The Pet Owners Corner
Dear Cattalker: I gave our cat some of the pork from our New Year’s dinner, but our neighbor said that is bad for the cat. Is that true? Lisa A.
Dear Lisa: Plain meats such as chicken, beef, or pork are fine for cats as a treat. Just remember: no seasonings such as onion or garlic, which can cause a cat to become very ill. Avoid skin and rind as well. Many veterinarians recommend plain boiled chicken with some rice for cats who are recovering from digestive upset. So, it is fine to allow your kitty to enjoy some human meat once in a while.
Dear Cattalker: My kitten loves toys but chews them apart and tries to eat the stuffing. What can I give her to play with? Jean C.
Dear Jean: You are very wise to avoid toys that contain stuffing or can be chewed up right now. Hopefully your kitten will outgrow the need to destroy toys, but be aware some cats never do. Plastic balls that have bells in them that roll around, hard rubber balls that are too big to be chewed, round toys that have balls in tracks are safe. Also, wand toys with feathers for play with your kitten are fine; just remember to put them in a safe place when you are finished playing.
Dear Cattalker: My cat ate a feather from a toy, and the veterinarian said to just watch her to make sure she is not vomiting or having problems in the litter box. I thought she might need surgery. Is just observing enough? Mary P.
Dear Mary: Cattalker always wants owners to follow their veterinarian’s advice. I will comment – not as advice but as information: Cats in the wild eat birds (yes, I know … sad, but it happens). Birds have feathers. Feathers are organic material, so unless a HUGE feather or a large number of feathers are consumed, it would seem your veterinarian’s advice is spot-on.
Pet Owners Corner is designed to answer common questions that pet owners may have. Answers will be simple and straight forward. No questions are too silly to ask; if you have that question, others probably do as well. No medical advice will be given because diagnosing and treating is not possible without a proper veterinary examination.
You may send your questions to: Cattalker2024@gmail.com