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Autumn Care for Cats

November 1, 2019

Autumn is here! The leaves are changing, and the temperatures are starting to drop. Just like all other seasons, fall brings its own set of concerns for pet owners to be aware of. If you have a kitty in your household, you may want to offer your furball some extra TLC at this time of year. Read on as a local Washington DC vet offers some tips on autumn cat care.

Keep Kitty Indoors

Cats are always safer indoors. However, autumn can be particularly dangerous for them. The cold is one issue. Temperatures can drop quickly at this time of year! Fluffy could also be threatened by a wild animal looking for a place to hunker down. Traffic, chemicals, and toxic plants are also very hazardous to our feline pals. Halloween is especially dangerous, particularly for black cats. Err on the side of caution, and keep your furry friend safe and sound indoors.

Comforts

Older cats often get quite stiff and sore in cold weather. If you know or suspect that your kitty has arthritis, schedule an appointment with your vet. There are things you can do to help keep Fluffy more comfortable. Supplements, massage, and laser therapy are all possible options. Ask your vet for recommendations.

Bedding

Make sure your feline buddy has a comfy bed to curl up in. Kitties are always on the hunt for places to sleep, so offer Fluffy some cozy napping spots that get sunbeam access.

Heating Elements

Candles, heaters, potpourri burners, and fireplaces all make your home warm and cozy. Just be sure to put these things in spots your furry pal can’t reach.

Parasite Control

As the weather cools, fleas and ticks will be looking for warmth and shelter. Keep up with your kitty’s parasite control products! We also recommend vacuuming regularly, and washing Fluffy’s bed every week or two.

Playtime

It’s no secret that our feline friends are very drowsy. Fluffy somehow manages to sleep even more than usual when it’s dreary out. Keep your kitty active by playing with her regularly. This will be both fun and beneficial for your pet. We suspect it will put a smile on your face as well!

Here at Brentwood Animal Hospital, your Washington DC vet clinic, we are dedicated to helping you keep your beloved pet happy and healthy. Please reach out if we can ever be of assistance.

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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