Monday, February 26, 2018

The Whys and Wherefores of Cat Color Changes

It’s a day like any other day, except that your once cream-colored cat has taken on a brownish tone. Don’t panic, just yet.   Skin and hair color is determined by melanocyte cells in the skin and hair follicles. Those cells produce melanin which in turn produces the color. Remember what you looked like last summer; after a day at the shore? When your skin is exposed to the sun, those cells are stimulated to produce more melanin. But what can cause color changes in your cat?
 Genetics
Cats come in a kaleidoscope of colors; or lack pigment altogether in the case of albinos.    In fact, did you know that the coloration patterns in “pointed” breeds of cats (Siamese, Ragdoll, Balinese, etc.) are temperature dependent? The production of the pigment is dependent on the action of a particular enzyme and the action of that enzyme is temperature dependent. That’s why the warmer parts of a Siamese cat’s body are lighter in color while the cooler parts (like the face, feet, tail and ear tips) are more darkly pigmented.  The scientific name is Wilson’s Syndrome, according to technology.org.
Environment
Given the temperature dependent color of pointed breeds, they are especially prone to color changes associated with temperature variations that stretch out over time. Move to Arizona and you’ll likely see the points turn lighter.   And be prepared for coat color changes if your animal is shaved for surgery.  The first hair re-growth, on less insulated skin will likely be darker; subsequent hair growth should return your pet to the original color.  (Medical, Genetic & Behavioral Risk Factors of Siamese Cats by Ross D. Clark DVM)
Black cats often turn a reddish color when exposed to the sun.  If you fear it’s something more, have your vet run tests to determine if their diet is deficient in amino acids or something else.  Diet deficiencies are easily reversed with the right food balance.
Diseases
Vitiligo is a hereditary disorder in cats that causes white areas to appear as the cat matures. These spots typically occur around the nose and eyes, but are not cause for alarm.  Color changes have been reported in cats post-stressful situations (pregnancy, serious illness).   For more information related to diseases in cats, see peteducation.com

As a rule, pigment changes in your cat are most likely due to benign conditions that do not cause serious consequences to your cat’s overall health. However, underlying illness or poor nutrition needs to be addressed.  Your veterinarian will ask you questions as part of your cat’s evaluation.  Diagnostic tests may be necessary and, should the problem be more than benign, the owner and the doctor should respond appropriately.

If you have any questions or concerns, you should always contact your veterinarian — she or he is your best defense to ensure the health of your pet.


The content is not medical advise, nor is it intended to be a substitute for veterinary treatment or care. First, consult with your veterinarian before use.

Tuesday, February 20, 2018

Today - February 20th is National Love Your Pet Day


Break out the treats.  Head to the pet store.   Visit the local shelter.  Today is National Love Your Pet Day.   The purpose of this holiday is to encourage pet owners to spend some time with their pets and show them the love and affection they deserve.  Dogs, cats, turtles, lizards, fish; it doesn’t matter.  It’s the day to show them just how much they mean to you.

No one knows exactly when it started but according to our research, wide-scale celebration began in the early 2000s. 

The stats will surprise you

In 2017, U.S pet owners spent almost $70 billion dollars worth of products for their pets (American Pet Products Association).  Compare that to the $41 billion spent in 2007. Want to know more about the pet industry in the United States? Then check out the following pet statistics:

Number of Households That Own a Pet (By Type. In Millions)
Dogs:     60
Cats:      47
Fish:       14.2
Birds:     8.0
Reptile: 4.7
Horses: 2.6

Number of Animals Owned in U.S (In Millions)
Fish:       158.8
Cats:      94
Dogs:     90
Birds:     20.4
Reptiles: 9.4
Horses: 7.7

The benefits will blow you away

Strengthen a child’s immune system  ̶ Studies have shown that children who live in homes with pets miss less school due to sickness than children who grow up in pet-free homes.

Lessen the chance of developing allergies Contrary to outdated myth, children in households with pets are reported to have fewer allergies.  Nowadays, several studies have shown that children in pet-friendly households lower the chances of developing related allergies by as much as 33% (National Institute of Health). You’ll want to introduce the kids to the animals as soon as possible.  If a person has already developed an allergy, the allergy can’t be reversed. 

Heart health—Another benefit to owning a pet may be improved heart health.  Studies have shown that owning a pet can lower blood pressure, triglyceride and cholesterol levels; all are contributors to the risk of heart attack

Overall fitness—This one’s so obvious.  You walk your dog 3X daily; you walk off excess weight and boost your metabolism.  The pooch is happy and you get healthy.  Win-Win! 

Don’t worry; be happy—Yes, they can be expensive.  Certainly they can be a pain in the neck.  In spite of it all, pets have been shown to turn a bad day into a beautiful one.  That’s why their presence in hospitals, nursing homes and long-term care facilities is ever-rising.   

Make new friends, keep the old—Pets are instant icebreakers; people are just more willing to stop and chat when they see a person out with their pet.  And you’d be amazed by how often friends stop by for pet play dates.  Just one more reason to make a dog, cat, reptile or bird a part of the family. 

Celebrating National Love Your Pet Day

Stop by your local pet adoption center.  Volunteer, foster or adopt.  Animals provide love and companionship each and every day.  February 20th is your chance to return the favor.