine in response to these allergens.

Did you know?

The active component of XYZAL has a 2-fold greater affinity for the human H₁ receptor (histamine) than that of the active compound in medications like ZYRTEC^®.

The clinical relevance of this finding is unknown.

Once released, histamine attaches to histamine receptors on the surface of your cells and triggers a series of events that leads to your nasal allergy symptoms—that's what causes the sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes of an allergy attack.

XYZAL works by blocking histamine from attaching to many of the histamine receptors. The fewer receptors are available, the less histamine can attach and trigger symptoms. By blocking histamine from attaching to certain cells, XYZAL relieves your nasal allergy symptoms.

Important Safety Information

Do not take XYZAL if you are allergic to XYZAL, cetirizine or ZYRTEC^®. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have kidney disease. Children 6 months to 11 years of age with impaired kidney function should not take XYZAL. Patients taking XYZAL should avoid operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle. Taking XYZAL with alcohol or sedatives should be avoided. Take XYZAL at bedtime. Do not increase the dose due to increased risk of sleepiness.

In patients 12 years of age and older, side effects may include sleepiness, tiredness, sore throat and dry mouth. In children 6-12 years of age, side effects may include fever, cough, sleepiness and nose bleeds. In children 1-5 years of age, side effects may include fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and ear infections. In children 6 months to 11 months of age, side effects may include diarrhea and constipation.

Indications

XYZAL is a prescription medication used to treat the symptoms of year round allergies, as well as a treatment for chronic hives and rashes of unknown cause (also known as chronic idiopathic urticaria) in patients 6 months of age and older, and symptoms of seasonal allergies in patients 2 years of age and older.

Discover Common Nasal Allergy Triggers

If you are one of the 60 million Americans who have indoor and outdoor allergies, you probably know about the symptoms—itching, watery eyes, runny nose, and sneezing, just to name a few.

What you may not know is what substances can trigger your nasal allergy symptoms. These triggers are called allergens. Allergens may be present year round, or they may come and go with the seasons. Allergens are generally harmless substances, but to people with allergies, they can trigger bothersome nasal allergy symptoms.

Do Some Vets Make House Calls?

Most pets don’t like going to the vet. But with some pets, it’s open warfare when the carrier comes out. At other times, it might be better to have the vet come to your home, like at the end of your pet’s life. The solution to those, and other problems, could be a mobile, or housecall, veterinarian. We talked to Jake Tedaldi, a Boston area housecall veterinarian and author of “What’s Wrong with My Dog” to find out what people can expect when they use a mobile veterinarian.