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Happy Healthy Cat Month

September 1, 2018

September is Happy Healthy Cat Month! (Of course, we think every month should be Happy Healthy Cat Month, but that’s beside the point.) While our feline friends are quite easy to care for, they aren’t quite as independent as they would like us to think. Here, a Hyattsville, MD vet offers tips on keeping Fluffy healthy and purring.

Food

Good nutrition will play a huge role in your pet’s health and well-being. Offer Fluffy a premium brand of food, but don’t let her manipulate you into overfeeding her. If your furry pal becomes obese, she’ll face some very serious health risks!

Purrniture

Kitties really enjoy having some things that were made just to suit them. Cat towers are great, because they are so multifunctional: they offer Fluffy a napping spot, lookout point, jungle gym, and nail care station. Your pet will also enjoy having lots of comfy beds.

Toys and Entertainment

You’ve probably noticed that Fluffy is, well, pretty drowsy. However, even the sleepiest kitty can’t spend all her time napping. Make sure your feline buddy has some ways to entertain herself when she is actually awake. Offer your furball lots of fun toys, and take time to play with her regularly. A good window seat is also a must.

Safety

Our feline pals are very, very good at getting into things. Do some basic catproofing to make your home safe for Fluffy. This entails removing or securing potential hazards, such as toxic plants, chemicals, plastic bags and wires, and small or sharp objects. We also strongly recommend keeping your furball indoors, where she won’t be exposed to cars, weather, predators, and other hazards.

Facilities

Make sure to keep your kitty’s litterbox clean. Cats hate dirty bathrooms!

Veterinary Care

Taking your cat to the vet regularly is crucial to her health and well-being. We recommend that kitties be microchipped, spayed or neutered, and kept up to date on exams, vaccinations, and parasite control. If you notice anything unusual that could be a sign of illness, consult your vet immediately.

Love

The secret ingredient in any pet care routine is love. Keep Fluffy purring by paying lots of attention to her. Cats are always happiest when they feel safe and loved. Kitty cuddles are truly precious gifts!

As your local Hyattsville, MD vet clinic, we are dedicated to providing great care for cats. Please contact us anytime.

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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