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News
How to help YOUR CAT have pleasant Veterinary Visits
From the American Association of Feline Practitioners
Fear is the primary cause of misbehavior. Knowing this can help prevent problematic veterinary visits.
GETTING THE CAT INTO THE CARRIER Keep the carrier out in the home. Put treats inside. Train cats to view the carrier as a safe haven and “home away from home.” A quick response is crucial in case of disaster or emergency. Carriers that have both a top and a front opening are best. Top-loading carriers allow for stress-free placement and removal of the cat. A removable carrier top enables cats to be examined while remaining in the bottom half of the carrier. Do not “dump” a cat out of the carrier.
ADJUSTING TO CAR RIDES Always put the cat in a carrier or other safe container. Take the cat for regular car rides, beginning with very short ones, to places other than the veterinary hospital. To prevent car sickness, do not feed before traveling. Reward verbally, with positive attention, and with treats.
PLEASANT VETERINARY VISITS Bring along the cat’s favorite treats, toys, and blanket. Perform regular home maintenance procedures, including grooming, nail trimming, teeth brushing. “Play vet” procedures that mimic temperature taking, ear cleaning, and pilling can help cats better adjust to the veterinary hospital and to future home care when necessary. Regular trips to the veterinary hospital for “fun” visits involving no examinations or procedures provide owners and staff with the opportunity to reward the cat with praise and food treats.
LITTER BOX CARE to prevent or treat Elimination Problems
From the American Association of Feline Practitioners
Most cats prefer a fine-grained, unscented litter substrate (e.g., clumping litter). Boxes should be scooped 1 or 2 times daily. Clumping litter should be completely changed at least weekly and more often if more than one cat uses it. Clay litter should be changed a minimum of every other day (more frequently if multiple cats are using it).Wash litter box with warm, soapy water and dry well before adding new litter.
The ideal number of litter boxes is one per cat, plus one. Litter boxes should be placed in at least 2 different locations, and preferably more if a multiple cat household. Locations should be private and have easy access. Boxes should not be placed next to noisy appliances. Prevent blocking litter box exit or entry of one cat by another. Have at least two ways for cats to enter and exit the box. Never trap or corner a cat in its litter box to give it medication or perform other procedures that the cat may dislike.
Many cats prefer a litter depth of approximately 1.5 inches; however, preferences vary. Cats prefer litter boxes that are at least 1.5 times the length of their bodies. Many commercial litter boxes are too small for larger cats. Sweater storage boxes, cement mixing tubs, and small dog litter pans (for dogs up to 35 pounds) all make excellent cat litter boxes.
HELPFUL FACTS REGARDING URINATION AND DEFECATION: The average cat urinates twice daily (+/- 2), and defecates once (and up to 3-4 times in outdoor cats) daily. Some cats sniff and cover their eliminations; others don’t. Both are considered normal behavior. Eliminating outside the box often signals an underlying medical condition. The earlier the problem is corrected, the better the chance for the cat to return to the litter box.
Call your veterinarian to schedule an appointment.
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Feeding Tips to PREVENT OBESITY in Your Cat
From the American Association of Feline Practitioners
Cats in the wild typically eat 10 to 20 small meals throughout the day and night, with hours of foraging time each day. Simulating this feeding behavior for domestic cats provides exercise, and prevents problems associated with lack of problem solving activity. Such stimulation also prevents obesity, a major problem associated with abnormal feeding behaviors.
SIMULATE MORE NORMAL EATING BEHAVIOR:
• Provide cats with puzzle feeders, interactive toys, and food balls that dispense food as the cat rolls it around.
• Make homemade puzzle feeders by cutting holes into a cardboard box or 2-liter plastic jug so that the cat paws the food out.
• Hide food around the house, in different places, and in or around objects for cats to “hunt.”
• Toss kibbles and let cats chase after the food, as they would chase prey.
• If unable to do multiple feedings each day, feed a minimum of twice daily, and try to hide the food in creative hiding places.
Seek your veterinarian’s advice on the type and amount of food to feed your cat. Recommended food quantities on pet food containers are based on the amount needed by active cats living with multiple cats. The amount needed by sedentary, neutered cats is much lower. If treats are used to train or reward behavior, make sure that the caloric content is part of the total measured daily ration. It’s best to use a portion of the regular diet for treats; if extra tidbits are used, limit the amount to less than 10% of the total diet. Involve all members of the family so that duplication of rewards does not occur. If your pet begs, feed the largest meal when you will be present to prevent begging. If your cat wakes you at night to be fed, feed the largest meal prior to bedtime.
Seek veterinary attention if your cat has not eaten in 24 or more hours.
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