Companion Therapy Laser Now Available!

Cat Sense is now offering therapeutic laser treatments. The Companion Therapy Laser is a high-powered Class IV laser that works by stimulating the cells to cause an anti-inflammatory reaction within the body. The laser stimulates the body to heal from within. Non-thermal light photons are absorbed by injured cells. The cells are stimulated, increasing circulation, an anti-inflammatory reaction resulting in pain relief and accelerated healing.

The applications of the therapeutic laser are many. It can be used to provide surgery-free, drug-free relief for many kinds of pain and inflammation. Used for acute conditins such as wounds or post-surgical incisions, the laser can speed healing and provide pain relief. The laser is also highly effective in treating chronic conditions such as arthritis and can be used to treat dermatological problems as well.

Treatments take only a few minutes and are non-invasive. The laser wand is passed over the area to be treated and the pet experiences a gentle warmness. Results can be seen in as short a time period as one treatment or after several visits. For chronic conditions such as arthritis, the pet is treated in a decreasing pattern, with 2-3 treatments the first week, 1-2 the second week and then continuing on a maintenance regimen.

Please talk to Dr. Sinclair or any Cat Sense staff member about how the Companion Therapy Laser can benefit your cat. Visit the Companion website at companiontherapylaser.com for testimonials and further information.

Automatic Litterboxes

Do you have an automatic litterbox for your cat to use? While it may be very nice to not have to deal with scooping a dirty litterbox, it is still important that you monitor the contents of the box. Your cat may be having soft stool, diarrhea, or excessive urination. By noticing any changes, you can be proactive for your cat's health. Conversely, if your cat is having trouble passing urine or stool, the lack of contents in the box will alert you to that potentially life-threatening situation as well.

Cat Scales

Dr. Sinclair has recently begun advising clients to invest in a feline/baby scale for home use. If a cat weighs 10 pounds, losing half a pound can account for a significant percentage of their body weight. A half pound loss may not be immediately visible to an owner who sees the cat every day. Conversely, a cat who is on a limited calorie diet can be monitored at home and won't need to make monthly visits to the clinic for a weight check, a stressful event for most cats. The owner can simply update the office via telephone.

Weighing a cat on a home bathroom scale while you hold him, then reweighing yourself, is not recommended. Those scales measure in pounds and when it comes to weighing cats, we measure to the ounce and half-ounce.

Digital infant scales can be ordered online at Target.com and WalMart.com and are fairly reasonably priced.

BALTIMORE COUNTY CAT LICENSING

A note to all of our Baltimore County clients. Baltimore County requires licensing of all cats. The license cost per cat is $5 for spayed/neutered cats and $10 for unaltered cats. Licenses are available through the Department of Permits or may be obtained at any Baltimore County library for an additional $2 convenience fee. Proof of current rabies vaccination must be presented at the time of application. The application form is available online at www.baltimorecountymd.gov. For more information, contact the Department of Permits at 410-887-3630.

COMPOSURE FOR CATS

Composure Feline is a bite-sized chewable treat that can be used to help alleviate stress in cats. It can be given on an as-needed basis when stressful events are expected, i.e., visitors, fireworks, veterinary appointments, traveling, or as a daily supplement. Composure contains colostrum, L-Theanine and thiamine (vitamin B1), all of which have been shown to address stress and calming. Composure does not contain herbal ingredients nor does it cause addiction or drowsiness. Cats can be given one treat daily. This amount can be increased to 2-3 chews daily, if a stressful event is impending. The manufacturer, VetriScience, does offer a money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with their product. Ask a Cat Sense staff member if you are interested in trying Composure prior to the holidays.

If you plan on having a pet sitter care for your cat while you are away, it is important that they plan on making daily visits to check on your cat. Coming once every two to three days leaves far too much to chance. Cats don't know that you won't be returning immediately and are unable to ration their food and water. If their water bowl should tip over and spill, leaving them without water for several days, a life-threatening situation could develop. Also, should they become entangled or trapped, it is imperative that they be found as soon as possible. Morning and evening visits are highly recommended. Apart from safety issues, it can be very lonely for your cat. A few pets and a few treats can help your cat adjust to your absence. You should also leave a signed permission form authorizing your pet-sitter to seek medical treatment if needed. In an emergency situation, treatment can be initiated while the clinic is attempting to contact you.

SHOPPING FOR YOUR FURRY FRIENDS

Cat Sense has a wide array of gifts available for your cats. Items range from fur mice, silly squids, jungle mice, hypno mice, and the always popular catnip pillows to our Ultimate Scratcher, sturdy and tall for maximum stretching and scratching. Check out the AquaPods, kitty grass growing receptacles that attach to the side of the Drinkwell Fountain.

Don't have a Drinkwell? We have those, too, including the new Drinkwell 360 multi-spout fountain.

New this year is the FunKitty treat dispenser, which dispenses treats or kibble when batted. This toy can be set to varying degrees of difficulty. We also carry the Tiger Diner to make dining more of a challenge.

We carry a selection of treats including Greenies and Fiber Formula treats, which are low-calorie and low fat.

Stop in today to take care of your cat's shopping list!

Help Shelters While You Shop

Are you an online shopper? You can help save shelter animals while shopping from your home computer!

Visit BringPetsHome.org and register with their site. By entering your favorite shops through their portal, a percentage of your purchase will be donated to help care for shelter animals. You can even designate the shelter you want to help. There are more than 140 participating stores, including Amazon, iTunes, WalMart, Macy's, and Dick's with some contributing as much as 15% to the charity.