How To Choose A Reputable Cat Breeder

by Lisa Selvaggio

Published: April 30th, 2015

Finding the right cat breeder takes time and research, but the effort is well worth it!

If you’re in search of the perfect kitty to add to your family but you have a particular breed in mind, you can certainly check out breed-specific animal rescues and foster networks or browse through sites such as Petfinder to search for the breed in animal shelters.

But if you can’t find the purebred cat you’re searching for in shelters, you also have the option of purchasing your furry friend from a reputable cat breeder. Below are a few tips to help you choose the ideal cat breeder—one who has genuine concern for the animals and isn’t running a kitten mill.

Do Your Research

Get information from veterinarians, cat societies, and professional websites so you can create a list of breeders who offer the breed you’re searching for. Once you have this list, you’ll need to do further research to cross off any breeders that don’t seem ethical, reputable, and responsible. Use the power of the Internet to read reviews and gain insight into their reputations.

For example, does a particular cat breeder have references that you can contact for more information? Do they also have a professional website and several means to get in touch with them?

What do reviews have to say about a cat breeder? Do these reviews contain stories of the kittens, along with photos? What about stories of the kittens after they’ve grown up? Are they still healthy and happy? In other words, what do people who’ve purchased from a breeder have to say about that breeder and the kitten they brought home?

Be Certain the Cat Breeder is Registered

Purchasing a cat from a registered breeder will increase the odds that you’re getting a healthy kitten who has been socialized and is comfortable around people and possibly other pets as well.

A registered breeder will also guarantee that the kitten has a pure bloodline, which reduces the risk of the cat inheriting medical conditions (although you should keep in mind that certain breeds may be prone to certain diseases).

Visit the Breeder in Person

A respectable cat breeder is one who isn’t breeding cats just for the money. Breeders who don’t really care about the animals and who are in the business purely for profits, on the other hand, will often keep the animals in terribly inhumane conditions. But don’t just take a breeder’s word for it; instead, visit the facility or home in person to see for yourself how the animals are kept and how they’re treated.

All of the cats should be kept in comfortable, clean, and safe environments with plenty of enrichment and a lot of attention from their human caretakers. They should be well fed, healthy, and warm, and there shouldn’t be any signs of neglect, overbreeding, or abuse.

Ask the Right Questions

During your visit, you should also ask the breeder plenty of questions. Again, some breeds are prone to certain conditions, so you should find out what the breeder is doing to minimize the risk of the kittens inheriting those problems. An honest breeder will be upfront about the potential issues with a particular breed, but you should go into the interview process with enough knowledge about the breed to know what needs to be discussed.

Asking a lot of questions shouldn’t annoy the cat breeder. You should also pay attention to the breeder’s demeanor to determine if s/he is withholding information. And if you aren’t allowed to take a full tour of the facility, you should be very skeptical of the breeder’s honestly.

Ask about the food that the kittens and mother cat are being fed, the veterinarian who examines them, any tests that have been performed to check for infectious illnesses and defects, and vaccinations that have been given. Find out if you can acquire the records to these veterinary checkups, and also find out how the breeder handles kittens and cats that become ill.

A great breeder will even ask you questions to interview you and ensure you have what it takes to be a great cat mom or dad, especially for the breed you’re interested in, as many purebreds have specific personality traits and needs.

When Should You Take Your Kitten Home?

Kittens should be kept with their mothers until they’re 10 weeks old, at a minimum, though some breeders will even keep them until 14 to 16 weeks of age. If the breeder is willing to give you a kitten younger than 10 weeks, you should question his/her motives and probably steer clear.

Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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Mini Meow: What Are Miniature Cats?

