Question: My calico kitty has a distinct personality and can be a bit snippy at times. I have heard people attribute different personalities to coat colors. What’s the deal?
It’s true! When I walk into an exam room and see a tortoiseshell or calico colored kitty I immediately assume the clock on my “kitty-minutes” will be limited.
If you hang around kitties as much as I do, you will notice that certain personalities come up again and again with the different coat colors. Over the years I have observed some traits, which I can apply to some but not all of the cats I see.
Siamese and other color point kitties are known for their vocalizations and love to chat. They can be quite assertive and not shy about telling you exactly what they want! Sometimes I hear owners refer to them as having dog like behaviors. These guys can even be trained to walk on a leash!
Calico/Tortie cats, as you have noted, can be very feisty. They are most often females and can be quick to lash out if something displeases them. In Japan they are considered a sign of good luck.
Tabby’s are known to be very friendly, especially the orange males. Social schmoozers at heart, they will be the kitty greeting all newcomers at the door.
Tuxedos (black collar and white feet/chest) are very affectionate and always well dressed. A black and white kitty named Palmerston is even the Chief Mouser of the British Prime Ministers Office in England!
Black cats are interesting creatures. Simultaneously stubborn and friendly they can have aloof personalities and prefer independence.
Question: Gunther, our three-year-old dog, sometimes emits this foul, fishy odor in the car or when he gets excited to see us. HELP! What is happening and how can we stop it?
Fortunately for Gunther, these “expressions” are normal! Unfortunately for your car’s upholstery, they reek!
Dogs have two sacs located just inside their rectums that emit a watery, usually brown liquid, which is supposed to be extruded with each bowel movement. The abhorrent odor smells great to dogs (yuck!) and lets them identify each other when greeting!
These sacs are usually ignored, until they become inflamed or impacted and your pooch starts to scoot his bum along your new carpet. This scooting relieves some of the pressure, as does licking and chewing under their tail. We tend to see anal gland issues in larger dogs and over weight animals since the fat can shrink the openings.
When you and your pup have had enough, we get to see them in the office and get the fun job of expressing these sacs! The material coming out is usually thick and can sometimes be very infected. If ignored, these sacs can form an abscess and rupture, which is extremely painful.
Please send your questions to Dr. Marina Shepelev at OwegoPawPrints@gmail.com.
Dr. Marina Shepelev is an associate veterinarian practicing medicine at Owego Veterinary Hospital. She welcomes weekly questions concerning your furry friends.
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