Collecting Urine Sample from your cat

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We include methods for the most tried and true ways to collect urine samples from dogs and cats in our ThePetCheckup kit. 

However, the very first thing a person should do is observe their animal’s habits. We generally like to give them their space/privacy, but it is an important piece of information to have.

For example, cats often use the litter box as soon as it is cleaned, or just after adding some new clumping litter.  Put a plastic wastebasket liner over the top of the litter pan and your cat will feel the litter underneath the plastic and generally have no reservations about proceeding.  With a dropper, take the amount you need and just throw the plastic liner away.

ThePetCheckup test is used monthly and only requires about 1/2 teaspoon of urine and your cat will quickly forget that anything unusual just happened.

Good news for former Michael Vick dog Lucas

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Best Friends Animal Society (www.bestfriends.org) had an update  this morning about Lucas.  He had exploratory surgery last week and the biopsy results were good!

The masses found in Lucas’ liver and spleen were not cancerous. His anemia that comes with having babesia will continue to be treated as it has been since he arrived at the Sanctuary.

I had never heard of babesia before, but it is a blood parasite that can be passed between dogs through deep puncture wounds, such as those inflicted during fighting. The condition can be managed with medication, but one of the side effects of babesia is anemia.

(from Best Friends) “He has been discharged from the clinic and back with his caregivers, where he’s getting his usual dose of TLC, with perhaps a tad more “T”!”

You can read more about this very special dog on the Best Friends website.

Another beautiful quote

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My family is not confined to mother, mate, and child; but it includes all creatures be they tame or wild; my family upon this earth includes all living things, on land, or in the ocean deep, or borne aloft on wings.

~ Alicia S. Carpenter

 

Petsmart Charities Grant to help pitbulls

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I just read about a pilot program that is being launched at 5 shelters throughout the country to help pit bulls.  Best Friends received a grant from Petsmart Charities for this program that is being modeled after a successful 2009 program.

Many people do not know that pitbulls score higher than most breeds on temperment tests.

This is great news for pitbulls and for everyone who is working towards a day when there will be “no more homeless pets”.