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Cattitude

May 15, 2021

Does your kitty sometimes yell at you if you move her mid nap, or take something away from her? Fluffy may be small, but she does have a way of bossing her humans around. Our feline buddies can also be quite sassy at times! What’s that all about? A Washington DC vet discusses cattitude below.


Cats Who Yell

Many kitties express their displeasure at things by yelling at their owners. You may get an earful from your pet if you have the audacity to move her mid-nap, or if you’re late with her breakfast. It’s not always a bad thing when your pet shouts at you. After all, it’s a sign that Fluffy is trying to communicate. However, if your furball is growling, hissing, or screeching, you have a very angry cat on your hands. It’s probably best to leave your grumpy pet alone until she calms down.


Causes of Cattitude

Kitties can sometimes be purring and cuddling one moment, and biting and scratching the next. Zero-to-sixty mood changes are one of Fluffy’s personality quirks. In many cases, a gentle nip is just a sign of playfulness or affection. Cats also sometimes kick and scratch their humans when they feel frisky. This is bad petiquette, but it’s not usually a sign of aggression. How can you tell? Your furry friend probably won’t use much force if she’s just goofing around. Playful attacks may be also accompanied by other high-spirited behaviors, like racing or rolling around. Your pet may also stop or start her attacks very unexpectedly and/or start licking you.


Kitty Rage

Some of our feline friends are rather cantankerous by nature. Fluffy may not enjoy being petted or held. Don’t force attention on your cat! Spoil her with toys, treats, and play sessions instead. Play sessions will also give your feisty furball a healthy outlet for any angst she is feeling.


Changes In Personality

If your feline pal has suddenly gone from a sweet, cuddly ball of love to a hissing tornado of rage, there may be something more going on than simple moodiness. Sudden changes in ‘purrsonality’ can be a sign of medical issues. Just like people, cats sometimes get grouchy if they don’t feel well. If Fluffy just doesn’t seem like herself, have your vet check her out.


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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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