Did you know that there’s such a thing as miniature cats? Before choosing one of these mini kitties, read up on the big facts, tips and scams. In addition to their over-the-top level of cuteness, kittens are adored because they’re so tiny. So it’s no wonder that many people are interested in miniature cats, or cats that remain small their entire lives. These breeds can be sorted into the categories of miniature, dwarf, and teacup. Bear in mind that the selective breeding necessary for these types of cats is a highly controversial issue. Reputable breeders who sell these cats should be able to ensure that the animals are healthy, and inbreeding should be avoided as well. Related: How To Choose A Reputable Cat Breeder Miniature, Teacup, and Dwarf Cats: The Basics Put simply, a miniature cat will typically be around half the size of what a normal cat of the same breed would be. But not every small kitty you encounter is actually a miniature cat. Even the Singapura, which is the smallest feline breed, isn’t considered “miniature.” Teacup kitties can be found throughout a variety of breeds, and they’re typically only around 9″ high at full maturity. But because of this tiny size, these animals are also vulnerable, so you’ll usually need to wait until a kitten is around six months old before taking him home from a reputable breeder. Related: Why Do Cats Like Boxes? Remember, “miniature” and “teacup” are not actual breeds. Teacups are bred in a way to create a mini version of a particular breed. This is why it’s imperative to purchase one from a registered breeder who can ensure the cat is healthy and not inbred. Dwarf cats, on the other hand, have very short legs. Unlike teacups, these animals are bred in a way that will allow a natural mutation to shorten the long leg bones, leaving the cat short his entire life. Dwarf Cat Breeds The founding dwarf cat breed is the Munchkin, which weighs an average of 5-9 pounds. These tiny, active cats have short legs because of a natural genetic mutation, and they have been bred with a variety of other breeds, such as the Sphynx, American Curl, and Persian, to name a few. Again, dwarf cats have very short legs. They range from five to nine pounds and, despite their short legs, manage to remain playful and active. However, they are limited from jumping like other cats do. Some dwarf breeds include: DwelfBambinoSkookumLambkinMinskinGenettaKinkalowNapoleon Teacup and Miniature Cat Breeds Teacups and miniature cats have normal proportions. They’re born smaller than average as a result of environmental, hormonal, or genetic factors. Some breeds in these categories are the result of a spontaneous mutation, while others are born as a result of breeders selecting the smallest cats from every generation to create progressively smaller cats. You can find mini cats in breeds that range from Siamese and Persian, to Ragdoll and others. But teacups are even smaller than what would be deemed a miniature cat. So, while a mini cat is typically about 1/3 or ½ the size of a normal cat in the same breed, a true teacup will be smaller in every regard as a result of genetic dwarfism. It will have shorter legs, like dwarf cats, but the rest of the body will also be smaller, so everything will be in proportion. What to Consider Before Purchasing a Miniature Cat Mini cats are quite popular, so some breeders will take advantage of this by selling “miniature cats” who are actually runts, or who were born early or were emaciated as kittens. Also, some breeders may try to pass off a normal yet petite cat as a miniature to make a higher profit. But in addition to being wary of scams, bear in mind that dwarf felines are often born with serious health issues. These include, but are not limited to, misshapen and soft bones from growth retardation; a slower rate of muscular growth that leads to weakness; enlarged heart and heart murmurs; neurological problems, including seizures; misshapen legs and jaw; and shortened life spans. If you do decide you want a miniature cat, purchase from a breeder who limits the amount of litters to ensure the queen remains healthy. The breeder should also take steps to ensure inbreeding doesn’t occur. Ask for a health certificate, as well as a contract that includes a guarantee that the animal doesn’t have genetic defects. Also remember that you can find a variety of feline breeds in animal shelters and within foster networks, so consider adopting a miniature kitty before shopping for one so that you can save a life. What About Petite Cat Breeds? Just as there are feline breeds that are distinguished by their large size (a great example is the Maine Coon), there are those that are sought after because of their small size too. So, if you want to add a kitty to your family, but you would prefer one that is likely to remain small even into adulthood, there are several breeds that tend to remain petite. These aren’t dwarf, miniature, or teacup cats; instead, they are simply cats that are generally smaller in size than others. Whether you plan on shopping from a breeder or searching for a small cat from a breed-specific rescue or a shelter so you can adopt, here are a few of the breeds that stay petite and have an affectionate personality as well: Singapura – As mentioned above, the Singapura is a breed that’s known for remaining small even after growing out of the kitten stage. When you search for the smallest cat breeds, this one is usually on the list. Lightweight, coming in at an average of 4-8 pounds, these adorable kitties are described as intelligent, playful, curious, and social. But in addition to their adorable size and endearing personality, these cats are also stunning in appearance, so they have it all if you want to stick with a more petite kitty for any reason.Devon Rex – On average, the Devon Rex will weigh 5-10 pounds, making it another option when you want a small cat but you don’t want to go the mini cat route. These cuties have curly fur, and they typically don’t shed much either. Plus, they thoroughly enjoy being around their family, and they’re known for a friendly disposition, so they make wonderful companions.Cornish Rex – If you are searching for a cat breed that sheds less and also remains small, check out the Cornish Rex. These kitties have soft, curly fur and a playful personality, and they’re also known for looking like kittens even as adults. Plus, they only weigh, on average, 6-10 pounds when fully grown. 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Researchers Find Genetic Links Between Human and Canine Brain Tumors

