My Pet World: Do our pets need holiday presents, too?

Q: My husband lost his corporate job six months ago, and his prospects have not improved. I was a stay-at-home mom who went back to work part time. We have three kids (ages 5 to 11) and three dogs (two Labs and a Lab/golden retriever-mix). We’ve always taught the kids that our pets are members of the family, and in past years we’ve given each a holiday gift. We can’t afford to do that this year. Is this fair to our pets, and should I worry about the message we’re sending our kids? — V.D., Miami

A: Many pets, and people, are going without this holiday season, but as so many wonderful holiday movies tell us, we can be thankful for what we do have.

As for our pets, they live each day being thankful for what they have. They also don’t care what kind of car you drive, whether you have the key to the executive restroom at work, or if your job is to clean that restroom. They love us for who we are.

According to the American Pet Products Assn.’s National Pet Owners Survey, 52% of dog owners and 39% of cat owners bought holiday gifts for their pets in 2009. Given the weak economy, you can’t help but wonder if owners will be less generous this year.

“What matters most is that we give our pets something. It’s how we feel about the pets and how we enjoy showing them our love,” says Bob Vetere, president of the American Pet Products Assn. It seems to me that teaching your kids the joy of giving is what matters, and if I know Labradors, they’ll express the joy of receiving even a used tennis ball.

Q: I have a lovable 13-year-old Siamese cat. Since January, Sammy’s lost four pounds, and my vet seems at a loss. A blood test showed nothing, suggesting the kidneys and thyroid were normal. We also checked for worms. Last week alone, Sammy lost 3 ounces. He’s eating and drinking normally. Do we have a right to ask for our records, and then take those to another vet for a second opinion? — R.J., Cyberspace

A: Your concern is valid. Imagine you or I losing 20% of our body weight in a year’s time.

“Definitely, something is going on with your cat, and you are right to pursue this,” says feline veterinarian Dr. Sharon Eisen, of Brookfield, Conn..

If your cat seems thirsty all the time and also urinating more often, diabetes is possible, says Eisen. However, the most likely explanation for your cat’s weight loss may be hyperthyroidism. It’s likely your veterinarian used a thyroid hormone test called a T4, says Eisen, co-author of “Cat Tales: True Love Stories” with Linda Francese (Xlibris Corp, 2009; $29.99). However, there’s a second, more sensitive thyroid test called a free-T4, which your vet may not have tried.

“Yes, you do have the right to ask for your records and go elsewhere,” says Eisen. “If you feel uncomfortable with your veterinarian, another choice might be best for you, and certainly you do deserve a diagnosis.”

One option is a feline-only veterinarian: You can find one through the American Association of Feline Practitioners: https://www.catvets.com.

Q: After seeing an outdoor cat through the window, our two cats had a big fight, which I believe was redirected aggression. We separated them and have slowly, over the course of a week, re-introduced them to one another based on advice from our vet. We also plugged in Feliway diffusers, though we’re not sure if they made any difference.

After a week back together, the cats are OK 80% of the time. However, any loud noise or unexpected occurrence sets them off again. Tails get big and bushy, ears flatten, they’re facing off and seconds from attack mode! We usually end up distracting them, sometimes separating them so they can cool off, but I worry about what happens when we’re not around to break things up. This is an awful situation because they used to be best friends.

There’s construction going on in the neighborhood during the day, leaving the cats understandably edgy. Should we keep them separated when we’re not home, or let them try to work things out? — K.B., Washington, D.C.

A: Your cats are displaying a textbook example of redirected aggression. They were best buddies, then a stranger appeared and all heck broke loose. Not able to go after the stranger, the cats went after each other.

The long-term solution is to keep the wandering cat away from your home. If the cat is a stray, the most humane approach is called trap, neuter, return. Alley Cat Allies (https://www.alleycat.org) is a wonderful resource. If the wandering cat is owned, those owners are irresponsible and leave you with little recourse but to find creative a way to keep their cat away. Another option is the Scarecrow (available at some hardware stores and online), a motion detector sprinkler which sprays water whenever a cat walks by.

You’re doing everything right with your own cats. Do consider keeping them apart another week or two, and in separate rooms where they’re least likely to hear the nearby construction. You could turn up the TV or radio. During this period, bring the cats together only a few moments each day for a salmon or sardine party (a little bit for each cat). Over time, they’ll associate their togetherness with the greatest treats on the planet.

Your next step is to allow the cats together with an adult there to supervise. Start with 15-minute sessions, then gradually increase the time. I believe they’ll become good friends again.

STEVE DALE welcomes questions/comments from readers. Although he can’t answer all of them individually, he’ll answer those of general interest in his column. Write to Steve at Tribune Media Services, 2225 Kenmore Ave., Suite 114, Buffalo, NY 14207. Send e-mail to PETWORLD(at)STEVE DALE.TV. Include your name, city and state. Steve’s website is https://www.stevedalepetworld.com; he also hosts the nationally syndicated “Steve Dale’s Pet World” and “The Pet Minute.” He’s also a contributing editor to USA Weekend.