eyelash growth

Buffy, a handsome, long-haired orange male, 2-3 years old, has a fluffy tail.  He has lived amicably at the shelter while recovering from eye surgery, but healed, healthy, neutered and up-to-date with shots and testing, he wants a home of his own. Despite a rough start in an abusive situation, he has a calm and loving temperament.  Consider taking him into your heart. 

Patsy, a pretty, petite female just over 2 years old, has classic gray tiger markings. like Buffy, she was rescued from a bad situation but she too responds to people with trust and affection and enjoys snuggling with her foster mom.  she gets along well with other cats.  other than having an eye removed due to an infection, she is healthy, spayed, vaccinated and tested and would fit well into any home.

Pictures of Hilltop cats and kittens ready for adoption can be seen at www.hilltophumane.org or www.petfinder.com and an adoption application can be downloaded from the website.  Contact Doris, Hilltop’s adoption coordinator, at 781-963-7289 or dorisqf@comcast.net

Cats interact through their expressive eyes.  if your cat stares intently at you, then closes her eyes slowly, she is giving you a kitty kiss.  Eye diseases are not as common in cats as in dogs but some may take months to bring under control and even become a lifetime problem, so visiting the vet for proper treatment as soon as you notice something wrong is very important.  Conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the membranes which results in squinting, discharge, and sometimes clouding, is contagious to other cats and can flare up repeatedly when the cat is stressed.   like people, cats’ eyes can be damaged by serious conditions such as glaucoma, tumors, and, less often, cataracts, as well as various types of injuries.  Older cats can go blind due to high blood pressure or diabetes.  although cats rely on their vision more than dogs do, they are extremely resilient and can adapt to using their other senses to compensate for loss of eyesight.  Buffy and Patsy are proof that losing an eye does not affect a cat’s beauty or capacity to be a wonderful companion.

Pet Tip of the Week:  The internet is a vast resource for information about pet health and behavior issues.  You can communicate with other pet owners via Facebook, and other social media sites.  Of course, internet sources should be used as a supplement to prompt veterinary care, never a substitute.   Many animal medical centers maintain a website, communicate with their clients by e-mail, and may make your pet’s individual health history available through a “pet portal.”  Pet food manufacturer websites provide information and coupons for their products.   Also check out www.catster.com and www.dogster.com, which offer access to “fun, friendly, and informational sharing” from experts, pet lovers, and animal welfare organizations, along with thousands of “really cute” pictures. 

Hilltop Humane Society is an all-volunteer, non-profit, strictly no-kill cat shelter and rescue organization, funded primarily by individual contributions. for information visit www.hilltophumane.org or contact us at Hilltop Humane Society, PO Box 553, Randolph, MA  02368, 781-961-3638.  the website includes a list of lower-cost spay/neuter options. Neuter and spay – It’s the best way.  

TAILS FROM THE HILLTOP: Overcoming eye problems – with plenty of heart