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A Six-legged Abandoned Dog Has Surgery to Remove Extra Limbs

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As the sunshine starts to fade, replaced by the cool autumn winds, cat owners may notice an interesting change in their furry friend’s behavior. Cats are often known for their boundless energy and curiosity. However, as we move into the fall months, many cat owners will notice their pets are slowing down into a new, more laid-back routine.In this article, we dig into the reasons why cats slow down in autumn, including answering the question: “Do cats experience seasonal depression?” We will also share some tips and tricks to cheer up your sad cat and help them enjoy the colder months ahead.Do Cat Behaviors Change with the Seasons?The short answer is yes. Many cat owners report that their feline friends act differently during the fall and winter months. Some common changes include a difference in your cat’s sleep patterns, appetite, and overall mood.For outdoor cats or indoor cats that are leash and harness-trained, the arrival of a new season means new experiences, including new smells, sights, and sounds. Anytime cats are faced with something new or different, the possibility exists that their reaction to their environment may change as well. But this isn’t the only impact on your cat…From season to season, we see two key changes affecting a cat’s behavior – the temperature and the amount of daylight. A drop in temperature triggers a natural survival response in which your cat will slow down to conserve energy, allowing its ancestors to stay warm on the bitter cold nights in the wild. Meanwhile, a change in daylight has been shown to impact hormone levels.Each of these factors will impact every cat differently. If you have multiple cats in your home, you may notice one slowing down considerably while the other doesn’t alter their behavior much at all – and that’s okay! Just like people, no two cats are the same.Can Cats Get Seasonal Depression?There currently is no research confirming that cats suffer from seasonal depression. However, many experts suspect they may suffer from a similar struggle to their human counterparts because of the shorter days and loss of daylight. This low mood and depression may also occur due to (or be escalated by) the lack of exercise that cats experience during the colder months.Are Cats Less Active in Fall? Have you noticed your cat lazing around or sleeping more during the autumn months? If so, you’re not alone! As we previously discussed, the temperature change often triggers a survival response to conserve energy. Your cat may prefer to spend their time curled up in their favorite cat bed, napping through the day, or cuddling in your lap, soaking up your body heat. Keep your eyes open for any other signs of concern. But if you do not see any other reason to worry, the cozy fall attitude is normal. Enjoy the extra cuddle time with your best friend. How Can I Tell if My Cat is Depressed? As cat parents, we all want to provide the best life for our feline friends, both physically and mentally. This starts with learning to recognize when something is “off” or if there is something that we should address. Like us, our cats can suffer from mental health struggles like depression, which isn’t always easy to spot. Here are a few signs your cat may be suffering from depression: Sleeping more than usualLoss of appetite Weight loss Becoming more vocal Failure to keep up with grooming needs Loss of energy Hiding or retreating from family membersOut-of-character aggression or fearfulness If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian and discuss your concerns. They will likely ask questions about your cat’s home life and whether they have recently experienced any changes that may have triggered their mental health struggles. This can help to guide their treatment recommendations. Mental health problems are not always treated with medications. In fact, many of the most effective treatment options are things that you can do at home.

