For kitty's good health,
visit vet
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For kitty's good health,
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Next Column
 Dr. Jim Randolph
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I believe in the Tooth Fairy. And Santa Claus. And Mardi Gras. But, I'm sorry, folks, but there is no magic bullet. No miracle cure. No shortcut. No quick fix. No fountain of youth. And, I suspect that it was just that kind of instant solution that America was looking for when the South Mississippi Veterinary Medical Association was inundated with requests for information about Feliway. Feliway, you'll remember from Dr. Chris Duke's column, is an artificial form of the pheromones that cats produce in glands on their faces. These odorless-to-us pheromones are used to mark territory, but also have a calming effect on other cats. Use of Feliway on locations where cats have sprayed seems to lessen the likelihood that they will spray there again, when used as directed. Feliway is manufactured and distributed by Abbott Laboratories, 1401 Sheridan Road, North Chicago, IL, 60064, (888) FELIWAY. SMVMA is in no way involved in the manufacture or sale of the product. It is sold by and is to be used exclusively under the instruction of a veterinarian. Because SMVMA received so many requests for information, most arriving without a self-addressed stamped envelope, we were unable to respond to individual requests for information. SMVMA is happy to try to answer your questions, and a SASE really enhances our response time. Today, I want to emphasize a point made in Dr. Duke's original column on Feliway: Feliway is in no way a substitute for a good behavioral and medical workup of your cat's urinating problem. Feliway should not be used until your cat has had a thorough physical examination, probably along with a chemical and microscopic examination of the urine, called a urinalysis. Your pet's doctor may also recommend culturing the urine for infection. Physical signs and your history may indicate the need for blood tests, too. For example, Feliway is not going to help your cat's litterbox problem if your kitty is diabetic or has kidney disease. And a delay in diagnosis could shorten your pet's life. So, before you look for the quick fix, be sure that you've done all you can do to allow your pet's doctor to ensure your kitty's good health.
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