Complete Care for Your Aging Cat - Amy Shojai [2]
New Frontiers . 202
Comfort Zone . 202
Golden Moments: Love To The Max . 203
Bottom Line . 205
STROKE .. 206
Senior Symptoms . 206
Diagnosis . 206
Age-Defying Tip . 207
Treatment 207
Nurse Alert! 207
PART THREE: ADDITIONAL RESOURCES . 208
APPENDIX A--SENIOR CARE DIRECTORY .. 208
VETERINARY SCHOOLS AND BEREAVEMENT HOTLINES . 208
WEBSITES AND EMAIL LISTS . 213
FURTHER READING .. 214
INSURANCE AND CARE PLANS . 215
FOOD FOR SENIORS . 215
PRODUCT SOURCES FOR SENIORS . 216
APPENDIX B--HOME MEDICINE CHEST . 218
APPENDIX C—GLOSSARY .. 219
APPENDIX D--EXPERT SOURCES . 223
Author Biography . 226
Note from the Author
It has been many years since Complete Care for Your Aging Cat was first published in 2003 by New American Library. It became the ‘Old-Cat Bible’ recommended far and wide, won several prestigious awards from writer and veterinary organizations, and was so popular that it went back to press several times. Ultimately, the publisher chose to take it off the shelves and no amount of hissing on my part made any difference. Part of that decision had to do with the great surge in Internet resources previously provided by print books. (Cue MORE author hissing!) Yet the used copies of the original title remain in demand, and I’m repeatedly asked when the book will again become available.
That time has come!
Much of the information in the book remains current, but I’ve updated statistics and major changes. For example, some of the experts quoted now have different positions or affiliations that have been noted upon first reference, and some products and/or contact information required update. New treatment options, product links, and research are included where appropriate.
According to the 2009-2010 American Pet Products Association survey, 79 percent of pet owners own or have access to a computer and the Internet. So in this edition you’ll find handy direct Internet links, where available, to the mentioned products as well as the quoted experts. Sadly, many of the cats profiled in the “Golden Moments” have traveled on to Rainbow Bridge, but their stories remain a lasting celebration of the human-animal bond and continue to help the kitties that come after.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Many individuals helped make this book a reality by sharing their expertise, help, and inspirational pet stories. My wonderful family, especially my husband Mahmoud, and many wonderful friends remind me daily of what’s truly important. You all know who you are—and I can’t thank y’all enough.
My colleagues from the Dog Writers Association of America, Cat Writers’ Association, and other “pet fanciers” never fail to inspire and impress me with their professionalism and support. I’d especially like to thank Deb Eldridge, Karen Henry, Lori May, Lynn Miller, Stacy Pober, Dusty Rainbolt, and Michelle West for sharing a few of their expert sources, especially for the E-lists and online health care contacts. Interestingly, this book was born at The Writer's BBS International Writers Community when answering a question about book proposals gave me the idea. It seems that the Furry Muse strikes with inspiration in many places
The many “Golden Moments” add so much to the book. Thank you to Lynn Alfino, Karen Allison, Wendy Braun, Barb Crandall, Andrea Dorn, Bonnie Cheak, Marc Gorelnik, Karen Holden, Chris Jevitz, Deborah Harding, Elizabeth Jones, Sandi Maltese, Judy Miley, Linda Moore, Linda Parker, Jennifer Schilling, Linda Weber, Michelle West, and Yasmine Galenorn for sharing these lovely stories and photographs of your special cats. I am touched by your generosity.
Heartfelt appreciation goes to the many veterinarians and pet professionals who allowed me to report their groundbreaking therapies for aging cats. I must also thank the countless veterinary schools and specialty colleges who put me in touch with these experts and pet owners, most particularly the American Veterinary Medical Association; Tania Banak of the University of Wisconsin/Madison; Chris Beuoy of the University of Illinois;