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In a groundbreaking trial that is set to launch in the United States, around 1,000 elderly dogs will be given a pill – in the form of a sweet treat – in the hope that their lives will be extended because of it. Behind this innovative work stands Loyal, a startup company based in Silicon Valley. They are currently gathering a number of senior dogs through a well-developed network of veterinary practices in all US states. The tests are set to launch before the end of 2023, after four years of complex studies.In this case, all dogs must be over 10 years old in order to be included in the study. The study itself is set to be a “randomized double-blind placebo trial”. The director of veterinary medicine at Loyal, the company behind this trial, Dr. Brennen McKenzie, said for  Telegraph that this will “probably be the largest clinical trial in veterinary medical history”.“We’re hoping to show that we can both increase the length of life and, more importantly, the length of time these dogs live healthy and happy and functional lives,” McKenzie states. “We’re looking at the length of time that dogs live on the drug and the placebo, hoping to show that we can extend their lifespan and also hoping to show that they develop less disease.”What the study will potentially show is that dogs who receive the drug will live one year longer - on average compared to those who are taking the “placebo” drug. Still, the length of life gained is only one aspect, Dr McKenzie said at the North American Veterinary Community’s Veterinary Innovation Summit in Kansas City. McKenzie also added that increasing health was their number one priority.“We think of lifespan as the amount of time that you live but healthspan is the amount of time that you have good health, good function, good quality of life,” Dr McKenzie said. “That’s clearly the most important thing”.All of this sounds quite “larger than life”, no pun intended. And, of course, with such advanced propositions, the trial drug and its contents are a closely guarded secret, especially due to commercial reasons. This will be the situation until the trial of the drug is finished. And if the drug happens to be as efficient as hoped, Loyal plans to place it on the market immediately, offering an affordable daily supplement that can extend the lives of dogs. “If we get through this four-year trial and we achieve our endpoints, the FDA will license us to sell this as a prescription medication and it will be the first medication ever to extend lifespan in any species,” Dr McKenzie said. “We are absolutely interested in a product that is accessible to the majority of pet owners.”It is worth noting that the drug in question was already proven to be safe for consumption, and there is a low risk of this potential supplement causing any unwanted side effects. Loyal is a company that has two other products in the works, and they are also scheduled to undergo extensive tests. However, work is not yet finished, and one of the two is expected to go on trial around 2026. 

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Loyal after death, this mini-mutt remained at her owner's side until rescuers arrived.

