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Holiday Gifts For Senior Cats

December 15, 2021

Happy Holidays! Are you still working on your shopping list? If you’re ordering presents online, as many are, it’s probably safe to say that your cat will supervise this process closely. Fluffy may even try to help, perhaps by walking across your keyboard. When the gifts arrive, she may also ‘assist’ you with wrapping them. Don’t forget to get a few presents for your feline helper! Just keep your kitty’s age in mind when shopping for her. Read on as a Washington DC vet lists a few ‘purrfect’ gifts for senior cats.


Beds

Senior kitties are master nappers, capable of snoozing up to 20 hours a day. You can’t go wrong with a comfy bed. This is even a great gift for furballs that already have beds!


Toys

Fluffy won’t be as frisky as she once was, but she’ll still enjoy being able to let her inner kitten out. Look for toys that squeak or light up: they’ll be easier for her to track.


Furniture

Our feline overlords aren’t shy about using our things, but they do appreciate having some pieces of their own. Choose things that are comfortable and easy for Fluffy to get on and off. That floor-to-ceiling cat tower may be great for a kitten, but an older kitty would probably prefer something lower to the ground.


Treats

Cats can be a bit finicky about their snacks, but most of them have at least a few favorites!


Supplements

Just like people, cats often develop certain medical problems as they age. Ask your vet to recommend some supplements or vitamins for Fluffy.


Boxes

Kitties may be divas, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they have expensive taste. No matter how old Fluffy gets, she’ll never get tired of boxes!


Senior-Friendly Litterbox

Did you know that you can get your feline pal a litterbox made just for senior cats? These have lower walls than the standard ones, which makes them easier for Fluffy to get in and out.


Grooming Supplies

Have you ever noticed that older cats sometimes look a bit unkempt? Your furry friend may have trouble grooming her entire body as she grows older. Get a soft brush for Fluffy, and help her out with her daily beauty regime.


All of us here at Brentwood Animal Hospital, your Washington DC pet clinic, want to wish you a wonderful holiday season. Contact us anytime!

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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