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Danny's Cats

Who we cite

Merck Veterinary Manual

Also called MSD Veterinary Manual

Updated

What is the Merck Veterinary Manual?

The Merck Veterinary Manual is a veterinary reference first published in 1955 and now free online, with a section written for pet owners. Outside the United States and Canada it is called the MSD Veterinary Manual. Our pages cite it on urinary problems, feeding and food poisoning in cats.

Who publishes the Merck Veterinary Manual?

The drug company Merck publishes it, under the name MSD outside the United States and Canada. Its articles are written and edited by veterinary experts and cover diseases, treatments and animal care. The first edition came out in 1955, and the current English print edition, the 11th, was released in July 2016. The website and app carry the same reference in digital form.

What does it publish for pet owners?

Besides the professional reference, the manual has a pet owner section derived from the professional content. It covers basic and some medical information for home care, plus emergencies and pain management. The manual itself says that owners should consult their veterinarian when making care decisions.

What do our pages use from the Merck Veterinary Manual?

Our litter box article uses its owner information on urinary problems, including that a blocked urethra is more likely in male cats, to explain why a cat straining in the litter box needs a vet quickly. Our feeding article uses its nutrition pages on kittens, middle-aged and older cats, and on why leaving food out all day is not recommended.

Our human foods article and our anemia entry use its toxicology chapters: that cats are the species most susceptible to onion and garlic poisoning, and that raw fish diets can cause thiamine deficiency. We use it to explain risks, never to diagnose or dose.

Questions about Merck Veterinary Manual

Can I use the Merck Veterinary Manual to diagnose my cat?

The Merck Veterinary Manual is not a way to diagnose your own cat. It explains conditions in general terms, and its pet owner section says owners should consult their veterinarian when making care decisions. Only a veterinarian who examines your cat can diagnose a problem and decide on treatment.

Does Merck endorse Danny's Cats?

Merck does not endorse Danny's Cats. We cite its published veterinary reference, and it has not reviewed or approved anything on this site. Each page that quotes the Merck Veterinary Manual links to the chapter we used in its source list, so you can read the original text.

Where this comes up

Sources