May 24, 2009

Dear Obie,
What is Memorial Day?
Signed, Floppers
Biscoe, North Carolina


Dear Floppers,
According to my friends at Wikipedia, Memorial Day is defined as a federal holiday to commemorate American men and women who died while in the military, serving their country. The holiday was first enacted to honor Union soldiers who died in the Civil War, and is in fact celebrated near the day of reunification following that war. After World War I, it was expanded to include Americans killed in any war or military action.

Originally observed on May 30th of each year, many veterans feel that the "floating" quality of the holiday, now observed on Mondays to create a three-day weekend, has made people care less about the true meaning of the holiday and simply view it as a three-day break from work! Since my human daddy is a veteran, I believe those who died in the service of this country deserve more than just a passing recognition!

As a cat, I enjoy any holiday that allows me to spend more time with my humans!!

Your friend,
Obie

*****

Dear Obie,
My kitty, Rumplebum, just turned fifteen years old yesterday. I really love him! How can I best keep him healthy so I can enjoy him for a lot more years?
Signed, Kim
Denver, Colorado


Dear Kim,
First off, happy birthday to Rumplebum! As a fifteen year old cat, I can tell that you are doing the right things to keep him healthy already. The average life expectancy for cats is fourteen years, though with today's medical knowledge and the care given by great owners like you, many cats are living to twenty years old and beyond.

The most obvious thing any cat owner can do is make regular vet visits an important part of your relationship with your cat. Your vet is the expert, the one who can track your cat's health and maybe spot a small problem before it becomes a big problem. My humans make sure I get a complete physical with blood work once a year, and my older brother, Rockafeller, who is eleven, gets a physical every six months. Your vet is also an amazing source of information on nutrition and other health issues. Talk to them, and ask questions. They will be happy to answer!

As a cat owner, you are the very best guardian of your kitty's health. You are the one who sees Rumplebum every day, who knows his moods and his routines. You will be the first to notice irregularities in his normal demeanor, such as changes in appetite or thirst, coughing, lethargy, weight loss, weakness, or vomiting. Make notes of what is changed so when your vet asks you about the problem, you can give clear and precise answers. Some questions the vet might ask, according to my friend Dr. Virginia Clemans, DVM, are: how long has the problem been present? Is the problem getting worse or staying the same? Have any home treatments been tried, and if so, what are they? Your ability to answer these types of questions will help your vet get a clearer idea of what might be wrong with your kitty.

If your vet prescribes medication or a treatment plan, follow their directions as closely as possible. Make sure kitty gets all his medicine, and if for some reason you can't do that, let your vet know right away! Your cat will not get better if you don't follow your vet's advice!

Barring health issues, one of the main foundations for a long and healthy life is nutrition. There are so many different types of cat foods out there, it can be hard to know what is right for your cat. Premium cat foods are usually better health-wise than cheap store brands, or generic brands. Yes, premium foods are more expensive, but isn't your cat worth it? You get what you pay for, whether it's a television or cat food! And, once again, your trusty vet is often your best source for information on what food is best for your cat. An underweight cat has different dietary needs than an overweight cat, for example, and all foods are not created equal.

Personally, I feast on fresh ocean salmon and the highest grades of tuna and lake perch, and...okay, I'm fibbing. But choosing the right food for your kitty is important! Research, ask your vet, and do what is best for that feline companion who loves you and depends on you to do what is best!!

Your friend,
Obie

*****

"Sandpaper kisses
on a cheek or chin-
that is the way
for a day to begin!

Sandpaper kisses-
a cuddle and a purr.
I have an alarm clock
that's covered in fur!"

-Bobbi Katz - Author ("Pocket Poems" and "Once Around the Sun")

*****

Hi, everyone! I hope you enjoy my column, but please remember that I am not a vet. I am a cat. Always consult with your vet before making health decisions for your cat! Thank you! Obie