Are all calico cats female? Are all tortoiseshell cats girls? You’ve probably heard before that they are. It’s an interesting example of how genetics dictate some pretty predictable results. Or do they? After all, it certainly wouldn’t be the first time something resembling an old wives tale is taken as fact with few questions asked and shoulders shrugged in reply.

The actual, scientific fact of the matter is that most calicos and torties are female. There are some rare exceptions! According to a study by the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, only about 1 in 3,000 calico cats are male!

It’s All About Chromosomes

Orange coloring in cats comes from a gene in X chromosomes. High school biology refresher: females have XX chromosomes. Males have XY chromosomes. So, it stands to reason that either a male or female cat can be or have orange coloring. The girls, though, are commonly calico, tortie, or orange tabby whereas the vast majority of males are only orange tabby. (This has led to the misconception that only male cats are orange tabbies; actually, most are simply because girls have more chance to be other variations with orange.) This is because only a cat with XX chromosomes can be calico or tortie.

So How is There Ever a Male Calico or Tortoiseshell Cat?

It’s a genetic anomaly! Rarely, a cat—or even a person—has three chromosomes. So a male with XXY has the two required X’s to possibly make him a rare and beautiful kitty indeed. These XXY guys are called Klinefelter males, after endocrinologist Harry Klinefelter who first identified the condition in the 1940s.

Calico cat contemplates her X chromosomes.

Now, don’t think that just because it’s possible to get a rare coloring in a male cat that you might be able to breed for this trait. The vast majority of cats with three chromosomes are sterile. That’s part of why it’s so rare to begin with. So if you have one, just cherish him for the rare multi-colored, autumn-kissed jewel that he is!

Some Kibble for Thought

Being sterile also means that many people assume that these male cats don’t need to be neutered. For their own health (and sometimes for your olfactory-related sanity), they should be neutered. They still behave like any other unneutered cat. They are more likely to spray urine to mark territory, roam far and wide looking for girls and fighting other males which often result in injury or severe disease, and they are far more likely to develop testicular tumors.

Do you have a male calico or tortoiseshell? We’d love to meet him!

Low cost or “affordable” spay and neuter clinics have really increased in number in the last decade and not without reason. Spaying and neutering cats and dogs reduces the number of unwanted litters, but a lesser-known fact is that it substantially reduces the likelihood of pets developing mammary or testicular tumors, both of which are far more common than you might think. Both spay and neuter clinics and traditional veterinary practices can help with this, and both have some pros and cons. So let’s take a look at them!

The Pros: Low Cost Spay & Neuter Clinics

Accessibility for Pet Owners in Need of Financial Assistance

These clinics were created to address pet-overpopulation in the U.S. According to the ASPCA, approximately 1.5 million unwanted shelter pets are euthanized each year. Think about how many lives that is. That is how many pets need homes, but no one comes to adopt them. By providing a lower cost spay or neuter service, the goal is to make the surgeries that will help reduce overpopulation more accessible to those who might need assistance.

Low cost spay and neuter clinics sometimes offer reduced prices on some vaccines or microchipping, too. This can help increase compliance with rabies vaccine laws along with preventing other highly-contagious diseases that pets can pass to each other, so this is a great perk.

Typically, these are nonprofit organizations, so they receive discounts and donations for supplies as well as volunteer help which can range from administrative work to animal care. This is the only way they are able to operate at a lower cost.

The Pros: Traditional Veterinary Practices

Extra Safety Precautions

These vets offer the utmost in safety. Surgeries occur in surgical suites where veterinarians are assisted by their chosen team of vet techs and assistants to monitor vital signs, anesthesia, and more. Unlike most low cost clinics, traditional vet practices do require current blood work prior to surgery to check for underlying signs of illness (infection, impaired liver function, kidney health, etc.). This is a policy that exists for the pet’s best interest. Thoroughly evaluating health first is standard, but not all symptoms of illness are visible during an exam alone. Simply put, no human hospital would dare anesthetize a person for a scheduled surgery without a pre-op panel first. Most vets wouldn’t either for the same reasons.

Additionally, recovery in the hours after surgery is very important. Typically, pets in a hospital setting have a dedicated vet tech or vet assistant assigned to assess and document their recovery, vital signs, surgical site, etc. to be sure all is well.

Patient to Doctor Ratio

Another consideration is that in a setting where the number of surgeries performed in a day are usually in the single digits, compared to dozens, everything from wellness exams to suturing and recovery monitoring can be done at a different pace. Additionally, the total number of patients per veterinarian with the day can allow time for more individual attention pre- and post-op.

