Finicky Feline Foods

Your cat is a unique individual, just like you. And just like you, your cat will benefit from a diet that caters to his unique needs.

To make sure those individual needs are getting met, we recommend having his nutritional needs analyzed. A senior cat with kidney disease is going to have different nutritional needs than an adult cat who could stand to lose some weight.

We can match the right food to your cat's distinct needs to help ensure you both enjoy many long years of each others' uniquely satisfying company.

Schedule an appointment today! Only a few days left to get 15% off Feline Wellness Exams!

Don't Let the Fur Fly!

Cats are not well known for their acceptance of change. And your cat carrier is the ultimate symbol of change about to happen. No wonder many cats react to the sight of their carrier - not to mention your attempts to get them in that carrier - with a less-than-cooperative attitude.

In the spirit of keeping your kitty's fur where it belongs (and not flying all over the place!), try these tips to get your cat at least comfortable with his carrier.

If your carrier makes an appearance only once every six months or so, your cat will continue to react poorly to it. Consider leaving it out and making it more of a refuge and pleasant place for your cat. Add bedding, a few treats and a favorite toy.

Reward good behavior. When you see your cat behaving calming around the carrier (sitting next to it, sitting on it, sitting in it), reward him! Cats respond much more positively to rewards than they do to punishments, so help them associate the carrier with getting a reward.

PS: Don't forget that we're celebrating Cat Appreciation Month with 15% off Feline Wellness Exams during the month of March! Schedule your appointment today!

March is Cat Appreciation Month

Let's celebrate our feline friends this month!

Cats are one of the most popular pets in America. And why not? They're a great combination of loving, smart, curious and independent, all rolled up in one furry, purry package.

Unfortunately, that independent nature can work against them. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the number of cats who've been skipping their regular wellness exam has been steadily increasing over the years.

One reason cited? Kitty seemed fine.

We can absolutely understand that perception. Cats are truly masters at masking symptoms of pain or illness, which is why regular wellness exams are so important. We have the tools and tests to tease out subtle disease symptoms so treatment can begin before the disease causes too much damage.

To show our appreciation for your fabulous feline, we're offering a 15% discount on feline wellness exams scheduled during March 2014! Schedule your appointment today!

Say Cheese!

Pet dental cleanings don't work quite the same as our own.

We understand that the mild discomfort that may happen during a visit to the dentist is for our own good, and we are able to avoid squirming or shifting due to that discomfort (usually). Your pet, though, doesn't.

Initial exams are typically done while your pet is awake (depending on temperament), but a full dental exam and cleaning are done while your pet is under anesthesia. We don't use anesthesia lightly, but doing so allows us to fully inspect and clean your pet's mouth without the risk of accidentally harming your pet if he jerks or moves.

Once your pet is under, we can conduct a more thorough exam and use tools - such as a scaler (the metal hook tool your dentist uses is a scaler, although ours are made specifically for our patients' mouths) to remove plaque that could lead to periodontal disease, without troubling your pet.

Contact us today to schedule your pet's dental visit!

Grin and Bear It?

Your kitty may be selective with her grin, but that should be because of temperament, not because her mouth hurts. Keep an eye out for these signs of dental issues before they become a problem for your cat.

Smell

There's cat breath, and then there's BAD cat breath. Smellier than normal breath is often the first sign of a problem.

Sight

Eventually, your cat's mouth will begin to look unhealthy. Teeth become discolored. Your cat may drool. (No, it's not true that dogs drool and cats rule! At least, not when it comes to periodontal disease.) Gums look red, and they may even bleed.

Behavior

Your cat may have a hard time eating and may drop food from her mouth.

Facial Symptoms

Periodontal disease can cause symptoms in places other than the mouth. Facial swelling or discharge from the nose can be symptoms of periodontal disease.

If you notice any of these signs of poor dental health, contact us today to schedule your cat's dental visit. And remember, in honor of National Pet Dental Health Month, we're offering complimentary dental exams and 20% off dental cleanings during the month of February. Schedule an appointment today!

Killer Kitty Breath

Good dental hygiene isn't something we automatically think of for our pets. After all, cats aren't supposed to have minty fresh breath! But, just as poor dental health can lead to bigger problems in the two-legged members of your family, it can have serious consequences for your pet, too.

Poor dental health can lead to periodontal disease, which begins with a familiar culprit: plaque buildup. If not removed, that plaque buildup can lead to inflamed gums (gingivitis), infections around the tooth root, and even tooth loss and destruction of the bone and supportive tissues around the teeth.

According to the American Veterinary Dental College, by the age of three, most cats already suffer from periodontal disease. Painful gums and tooth loss can make eating painful, which can significantly reduce the nutritional health of your pet. Some breeds (Siamese, for example) seem to be particularly susceptible to the disease.

To celebrate National Pet Dental Health Month, we're offering a complimentary dental exam AND 20% off dental cleanings all month long! Contact us today to make an appointment!

New Year's Resolution #4: Run & Play

The life of an indoor cat is typically much easier than that of an outdoor cat, and that truth can sometimes work against the well-being of your indoor kitty. While outdoor cats typically get enough exercise during their day, your indoor cat probably doesn't. Fortunately, you can help your cat get the exercise he needs.

Cats are instinctive hungers, and toys that allow them to exercise that instinct (and their bodies!) are good investments. Teaser toys that let you kitty pounce, chase and attack to his heart's content on good options. A catnip toy is usually a good way to get your kitty moving, too. Regardless of the toy, your cat needs to "catch" it occasionally to avoid getting bored or frustrated.

Another option is creating a kitty wonderland of all the bags, boxes and tunnels that your cat loves to explore. This wonderland can be rearranged from day to day so kitty doesn't get bored, and it's easily fixed or replaced if acrobatic play introduces a few rips and dings.