Dear Dr. Forsythe: My husband and I recently adopted a wonderful kitten that has become the love of our lives. The trouble is, we are feeling very overwhelmed by our friends who are true “cat experts.” They tell us everything we need to get for our cat, and they own every fancy cat contraption known to modern man, like an electric self-scooping litter box and a fancy refilling water station for their cat. They even have a special television just for the cat that plays animal planet all day while they are at work so their cat can watch television while they are away.
Our lives are much more modest. My idea of a cat toy is crumpling up a piece of paper and an old-fashioned toy mouse that winds up. We don’t have a lot of money for fancy things, but I do play with my cat a lot. The problem is that when my friend comes over, I feel embarrassed. When my husband and I go to their house, I feel uncomfortable when the conversation turns to pets, and I start to feel like a second-class mom. How can I stop feeling this way? Am I being silly?
Second-class cat mom
Dear Mom: No, it is normal that you would be uncomfortable in this situation. You sound like a very good pet owner to me, and it may be worth mentioning to your friends that you will be raising your kitten a little more modestly than they do. Since you wrote to a veterinarian who still believes that good old Jonny Cat clay litter is still a great brand of cat litter for most cats, this situation has struck a chord in me!
From your question, you sound like a person who tends to be very hard on yourself. It is wonderful that you adopted a kitten and have given him a loving home and filled your lives with love. Please don’t let anything lessen this happy and wonderful time for you and your pet, including the comments of friends who hold different opinions about pet care or who may choose to spend their money differently.
It sounds like your friends falls into the category of the ultra doting cat worshipers who can afford all the latest gifts and gadgets to “pamper the puss.” This is great fun and nice to be able to do, but the basics also still work perfectly well when raising a happy, healthy and thriving cat. A basic litter pan with clay litter, wholesome cat food and fresh water, good veterinary care, and your loving play and interaction are still the necessary ingredients.
One way not to feel bad when you see all the fancy “excesses” your friends bestow on their pets is to enjoy their quirky fun style the way you would enjoy a wealthy sibling’s pampering of a niece or nephew with extraordinarily expensive children’s tailored clothing. You wouldn’t criticize your sister’s pampering of her daughter with over-the-top dresses and tailored clothing; while you wouldn’t choose that for your own children you can still enjoy shopping with them and having fun. Perhaps if you look at this analogy you can relax and still have fun when you are together with your friend.
Then, when you return to your simple sweet home, you can enjoy the wonderful basics that go along with the way you are raising your pet. This way, it is a win/win situation. So don’t let anyone (least of all yourself) make you feel bad – the beautiful thing about cats is that as long as you devote yourself to becoming their loyal servant, (which I’m sure you have already become) he will love you forever.
Thanks for your question, and I hope you can still maintain a wonderful friendship.
Dr. F
Dear Dr. Forsythe: Are probiotics good to give a pet after he has been on antibiotics for diarrhea?
Barbara, Sonoma
Dear Barbara: Oftentimes, the answer is yes, depending on what caused the diarrhea and what type of antibiotic the pet received and for how long. GI conditions such as diarrhea, commonly seen in dogs and cats, are often associated with an imbalance of intestinal micro flora. Restoring micro flora balance is a key component of treatment. One effective probiotic is Enterococcus faecium strain SF68 that has been shown to be safe, stable and effective in restoring normal intestinal health and balance.
This probiotic is available as a tasty powder that is poured onto the pet’s food once a day. Each small packet contains 1 billion microbes, which are released into the intestine to restore balance. It is helpful in cases of diarrhea associated with micro flora imbalance, acute enteritis and diarrhea associated with stress, antibiotic therapy, and diet change. It has also shown to be a good supplement in puppies and kittens with poor fecal quality and to help promote a strong immune system.
Thanks for your question.
Dr. F
