A bit of feline history

I was fascinated to learn why cats are much more sensitive than other species to drugs like panadeine and aspirin. Cats lack the liver enzyme that metabolises these drugs. They have a defect in the gene coding for this enzyme.
A recent paper explained when this genetic variation occurred in evolutionary history. Researchers concluded that it occurred when Felidae split from others in the suborder Feliformia that includes hyenas, civets, binturongs, and mongoose. The split occurred approximately 37 million years ago.
They think that this genetic variation arose as a consequence of the cat's diet, which is primarily animal-based rather than plant-based. The gene encoding the missing enzyme is necessary for successful utilization of plant material.  Interestingly it also codes for the taste receptors for sweets of plant origin like fruits and berries.
Because cats have a mainly animal-based protein diet the genes for the missing enzyme were not selected for and so they evolved without it. 

Last week for free dental check

Last chance to bring your cat in to Hall Vet Surgery for a free dental health check!

Book before 31^st August and bring your cat in for a free dental check.

Learn how to keep your cat’s mouth and teeth clean and healthy.

Dental health is essential to overall health in our cats.

4 out of 5 cats live with dental disease, infection and pain but are very good at hiding it from us.

Make sure your cat is happy, healthy and pain free.

Phone 6230 2223 to make an appointment for a free dental check during Hall Vet Surgery’s dental month.

Just add water!

Tiny shows off his slimming self

Recent studies have shown that adding water to cats' food slows weight gain and increases activity.
Cats that consumed a dry diet with approximately 50 percent water moisture gained weight at a slower pace and were more physically active than cats on a dry diet with 10 percent moisture.
Maintaining the new slimmer profile after a successful weight loss diet is difficult for many cats and their owners. This study shows that even cats on dry food-only diets regain less weight if water is added.
You can build on your cat's increased acitivity by encouraging your cat to exercise. 
I don't recommend that any cat is on a dry food diet only. At least 50% of the diet should be wet food as this prevents dehydration and long term kidney problems as well as helping maintain a slim, sleek body shape. Wet foods include raw meat or bones, and canned and sachet foods.
If your cat won't eat wet food then adding water to dry food and not leaving the bowl down all day will help fight those extra pussy pounds.
Raw meaty chunks, meaty bones or a few dry special dental biscuits keep cats' teeth and gums clean and healthy.

Free dental check

August is dental month at Hall Vet Surgery.
Bring your cat in for a free dental check this month and learn how to keep her mouth and teeth clean and healthy.

Phone us a few days ahead to make an appointment.

Dental health is essential to overall health in our cats. Learn more about cat teeth problems and keeping cats' mouths healthy on this blog.

Cats hide pain from us. Often they have just got used to a level of dental pain and infection that soon cripple us!

Make sure your cat is happy, healthy and pain free. Phone for an appointment during Hall Vet Surgery dental month