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7 Things Every Cat Needs

February 1, 2020

February is National Cat Health Month! Cats are known for being pretty easy keepers. After all, Fluffy spends most of her time sleeping, looking cute, and silently judging you. However, your furry overlord does need more than food and comfy beds to stay healthy. A Washington DC vet lists some things every kitty should have in this article.

Clean Litterboxes

This one doesn’t require much explanation. Kitties prefer their purrsonal powder rooms to be kept nice and clean!

Toys

Playing is of course lots of fun for Fluffy. However, it’s also very good for her. Pouncing and jumping help keep your kitty fit physically, while coordinating those tricky meow/run/jump combos offers her beneficial mental stimulation. Give your feline buddy lots of fun toys, and take time to play with her regularly.

Stimulation

Playing is great, but kitty playtime shouldn’t be Fluffy’s only form of entertainment. Set out some pet-safe plants for your furball to sniff at, and offer her some pieces of kitty furniture. You don’t have to spend a lot of money here: there are some great DIY options online. A comfy window view will also help keep your cute pet content and purring.

Boxes

We know, it would seem like boxes would be counted as a kitty luxury item, rather than a need. However, recent studies showed that kitties are less likely to feel stressed if they have boxes. Paper bags, pet tents, and kitty condos also fit the bill.

Veterinary Care

Your furball will be both healthier—and therefore happier—with proper veterinary care. Regular exams are a must! Follow your vet’s recommended appointment schedule.

Warm Laps To Sleep In

The best way to keep Fluffy’s little motor going is to basically make sure she feels loved. Pay lots of attention to your feline pal. Talk to her, pet her, play with her, and offer her toys, treats, and ear scritches. Even kitties that aren’t lap cats will be happier if they feel safe and cared for.

Bonus: Catnip

Kitties are always adorable, but they are never cuter than when they are enjoying some catnip. Of course, some cats are immune to the effects of this interesting little plant. If Fluffy doesn’t like catnip, offer her some honeysuckle instead.

Please reach out to us, your Washington DC vet clinic, for all of your kitty’s veterinary care needs. We are 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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