Tag Archives: cat care tips

Cat Care, General Care

Senior Cat Care

Is your kitty aged seven or older? If so, your feline friend may technically be a senior! Cats usually age slowly and gracefully, so you probably won’t notice drastic changes happening quickly. However, Fluffy will need some extra TLC in her golden years. Read on as a Sale Creek, TN vet discusses senior cat care.

Beds

Your kitty will have a lot of practice napping by the time she reaches her golden years. Senior cats can spend up to 20 hours a day snoozing! Make sure your pet has lots of comfy napping spots to choose from. Set out pet ramps to help your cat reach her favorite spots more easily.

Litterbox

Older cats often prefer litterboxes with low sides, as they are easier to get in and out of. Consider upgrading your kitty’s private bathroom. If you have more than one floor in your home, keep litterboxes on every level. That way, your feline pal won’t have to use the stairs as much.

Veterinary Care

Be sure to keep up with your vet’s recommended appointment schedule. At home, watch for potential signs of illness, such as hiding, poor grooming, vomiting, lack of appetite, and/or behavioral changes. Call your vet immediately if you notice anything amiss. If your kitty develops specific ailments, such as arthritis, ask your vet about treatment options.

Keeping Kitty Healthy

It’s natural for cats to slow down as they age, but don’t let your kitty become a complete couch potato. Keep Fluffy active by offering her fun toys and playing with her regularly. Even a few minutes of playing will benefit your furry friend both mentally and physically.

Confused Kitties

Just like people, kitties can get a bit confused in their old age. Fluffy may forget how to get to the kitchen, or get lost coming back from her food dish. It isn’t unusual for cats to wail their distress when these sorts of things happen. Just try to comfort your pet as much as you can.

Cuddles

Pay lots of attention to Fluffy, and make sure that she feels loved and safe. Senior cat purrs are one of life’s most precious gifts! Just remember to be very gentle when picking your kitty up or putting her down.

Please do not hesitate to contact us, your Sale Creek, TN pet clinic, for all your senior kitty’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!

Cat Care, General Care, General Health

National Cat Health Month

Did you know that February is National Cat Health Month? Of course, we think that kitties should feel happy and healthy all the time. However, this is a great chance to go over some of Fluffy’s basic needs. Read on as a Sale Creek, TN vet discusses keeping your cat healthy.

Good Food

Proper nutrition plays a very important role in your kitty’s health. Offer your furball the best pet food you can afford. Treats are fine, but don’t overindulge your cat. If Fluffy becomes obese, she could face some very serious health issues!

Clean Litterboxes

Dirty litterboxes are not only smelly and unsightly, they can also harbor dangerous bacteria. Keep Fluffy’s litterbox clean by scooping it daily, and replacing the litter every week.

Entertainment/Stimulation

Cats certainly are sleepy, but even the drowsiest kitty can’t sleep all the time. Make sure your pet has things to amuse herself with when she is awake. Toys, cat furniture, and window views will all help keep Fluffy happy and purring! We also recommend playing with your feline buddy regularly. It will be great for you both!

Veterinary Care

Although we suspect that most of our feline patients would rather nap than visit us, coming to see us in definitely in Fluffy’s best interests. We recommend that cats be microchipped and spayed or neutered while they are still young. It’s also important to stay current with your kitty’s exams, vaccinations, and parasite control. At home, watch for potential signs of sickness. Some common ones include hiding, poor grooming, and reduced appetite. Call your vet right away if you notice anything amiss.

Indoor Life

Although Fluffy may really enjoy rolling around in the driveway, she’ll be both safer and healthier staying indoors. As soon as your pet sets her cute little paws outside, she is exposed to dangers posed by cars, weather, other animals, and chemicals. Keep your feline pal safe and sound inside!

Kittyproofing

Fluffy’s playful streak is one of her most adorable traits, but it can sometimes work against her. Cats don’t always know what is and is not safe for them to play with. Make your home safe for your pet by removing or securing toxic plants; chemicals; medications; plastic bags and wrappers; wires and cords; and anything small or sharp.

Please feel free to contact us, your Sale Creek, TN pet clinic, anytime. We’re here to help!

Cat Care, General Care

7 Ways to Solve Litterbox Smells

There are many things to love about our feline friends. Fluffy is cute, cuddly, charismatic, and highly entertaining. She’s also quite clean. Your pet will carefully groom herself every day, and will use her litterbox to discretely see to her needs. Although Fluffy’s purrsonal powder room will definitely make life easier for you, it doesn’t do much for your décor. Smell is another issue. We can help! Read on for some great suggestions from a Dayton, TN vet on defeating litterbox smells.

Cleaning

First things first: make sure to keep your cat’s litterbox nice and clean. We recommend scooping the litterbox out daily, and following up with more thorough cleanings every week.

Air Fresheners

Given that air fresheners are designed to combat bad smells, it probably isn’t a shock to find that they can be quite effective at defeating litterbox odors. There are a few caveats here, however. Look for products that actually break down scent molecules, rather than just masking them with perfumes. Consider putting a timed-release product near your feline pal’s litterbox.

Plants

Plants can not only make your home look nice, they can also help it smell better! Set out some pet-safe plants near Fluffy’s private bathroom. Check the ASPCA website for a list of suggestions.

Location

Choosing the right spot for your kitty’s litterbox can also help. Pick an area that is well-ventilated. If you put the litterbox in a spare bathroom, keep the fan running in that room.

Deodorizers

There are now quite a few products aimed at eliminating or—at least minimizing—litterbox smells. Powders, sprays, and liners can all be quite effective. You can also experiment with using different types of litter. Just be sure to keep your feline pal’s opinion in mind. Some kitties have very specific preferences for bathroom products!

Offer Good Food

While some litterbox odor is to be expected, if your cat’s waste smells extremely foul, she could have a medical problem. Fluffy’s diet will also affect the smell and texture of her waste, so be sure to offer her good, high-quality food. Ask your vet for specific recommendations.

Avoid Overcrowding

Do you have more than one cat? You’ll need one litterbox per kitty, plus at least one extra. Cats hate sharing bathrooms!

Is your kitty due for veterinary care? Contact us, your Dayton, TN pet hospital, today! We’re here to help!