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Odd Things That Make Cats Happy

September 1, 2021

September is Happy Cat Month! Of course, given the chance, our feline pals would no doubt insist that every month is Happy Cat Month, and they wouldn’t be wrong. Cats do deserve to be content and comfy! Fortunately, it isn’t very hard to please these little furballs. A Washington DC vet lists a few of Fluffy’s favorite things in this article.


Catnip

It probably isn’t much of a surprise to find catnip at the top of this list. Interestingly, Fluffy isn’t the only animal that likes to partake in substances that give them a feeling of euphoria. Dolphins, for instance, have been observed passing pufferfish around. Apparently, the nerve-toxins these toxic fish secrete cause them to go into trances. You definitely don’t want to mess with pufferfish, but you can offer your furry pal some catnip mice on occasion.


Beds

Cats are definitely very, very tired. Your furry little friend will spend as much as 20 hours a day snoozing! Unsurprisingly, beds are pretty high on the list of Fluffy’s favorite things.


Sunbeams

Kitties are not technically cold-blooded. However, Fluffy may have missed that memo, as she loves to lounge about in warm, sunny spots.


Boxes

Fluffy’s love of boxes is definitely one of her cuter quirks. As it turns out, all cats share this same curious obsession. Even lions and tigers can’t resist boxes! Some scientists theorize that kitties like boxes because they feel safer in enclosed places. However, that theory goes out the window when you see pictures of cats stuffing themselves into boxes that are clearly way too small.


Sheet-Changing Time

This is another one of Fluffy’s adorable, but somewhat purrplexing traits. Your feline buddy will be more than happy to lend a helping paw with changing your sheets on laundry day. (She may not actually be very helpful, but that’s beside the point.)


Spider Plants

We recommend keeping kitties inside, for safety reasons. However, Fluffy can both enjoy and benefit from sniffing at and nibbling on non-toxic plants. Spider plants, for some reason, are irresistible to our feline friends. Although these pretty plants are safe for cats, they aren’t safe from cats. (Note: you can find more safe plants listed at the ASPCA site here.)



Please feel free to contact us, your Washington DC pet hospital, for all of your cat’s veterinary care needs. We are always happy 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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