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	August, 2001


	Volume 3,Issue 8


	MSAH Bulletin #29


	Our New Hospital Logo


	Inside this issue:


	HOSPITAL NEWS Dr. John Martin and Dr. Nanette Mollere will exchange vows during a private ceremony on the 11^th of August. They plan to reside on the North Shore following the wedding. We wish them happiness in their future together. NEW HOSPITAL We have begun making construction arrangements for the new hospital! We recently relocated the doctors' office to the rear of the hospital in order to create a new examination room. This was done in an attempt to make a smooth transition once the major construction begins, as one of our existing rooms may be unavailable for a short time. We appreciate all of your support and patience while we make the necessary changes.


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	Volume 3,Issue 8


	Volume 3,Issue 8


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This article appeared in the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine's CatWatch Newsletter, Volume 5, No. 2, February 2001. We thought it might be useful to those of you thinking of introducing a new cat or kitten into your home.

"The Peaceable Kingdom

Creating Harmony in a Multi-Cat Home"

Bringing a new cat home can be a nerve-racking experience--for the new cat, the old cat and you! But it doesn't have to be. First, determine whether introducing another cat is a good idea. Evaluate your old cat's current health status and previous experiences with other cats. Even if both check out--and even if you want another cat specifically to keep your old cat company--the newcomer is unlikely to be welcomed with open paws.

Some cats eventually become friends with a newcomer; others may never accept one. Still others merely tolerate the newcomer's presence. But a well-planned introduction can go a long way toward smoothing the path.

What's the best first step on that road to feline harmony? "Go slow!" emphasizes Tracy Kroll, DVM, a resident in animal behavior at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, "Cats have complex interactions that we don't always understand."

Intruder Alert!

Try to see the situation form your resident cat's point of view. Cats, by nature, are more solitary creatures than the pack-oriented dogs. A new cat is an alteration in your old cat's safe, familiar environment--a potential invader of territory, and a competitor for limited resources.

The less competition you can create, the better. Consider in advance how you will arrange space for your feline family. Plan to provide each cat with its own litter box, food and water bowls, and places to sleep. Spreading the litter boxes out makes it harder for a territorial cat to ambush another cat trying to use the box. Multiple boxes also increase the likelihood of having at least once clean box to use.

A kitten represents less of a threat than an adult cat. An opposite-sex kitten or adult minimizes competition, as well. "Putting two unneutered male adults together is just asking for problems" cautions Kroll. "Likewise, a female in heat will put everyone on edge." Spaying or neutering both animals helps smooth cat introductions. If you are adopting, choose the most easy-going, well-adjusted kitty you can find at the shelter.

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	Metairie Small Animal Hospital 101 Metairie Rd (835-4266) 5040 West Esplanade (455-2345) 4041 Williams Blvd. (443-4400)


	Our Mission Statement Metairie Small Animal Hospital is committed to providing the highest quality medical and surgical care for our clients in a humane, compassionate and caring environment . We will strive to maintain an open, honest relationship with our clientele. We will constantly improve our care and skills through educational enhancement and personal dedication to our profession.


	Phone: 555-555-5555 Fax: 555-555-5555 Email: xyz@microsoft.com


	Case of the Month


	A GLASS ACT You've heard of living in a glass house, but how about living in a glass jar? One afternoon, Mrs. Smith saw an orange tabby cat running around her front yard frantically. Upon closer inspection, she realized that the cat actually had its head caught in a jar, looking much like "space kitty." This was a wild cat, mind you, that could not be coaxed by voice or caught by hand, for that matter. Had Mrs. Smith attempted to touch the cat, it would have shred her like a paper shredder. So, she decided to get a "catch 'em alive" trap, hoping that the cat would willingly enter the baited trap.


	By the time Mrs. Smith got the trap baited with cat food and set, the cat had broken the jar on the concrete. This made the situation even more pressing, as the jagged edges of the jar were dangerously close to the cat's neck. Mrs. Smith thought for sure that the cat was going to accidentally cut its throat. Fortunately, despite the cat's predicament, it decided to take time out for a meal, which happened to be inside the trap. Sure enough, the cat entered and the trap door quickly closed behind it. Mrs. Smith gathered the trap with the cat inside and rushed over to Metairie Small Animal Hospital, where she presented her situation to Dr. Richmond. Dr. Richmond assured her that everything would be fine. He then anesthetized the cat through the wall of the trap, using an intramuscular anesthethic, (Ketamine), that was injected using a long needle. Once asleep, the cat was carefully removed from the trap. The jagged rim of the glass jar was gently removed from around the cat's neck. Remarkably, this was achieved without even a scratch being left on the cat. Dr. Richmond then neutered the glassy little tomcat and placed him back in the trap. The cat was sent out with Mrs. Smith with plans of being re-released that afternoon. You've heard it said that "curiosity killed the cat," but in this case, the cat was fortunate enough to be helped by a caring individual and walked away from his adventure unscathed.