Scientists Finally Know Why Cats Love Tuna So Much

No food is more synonymous with cats than tuna. Even the pickiest of cats can’t resist the tuna’s fishy flavor. Finally, scientists have learned why cats love tuna so much. In the study published in the journal Chemical Sense, scientists report that cats, like humans, have receptors needed to detect umami flavor. Along with sweet, sour, bitter, and salty, umami is one of the five basic tastes.Umami seems to be the cats’ favorite flavor. Considering that umami gives food a deep and savory meaty aroma, it’s no surprise that an obligate carnivore like a cat would prefer it over all other flavors.The research team also found that cats’ taste receptors bind to two chemicals found in high concentrations in tuna. These chemicals boost the umami flavor, making cats obsessed with tuna. “This is an important study that will help us better understand the preferences of our familiar pers,” says Yasuka Toda, a molecular biologist at Meiji University. According to Toda, this study could help cat food manufacturers create healthier food and more palatable medication for cats. Previous studies showed that cats have a unique palate. Cats can’t taste sugar, because their sweet receptor gene is dysfunctional. Scientists believe that felines lose the ability to taste sweeteners and carbs because they don’t need these macronutrients to survive. Cats also have fewer bitter flavor receptors than humans. This trait is commonly seen in obligated carnivores. “Since discovering that cats don’t have a functional sweet taste receptor, we did wonder what they would respond to instead,” study lead author Scott McGrane, a sensory science expert at Waltham Petcare Science Institute, told Live Science. Humans and other animals possess two genes - Tas1r1 and Tas1r3 that work together to detect umami flavor. Previous research has shown that cats express the umami-related Tas1r3 gene in their taste buds, but it was unclear whether they possess both genes needed to detect umami flavor. The research team led by McGrane discovered that cats expressed both Tas1r1 and Tas1r3 genes in their taste buds. To learn this, the scientist biopsied the tongue of a six-year-old male cat that had been euthanized for health reasons unrelated to this study. However, a closer look at the protein sequences encoded by these genes showed that they are very different from human genes. As it turned out, the main amino acids that activate umami flavor in people - glutamic and aspartic acid - were mutated in cats. “So I began thinking, maybe cats can’t taste umami,” said McGrane. But, as it turned out, amino acids don’t bind to the cat umami receptor alone. Nucleotides, which are common in meat and yeast, bind to the cat receptor and glutamic and aspartic acid then have an enhancing effect. “That’s the exact opposite of what we see in people,” explained McGrane. Cats love tuna because it contains the nucleotide inosine monophosphate. Tuna also contains large quantities of L-histidine, an essential amino acid for cats, that enhances umami flavor. “The L-histidine content of tuna is much higher than of other fish species and meat sources.”These new findings could be used for the development of tastier cat food and pharmaceuticals. Although cat food manufacturers already knew that cats prefer meaty flavors, they now have much more details about the compounds they can start working with. It’s essential for manufacturers to ensure that animals want to eat the food they formulate and find it appealing. “I think umami is as important for cats as sweet is for humans,” said Toda. Dogs, she explained, can taste both sweet and umami, which may explain why they’re not such fussy eaters. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Should My Cat Sleep in My Bed?

Final Thoughts - Should My Cat Sleep in My Bed?There is no “right” answer as to whether your cat should be allowed to sleep in your bed. While your furry friend could provide comfort and warmth through those long nights, they may also trigger health problems or keep you awake.Cat parents need to weigh the pros and cons, consider their cat’s personality and sleeping habits, factor in their own needs, and decide on the best solution for everyone. If you need your own space at night for a restful night’s sleep, there are other options that you can provide, including heated cat beds, cozy condos, and relaxing hammocks. Whatever you decide, the ultimate goal is to set up your home so everyone can get the sleep they need to live a happy, healthy life!Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Study Finds Pet Parents Care More About Their Dogs Than Their Cats

Pet parents tend to place themselves into one of two categories. You can either be a dog person or a cat person - there’s nothing in between. This may come as a shock to all cat lovers, but scientists have found that dog owners care more for their dogs than cat owners care for their cats. At least that’s the case with pet owners across Denmark, Austria, and the United Kingdom.Although these findings have been observed in older studies, veterinary scientists from the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, wanted to find out whether cultural factors had any effect on the results. Their results were first published in the Journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science. “We and others have found that people are willing to spend much less on their cats than on their dogs,” said Peter Sandøe, professor at the University of Copenhagen and the study’s lead author. “We wanted to find out whether cats could eventually end up having the same high status as dogs do today.”The scientists surveyed 2,117 pet owners, including 844 dog owners, 872 cat owners, and 401 owners who owned both cats and dogs. Participants were asked questions about their pets’ health insurance, their willingness to pay for life-saving medical treatment, and other questions designed to determine how much owners care for their pets. Pet owners from all three countries had a higher attachment score for dogs than for cats. Dog owners were more likely to buy insurance for their dogs, and said they were willing to spend more for life-saving treatment for their dogs. However, the results of the study varied greatly across the countries. The differences were most noticeable in Denmark, where 41% of dog owners said they were willing to pay a high cost of life-saving medical treatment for their dogs compared to 26% of cat owners. On the other hand, the United Kingdom’s results were in favor of dogs, but only slightly. Around 34% of dog owners in the UK said they would pay more for their dogs’ medical treatment compared to 28% of cat owners. According to scientists, such a slight difference isn’t statistically significant. ‘While people care more about their dogs than their cats in all countries, the degree of difference varied dramatically between countries,” said Sandøe. The researchers originally hypothesized that people in Denmark might be more unaccustomed with cats living indoors than people living in Austria and the United Kingdom since Denmark became urbanized much later than these two countries. Thanks to a much more recent rural history, cats in Denmark might be seen as just another farm animal.According to researchers, several studies hypothesize that when cats are more likely to spend time indoors, they tend to become much closer to their owners, who consequently care more about them. This was confirmed by studies in the U.S. and Mexico, where many cats are indoors-only felines.So it comes as no surprise that in Denmark, where just one out of five cats is kept strictly indoors and many have outdoor access, most pet owners care less about cats. Researchers think that pet owners’ level of care for their pets may depend on the level of interaction and dependence, as well as other factors. "There seems to be no natural limit to how much people will end up caring about their cats compared to their dogs,” said Sandøe. “The British are often portrayed as a nation of cat lovers, which is certainly confirmed by our study. The Danes have a long way to go, but they may eventually get there.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Hypothermia in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

