!Header Buttons Right Side

301-864-3164

Raising a Polite Kitten

May 15, 2019

Kittens are undeniably one of the most adorable things on the planet. All baby animals are cute, but tiny cats have a special way of melting our hearts. It’s easy to forget that these little balls of fur are actually predators by nature, and are instinctively driven to pounce and jump on things. This can be cute when Fluffy is still a baby, but it can become dangerous as she gets older. Read on as a local Washington DC vet offers tips on raising a polite kitty.

Curb Bad Habits

Baby cats are extremely playful, and they are certainly adorable while they are trying to figure out how all those claws and teeth work. Don’t let your kitten get into the habit of practicing her pouncing skills on you! If little Fluffy bites or scratches you, immediately tell her ‘No’ in a firm, disapproving tone. You can also blow in her face. Then, walk away and ignore your furry little pal until she calms down. Be consistent and patient. She’ll figure it out eventually!

Socializing

One of the best parts of having a kitten is getting cuddles and purrs from your tiny furball. Pay lots of attention to your pet, so she gets used to being handled. Play with her paws and teeth, and talk to her gently. This will help your feline friend grow into a calm, polite adult.

Toys

Playing is both fun and beneficial for your adorable buddy. Make sure that little Fluffy has lots of toys! To teach her to take her aggression out on her playthings, rather than by attacking you, choose toys that you can control, like wand toys or laser pointers.

Discipline

Never shout at or scare your kitten if she misbehaves. Stomp your foot, clap your hands, or squirt her with water. These things will annoy little Fluffy, but they won’t hurt her, so she won’t become scared or wary of you.

Purr Activation

One of the most important parts of having a kitten is making sure your pet knows that she is loved. This will help her feel safe, and will also strengthen the bond between you. Spend lots of time with little Fluffy, and let her snooze on your lap if she likes.

Please contact us, your Washington DC vet clinic, for your kitten’s veterinary care needs. We love helping kittens grow into happy, healthy adults.

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!

Preventing Poisoning In Pets

Poison Prevention Week starts March 20th. This is a very important topic for anyone with
Read More
Long -ear Terrier riding in a red car

Car Rides With Fido

Does your canine companion enjoy going on car rides? Many dogs absolutely love driving around
Read More
Brownish Cairn terrier sitting on a grassy meadow

Puppy Chewing 101

Do you sometimes come home and find that your puppy has eaten your slippers, gnawed
Read More
1 … 20 21 22 23 24 … 54