Cats

Cats

Arthritis in Cats and Dogs

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common conditions of the joints that affects both dogs and cats. Up to a quarter of dogs may develop arthritis during their lifetime, and veterinarians believe it may be more prevalent in cats than previously thought. While the disease is most often found in senior pets, it can affect dogs and cats of all ages.

How to Prepare Your Pet for Your Return to Work

Our pets have loved having us around nearly 24/7 as we’ve been working from home and adjusting to life amidst the coronavirus. While it’s great to spend time together, it’s also important to prepare for life after this new normal. There are steps you can take now to prepare your pet for your return to work, when they can’t be with you all the time.

Managing Anxiety in Cats

Anxiety is a very real problem that can not only cause our cats severe emotional distress, but can also exacerbate or cause a number of medical problems, including urinary tract issues. Cats suffering from anxiety may also engage in unwanted behaviors, including urinating outside of the litter box. Read on to learn more about the causes and symptoms of anxiety, and the things you can do to help treat and manage your cat’s anxiety.

Luxating Patellas in Cats and Dogs

Luxating patellas in dogs and cats are a common orthopedic condition that can cause lameness. Luxation occurs when the patella, or kneecap, slips in and out of the groove in the femur where it should normally reside. When this happens, you may notice changes to your pet’s gait, including lameness and signs of pain, however some cases can be asymptomatic. Depending on the grade of patella luxation and clinical symptoms, it is generally treatable with orthopedic surgery. Occasionally, a luxating patella can lead to other conditions, like torn cruciate ligaments, which is why it is important owners take the condition seriously and consult with their veterinarian.

Hypothermia and Frostbite in Cats and Dogs

Winter might bring to mind pleasant thoughts of tossing snowballs to your dog in the yard or cuddling with your cat beside a roaring fire, but it also comes with dangers. Just like humans, dogs and cats are susceptible to colder temperatures. Hypothermia and frostbite can affect all pets who venture outdoors for too long in the cold.

Are Vegetarian and Vegan Diets Safe for Cats & Dogs?

Between 5-10% of the US population follow either a vegetarian or vegan diet, for a range of health-related, ideological or religious reasons. It’s understandable that some vegetarians and vegans may feel uncomfortable feeding animal products to their pets, as it goes against their personal beliefs. However, it’s important to be aware of the risks these diets present for cats and dogs, and their potential to not meet your pet’s nutritional needs.

Everything You Need to Know About Worms in Cats

Discovering your cat has worms can be shocking and upsetting. Whether they’re external or internal, these parasites can wreak havoc on your cat’s health. But with proper diagnosis and treatment, worms in cats can be effectively treated and eliminated.

How to Keep Dogs and Cats Safe when De-Icing

De-icing is a fact of life for many of us living in colder climates. It helps melt snow and ice on driveways, yards and sidewalks, keeping us safe from slips and falls – but it’s important to be aware of the dangers our pets face from many de-icing products. Read on to learn about the dangers of de-icing, safer alternatives and other ways you can protect your pets during wintertime.

Ear Infections in Cats

Ear infections are a common feline condition, but can result in permanent complications if left untreated. They can have a variety of causes, and may affect the outer, middle, or inner ear. Regardless of cause, ear infections are typically a treatable condition. Identifying a possible ear infection quickly means you can treat it before it causes complications. Fortunately, the symptoms of an ear infection are generally easy to recognize.

Everything You Need in Your Pet’s First Aid Kit

Emergencies can strike at any time, so it’s important to prepare a first aid kit for your pet that you can turn to in the event of a veterinary emergency or natural disaster. As these situations often arise without warning, having a kit with the necessary supplies can make all the difference and may even save your pet’s life.

Winter Holiday Pet Hazards

The winter holidays are one of the best times of the year to get together and celebrate with family, including our furry family members. But amidst all the festivities, it may be easy to miss some of the hazards our pets face during the holidays. Here are some helpful tips to keep your pets safe over the next few weeks.

Thanksgiving Food Your Pet Can and Can’t Eat

As you’re preparing your Thanksgiving feast, you may wonder what treats you can safely share with your pet. As the number of accidental poisonings soar over Thanksgiving and the holidays, with pets getting into delicacies intended for their humans, it’s important to know which tasty treats are safe and which to steer clear of.

