Update from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) November 18, 2009 – The Oregon state public health veterinarian has reported that a pet cat has died from presumed 2009 H1N1 influenza virus infection. The cat was one of 4 cats in the household and became ill approximately one week after a child in the household had a flu-like illness. It developed labored breathing and was presented to a veterinarian on November 4. The cat was not coughing or sneezing but had pneumonia. The cat's condition deteriorated over the next 3 days, and it died on November 7. Samples were obtained and tested (PCR) positive for the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. Additional samples were sent to the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) for confirmation and are still pending. At this time this is a presumed, not confirmed, case of 2009 H1N1 influenza infection. The three other cats in the household also became ill with different degrees of sneezing and coughing, but recovered from their illnesses. Samples collected from these cats were negative for the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus.

Previously published in DVM NEWSMAGAZINE on Nov 13, 2009

California -- In an attempt to get their ordinances approved before a new state law takes effect that will prevent cities from passing legislation interfering with state-regulated professions like veterinary medicine, at least five cities have passed or are about to pass laws banning cat declawing. Santa Monica City Council passed a ban on declawing Oct. 27, followed by Berkeley City Council Nov. 10. Berkeley City Council must cast a second vote in favor of the ban Nov. 17 for it to go into effect by mid-Decemeber. The San Francisco Board of Supervisors already approved its declawing ban on first and second readings, and the mayor must take action on the ordinance by Nov. 20. Beverly Hills and Los Angeles city councils are expected to vote on similar bans Nov. 17.

Cats scratch for several reasons. Because cats have scent glands under their paw pads, they like to spread the love around and make sure that other cats know that this part of the house is theirs. Cats also scratch because it feels good – you may have let their nails grow too long, and it’s their way of naturally wearing down their nails or ripping them off in the process. Scratching also feels great – it stretches their front limbs and is almost the equivalent of our getting a hand massage.

There are a few things you can do to prevent your cat from scratching. First, keep your cat’s nails short as it’ll cause less damage and will hopefully minimize the urge to scratch. Second, try making your furniture less appealing to the touch. You can do this by applying double-sided tape or aluminum foil to the scratched area – just make sure the tape doesn’t damage your furniture any worse (tip: don’t apply duct tape to antique wood). Another way of curbing your cat’s couch habits is to use negative feedback. With this technique, you have to actually catch your cat in the act. If you do, a quick blast of water from a water gun will quickly teach him not to scratch in front of you. Of course, your cat may scratch all day long while you’re at work, but at least it’ll make you feel like the alpha cat for a few minutes. Unfortunately, it’s unlikely your cat will learn to restrain himself in your absence, and unless you plan on quitting your job to protect your sofa, you may need to resort to other options.