Dear Reader,
Has your cat's behavior ever left you frustrated? Just think how she feels! She's trying to tell you something -- something important -- in the best -- and only -- way she has to communicate.
Your cat's "craziest" behavior is often her most imploring attempt for attention. She's asking for your help.
There's a message to the madness.
The cat that shakes his head is not scolding you; he may be suffering from ear mites. The tabby feasting on your wool sweater may have a displaced nursing instinct. And the cat that meows strangely and paces is not restless; she may be in heat.
You are your cat's caregiver. And to be an able caregiver you must know what care is called for. To do that, you've got to read your cat's "sign" language.
Actions speak louder than words.
For your cat, actions are her words. They are how she communicates everything from pain to anger... from anxiety to contentment... from fear to loathing.
For too many people, their cat's behavior is one big book of mysteries. For others -- including you -- your cat's behavior can be a practical and revealing instruction manual.
In each issue of Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine's CATWATCH, you will learn how to interpret, translate and react to your cat's behavior. As you understand her actions you'll find the clues and cues to protect and strengthen your cat's health and well-being.
CATWATCH will help you sort out which actions deserve attention and which do not. You'll know when misbehavior is merely that (and how to correct it). And you'll be able to discern when it may be the signal of something more serious.
CATWATCH is incisive, insightful and informative. It will get you inside your cat's head as fully as she has gotten into your heart. 
As you read CATWATCH you'll discover how often a cat's behavior is a reaction to an illness, an injury or even an allergy that's just like one you may have suffered.
You'll be struck by the similarity between your own health concerns and those that confront your cat. You'll also find solutions that are similar -- and some that are far different.
PKD (polycystic kidney disease), a feline kidney disease, is also the most common inherited renal disease in humans. FCD (feline cognitive dysfunction), which afflicts nearly 60% of 12-15 year old cats, is similar to the early stages of Alzheimer's disease in humans. Cats get high blood pressure. Hyperthyroidism. Diabetes. Asthma. Cancer.
CATWATCH is packed with practical advice for detecting, diagnosing and working with your veterinarian to treat the most prevalent feline ailments.
For example, many older cats suffer from arthritis but the disease goes undetected because cats compensate for it better than humans. With CATWATCH you'll be alert to the signs and learn which remedy could bring relief.
And if you've ever had a child with croup, you know that fifteen minutes in a steaming bathroom can work wonders. Guess what? If your cat ever has an upper respiratory infection, the same technique may open her air passages.
CATWATCH will teach you the ten warning signs of feline cancer. (The good news is that many feline cancers are very responsive to treatment when caught early.) You'll learn the most telling signs of high blood pressure... how to detect signs of heart disease... recognize the first indications of pain... and even determine if your cat may be allergic to you!
But what if the veterinarian says it's a trichobezoar?
First, ask for a translation. The best doctors will not try to impress you with their grasp of medical terminology. And neither will CATWATCH. In CATWATCH you get the advice of experts but without pretense. CATWATCH is written in language we can all understand and with guidance we all can follow.
And a trichobezoar? It's a hairball. And hairballs are more disgusting than dangerous for most cats. What should you do? Groom regularly. Add some dietary fiber. (But don't give your cat mineral oil. It can end up in the lungs instead of the stomach.)
In CATWATCH you'll learn how to insure a trauma-free visit to the vet... how to detect ringworm... the best protection against fleas (it's not always a flea collar!)... how to clip claws... and the one place you should never let your veterinarian give an injection.
Cats drool?
You know the expression, "Dogs drool, cats rule." Well, of course cats rule. But they also drool. Often, it's nothing to worry about; but sometimes it's a signal of something very wrong. With CATWATCH you'll even learn to distinguish between similar behaviors with different causes.
For example, some cats drool from pleasure. For others it's the sign of serious dental problems. In fact, the number one health problem your cat is likely to face is dental disease.
Do you have a cat that grooms to the extreme? The cause can be anything from fleas to food allergies or even stress. With CATWATCH you'll gain the ability to help your vet isolate the cause of an ailment quickly and prescribe treatment more effectively.
Fat cats... 'fraidy cats... and Elizabeth, too.
The experts and veterinarians at the Cornell University Hospital for Animals have the opportunity to observe, treat and heal thousands of cats every year.
This wealth of caring, hands-on experience comes to you in CATWATCH. You'll find articles that directly address the cat care issues you are confronting now -- or may face in the future.