How to Cat-Proof Your Christmas Tree

For many of us, a Christmas tree will be at the center of celebrations this holiday season, but it’s important to make sure you decorate in a way that keeps your pets safe. Read on to learn why cats are attracted to Christmas trees, what the dangers are, and how to cat-proof your tree and keep your kitty safe over the holidays.

Everything You Need to Know About Catnip

If you’re a cat owner, the chances are you’ve heard of catnip and its reputation for driving kitties crazy. But what actually is catnip? How does it work, and is it safe for your cat? Read on to find out everything you need to know about catnip.

How Pheromones Can Help Calm your Pet

Pheromones are natural chemicals released by animals (and people) that help members of the same species to communicate. Pheromone diffusers, sprays, and other products mimic these chemicals to help keep pets calm and relaxed.

Emergency Planning for Your Pet

While it’s not something any of us like to dwell on, it’s important to know exactly what you’ll do in the event of an emergency or natural disaster. A vital part of any household’s emergency plan involves its pets! Read on to learn how to ensure your pet is safe if the worst happens, including all the steps you should take in advance, and what exactly to pack in your pet’s go-bag.

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) is a blanket term used to describe several conditions affecting the bladder and urethra of cats. There are a few different underlying causes of FLUTD, many of which exhibit similar symptoms, such as difficulty urinating and urinating outside the litter box.

Homemade Food for Pets

Over the past few years, as we’ve all become more aware of what’s going into our foods, more and more pet owners have turned to homemade diets for their pets. Whether it’s due to concerns about GMO ingredients, overly processed foods and filler ingredients, or simply a picky pet turning their nose up at kibble, there are a number of potential benefits to homemade pet food. However, there are also some downsides, and it’s important to know how to formulate homemade meals correctly, to ensure your pet gets the nutrients they need. Read on to find out everything you need to know about homemade pet food.

Managing Obesity in Cats and Dogs

Weight management can be a big problem for pets. Approximately 60% of cats and 55% of dogs in the United States are either overweight or obese. Not only can this impact your pet’s quality of life, making it harder for them to enjoy walks and playtime, but it can also lead to medical issues such as diabetes, pancreatitis and arthritis. Read on to learn more about the risk factors for obesity in pets, and how you can help your pet lose weight safely, if needed.

How to Give a Cat a Pill

Getting an unwilling cat to swallow a pill is a challenge many owners struggle with. Check out our video and step-by-step guide below on how to get your cat to accept medication – avoiding any claws, wriggling or spitting the pill back out!

Catios & Cat Enclosures for Indoor Cats

A ‘catio’, also known as a cat patio or cat enclosure, is a great way to solve the indoor/outdoor dilemma that many cat owners experience. Catios provide important enrichment to indoor cats, allowing them to observe and experience the outdoors and all of its sights, smells and sounds, without some of the dangers associated with being an outdoor cat.

Pet Insurance 101

When your pet gets suddenly sick or injured, pet insurance can be the difference between thousands of dollars in lifesaving treatments. The choices of pet insurance companies, policies, and add-ons can be overwhelming. It’s important to do your research and pick the best plan for you and your pet.

Discouraging Unwanted Behaviors in Cats

While training is traditionally associated with dogs, it’s equally important to work on instilling good behaviors in a new cat, and discouraging unwanted ones, such as inappropriate scratching, biting, inappropriate climbing, aggression, territorial behaviors and urine marking. With practice and patience, your cat can learn to behave appropriately and positively, ensuring they remain well-mannered as they grow older.

Cat Pregnancy Facts

No matter how isolated your female cat is, if she has not been spayed, there is always a chance she could get pregnant. Whether she is around an unneutered male in your home or briefly encounters one outside (cats can easily slip outdoors by accident), even a single encounter can result in pregnancy. So how can you tell if your cat is pregnant? And if she is, what are the next steps to take?

Euthanasia – What To Expect

The decision to say goodbye to your family member can be one of the most difficult you’ll have to make. We’re here to guide you through the process with compassion. Knowing what to expect can make the process a little easier.

Pet Travel Certificates Explained

If you’re planning a trip and your furry friend is tagging along, there are a few steps you’ll need to take in preparation. Planning ahead is key. From traveling to a different state to jetting to another country, requirements will differ based on your destination.