When a dog gets too cold, they’re at risk of hypothermia. But what is hypothermia, what are its symptoms, and what can be done to treat it? Below is a brief guide to dog hypothermia so you can have a better understanding of this condition and why it’s so important to prevent it.What Is Hypothermia in Dogs?Hypothermia develops when a dog’s body temperature drops to 99°F (37.2°C) or lower. A dog’s normal body temperature range is 99.5-102.5°F (37.5-39.2°C).There are three levels of hypothermia: mild, moderate, and severe.Mild hypothermia occurs when a dog’s body temperature is between 90-99°F (32.2-37.2°C).Moderate hypothermia develops when the dog’s body temperature falls even more, to 82-90°F (27.8-32.2°C).Severe hypothermia develops when the dog’s body temperature falls below 82°F (27.8°C).Giving a dog the right treatment to bring their temperature back up is critical, as hypothermia can cause damage to organs, and it could be fatal.  Some dogs may be at greater risk of hypothermia. Puppies, seniors, and dogs who are thin or small are a few examples. Dogs who are ill, including those with chronic conditions, can also be more susceptible. Also, hairless dogs and those with short coats are other examples.What Causes Hypothermia in Dogs?Dogs who are in the cold for too long are at risk of hypothermia. And if they get wet, their body temperature can drop more rapidly. Never leave a dog outside when it’s too cold or windy, or when it’s raining or snowing.It doesn’t have to be extremely cold for dogs to feel the effects either, as a temperature less than 45°F (7.2°C) could put some dogs at risk. Before going outside with your dog, check the wind chill, too, as this will give you a better idea of what it actually feels like out there, and what the risk of frostbite and hypothermia really is.    Also, certain medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism and shock, could increase a dog’s risk of hypothermia.Symptoms of Hypothermia in DogsAs a dog starts to feel cold, they’ll exhibit changes in behavior. Warming them up right away can prevent them from getting even colder. If hypothermia continues to set in, the situation will become more dire as the symptoms progress.Here are some of the symptoms to watch out for:Mild hypothermia may cause a dog to shiver and experience weakness. They may also be less alert, and may try to find ways to stay warm, such as curling in a ball. If you were to feel the dog’s skin, ears, paws, legs, and tail, they may be cold to the touch.Moderate hypothermia may cause the breathing to become shallow and slow, and the muscles may become stiff, resulting in difficulty moving. The blood pressure may drop, and the dog may be even more lethargic and confused. If you were to check the gums, they may be pale.  Severe hypothermia may cause the pupils to become fixed and dilated, and a dog may have trouble breathing. They may not be as responsive, or they may become unresponsive. Also, they may not be shivering anymore. Collapse and coma may occur.How to Help a Hypothermic DogThe symptoms of hypothermia must be taken seriously. Contact your veterinarian even if you think your dog might only have mild hypothermia, as they can provide guidance on what to do, and they might advise bringing your dog in to be examined and treated.In cases of severe hypothermia, a veterinarian will need to treat your dog, so don’t try to fix this problem yourself.Here are a few steps you can take if your dog has mild hypothermia (again, talk to your vet first to be sure you’re taking the right steps and you can treat this at home):Dry your dog if they’re wet. Bring them to a warm area of your home, such as near a heat source. Wrap them in a blanket—you could even warm it up in the dryer first. Use products like the PetFusion Microplush Quilted Pet Blanket, which is super soft and has a light fill that provides more warmth.

