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Senior Cat Comforts

August 1, 2023

Did you know that cats are considered seniors by age nine? Just like people, kitties slow down as they grow older, and their needs change a bit. Read on as a local Washington DC vet discusses keeping an older feline happy, healthy, and purring.

Beds

By the time Fluffy reaches her golden years, she’ll be an absolute master napper, capable of snoozing up to 20 hours a day. Provide your sleepy pet with comfy beds and napping spots. (That includes lap space.)

Facilities

Older cats often have trouble with litterboxes that have high sides. You may want to get Fluffy one made just for senior kitties.

Grooming

Your furry little diva will diligently spend hours of her day grooming herself, and keeping her fur soft and clean. However, as she ages, it will get more difficult for her to bend and stretch enough to reach her whole body. She may start looking a bit unkempt and greasy. Help her out by gently brushing her.

Weight Management

We know, chubby cats are cute. However, that extra weight is very bad for their health! If Fluffy is, well, not just fluffy, talk to your vet about her diet.

Playtime

Your feline pal won’t be as silly or frisky as she was as a kitten, but she’ll still need entertainment and stimulation. Offer her lots of toys, and take time to hold a laser pointer or wand toy for her to chase after. (Don’t worry about overexerting her: cats tend to just stop playing as soon as they get tired.)

Safety

We recommend all kitties be kept inside, but this goes double for senior pets. Fluffy may not be quick or agile enough to escape hazards such as cars or predators. She’ll also be at increased risk of getting lost or hurt. Keep the furball safe and sound indoors! 

Veterinary Care

Keep up with Fluffy’s veterinary care needs! It’s important to stay on top of your cat’s health, and monitor any changes carefully. It’s always best for health problems to be caught and treated early.

Love

Fluffy may get forgetful and confused, which may unsettle her. It’s important to make sure she feels loved and safe. Pay lots of attention to your furry buddy, and keep that little motor going!

Do you have questions or concerns about caring for your feline friend? Call us, your Washington DC animal clinic, today!

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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