The Cons: Low Cost Spay & Neuter Clinics

Low cost spay and neuter clinics also have some negatives to consider that are relative to being low cost. In order to keep overhead low and volume up, surgeries and post-operative care need to keep to a tighter schedule the day of surgery and in some cases will need to be booked further in advance. Many clinics also don’t require pre-op blood work to verify the health of major organs and lack of underlying illness; this keeps costs down for the pet owner but could mean missing an underlying health risk.

Additionally, there is usually a higher patient to vet and vet tech/assistant ratio.

The Cons: Traditional Veterinary Practices

For pet owners, the only con is a higher price for the surgery and required services relative to it. A common misconception is that the prices are higher purely for profitability, but this is not true. It really comes down to cost of materials, labor, as well as extra safety precautions, as traditional practices aren’t able to operate off of grants and donations like nonprofit clinics.

And there you have it! While all spaying and neutering of dogs and cats is good, there are some variances to consider when deciding who you want to do it. The most important thing, though, is safely reducing the number of unwanted dogs and cats as well as health problems common in unspayed and unneutered pets, and this is really a team effort to provide quality healthcare and education. We’re proud to be part of it.

Ah, sweet vindication. All those cumulative hours spent watching cat videos are good for you! Now that the cat’s out of the bag, we can all feel justified.

Procrastination? Not a problem!

Texting your mom? Nope, just watching cat videos.

Too much screen time? Please. It’s strengthening the human-animal bond. No such thing as too much.

Okay, so according to a study, this favorite pastime might say more about humans than about the charms of cats. Interestingly, this is based on research done in 2015. We know that internet use is up every year to a point where 95% of North Americans now use the internet. Youtube alone has 1 billion mobile video views per day worldwide. We can’t help but wonder how many of those are cat videos.

How are Cat Videos Good for You?

It is well-documented that spending time with animals can improve our moods, sense of well-being, and even lower blood pressure. This study, by Jessica Myrick of Indiana University Media School, explored whether we might also benefit from time spent with animals via the internet given our obvious propensity for feline content online. Based on a strategic survey of 7,000 people and published in the peer-reviewed Computers in Human Behavior journal, it sought to identify links between personalities, behavior, and the consumption of cat videos. The data revealed some positive news for people.

Despite some feelings of guilt associated with using cat videos to procrastinate more important tasks, there was also evidence that the benefits outweighed that. “Even if they are watching cat videos on YouTube to procrastinate or while they should be working, the emotional pay-off may actually help people take on tough tasks afterwards,” Myrick said.

Watching cat videos might improve your productivity after you’re done procrastinating.

After watching cat videos, study participants reported:

• Feeling more positive and energetic
• Reduced anxiety
• Reduced annoyance
• Watching cat videos during work or study time

While we would never suggest that watching cats from afar replaces the benefits of having one or three cats of your own, we love seeing the ways in which our relationships with them can be mutually beneficial. They bring us genuine smiles and stress-relief daily, and all we need to do in return is stir the food that is already in their bowl to show them we care. (If you’re a cat owner, you know what we’re talking about.)

Are you a cat video lover?

As summer draws to a close, and autumn begins, we all get excited about the promise of cooler weather and more comfortable time spent outdoors. Late summer and fall allergies can weigh down the experience for you, though. But are dogs allergic to ragweed and other common allergens? Yes, they can be.

Just like with humans, some pets suffer from seasonal allergies. ‘Tis the season for many outdoor allergens ranging from pollens to molds, but ragweed pollen is one of the most well-known. Typically, it begins to affect dogs allergic to ragweed in August and continues to do so until autumn’s first frost. So we’re in the midst of it with several weeks left to go.

If your pampered pup has been out of dermatological sorts recently, seasonal allergies might be to blame.

What is Ragweed?

Common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) is native to the United States. In fact, it thrives in every state except Alaska. It’s rather nondescript and doesn’t have brightly-colored flowers, so identifying it isn’t the easiest at first. It’s an annual that is often confused with goldenrod, which is not a major itch or sneeze inducing plant. Ragweed can grow to 1-3 feet tall and has shallow roots that make it easy to pull up the entire plant—the best eradication method if you have some growing on your property. It thrives in soft or disturbed soil, so it’s common along roadsides, and the pollen is so small and light that it travels through the air easily.

There are a number of handy resources on the internet that you can use to get a pollen forecast for a given day. Pollen.com has a good one.

What Are the Symptoms in Dogs Allergic to Ragweed?