First-ever Canine Parvovirus Treatment Offers Hope for Sick Puppies

Parvovirus - a single word no dog owner wants to hear. Canine parvovirus is one of the most deadly conditions that affect thousands of puppies in the U.S. yearly.Until now, there has been no specific cure for parvovirus, with treatment relying on supportive care. But that changed in May when USDA granted a conditional license for the first-ever canine parvovirus treatment.Developed by Elanco Animal Health Incorporated, the Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody is a single-dose intravenous injection that has been shown to reduce the length of hospital stay and increase the survival rate of dogs diagnosed with parvovirus. In Elanco’s clinical trials, “zero dogs died when treated with Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody,” said Kristen Zersen, DVM, DACVECC, assistant professor of small animal emergency and critical care at Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. That’s fantastic news considering that parvo’s mortality rate is around 91% for dogs not treated with supportive care.While the treatment efficiency study focused on eight-week-old puppies, Zersen said that safety studies have shown that the treatment is well tolerated by puppies as young as six weeks old. “The puppies treated with Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody had significantly faster times to resolution of vomiting, inappetence, and lethargy,” said Zersen. Elanco’s Monoclonal Antibody is the first and only treatment available for parvo which affects around 330,000 dogs each year. Administered intravenously in a single dose, this groundbreaking treatment works by binding to the virus directly, preventing it from entering into host cells. Another great thing about this treatment is that it can be given to dogs at any stage of the disease. The effects of the treatment may vary from one dog to the next but according to Zersen, “Overall the treatment makes for less time, less worry, and less labor helping the dog to feel better faster.”That’s a positive change considering how this deadly disease has been treated in the past. “Traditional canine parvovirus treatment can consist of 24/7 care, three to five days of hospitalization, high pet owner costs, and emotional stress with no guaranteed outcome,” explained Zersen. “Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody offers a targeted solution. Dogs are treated with one intravenous dose that’s highly effective and proven to decrease mortality and may provide faster resolution of the symptoms of this potentially deadly disease.”Elanco expects to obtain full USDA approval in 2024, but veterinarians are able to get the medicine in the meantime. An eight-week-old pit bull mix was one of the first to receive this lifesaving treatment and knows exactly how effective monoclonal antibodies are. As soon as Cookie started to show symptoms of parvo, including lethargy, lack of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea, her owner brought her to the Fix Project’s Parvo ICU.There, a test confirmed that Cookie has, indeed, contracted parvo. Cookie received Elanco’s Monoclonal Antibody treatment and was admitted to the ICU for supportive care. “We gave the injection, placed a catheter, and gave her the rest of our protocol. And the beautiful part about the drug was we had her in and out. We parvo tested her on Friday, and she came back strong positive. By Sunday, she was eating. And then by Monday, we parvo tested her, and she was going home that day,” Dr. Andrew Cabrera, veterinarian and medical director at The Fix Project, told People in an interview. Cookie was one of the first pups to be treated with Elanco’s Monoclonal Antibody treatment, but she wasn’t the last. Dr. Cabrera shares he has seen similar results in parvo cases he has treated. “The success rate has been night and day,” he said. “We are able to get them eating a little faster and out of the hospital a little more quickly.”Hopefully, vets around the country will include Elanco’s Monoclonal Antibody treatment in current parvo protocols to increase the survival rate and reduce hospitalization time.

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