For example, almost 60% of our cats are overweight. Obesity can trigger serious health risks, including diabetes and lameness. If your Snowball has turned into a butterball, how do you get her back in trim shape? Should you go with a "formulated" diet? Which exercises hold a cat's interest? How do you avoid the dangers of fatty liver syndrome? CATWATCH has the answers.
What about cats that eat and eat but still lose weight? It could be hyperthyroidism.
CATWATCH editors will alert you to the warning signs and disclose which of three available therapies is the one with the greatest chance for success.
And what about scaredy-cats? Can you make a Tiger out of Mr. Meek? You might be surprised what common sense and TLC can do. CATWATCH will explain the do's and don'ts for converting a cowardly lion into a contented companion.
You'll take the confusion out of your important cat-care decisions.
How do you find out what's right for your cat? With CATWATCH. Because CATWATCH accepts no advertising, our editors are free to offer candid, unbiased and uncompromising views and insights on the issues that directly affect your cat's health and longevity. In CATWATCH you'll... - ...sort out the canned vs. dry food debate. (And learn why "moist" foods may be a smart choice.)
- ...get the scoop on which litters cats find most inviting. (And whether "clumping" litter poses a danger to kittens.)
- ...discover the types of 'toys' your cat will enjoy the most. (Some of which you may already have in your home.)
CATWATCH will also help you to make the right decisions regarding your cat's comforts and needs. Thinking about buying a cat bed? They come in all shapes, sizes, and stuffing (there's even a cat waterbed, or a time when you might want to consider a heated cat bed). CATWATCH will help you decide when to splurge and when to save.
Or what about litter boxes? You can buy hooded boxes, boxes with fans, boxes with deodorizers. Anyone ever ask a cat what he thinks of a dark box filled with whirring noises and perfume? Our bet? The old $2 pan -- and a two-minute daily cleaning.
Would you keep a mouse in the 'fridge?
Why are cat owners so surprised when their pets look down their whiskers at cold cat food? Cats are hunters by nature. Most cats prefer food around 95°F, similar to freshly-killed prey.
Cats are true carnivores. They need meat. They need roughage. They need some very specific ingredients to maintain their health and fitness.
CATWATCH will help you select foods that will encourage vitality, strengthen immunities, slow aging and fortify wellness.
In CATWATCH you'll learn...
- For some cats a home-made diet is just about the worst thing you can feed her.
- Which supplements promote good health (and which, such as Vitamin D, when given in excess can do more harm than good).
- What ingredient in some baby food is toxic to kittens.
- What simple dietary change can counteract dry skin.
You may be surprised to learn that most cats are lactose-intolerant (so much for that saucer of milk!)... which one abbreviation you should look for before buying any can of cat food...why specially-formulated "senior" cat foods are a waste of money... and which treats can reduce "cat breath"!
Inexpensive solutions and invaluable guidance.
CATWATCH's editors know that good cat care is not a matter of money; it's a matter of perceptive care and common sense.
For example, we've all had cats who preferred clawing the sofa instead of the scratching post. Should you shell out for a high-tech, high-priced mat to shock the little vandal? Please don't as it's downright cruel! There are better, cheaper and more humane ways to solve the problem.
Do you agonize whether or not to subject your cat to annual inoculations? Depending upon your cat's age and environment, you may be able to reduce the frequency or eliminate some vaccinations altogether. CATWATCH will point you in the right direction.
And because prevention is the best medicine, you'll appreciate CATWATCH's insightful advice for a "cat-safe" home... how to make grooming your opportunity for a "hands-on" exam... the ten essential items for a feline first aid kit... the ideal plants for a healthful "cat garden"... even how to encourage your cat to say "Aaah" to toothbrushing!
Our cats are many things. They are companions and comfort. Mousers and magicians. They can be bold or timid. Playful or pensive. But they are not crazy.
On the other hand, you might think I am. After all, I'm offering you a risk-free subscription of CATWATCH. But just like your cat, I have a method to my madness. I want you to see for yourself just how much CATWATCH can benefit your cat and enhance the wondrous bond you share.
If you subscribe to CATWATCH, you'll get a full year of CATWATCH for just $20. So, for your cat... for all that she says to you... and for all that she wants you to hear, send for your free issue of CATWATCH now. Don't miss out! Subscribe to CATWATCH today.
Sincerely,
Tim Cole
Editorial Director
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