At their core, allergies are immune system over-reactions. Often, they are genetic. Unlike humans, dogs and cats primarily experience allergy symptoms in the form of skin problems, though we do still see runny eyes and sneezy noses in them, too. Let’s look at a list of symptoms:

• Scratching or biting at the skin
• Chewing or licking paws
• Inflamed or infected skin (including ears, between pads of feet or parts of the body)
• Itchy ears
• Smelly ears
• Hair loss
• Scooting or licking anal region
• Runny eyes
• Sneezing

If your dog is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to work with your vet to manage them. Prolonged infections and inflammation are unhealthy—even potentially dangerous—as well as uncomfortable or painful.

Allergy Management

Managing ragweed-induced symptoms is something your vet can help you with following a proper diagnosis. Species-appropriate antihistamines and anti-inflammatories are commonly prescribed to dogs. Do not medicate your dog at home without seeing a vet first. Many of the medicines we have at home for humans are not safe for dogs, and when they are, dosages can be quite different. Often, ear or skin infections are present, so antibiotics might be needed. Ear infections can be especially painful, so medications to promptly resolve them are important.

Special dog shampoos can help to calm inflamed skin and also wash off pollen that might be in your dog’s coat after a romp in the park. It can also be helpful to wash your dog’s bedding more often during allergy season to remove pollen that your pup tracks onto it.

Is your dog allergic to ragweed or other seasonal allergens? Let us help you get to the root of the problem!

Animal Pain Awareness Month is here! To us, it’s a particularly important awareness month to discuss on behalf of the pets we love so much. It coincides with (human) Pain Awareness Month which creates a good opportunity to think on the ways that we are all affected by pain. Animals experience the same pains that people do. They just can’t tell us about it. Thinking about what you know about pain, whether from an injury, arthritis, after a procedure, etc. is a good place to start to be aware of an animal’s experience.

Signs of Pain

Animal pain awareness begins with understanding that not all pain is obvious, and it certainly isn’t “just getting old” or “starting to slow down”. Our pets can’t describe what and how much it hurts, so we need to know how to observe signs of discomfort. We also need to consider symptoms over time. It’s easy for their pain to go unnoticed by us for a while. Many animals are famously better at just getting on with their days when something hurts than we are. This isn’t really a good thing, though, considering it can mask a condition. If a pet is showing visible pain, particularly with regard to something chronic or slow to develop, like arthritis or cancer, they might have been hurting for quite a while before they began limping or stopped playing as much. It’s up to us, their caregivers, to keep an eye out for possible problems so we can seek early intervention.

Here are some common signs to look for:

• Decreased social interaction
• Anxious expression
• Submissive behavior
• Whimpering
• Howling or growling in dogs
• Guarding behavior
• Decreased appetite
• Changes in posture or gait
• Reduced activity
• Quiet/loss of curiosity
• Changes in urinary/defecation habits
• Hissing or spitting in cats
• Lack of agility
• Excessive licking/grooming/chewing

If your pet is experiencing any of these signs of pain, it’s important to get the cause diagnosed quickly.

Pain Management

The best part about diagnosing the cause of pain is that your vet can then determine the best course of action to manage it safely and effectively. There are several options that range from non-invasive cold laser therapy (one of our favorite choices), to prescription pain relievers, supplements, or even physical therapy. Do not give your pet over-the-counter NSAIDS or other pain relievers without consulting your veterinarian first. Some have a very narrow margin of safety or are not safe to give at all.

Share Animal Pain Awareness With Others!

Maybe one of the best things you can do for Animal Pain Awareness Month is to share what you know with others! Education is invaluable. And it just might help an animal to live a longer, more comfortable life!

Did you know that cats can get a virus called FIV that has similarities to HIV in humans? FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) compromises their immune systems for life. There is no treatment to cure it. Here’s what you need to know:

FIV is Transmitted Primarily Through Bites

Cats spread FIV to each other primarily through bite wounds. Any cat with access to other cats, especially those who spend time outdoors, can get FIV. By extension, unneutered males are most likely to get FIV just because they commonly roam around and fight other cats. So let’s add this to the list of reasons why spaying and neutering doesn’t just prevent unwanted litters—it saves lives.

In more rare occasions, mother cats can pass the virus to their kittens during birth or nursing. Sexual contact among cats doesn’t appear to be an efficient way of transmitting the virus, and FIV is not transmitted through casual contact such as grooming, sharing bowls, or sneezing. Humans cannot get FIV from cats.

FIV Makes Cats Vulnerable to Other Infections

By impacting the immune system for the rest of a cat’s life, the cat will be more susceptible to infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. Though symptoms may not be obvious for months or years, FIV-infected kitties are more likely to have anemia, chronic inflammation or infections of the mouth and gums, bladder, skin, eyes, etc. Less often, cats will show behavioral or neurological changes. Patients usually have gradual weight loss that can become severe later in life. They are also more likely to develop certain kinds of cancers.

