Amy D. Shojai - Complete Care For Your Aging Cat

FurryMuse Publications

Published by FurryMuse Publications, a business of Amy D. Shojai

PO Box 1904,1750 W. Moore Street, Sherman TX 75092

Second Edition, June 2010

Copyright Amy D. Shojai, 2010

All rights reserved

First Published by New American Library, a division of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

First Printing, July 2003

Copyright Amy D. Shojai, 2003

All rights reserved

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS CATALOGUING-IN-PUBLICATION DATA:

Shojai,Amy, 1956

Complete care for your aging cat / Amy D. Shojai.

p. cm.

Includes bibliographical references(p.)

ISBN 0-451-20788-2(alk. Paper)

SF447 .S47 2003

636.8089897dc21

2002040988

Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be re-produced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise), without the prior written permission of the copyright owner of this book.

PUBLISHERS NOTE

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this book is complete and accurate. However, neither the publisher nor the author is engaged in rendering professional advice or services to the individual reader. The ideas, procedures, and suggestions contained in this book are not intended as a substitute for consulting with your pets physician. All matters regarding your pets health require medical supervision. Neither the author nor the publisher shall be liable or responsible for any loss or damage allegedly arising from any information or suggestion in this book. While the author has made every effort to provide accurate product names, telephone numbers and/or Internet addresses at the time of publication, neither the publisher nor the author assumes any responsibility for errors, or for changes that occur after publications.

The scanning, uploading and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the authors rights is appreciated.

Table of Contents

Note from the Author

It has been many years since Complete Care for Your Aging Cat was first published in 2003 by New American Library. It became the Old-Cat Bible recommended far and wide, won several prestigious awards from writer and veterinary organizations, and was so popular that it went back to press several times. Ultimately, the publisher chose to take it off the shelves and no amount of hissing on my part made any difference. Part of that decision had to do with the great surge in Internet resources previously provided by print books. (Cue MORE author hissing!) Yet the used copies of the original title remain in demand, and Im repeatedly asked when the book will again become available.

That time has come!

Much of the information in the book remains current, but Ive updated statistics and major changes. For example, some of the experts quoted now have different positions or affiliations that have been noted upon first reference, and some products and/or contact information required update. New treatment options, product links, and research are included where appropriate.

According to the 2009-2010 American Pet Products Association survey, 79 percent of pet owners own or have access to a computer and the Internet. So in this edition youll find handy direct Internet links, where available, to the mentioned products as well as the quoted experts. Sadly, many of the cats profiled in the Golden Moments have traveled on to Rainbow Bridge, but their stories remain a lasting celebration of the human-animal bond and continue to help the kitties that come after.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Many individuals helped make this book a reality by sharing their expertise, help, and inspirational pet stories. My wonderful family, especially my husband Mahmoud, and many wonderful friends remind me daily of whats truly important. You all know who you areand I cant thank yall enough.

My colleagues from the Dog Writers Association of America, Cat Writers Association, and other pet fanciers never fail to inspire and impress me with their professionalism and support. Id especially like to thank Deb Eldridge, Karen Henry, Lori May, Lynn Miller, Stacy Pober, Dusty Rainbolt, and Michelle West for sharing a few of their expert sources, especially for the E-lists and online health care contacts. Interestingly, this book was born at The Writer's BBS International Writers Community when answering a question about book proposals gave me the idea. It seems that the Furry Muse strikes with inspiration in many places

The many Golden Moments add so much to the book. Thank you to Lynn Alfino, Karen Allison, Wendy Braun, Barb Crandall, Andrea Dorn, Bonnie Cheak, Marc Gorelnik, Karen Holden, Chris Jevitz, Deborah Harding, Elizabeth Jones, Sandi Maltese, Judy Miley, Linda Moore, Linda Parker, Jennifer Schilling, Linda Weber, Michelle West, and Yasmine Galenorn for sharing these lovely stories and photographs of your special cats. I am touched by your generosity.

Heartfelt appreciation goes to the many veterinarians and pet professionals who allowed me to report their groundbreaking therapies for aging cats. I must also thank the countless veterinary schools and specialty colleges who put me in touch with these experts and pet owners, most particularly the American Veterinary Medical Association; Tania Banak of the University of Wisconsin/Madison; Chris Beuoy of the University of Illinois; Cheryl May of Kansas State University; Cynthia K. Ebbers of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine; Pat Edwards of Louisiana State University; Lynn Narlesky of the University of California/Davis; Lisa Sigler and Chuck Montera of American College of Veterinary Surgeons; and Derek Woodbury of the American Animal Hospital Association. Im also particularly grateful to the incredible professionals at the Western Veterinary Conference, who extended press privileges and access to some of the best veterinary minds on the planet. The wide range of folks who shared their expertise helped give this book wonderful credibilityI am in your debt.

Finally, this book wouldnt be possible without all the special cats that share our heartsand the loving owners dedicated to providing the best care possible for their aging furry family members. My own Seren(dipity), at age 13 years and counting, provided the extra purr-sonal push to make this book available once again. Without you, this book would never have been written.