Sarcoptic Mange in Cats

Sarcoptic mange in cats is a skin disease caused by tiny mites known as Notoedres cati (also known as feline scabies). It causes extreme itching and scratching, thought to be the result of a severe allergic reaction to the mites.

Why You Should Microchip Your Pet

You can think of a microchip as your pet’s form of identification. Microchipping your pet vastly increases the likelihood of reuniting with them when lost, as collars and ID tags are not foolproof. However, what many owners don’t know is that it’s equally important to make sure the microchip record is kept up to date with your current contact information.

CBD for Pets: Everything You Need to Know

The use of cannabidiol, or CBD, is well researched in human medicine. The benefits and effectiveness for animals is not as widely known, but there are a variety of ways that CBD could potentially help your pet.

Dehydration in Cats & Dogs

Dehydration is a serious concern for both us and our pets, particularly during the summer months. If your pet doesn’t take in enough water on a warm day, dehydration may come on quickly, so it’s important to know the signs, how to treat it and when to call the vet. Read on for all this, and tips on how to keep your pet well hydrated.

Vaccine Schedules for Cats & Kittens

Vaccinations are a crucial tool to help keep your cat healthy. They help your cat build immunity to protect them against serious infectious diseases, and help to stop the spread of those diseases. As immunity fades over time, it’s really important to administer vaccine boosters to your cat throughout their life, at specific times. Read on to learn more about cat vaccines and schedules.

How to Choose the Right Toys for Your Cat

Toys play an incredibly important role in stimulating your cat, helping to maintain their behavior and well being, as well as providing exercise. They’re particularly crucial for indoor cats, who may not enjoy as much stimulation as their outdoor counterparts. With hundreds of options available, it can be tricky to figure out what toys are best for your cat. Check out our tips below to keep your feline friend entertained and safe.

Preparing Your Pet for Fireworks

Summer and July 4th bring warm weather and fun celebrations, but they also bring stressful situations like fireworks. The loud noises and vibrations of fireworks can cause many pets to feel anxiety. It’s important to learn ways to help your pet through the stresses that come with fireworks.

How to Litter Train Your Cat

Many young cats learn to use litter boxes from their mother, and as the instinct to bury their feces is quite strong, many cats will naturally gravitate towards the litter box to do their business. However, some cats may need a little help learning where to go.

Bladder Stones in Cats

Bladder stones, scientifically known as cystoliths or cystic calculi, are a common condition for felines. These stones range in size from microscopic to several millimeters (or even larger!) in diameter, and can have mild to life-threatening side effects in cats. Bladder stones in cats are formed when minerals and other substances clump together, or aggregate. This can lead to mild or serious complications, including irritation of the bladder lining, urinary tract infection, and urethral obstruction. All cat owners, especially owners of male cats, need to understand the signs and risks associated with bladder stones to help reduce the risk of a life-threatening obstruction.

What To Do if Your Pet is Overheating

With summer around the corner, it’s easy for your pet to become overheated on a hot or warm day. They are wearing fur coats, after all! It’s important to look out for signs of overheating and learn what to do if you suspect heatstroke.

Kitten 101: Introducing a new cat into the home

A kitten or cat of any age needs time to adjust and adapt to a new home. This is especially true when you introduce a new cat or kitten to your existing pets. While cats tend to be more solitary creatures than our canine friends, they are often found in familial groups in the wild and do enjoy company. It’s important to be patient and consistent when introducing a new cat to your feline family.

Kitten 101: Creating Positive Behaviors

Instilling good behaviors in your new kitten takes practice and patience. It’s important to be consistent and make sure they learn appropriate, positive behaviors to grow into a well-mannered adult cat. There are four key processes you can use to help your kitten learn these good practices: socialization, habituation, stimulation, and training.

Cat and Kitten Nutrition 101

With hundreds of pet food brands, crazy treat trends, and confusing ingredients, it’s hard to know what’s best for your cat. In an age of technology where it’s so easy to be misled and get inaccurate answers online, we’ve put together a comprehensive nutrition guide, complete with all the information you need to plan for your cat’s diet.

Euthanasia and Quality of Life Assessment

Euthanasia can be a very difficult, emotional, and uncomfortable topic to think about. But when a pet is suffering from a painful or debilitating condition, it is one of the most loving and humane things we can do for them.

