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