Tabbytudes Cat Behavior Column - June 2003

For diarrhea questions, veterinarians are the best people to ask. However, a very smelly diarrhea with blood is often typical of infection with giardia, a very tiny parasite that can be hard to diagnose and is contracted from infected water or soil sources. It can also take a long time to successfully treat. A drug called Flagyl (metronidazole) kills the parasite, and keeping cats away from outside infected sources prevents them being re-infected. Special foods may help relieve the symptoms (dry foods are perfectly fine!) but as long as the bugs are there, you'll fight symptoms. Extra fiber can help both diarrhea and constipation, so a "hairball formula" diet, or adding canned pumpkin or plain Metamucil to regular food, should help either problem.

TabbyTip of the Month:

Cats raised by people from tiny kittens may not have been taught how to properly inhibit their bite and claws. Mom-cat and siblings are the best teachers and will tell the delinquent kitten that biting HURTS and to knock it off! People who raise these babies need to also find a way to tell Junior when she's exceeded proper limits. Using a loud, percussive HISSSSSSS works well to interrupt hand biting or other objectionable kitten antics. For older cats, a SCREAM also can work well. When cats insist on gnawing, try panting your hands with Bitter Apple or a citrus-scented hand cream.

Amy D. Shojai is a nationally known pet care specialist, and author of more than a dozen pet books, including the forthcoming "Complete Care for Your Aging Cat" and "Complete Care for Your Aging Dog." She can be reached through her website www.shojai.com