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Adopt a Shelter Cat

June 1, 2018

June is Adopt A Shelter Cat Month! Are you ready to bring a new feline buddy into your home? If so, please consider looking for Fluffy in a shelter. There are millions of sweet, lovable pets in shelters, and many of them don’t have very much time to find loving homes! A Hyattsville, MD vet discusses adopting shelter cats in this article.

Why Go To A Shelter?

There are many reasons to find your pet in a shelter. First and foremost, you’ll be giving that one sweet furball a second chance. Saving a life is definitely something to feel great about. You may also save money, since shelter pets are typically cheaper than kitties you would get from breeders or pet stores. You’ll also be helping promote good animal welfare, both by supporting the shelter and freeing up some space.

Picking Your Pet

No matter what kind of kitty you are looking for, there’s a good chance you’ll find Fluffy in a shelter. Of course, it isn’t uncommon for cats to pick their humans, rather than it being the other way around. Many people have adopted kitties that walked up to them, or grabbed their sleeves through cage bars. Just be sure to spend a little time with your new buddy before bringing her home. When you adopt a pet, you’re committing to care for that animal for the rest of her life. It’s important to choose the right one!

Helping Fluffy Adjust

Being in a shelter can be a scary—and even traumatic—experience for pets. Fluffy often ends up in shelters through no fault of her own, and may be scared and confused by the experience. When you bring your furball home, offer her all the luxuries a kitty could want: bedding, toys, treats, cat furniture, and, if possible, a good window view. You may want to start your furry pal off in a quiet back room for the first few days, so she can adjust and settle in. You’ll want to schedule a trip to the vet’s within the first few days, but other than that, just give your feline buddy time to relax and settle in. If you have other pets, make introductions slowly and carefully. Ask your vet for specific advice.

Please reach out to us, your Hyattsville, MD pet hospital, for all your pet’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!

Poison Prevention Week starts March 20th. This is a very important topic for anyone with pets. There are over 232,000 cases of pet poisonings in the US every year! Our furry friends don't know what is and isn't safe for them, so you'll need to take some precautions to keep your beloved pet safe. A Washington DC vet lists some ways to prevent pet poisoning in this article. Keep Cabinets Locked Many toxic chemicals and household products are stored in cabinets, often underneath sinks. Keeping these locked is a simple step that can prevent tragedy. Keep in mind that your four-legged friend doesn't have to actually eat or drink these substances. Because most animals lick themselves clean, they only need to walk through it or get it spilled on their fur to ingest it. Choose Non-Toxic Plants Plants are one of the most common culprits when it comes to pet poisoning. While there are many that are dangerous to all pets, others are more toxic to some animals than to others. For instance, lilies are extremely dangerous to cats, while Sago palms are a huge risk for dogs. Check the ASPCA site here for a list of safe and unsafe plants. Know The Warning Signs Although the signs of poison ingestion can vary, depending on the pet and the type and amount of substance involved, there are some common red flags to look for. These include vomiting, drooling, lethargy, agitation, restlessness, trembling, collapse, unusual vocalizations, and diarrhea. Pale gums are also a warning sign, as is a rapid heartbeat or shallow breathing. Cats may withdraw, while dogs may pace or whimper. It’s worth noting that while these things can be indicative of many medical issues, they should always constitute a call to the vet. Understand The Dangers It's also important to know what is and isn't poisonous. Some things, such as household chemicals, antifreeze, and rodenticides, are well-known. Others? Not so much. For instance, many people don’t know that a single grape or raisin can be extremely dangerous to dogs. Medication is also a common source of poisoning. Ask your vet for more information. Training This one applies more to dogs, of course. However, consider teaching Fido to Leave It. This simple command could help prevent tragedy! Do you have questions about your pet's health or safety? Contact us, your Washington DC animal clinic, today!

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