Dear Dr. Fox:
I was very surprised at the harsh comments about Persian cats in your column, in which you referred to them as “freaks.”
I have a 7-year-old male Persian. Yes, he has a flat face and a biggish head, and his eyes weep from time to time, but, in spite of these so-called impediments, he is the sweetest, happiest, most contented and affectionate cat you could ever meet. I find this is often the case with this breed.
Let’s be kind about these beautiful creatures that bring so much pleasure to their devoted fans here in the United States and around the world.
S.L., Arlington County
DF: Thanks for your contribution to my readers’ discussion on this issue. I contended that Persian cats are freaks of human creation and that they suffer as a consequence.
The same must be said about bulldogs, shar-peis and other animals deliberately bred for extreme, abnormal physical traits. The selective breeding for dwarfed, hairless and extremely “refined” (long and thin bones and faces) feline varieties entails inbreeding and, as a consequence, more genetic abnormalities, disease and suffering.
I agree with you that we should love all creatures: For me, that four-letter word means respect and compassion. I see neither in the breeding and commercial propagation of animals with extreme traits, such as pushed-in faces and abnormally large heads that can force Caesarean delivery, along with other abnormalities that can mean a life of suffering. For more details, see my book “Healing Animals and the Vision of One Health.”
Of course, if your cat lived in my home, he would be loved for who he is, which is quite separate from what humans have done to him.
Too much fiber
Dear Dr. Fox:
We have two Boston terriers, Kash and Carrie. About a month ago, Carrie started leaving feces around the house (small pieces, about one inch).
A veterinarian prescribed Prion and metronidazole. Neither medication helped. The vet didn’t know what was wrong with her. Her food (Purina Fit & Trim) didn’t change. She is 8 years old.
Because the first vet couldn’t help her, we took her to another, who prescribed Previcox. That also didn’t help. We switched vets again, and this one prescribed phenylpropanolamine. After 10 days, I told the vet the medicine was not helping, so he said to stop it. After taking it, she was constipated, so I now give her a tablespoon of pumpkin once a day.
Carrie always slept in our bed, but she started defecating in it while sleeping under the covers. She goes outside first thing in the morning (6:30 a.m.) and walks every day for at least a mile. Weather permitting, she plays outside for 30 minutes. She is very active and doesn’t have any other problems.
She doesn’t mean to go. As soon as she does, she leaves the area and doesn’t come back until we dispose of the evidence.
J.R., Villa Ridge, Mo.
DF: Fecal incontinence is not uncommon in older dogs, but Carrie is not all that old, so I would not attribute her condition to age-related cognitive or neurological deterioration.
I find all the prescribed medications you listed questionable. The third one, phenylpropanolamine, is categorically absurd.
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