An Article by Marc de Jong, Author of How To Take Care Of Your Pregnant Cat


“Your cat has feline diabetes.”

If this is your vet’s message after examining your beloved friend, it will come as a shock. Yes, your cat has a serious disease. But you can treat it!

I got the message myself early 2003. My (then) 10-year-old neutered cat Duvelke had been urinating and drinking more than usual for a few weeks. First it was thought to be connected with a previous medication. But after urine and blood tests the veterinarian was certain. “Your cat has feline diabetes.”

Now what is diabetes?

Blood contains sugar (glucose). The blood sugar level is controlled by the hormone insulin, which is produced by the pancreas. If this organ produces not enough insulin, we speak of diabetes.

Symptoms of feline diabetes differ. Duvelke started to pass more urine than usual, and had an increased thirst as a result of this. Other possible symptoms are weight loss, decreased appetite, lethargy and a poor coat condition.

Cats with untreated diabetes will become inactive, vomit regularly, stop urinating and fall into a coma. But if you treat feline diabetes correctly, your cat might still be able to lead a long and happy life. It does take effort and dedication, though.

Your cat will need to get food at set times, and preferably should stay indoors.

And – this is essential - you will have to give your cat insulin shots. Once a day, often two times daily. Your vet will determine the quantity and tell you how to do it. It is not scary!

But keep an eye on your friend. Your cat should have had food before getting the insulin shot! If not, a hypoglycemic shock (a ‘hypo’) may occur. This is also possible if your cat gets too much insulin. And this is really dangerous. If you are not there to help, your cat might die from a hypo.

Duvelke has had a few hypos since 2003. He survived. How? By putting glucose in his mouth, on the inside of his cheeks. Honey on his tongue also worked well.

Duvelke’s quantity of insulin has been reduced considerably the past year. And he’s doing really fine. If you didn’t know about his disease, you would assume he is a perfectly healthy cat.

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RESOURCE BOX:

Journalist, web site builder and cat lover Marc de Jong is the owner and editor of http://www.cat-pregnacy-report.com, a web site about cat pregnancy, cat health and other cat related subjects. CLICK HERE for a longer, more detailed version of this article.

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Article # 2


“How To Stop Your Cat From Spraying”

An Article by Marc de Jong, Author of How To Take Care Of Your Pregnant Cat

The cat backs up to the door, lifts the tail and releases a fine spray of urine. Yes, your cat is spraying. You have a problem. But one you can solve.

Figures from the British Association of Pet Behavior Counselors say that aggression in dogs and marking behavior in cats are the biggest behavior problems in the UK pet population.

Spraying is marking behavior, not a litter box problem. Sprayed cat urine contains pheromones, a substance that animals use to communicate. Combinations of pheromones work like fingerprints: they identify the cat.

A spraying cat marks his or her territory with cat urine. It simply says: 'This is mine'. You may not like it, but getting angry doesn't help. It may even have an opposite effect: more spraying.

Cats in heat are attracted by the odor of cat urine. For them, spraying is something like an invitation to love. The results may be there in 65 days: a nest of cute little kittens.

Cats do not only spray during sexual encounters. Some also do it during conflicts with other felines, or when they are stressed.

For people the scent is far from pleasant. Thankfully most cats spray outside. But what if you have a cat spraying inside? Do something about it! And yes, that is possible.

The most radical and effective thing you can do is neutering or spaying your cat. Most castrated toms stopped spraying from the day they were operated.

But maybe you have a reason not to neuter your cat. In that case try to find out why your cat sprays.

Maybe it sprays only when it sees another cat. Solution: block the view. Or it sprays because of a conflict with another pet. Keep them separated and problems might be over.

If you don't know why your cat sprays, discuss it with your veterinarian. Chances are he will advice you to spay or neuter. But your vet can also check if there is a medical problem.

Anyway, do not leave this problem unsolved. Cat urine odor and stains can make your home a very uncomfortable place, and your cat will still remain a cat even when it doesn't spray anymore.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Marc de Jong runs an acclaimed web site on cats and is the author of the book How To Take Care Of Your Pregnant Cat!

Article # 3


“Does the World Need More Cats?”

An Article by Marc de Jong, Author of How To Take Care Of Your Pregnant Cat

Aren’t they cute? Yes, they are! A nest of meowing and crawling little kittens leaves only the fiercest cat hater indifferent. But does the world need more cats?

A cat is the second most popular pet in the world. People love them for all kinds of reasons. Cats are social, but still have a will of their own. They have sweet faces and love to be hugged, but at the same time they are predators that don’t mind about killing a bird.

In short, cats are fascinating animals. The world would be a boring place without them.

Fact: the world needs cats. But how many?

According to recent figures, in the US alone over two million cats are being put to death each year in animal shelters because there are no homes for them.

That’s shocking. And you can’t blame the animal shelters for that. They do their best, within the limits of their budget. There are just not enough people that want to take care of these cats.

So if you have a pet cat, there is no need for you to breed. Don’t worry, cats will never become scarce. Professional breeders will always be happy to meet the needs of real cat lovers.

Fact: the world does not need MORE cats. But how can you prevent new litters?

Simple. Get your cat castrated or spayed.

The answer may seem obvious, but still many people don’t have their pet neutered. Some believe it is too expensive, or they think it will harm their cat. Or people just don’t know how easy cats make babies.

But neutering is not as expensive as raising kittens. And although it may change your cat’s behavior a little, there is no real harm done. Cats will only become more loving.

Fact: neutering is the solution. But what if your cat gets pregnant before getting spayed?

It happens. You left the door open for a minute, Molly went out, met Tom and returned with 65 days of cat gestation ahead.

Now you have a responsible task. Take care of your pregnant queen as good as you can. Get the right advice about what to expect the coming months.

Love your kittens. Make sure they get a good home once they are old enough. Because a nest of meowing and crawling little kittens leaves only the fiercest cat hater indifferent.

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RESOURCE BOX: Journalist, site builder and cat lover Marc de Jong is the author of the popular, best selling ebook "HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR PREGNANT CAT", full of insider tips that help your cat deliver and raise a healthy litter.

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