Q: We recently adopted a white kitty-cat from our neighbor’s
back yard.
Q: We recently adopted a white kitty-cat from our neighbor’s back yard. She’s about 4 years old, and she has two different-colored eyes (her left eye is blue and the right one is green). How often do cats have different-colored eyes? Do they have any problems with their vision?
A: White cats with two different-colored eyes are unusual, but they’re not really rare. Their appearance can be startling: Those eyes just don’t look like they match! But despite their odd appearance, these kitties never seem to have any vision problems.
Instead, there’s an urban legend that white kitty-cats with two blue eyes are deaf. I’ve heard the same thing said about cats with two green eyes: that they’re all hearing impaired. But when their eye color doesn’t match, the story goes that they’ll have normal hearing.
Truth is, these stories aren’t always true. Over the years, I’ve encountered white kitties with two similar blue or green eyes that had normal hearing. And I’ve also seen several white cats with two different eyes that were 100 percent hearing impaired. (To this, my mother would say that “the exception proves the rule.” You know, I never really understood what she meant by that!)
White cats all have one very significant health concern that has nothing to do with their vision. Because they haven’t any skin pigment, they are susceptible to sunburn. And as you would imagine, this gives them a higher propensity for skin cancer on their noses and ears if they spend time in direct sunlight. So, it’s in your new companion’s best interest to keep her inside, away from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. She’ll live longer and healthier. And you can enjoy those beautiful eyes!
Q: Musty is our 4-year-old cat with dirty ears. What’s the best way to clean them? She seems to have a lot of black wax that bothers her, and she holds her head to one side and shakes.
A: Waxy, dirty ears are usually a sign of a somewhat serious infection that needs veterinary attention. The most common infection is caused by ear mites, which are easily transmitted from one animal to another. These contagious bugs are easy to treat with several different types of medication that kill these parasites.
Bacterial and yeast infections are less common in cats, but they can be effectively treated with different ear ointments and liquids. So the good news is that whatever Musty’s problem might be, you’ll be able to clear it up with proper medication and treatment.
Unfortunately, all these different types of infections cause the same symptoms: itchy, sensitive ears with excessive wax. The only way to know how to accurately treat Musty is to have her examined. Proper diagnosis, including a microscope exam of the wax, will tell whether she has mites, bacteria or yeast, and which medication she’ll need. Besides this, it’s important to be sure that her eardrum is not damaged before using some of these medications. Serious complications can occur when some drugs get into the inner ear.
Musty needs a quick trip to the vet’s office. But after that, she’ll hold her head high, and she’ll be comfortable again.
Q: Is it true that there are some dogs that can be trained to find termites? How do they teach this to a dog?
A: Dogs truly are amazing and versatile. And many have some very special talents. There are, indeed, termite-sniffing dogs that are capable of locating these destructive insects. There are also arson dogs that smell out the presence of accelerants (flammables) even in the burned-out rubble of a building. And most everyone has heard about the ability of drug-sniffing dogs. They have little problem finding illegal contraband inside tightly wrapped packages.
The latest phenoms are dogs that can detect certain cancers simply by smell. That’s right, some types of cancer cause a particular odor that canines can detect, all because dogs have an incredible sense of smell.
This talent comes naturally to them, partly because they have so many nerve receptors that allow them to detect subtle odors. But training dogs to use this ability takes some special talent as well. How does someone teach a dog to better use its sense of smell?
Actually, it all starts with good basic training. Most dogs are highly motivated by food. Give him a good treat, and Fido will do whatever it takes to get some more. This kind of “leverage” makes it possible for a trainer to teach a pooch to sniff out special things. If that pooch knows he’ll be rewarded when he does something, he’ll do it again and again.
It sounds relatively simple, but it takes a considerable amount of time and practice. That’s why this specialized training is left to the experts. Properly trained, a dog with a good nose is a very valuable (and expensive) commodity.
Recently in the news, there was a story about some pet cremains found amongst the rubbish at the local transfer station. People were amazed that anyone would simply discard the ashes of a beloved pet. As it turned out, these cremains had been tossed away in error, confused with some other discarded boxes by workers at a new home. The owners had recently moved, and some of their belongings had been mixed up.
This incident also raised a question for many pet owners. Some were unaware that their pet’s remains could be cremated and the ashes returned. They didn’t realize the options pet owners have when their beloved companion passes away. Have you ever considered this?
You have several choices, including cremation where the ashes are returned to you in a small box or urn. There’s even a decorative granite rock container that can be placed in the garden. Pet cemeteries are also available where you can arrange for a private burial. Some pet owners even opt for taxidermy or freeze-drying, so their furry friend can be with them in their home forever. Fido or Fluffy can sit right there on the hearth and be a constant companion.
All these services come with a price tag, so if you ever consider any of them, ask about costs. And if you decide not to have any of these special services performed, your local veterinary hospital or clinic can take care of other arrangements. For now, enjoy life and give your pet a hug. We’ll see you again in a few weeks to talk about how to cope with hot summer days. They’re here already!