Human Food That Makes Good Pet Treats

When you’re stuck indoors, sometimes you need to find creative ways to make the most of what you already have. First toilet paper disappeared off store shelves, and now pet food is becoming a hot commodity. If your dog or cat can’t get a fix of their go-to treats, here are some human foods you can safely substitute.

Pet Supplies You Need For Self-Isolation

With empty shelves in the stores and panic buying rife, many people are thinking about stocking up in case they need to self-quarantine or are faced with a shelter-in-place order. And while there’s no need to go crazy, it’s not a bad idea to have some supplies on hand, and that includes stocking up for your pets. But what do you actually need to make sure your pets are safe and happy when it comes to a self-isolation period? Read on for our comprehensive guide.

Common Household Pet Poisons

It can feel daunting to keep your furry friends happy and healthy with so many toxic things around – especially in the household. With so many of them right under your nose, use this list to pet-proof your home and learn what to do if your pet has ingested any poisonous products.

Keeping Your Dog Entertained Indoors

Being stuck at home is disappointing for both you and your dog. We all know an active dog is a happy dog, but even if you can’t get out as much as you’d ideally like to over the next few weeks, there’s still plenty you can do at home to help keep your dog stimulated and entertained. Check out our tips below for how you can keep your dog entertained indoors.

Playing With Your Kitten

Playing with your kitten is not only fun—it’s an important part of the bonding process between you and your new pet! Kittens need plenty of playtime and socialization to grow into happy, well-adjusted adult cats.

Hypothyroidism in Cats

Hypothyroidism in cats occurs when a cat’s body is either unable to effectively synthesize thyroid hormones at all, or produces thyroid hormones in such a small quantity that they are unable to do their job.

Neutering Cats: Everything You Need to Know

Veterinarians recommend neutering most male cats. Unless you plan to breed your cat responsibly and are prepared to keep him indoors, neutering will reduce the risk of unwanted behaviors, health problems, and feral cat populations.

Can Dogs and Cats Get Coronavirus?

With the recent outbreak of coronavirus, it’s understandable to be concerned about the risks to yourself and your pets. Read on to find out everything you need to know about coronaviruses and COVID-19, whether your pets can catch it, and how to best protect yourself.

FIV (Feline AIDS)

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), also commonly referred to as feline AIDS, can pose a serious health risk for cats. FIV may result in reduced immune function, which, as with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), can lead to a variety of other associated conditions. There is no cure for FIV.

Spaying Cats: Everything You Need to Know

Making the decision to spay your cat can bring up lots of questions. What are the advantages of spaying your cat? When is the best time to spay? How do you care for your cat once she’s been spayed? In this article, we’ll discuss what you need to know to make this decision, as well as what you can do to prepare for your cat’s spaying.

Pet Dental Health Myths

When it comes to our pets, an element that often causes confusion is dental health. There are many myths and and a lot of misinformation out there about how to keep your pet’s teeth healthy! This Pet Dental Health Month, we want to bust some of the most common misconceptions.

Why Do I Need to Take My Indoor Cat to the Vet?

It’s a common misconception that indoor cats don’t need to go to the vet. While it’s true that contagious feline illnesses are often contracted via contact with animals in the outside world, there are nonetheless many reasons that regular vet visits are important for indoor cats, from the administration of legally required vaccines to catching issues before they become serious.

Preparing Your Pet for a Vet Visit

Not many people like going to the doctor, but at least we understand when and why it’s necessary. You can’t say the same for animals—which is why going to the vet can be at least as unpleasant for them as a doctor’s visit is for us. But read on for tips on how you can prepare your cat or dog for a vet visit, and make it as stress-free as possible. (For both of you!)

Coccidia in Cats

Coccidia are one-celled organisms that cause a gastrointestinal infection known as coccidiosis. The microscopic parasites, which live inside the gastrointestinal tract, can cause gastrointestinal distress, but in some cases coccidiosis can be asymptomatic.

Hookworms in Cats

Hookworms are one of the more common intestinal parasites that cats may suffer from. They invade and live in the cat’s small intestine, disrupting its digestive system. If untreated, a hookworm infestation can be fatal, especially in kittens.

FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus)

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is one of the more common infectious diseases diagnosed in cats. Most people associate the word leukemia with cancer, because in humans it refers to a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. In felines, however, leukemia is a virus that can cause cancer. Since its discovery over 50 years ago, widespread testing and vaccination efforts have helped reduce its frequency.

Giardia in Cats

Giardia is an intestinal parasite that can affect both animals and humans. These tiny organisms live in the small intestine and can cause serious illness in infected cats. Infection among cats and dogs is common, with a widespread rate of 5–15%.

Pancreatitis in Cats

Pancreatitis is a relatively common but dangerous gastrointestinal disorder in cats. It occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed, and pancreatic enzymes become overactive and injure surrounding tissues. Symptoms may appear suddenly, and acute pancreatitis requires rapid veterinary attention.

Tapeworms in Cats

Tapeworms are intestinal parasites that can affect both outdoor and indoor cats. Cats can get several types of tapeworms, but the most commonly diagnosed tapeworms in cats in the United States are dipylidium caninum and taenia taeniaeformis.

Lyme Disease in Cats

Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted through tick bites. It afflicts dogs much more frequently than cats; cats thankfully rarely become infected or need to be treated like an infected human or dog would. Nonetheless, it’s important to be aware of the signs and know how to protect your other pets and family from Lyme disease.

Cat Panting or Breathing Heavily (Dyspnea)

Cats can pant to regulate their body temperature, just like dogs do, although they do so much less frequently. Cats will also sometimes pant if they are undergoing a particularly stressful event, such as a car or subway ride. However, excessive panting, rapid breathing (tachypnea), or difficulty breathing (dyspnea) can also be a sign of a severe condition.

Rabies in Cats

Rabies, a viral disease, dates back thousands of years. It is a lethal and highly transmissible viral infection of the nervous system that can infect many types of warm-blooded animals, including cats, dogs, and humans. In fact, over 30,000 people worldwide still die of rabies every year.

Bringing Your New Baby Home to Your Pet

Bringing a new baby home for the first time is exciting. But what about your “first” baby—the one with four legs and a tail? Introducing a new family member to the home can be challenging, especially if your pet is territorial. Read on for some helpful vet-recommended tips to ease the transition.

UTIs in Cats

Bacterial urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a fairly common condition among cats. While UTIs are usually relatively easy to diagnose and cure, they can develop into a more serious condition if left untreated. Urinary tract infections can occur in both young and old cats. However, they tend to be much more common in females than in males.

Ear Mites in Cats

Ear mites (otodectes cynotis mites) in cats are common. They are parasites that cause a condition known as otodectic mange. While not life-threatening, ear mites are contagious to other animals and can cause severe irritation to your feline companion.

Seizures in Cats

Seizures are characterized by sudden surges of uncontrollable muscle activity, often described as fits or convulsions. They can last for as little as a few seconds or up to a few minutes, with some even lasting for hours. They’re caused by a temporary disturbance of the brain’s normal functions.

Is flea & tick preventative needed all year?

For a lot of people—and their pets!—summer means spending time outdoors. That also means flea and tick preventatives are especially important in the warmer months to keep your pets free of bites and infestations. But what about the rest of the year, when these pests seem to decrease in numbers: is it still important to apply preventatives?

Should Dogs and Cats Take Heartworm Preventatives

Heartworm disease is a serious, progressive and potentially fatal infection in pets, with few early signs of infection. For dogs, prevention is far superior to heartworm treatment – and for cats, there is no treatment for heartworm. Preventing your pet from becoming infected is better for their health, less expensive, and much less time-consuming than treating heartworm itself.

Diabetes in Cats

Diabetes mellitus in cats is a relatively common endocrine (hormonal) condition, especially as cats age, but it is treatable. To help you better understand your cat’s condition, we will examine the symptoms, causes, and management of diabetes in cats, as well as what you can do to help prevent your cat from developing this serious condition.

Hyperthyroidism in Cats

Hyperthyroidism is an endocrine (hormonal) disorder that occurs most commonly in older cats. Cats with hyperthyroidism produce excessive amounts of thyroid hormones, which affects their metabolic rate and can cause potentially dangerous side effects.

Roundworms in Cats

Roundworms in cats are common intestinal parasites. While nobody likes thinking about parasites infesting their pets, knowing the symptoms and treatment options is vital for conscientious cat owners and can help you catch a parasite infection before it gets out of hand.