Have you ever wondered about what it’s like to work at Cat Care of Vinings? It takes a team full of multi-talented individuals to make sure that our patients and clients are taken care of. Most of you know Dr. Mike and have an idea of what she does, but did you know that there are always five or six people behind the scenes helping her on any given day?
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If you are a cat owner, chances are you have heard that bizarre gag-hack-retch combination of sounds from your furry friend. This noise is usually accompanied by a mess to clean up, along with that strange oblong wad of fur—the dreaded hairball. Hairballs and cats seem to go hand-in-hand, but they aren’t always a normal occurrence and can signal a health problem.
The team at Cat Care of Vinings is here to explain more about hairballs, how you can help your cat pass a hairball, and when hairballs mean trouble.
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Because the focus of heartworm prevention is commonly placed onto our canine friends, owners of dogs and cats may be surprised to learn that heartworm disease affects both species. The fact is, cats are equally vulnerable to the bites of infected mosquitoes. And, to make matters worse, while dogs are able to safely receive treatment for heartworm disease, it is incurable in cats. This is why preventing heartworm disease in cats is so important.
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Cats seem like they come perfectly skilled at living with humans, as if the learning curve to cohabitation doesn’t apply to them. While it’s true that cats are pretty savvy at picking up the routine of a new household, they do benefit from learning some basics from their owners.
Luckily, kitten training is fairly straightforward. When they know what to do (and, perhaps more importantly, where to do it!), cats can enjoy lifelong health and happiness at home.
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As a practice with certified Fear-Free professionals, Cat Care of Vinings goes to great lengths to ensure our feline patients are comfortable while they’re with us. It is our privilege to care for your cat and we take everyone’s emotional well-being into consideration during your pet’s appointment. To that end, we provide a calming environment throughout our hospital, apply careful handling techniques that minimize stress and anxiety, and customize each visit to the needs of the individual cat.
A huge part of the fear-free equation is the at-home preparation needed prior to coming in with your cat. We know it’s not always easy to get your cat to the vet, but together we hope we can change what the veterinary experience means to our feline friends.
Continue… , Parasite prevention for cats is easy and well worth the trouble.
Organisms that live on or inside other species at their host’s expense aren’t welcome in our homes, but sometimes they come in without an invitation. All these blood suckers need are hosts to feed from, and cats are easy targets no matter the season. The war between cats and parasites rages on year round, but parasite infestations are easy to prevent.
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Cat owners everywhere know that our feline friends are absolutely brilliant at getting what they want. Unfortunately, the pattern of giving into their whims can lead to overfeeding. Overweight cats are at higher risk for developing all sorts of health problems, most of which are preventable.
We are able to develop customized feeding instructions, based on the cat’s health needs, once we examine them and determine an ideal body weight. We will also recommend a food specifically formulated for your cat’s weight loss while maintaining muscle mass, which often declines with age.
If your little fluff is a bit wider or heavier than they used to be, we can help your cat lose weight!
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Like all pets, cats are prone to accidents, injuries, and illnesses. In fact, all pets, for the most part, will have at least one medical emergency in their lifetime. While we don’t want to think that something serious can happen to our beloved cat, there is every reason to be aware and prepared, should the unexpected occur.
Do you know how to recognize a cat emergency? Are you prepared for what to do if your cat has an emergency?
The team at Cat Care of Vinings wants to give our wonderful cat lovers a better understanding of the signs of an emergency and how to quickly respond.
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If you are a cat owner that has had to replace one too many vacuums, we know the struggle. How to keep your cat from shedding so much is a common complaint we hear a lot at Cat Care of Vinings. Unfortunately, shedding happens.
Did you know we offer grooming for long haired cats? We don’t always recommend shaving them down simply for shedding, but a lot of owners with long haired cats choose shave-downs to prevent matting and hairballs!
There are some good solutions to reduce your cat’s shedding, which is why we are devoting an entire blog on this hairy situation!
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It’s been proven that cats enhance the quality of their owner’s lives. Just being near them lowers blood pressure, and petting or snuggling with them releases the “love hormone”, oxytocin, known to invigorate emotional well being.
Since cats benefit us so much by simply being, it makes sense to repay the favor. Understanding and valuing the importance of feline mental health is an intrinsic part of a loving, compassionate, mutually beneficial human-cat relationship.
Love Works Both Ways
Cat lovers know very well the healing powers of feline ownership. Much has been said of the many ways they benefit human health, and perhaps it’s not surprising that human interaction boosts their mood in similar ways.
Human stress goes down when we cuddle with cats, and it happens to cats, too! Studies show dramatic increases of oxytocin after close time with the people they’re bonded with. Unsurprisingly, the strongest foundation for feline mental health may be building on these feelings of closeness and security.
In other words, it truly is a two-way street when it comes to cat companionship. Contrary to some dubious feline body language, both parties are equally lucky to be in the presence of the other.
Look Good, Feel Good
Another facet of feline mental health actually starts with their physical state.
Like us, cats feel good when they look good. And how do they look good? By working out, of course! Exercising your cat at least 30 minutes every day is essential for a healthy mind and body.
Inherited Skills
Similarly, the installation of a cat tree, catio, window perch, or other vertical vantage point can help feline mental health enormously. They like to employ their predatory skills, so try to find games to play that encourage stalking, pouncing, or ambushing.
Is Scratching Good?
While scratching up furniture or curtains isn’t great, it’s a sign that cats need a proper outlet for scratching. The action gives them a great stretch, relieves stress, and helps shed dead claws.
What They Eat
On the same note, it’s important to watch what your cat eats. A balanced and complete diet that is rich in minerals and antioxidants is critical for optimal cognitive function.
We are happy to discuss whether your cat would benefit from omega-3 fatty acids or nutritional supplements to maintain feline mental health, especially as they age.
The Smart Test
Puzzle balls or food mazes incorporate your cat’s love of food with their ability to solve problems. Likewise, training your cat is extremely important to feline mental health – crate training, leash training, and agility training add significant value to your cat’s life. Plus, you can teach them commands, how to perform certain tricks, or even to use the toilet!
Feline Mental Health
The bottom line is that when your cat feels good, they are likely experiencing optimal health. Since we know that cats hide signs of illness or injury, it’s always a good idea to keep up their routine wellness checks.
If you have additional questions about how to help your cat look and feel their absolute best, our staff is always here for you at Cat Care of Vinings.
