Getting your cat to take a bath is probably one of the hardest things you’ll ever do. Indeed, there aren’t many felines who take to this experience with a sense of pleasure. However, that doesn’t mean cat grooming has to take a back burner. When you have the right tools, information, and patience, Fluffy will be the squeakiest clean cat on the block. But don’t just take our word for it – try it! Your cat may even like it after a while…maybe.
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Of all their endearing qualities, it’s their independence that causes us to fall in love with felines. As a group, cats don’t need their owners in the same way…other popular four-legged friends might (yeah, we’re looking at you, dogs!). But what happens when an otherwise unfettered feline suddenly starts to follow you around, begging for attention? A needy cat may not necessarily set off every alarm, but any swift changes in behavior can definitely signal that something’s amiss.
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The Fourth of July is typically a day of fun; fireworks, cookouts, swimming, hanging with friends and family, and all the things humans love. For cats, however, this particular day (and night) is wrought with risk. Loud noises, confusion, and separation from the family combine to make it one of the scariest days of the year. Continue…
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The connection we have to cats is so strong it feels almost as though they can read our thoughts, scan our moods, and even gauge how to behave based on our needs. Because the depth of feeling for cats is so powerful, it’s easy to get caught up in projecting onto them very human-like thought processes. But what really goes on in their sweet, furry heads?
With a curiosity not unlike a feline’s, we can’t help but wonder: what is your cat thinking right now? Continue…
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Cat ownership is an amazing, rewarding experience, but it doesn’t always come easily or naturally. A great deal of thought, preparation, and planning is ideal prior to bringing home a new animal; however, many adoptions are unplanned, hurried, or impulsively done. A hasty cat adoption can still yield positive results, but it’s always important to face this lifetime commitment with an understanding of feline health, safety, and wellness. Continue…
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It’s the perfect time of the year to enjoy the dappled sunshine and flower-scented breezes. This is when nature comes alive again, and the instincts to play, frolic, and explore wake up from a long winter’s snooze.
While some felines prefer to enjoy spring from the comfort of a window perch, others simply can’t wait to get outside and explore in their very own cat safe yard. But what does that look like, exactly? Continue…
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Mosquitoes are a common problem that all areas in the Southeastern United States battle. Your kitty is a prime target for their feasting! Heartworm disease in cats is NOT treatable, difficult to detect, life-threatening and very preventable. Signs of heartworm in our feline friends can be misleading at best and make a diagnosis difficult. There are no approved treatments for cats who contract heartworm disease currently and none on the horizon.
So what is bottom line for cats and heartworm disease?
Prevention, Prevention, and more Prevention. Continue…
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Have you ever wondered why we check your cat’s mouth and teeth during a regular wellness exam? Besides the fact that we leave no stone unturned, we look under the lips, around the gums, the tongue and throat because periodontal disease affects 85% of all adult cats. Like parasite prevention and proper nutrition, the state of your cat’s oral health and hygiene largely contributes to overall wellness and longevity. Think feline dental care is a big deal? We do, too!
Hiding Weakness
Your cat is hardwired to mask problematic symptoms as a method of self-preservation. Because of this, your cat could be suffering from painful dental problems or periodontal disease and you’d be none the wiser. That’s why we take a full account of your cat’s oral health at his or her annual (or biannual) exam. Ignoring the importance of feline dental care can be disastrous, leading to shorter life spans, painful systemic infections, emergency situations, and dental extractions. Continue…
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Regular wellness care is of the utmost importance for any pet, but trips to the veterinarian often end up on the back burner when it comes to our cats.
This pro-cats-tination could be due to a general dislike of car rides, carriers, handling without their consent, or because cats are experts at masking symptoms, hiding pain and making us believe that there is nothing wrong. Because of this, many felines don’t get the care they need until their health problems become serious. It’s important to remember that cats age more rapidly than humans, making regular wellness care an essential component of a healthy lifestyle for your feline companion. Preventing illness and disease in our feline companions is easier, healthier, and cheaper than attempting to treat a problem once it arises. Continue…
