Educational Resources for Cat Parents
-
The 3-3-3 Rule
The ‘Rule of Three’ means that you can gauge the time it might take for your cat to fully acclimate to his home in threes: three days, three weeks, and three months.
-
Alternatives to Declawing
Unlike human nails, cats’ claws are attached to the last bone in their toes. A comparison in human terms would be cutting off a person’s finger at the last joint of each finger.
Check out information below on alternatives to declawing.
-
Canned vs Dry Food
Why is canned food better for cats?
-
Cat Body Language
One of the primary ways cats communicate is through body language.
To better equip yourself on reading your cats’ behavior, check out the link below
-
Cat Care 101
Check out some basic care information for your cats
-
Cat Color & Coats
-
Cat Health Practices for Each Life Stage
Key areas to have checked and discussed at each wellness exam with your vet based on your cats age.
-
Cat to Cat Introductions
Introducing the New Cat
to the Resident Cat
-
Cat to Dog Introduction
How to integrate a cat and dog into the same household
-
Degenerative Joint Disease
Feline arthritis, more correctly termed degenerative joint disease (DJD), is very common in cats.
Once a diagnosis is made, your veterinarian will help you develop a treatment plan for your cat.
-
Diabetes
Feline diabetes, known as diabetes mellitus, has become an increasingly common condition in cats.
It often occurs in cats that are overweight and/or older
-
Enrichment: Make staying at home fun for your cat
All cats need mental and physical stimulation to satisfy their natural instincts and promote their physical and emotional wellbeing - check out ways to enrich your cats life
-
Facts About Cat Ears
-
Feline Acne - Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Not only is acne a common skin disorder in humans, it is also a relatively prevalent disorder found among felines, regardless of age or gender.
-
Feline Aggression
Understanding the underlying causes of owner-directed aggression in cats based on presentation of different types of aggression plays a crucial role in guiding effective treatment
-
Feline Behavior Guidelines
-
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease
There are 4 diseases of the lower urinary tract (bladder and urethra) that we see in cats - learn more here and what to watch for
-
Feline Nutrition
How can you be sure that you’re feeding your cat the right diet? Here is some basic information bout cat nutrition
-
Feline Upper Respiratory Infection (FURI)
Information about Feline Upper Respiratory Infection (FURI), such as what symptoms to watch out for and when to go see a vet
-
FeLV and FIV
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) can cause many types of illness as well as death in infected cats. These viruses do not infect humans or other animals.
-
FIP - Feline Infectious Peritonitis
-
Home Modifications
Changes to the home environment for cats with muscle/joint pain or mobility problems: a guide for caregivers
-
Hospice and Palliative Care for Your Cat
Hospice care focuses on the quality of life of a cat who has an advanced/life limiting illness, and helps them live as comfortably as possible, instead of trying to cure them.
Palliative care focuses on relief from pain and other symptoms associated with an illness.
Here is some helpful information during a difficult time
-
How Do I Know if my Cat is in Pain?
Behavior changes in your cat are the primary indicator of pain. As the person who knows your cat best, you are an important member of their healthcare team and key in helping to detect the signs of pain as soon as possible.
-
How to Feed a Cat - Addressing Behavioral Needs
What we feed our cats is very important, but so is how we feed them. How we feed our cats can affect them physically and emotionally
-
How To Care For Your Long Hair Cat
-
I found kittens! What should I do?
-
Increasing Water Intake
There are many medical conditions, including kidney and bladder problems, for which it would be beneficial to increase the amount of water that cats drink. This guide provides hints and tips to help caregivers find methods that work best for each individual cat.
-
Interactive Cat Play
Playing is an interactive experience: a simulating hunting experience that gives case physical exercise and stimulates their brains.
-
It’s NATURAL for Cats to Scratch!
-
Keeping Cats Indoors
What you can do to keep them happy and healthy
-
Leash Training a Cat
How to gradually de-sensitize our cat to the touch and feel of the harness making it a pleasant (if not happy) experience for everyone!
-
Litter Box Issues
How to deal with litter box issues
-
Managing the cat that won’t eat
Loss of appetite can be a sign of an underlying illness or pain that needs veterinary attention.
Stress and a stay in the veterinary clinic can also result in your cat eating less. In every case, you will need to work with your veterinarian to ensure your cat receives the care and nutrition required to return to good health.
-
Obesity
As li le as two pounds above your cat’s ideal weight can put it at risk for developing some serious medical conditions.
Tips on how to lower your cat’s weight if obese/over weight
-
Poisons and Other Hazards for Cats
Learn more about things in your house that are hazardous to your cat/kittens
-
Preventing Litter Box Problems
-
Ringworm
Ringworm is a fungal infection that affects the skin, and like any other fungal infection, it is very treatable.
-
Senior Cats Have Special Needs
Our cats can live longer, better lives than ever before. Understanding the changing needs is critical in helping your aging cat live a long, happy life.
-
Skin and ear care
-
Socializing Very Shy or Fearful Cats
-
Spaying & Neutering
Reasons to spay/neuter your cat
-
Steps to Find Your Lost Cat
-
Teaching Kids How to Interact with Cats
When bringing home a cat or kitten, it’s important to teach the kids how to approach and interact appropriately with their new pet.
-
Teaching Your Cat To Use A Scratching Post
Cats scratch on things for two reasons - to shed their dead nail sheaths and to mark their territory. To save your furniture from damage you should provide your cat with a scratching post or two and teach him/her how to use it.
-
Understanding Feline Language
You and your cat might speak different languages, but you can still communicate with each other.
Learn more by checking out the link below
-
Urine Marking in Cats/Spraying
One of the most common behavior complaints about cats is urine marking, or spraying. It is also a common reason why healthy cats are relinquished to shelters (and consequently euthanized). You should take heart, however, since this problem can almost always be adequately managed.
-
Vaccinations for Your Cat
Vaccines help to protect against specific infectious diseases caused by some viruses and bacteria. They stimulate the body’s immune system to detect
-
Visiting Your Vet
Visits to the veterinary clinic are an important part of caring for your cat. However, putting your cat in a carrier and transporting them to and from the clinic can be stressful for you and your cat.
Fortunately, there are many ways to make the experience more pleasant for you both.
-
Visual Guide to Identifying Cats
Information (including but not limited to) on coat lengths, coat colors, Coat Patterns, anad Markings
-
Why do cats like catnip?
From the euphoria-inducing highs to the calm-inducing lows, discover how these plants affect your cat's neurological system in a safe and non-addictive manner.
-
Your Cat’s Life Stages
What your cat requires will change as they age. Cats’ lives are broken into four stages: kittens, young adults, mature adults, and seniors. Each stage requires special attention to certain health and behavioral areas.