Lysol is a popular disinfectant (chemical agents designed to inactivate or destroy microorganisms on inert surfaces). The active ingredient in many Lysol products is benzalkonium chloride (BAC), a wide-spectrum cationic detergent and a quaternary ammonium compound (QAC). Benzalkonium is present in many household products including cleaners, mould removers and disinfectants.

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Cats can and will get into into human food if given the oppertunity which can have serious consequences if they eat the wrong food. Raw chicken left out to defrost is an appealing snack to most cats while humans naturally baulk at the idea. But, can cats eat raw chicken and what should you do if your cat eats some?

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• Family: Anacardiaceae
• Botanical name: Toxicodendron radicans
• Common names: Climbing poison ivy, Eastern poison ivy
• Toxicity: Non-toxic to cats, non-toxic to dogs, toxic to humans
• Toxic parts: N/A
  
• Severity: N/A
  
• Toxic properties: Urushiol

Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) is a vine or shrub native to eastern North America. It belongs to the Anacardiaceae plant family along with mangoes and cashews. Poison ivy is most commonly found in shady forests, but can also survive in full sun. One study found increased CO2 levels lead to poison ivy growing twice as fast as normal.

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The cat’s paws are made up of the soft paw pads which act as a cushion for the load-bearing front and hind limbs, the toes (or digits) and claws which are made of a hard protein called keratin with the quick located inside the claw, that is made up of nerves and blood vessels.

Cats are quadrupeds and digitigrade which means they have four feet and walk on their toes without the heel touching the ground. When walking, they directly register by placing the rear foot directly in the spot the forefoot was.

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Can cats eat cheese?

Most cats can eat a small amount of cheddar cheese as cheese starter cultures, which are primarily made up of lactic acid bacteria (Lactococcus lactis) break down most of the lactose.

A 1 ounce (28.35 gram) slice of cheddar cheese contains <0.1 grams of lactose compared to milk which contains 12-13 grams.

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Also known as cytopathology, cytology is a cost-effective and common diagnostic procedure in which the veterinarian or a specialised laboratory examines the structure and function of cells under a microscope. Cells are the smallest living entity and are found in all living organisms. They are made up of the cell membrane, cytoplasm and the nucleus, which contains the DNA. Animals and plants are made up of trillions of different types of cells which have diverse tasks, bacteria, some fungi and protozoa are single-celled organisms.

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Covered litter trays have had a huge surge in popularity over the past two decades. These litter trays have a top and a bottom, with a hole or a flap in the entrance or in the top.

Pros of covered litter trays

Odour control

The closed-in design greatly reduces litter tray odours spreading throughout the home.

Less litter scatter

Some cats like to try to dig their way to China in the litter tray, the enclosed litter tray prevents cat litter being flicked out of the tray.

We don’t have to look at their waste

Let’s face it, nobody wants to look at clumps of feces and urine in the litter tray between scoops.

Prevents dogs accessing the litter

Some dogs will eat urine if they have easy access to the litter tray, not only is this revolting, but it can potentially spread disease.

Provides privacy

Some cats prefer the privacy that a covered litter tray offers.

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What is down syndrome?

Also known as trisomy 21, down syndrome is a genetic condition which is caused by an extra or partial copy of chromosome 21. Chromosomes are threadlike structures which are located within the nucleus of every cell and contain deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). DNA carries genetic instructions for the development, functioning, growth and reproduction.

Usually, there are two pairs of chromosomes, each parent contributes one chromosome in each pair. Trisomy is a genetic disorder in which the organism has three chromosomes instead of two which causes development delays and congenital defects.

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