Despite all this, many cats who are very well cared-for can live long, relatively healthy and happy lives. This is where preventive care is key!

Diagnosing FIV

FIV tests look for antibodies that the body developed to the virus. It is possible to get a false-positive on tests, so any positive result will be followed by a second test that is sent to a laboratory for confirmation. Cats who have previously been vaccinated against FIV may test positive as a result of the vaccine, so it’s important to be thorough in providing your cat’s medical records to your veterinarian.

A negative result is typically considered accurate, but it can take 8-12 weeks after a bite for the body to produce enough antibodies to be measurable for diagnostics. For this reason, if your cat has been bitten by another cat, please note when it happened when you speak to your vet.

Prevention is Key

Prevention is super important, not just for your own cat, but also to prevent the virus from spreading to other kitties. Spay/neuter and keep your cats indoors to prevent the situations where FIV and other illnesses are transmitted. FIV vaccines may be recommended by your vet on a case-by-case basis.

Questions? Let’s talk!

August is Itchy Pet Awareness Month! We all get itchy sometimes, so why is there an awareness month for it? After all, itching is nothing new or scary, right? Your pet might be scratching an itch as you read this, and you aren’t thinking much of it. Or maybe your lab is rocking the entire sofa as she scratches her ears desperately, and it’s all you can think about.

“Awareness” is important, though, because itchy dogs and cats might be telling you something about their health. Many pet owners don’t know that itchiness can often be a symptom of a problem that actually requires treatment. The causes can range from food and/or environmental sensitivities to parasites or nutritional needs. Hot spots, bacterial and fungal infections are frequently found during dermatologic exams, too. These, in particular, tend to take some time to develop, so the good news is that early intervention into the cause of the itch can prevent raw or infected skin.

If your dog or cat is licking, chewing, rubbing, or scratching more than usual, be sure to spend some time looking over your pet. They tend to love when you pay extra attention to them anyway, right?

Ask Yourself These Questions About Your Pet’s Itch

• Is there any redness or irritation of the skin, ears, or paws?
• Do your pet’s skin, ears, or paws have a yeasty smell?
• Are there any changes to your pet’s coat? Loss of hair, dryness, etc.?
• Has there been a noticeable increase in itchiness recently?
• If so, have you introduced any new food or treats recently?
• Does the itchiness seem to coincide with when people experience seasonal allergies?
• Have you seen any signs of fleas or ticks?

Now Tell Your Pet’s Veterinarian

When you see your vet, it’s helpful to share the answers to any of these questions above to help us hone in on the source of the problem. We need to evaluate the cause and determine the most beneficial treatment, so, as veterinarians, we love it when our clients paint a picture for us of what they have noticed at home. Your pet’s wellness is a team effort!

Learn more at the official August is Itchy Pet Awareness Month website.

We love our pets. They are sweet, funny, cute, beautiful, and snuggly. They are proven to be both physically and emotionally therapeutic. They are even good for our social lives. And perhaps it’s selfish, but humans do love to be loved in return—who else is so happy to see you every time you walk through the door? Pets are furry family.

We think “kitty cat eyes” are pretty effective, too.

While that unconditional love from your dog or cat is part of their charming nature, there is science that proves that the most simple of actions between pet and owner is deepening our mutual love every time we do it. Those “puppy dog eyes” are tugging our heart strings by causing an increase in the love hormone, oxytocin.

Gazing into Each Other’s Eyes Boosts Oxytocin

Humans, as a species, use our eyes for communicating and bonding. Oxytocin, produced by the hypothalamus, is secreted for various reasons, but the emotional, bond-forming payoff is clear. When we gaze into each other’s eyes, there is a boost in our oxytocin levels which deepens emotional connection. This helps us to form bonds, fall in love, and even strengthen some memories.

A 2015 study of dogs determined that the same thing happens with our canine friends. When we gaze into their eyes, we produce oxytocin that makes us love them more. When they gaze in ours, the same thing happens to them. They can even produce oxytocin as a result of smelling ours! Biology is wonderful and weird!

What’s more, it appears that as we domesticated dogs, they might have developed this to adapt to their new relationships with humans. How do we know this? Because their wild, wolfy relatives don’t rely on eye-to-eye gazing for bonding. If we take this a step further, modern dogs have even developed the specific muscles that allow them to be so expressive with their eyebrows. Wolves don’t appear to have those muscles at all!

What about cats? We haven’t found any corresponding studies of cats looking for the exact same traits, but we’d wager that the findings would be similar. Cats and eye contact just seem to go together.