Tag Archives: cat safety tips

Cat Care, General Health

Cat Health Month

February is a pretty important month for our feline friends: it’s Cat Health Month! Kitties are easy keepers, but they are still susceptible to illness and injury. And, contrary to that old wives’ tale, they don’t actually have nine lives! Read on as a Roanoke, VA vet lists some things you can do to keep Fluffy happy and healthy.

Petproofing

This one is particularly a concern with kittens, as they are basically tiny, adorable balls of chaos. Little Fluffy will be very interested in sorting out what she can fit into, what she can eat, and what’s most fun to play with. To make your home safe for your little furball, remove or secure anything that could be dangerous, such as toxic plants. Ask your vet for specific advice.

Menu Revision

Has it been a while since you revisited Fluffy’s menu? High-quality food can make a big difference in your cat’s overall health. It may be time to consider upgrading your pet’s food. You may also want to revisit your feline buddy’s portion sizes. If your furball is getting round, but melts down every time she spots the bottom of her bowl, you may need to trim her portions back a bit. Ask your vet for specific advice.

Playtime

Physical activity is just as important for pets as it is for people. Fluffy may race around the house when she’s a kitten, but as she ages she’ll become, well, a bit lazy. Keep your kitty moving by playing with her daily.

Veterinary Care

Making sure Fluffy sees her doctor regularly is very important! If she’s overdue, let this be a reminder to schedule an appointment. We recommend that all cats be microchipped, spayed or neutered, and kept current on exams, vaccinations, and parasite prevention. If your kitty hasn’t had her teeth examined in a while, she’s likely due for a dental checkup as well.

Water

Did you know that many cats prefer to drink running water? Consider getting your furry pal a kitty fountain. 

Purrs

Cats may like to pretend that they’re cold and aloof, but they’re actually quite emotional. Pay lots of attention to Fluffy, and keep that little motor going. Things like toys, treats, catnip, and pet furniture will also help keep your kitty content.

Do you have questions or concerns about caring for your feline pal? Contact us, your Roanoke, VA veterinary clinic, today!

Cat Care, General Care, General Health

Autumn Care for Cats

Fall is officially upon us! Many people are seeing to seasonal chores and tasks now, and getting ready for winter. Your cat will probably sleep through most of your autumn activities. However, you will need to keep Fluffy’s safety in mind as the seasons change. Here, a Roanoke, VA veterinarian offers some helpful tips on caring for your kitty in fall. 

Bedding

Did you know that Fluffy will sleep even more than usual when it’s gloomy out? (We can’t really blame her: rainy days are great napping weather.) Make sure your drowsy little furball has lots of warm beds to curl up in. 

Grooming

Fluffy may shed more than usual in autumn, as she changes into her winter clothes. Get into the habit of brushing your pet daily. This will remove dust, dead fur, and dander from her coat. You’ll also find less hair on your furniture, and hopefully, fewer hairballs. 

Safety

The Great Outdoors is always dangerous for cats, but it’s particularly treacherous in fall and winter. Plummeting temperatures; snow; wild animals; toxic chemicals, such as pesticides and antifreeze; and shorter days all pose additional hazards to kitties. Halloween is particularly dangerous. Unfortunately, our feline friends are also at higher risk of being hurt or stolen around the autumn holiday. Keep Fluffy safe and purring indoors.

Parasite Control

Fleas and ticks are not as prevalent in winter as they are in summer, but they don’t go away completely. In fact, many of them will try to hunker down indoors. Mice and vermin might also try to get inside. These uninvited guests can carry dangerous diseases and parasites. Keep up with Fluffy’s vaccines and parasite control products. 

Decorations

Keep your frisky feline in mind as you hang seasonal decorations. Anything with dangling ropes or cords can be dangerous to a kitty. Small or sharp items are also unsafe. (This of course means that Fluffy will insist on playing with them.) Keep these items, and things like candles and potpourri burners, out of paws’ reach. 

Purrs

Dreary autumn days are perfect for relaxing at home with a good book or movie, a hot tea or coffee, and a purring kitty. Enjoy some down time with your feline buddy. Cats make great snuggle buddies! 

Please reach out to us, your local Roanoke, VA vet clinic, for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!

Adoptions, Cat Care

Adopting a Stray Cat

Have you made friends with a stray kitty? Perhaps Fluffy just showed up on your doorstep one day. Or, maybe you’ve spotted her in your yard on occasion. Chances are, it didn’t take long for your new feline friend to melt your heart. Why not give her a forever home? A Roanoke, VA vet offers tips on adopting a stray cat below.

Considerations

Not all strays will make good pets. Others need a lot of time to go from homeless furball to purring lap cat. It’s worth noting that there is a big difference between stray and feral cats. Strays have been around people before. In fact, many of them are former pets themselves! Feral cats, on the other hand, are completely wild. (An interesting note on this: there’s no physical difference between stray, domestic, and feral cats. However, only domestic kitties hold their tails up. This may be Fluffy’s way of announcing that she has humans.)

Convincing Fluffy

Cats all have their own purrsonalities. Some strays are quite friendly, and will nonchalantly stroll into your home and sprawl out on your couch. Others will be quite scared, and may spend a lot of time hiding, especially at first. A trip to the vet’s is definitely in order, but aside from that, just give Fluffy time to settle in.

Settling In

You may want to keep Fluffy in a quiet back room at first. A spare bedroom or utility room is perfect. Make sure your pet has comfy bedding, food, water, toys, treats, and, of course, a litterbox. You’ll want to spend time with her, but don’t force attention on her. Also, let her come to you. This is very important for building trust! Sit on the floor, cross-legged, hold a treat out, and call her to you. We strongly recommend keeping your cat indoors, however. Play with your kitty daily to burn off excess energy.

Building Trust

It may take some time for your new furball to truly learn to trust you, and realize how comfy the life of a pampered pet is. Offer Fluffy lots of great care and TLC. Many former strays become so comfortable and happy with their humans that they lose all desire to go outdoors. You’ll have that little motor going before you know it!

Please reach out to us, your Roanoke, VA vet clinic, anytime. We’re happy to help!