| Cats often seem mysterious, but a new | | | | Association (JAVMA) reported that animal |
| national survey polling more than 1,000 cat | | | | shelters took in nearly 20 percent more cats |
| owners reveals that our feline friends may be | | | | and had to euthanize almost 14 percent more |
| more misunderstood then we think-and that | | | | cats than previously reported from 1996 to |
| misunderstanding could affect their health. | | | | 2004. |
| | | | |
| According to the new Cat Behavior Survey | | | | Healthier Cats |
| conducted by Harris Interactive, 75 percent | | | | |
| of cat owners are not familiar with important | | | | Cat owners can help keep their cats healthy |
| bladder health issues that may affect their | | | | by familiarizing themselves with the warning |
| companions. | | | | signs of bladder conditions and speaking with |
| | | | their veterinarian about therapeutic pet |
| This lack of knowledge can often leave cat | | | | foods formulated for bladder health issues, |
| owners mistaking warning signs of the disease | | | | such as the new Hill's Prescription Diet c/d |
| as "behavior problems," which can ultimately | | | | Multicare Feline pet food. |
| lead to serious consequences for the cat if | | | | |
| not properly addressed. | | | | Additionally, owners can help manage bladder |
| | | | conditions by implementing the following |
| A Common Problem | | | | changes: |
| | | | |
| Cat bladder health issues, such as | | | | • Have one more litter box in the home |
| inappropriate elimination, are actually | | | | than the number of cats. |
| reported as the No. 1 behavioral reason | | | | |
| owners relinquish their cats to animal | | | | • Scoop litter after each use. |
| shelters. | | | | |
| | | | • Clean litter box with warm water and |
| Additionally, a 2006 study published in the | | | | mild detergent every two weeks. |
| Journal of the American Veterinary Medical | | | | |