Tag Archives: cat behavior

Behavior, Cat Care

Things Cats Just Don’t Care About

Cats have it pretty easy. Fluffy doesn’t have to worry about bills, errands, or any of the other things her humans handle. In fact, there are actually quite a few things that kitties can’t be bothered to worry about. A Georgetown, IN vet lists some key ones below.

Your Privacy

Many kitties like to follow their humans around like furry little shadows. This is cute, but it can also be awkward. There’s really no need for Fluffy to follow you into the bathroom!

Etiquette

Kitties have some adorable habits, but they also have some we could do without, such as the elevator-butt greeting. Fluffy also has been known to groom herself in a room full of people, and sometimes bites or scratches for no reason. Clearly, manners aren’t a big priority for Man’s Second Best Friend.

Your Breakables

Does Fluffy sometimes smack small objects off of your coffee table, and then give you a smug look? No one can say for sure that kitties do this on purpose, but you’d have a hard time convincing us otherwise.

Your Furniture

Is your furniture covered in cat fur? Is Fluffy using your sofa as a peticure station? Case in point.

Your Sleep

Cats take their breakfasts—all eight of them—very seriously. If you have the audacity to sleep past the time when Fluffy usually gets her first meal, she may wake you up by pawing at you or headbutting you to let you know she wants breakfast right meow.

Your Computer

Have you ever found Fluffy sleeping on your laptop? Does she sometimes sprawl out on a book or magazine you’re attempting to read? Your kitty may have ruined a report, but she won’t care. She’s too busy dreaming about … whatever cats dream about.

Us

Our feline patients are all much healthier with proper care. However, we suspect that, given the chance to choose, they’d unanimously choose staying home and taking yet another nap over coming to see us.

Price

Does Fluffy  ignore that expensive cat tower you got her, and sleep on a pizza box instead? Does she  prefer playing with a bottlecap over her catnip mouse? It’s probably safe to say your furball isn’t losing any sleep over your financial loss.

Do you have questions about your cat’s health or care? As your Georgetown, IN veterinary care, we really do care. Call us anytime! 

Behavior, Cat Care

If Your Cat Had Thumbs

There’s a pretty fun and whimsical pet holiday coming up: March 3rd is It Pets Had Thumbs Day! Our feline friends are very curious and mischievous. They can also be, well, a bit bratty at times. What do you think your kitty would do if she suddenly grew opposable thumbs? A Georgetown, IN vet lists a few ‘pawsible’ options below.

Put The Dog Out

Cats and dogs sometimes become the best of friends. However, at other times they can become jealous and competitive of each other. Fluffy may very well open the door for your Fido … and then lock it behind him.

Ransack … Everything

Cats are very nosy little furballs. Fluffy would probably be more than happy to go through your drawers, cupboards, and closets. She likely wouldn’t be too worried about covering her tracks, either. You may come home to find all of your belongings in piles, and your kitty sleeping peacefully atop a small mountain of soft clothes.

Fridge Raid

Kitties aren’t as finicky as dogs are, but they do still enjoy special treats. Your feline pal may want to sample everything you have in your fridge. Of course, she’d probably discard half of it, because that’s just something cats would do.

Appointment Cancellations

Fluffy will both look and feel better with proper care, but it’s probably safe to say that she would rather take another nap than come visit us. We may suddenly find our schedules cleared of kitty appointments!

Outdoor Sports

Fluffy is a predator by nature, and she’s instinctively driven to go after smaller critters. If your furball suddenly grew thumbs, she may try to amp up her hunting skills by using some equipment. Any nets or fishing poles you have lying around quickly go missing!

Online Ordering

If Fluffy could use thumbs, she may also try her paw at buying things online. Some things we suspect may end up in her cart? Kitty furniture, live fish, scratching posts, treats, smoked salmon, catnip, comfy beds, cat enclosures, lots of live plants, and basically anything that comes in a box. Your furry buddy may also get a few random things that make you scratch your head, such as nail polish sets or Funko pops.

Please do not hesitate to reach out if ever we could be of assistance. As your Georgetown, IN veterinary clinic, we are here to help!

Behavior, Cat Care, General Care

5 Things Your Cat Can’t Resist

If you have a kitty, you’ve probably noticed that our feline pals all have their own purrsonalities. Some cats are chatty and cuddly, while others are quiet and aloof. However, all of our furry friends do have some common likes and dislikes. Read on as a local Floyds Knob, IN vet lists some of the things that Fluffy just can’t resist.

Boxes

Fluffy’s box obsession may just be one of her most adorable quirks. If you put a box down in front of your feline friend, there’s a pretty good chance that she’ll immediately hop into it. The official explanation for this cute habit is that cats feel safe and secure in small spaces. However, kitties often hop into boxes that are really just squares of tape on the floor.

Sunbeams

We’re fairly certain that cats don’t actually run on solar power. However, they certainly do love to soak up some sun. There’s a pretty good chance that your furry little buddy takes at least some of her daily naps in her favorite sunbeam.

Sheet-Changing Time

Does your kitty lend you a helping paw when it’s time to change the sheets? Cats of all ages often try to help their owners out with this chore. Fluffy may not actually be all that useful, but this funny quirk is still super cute.

Knocking Things Off Counters

Cats often just can’t seem to stop themselves from smacking small objects off tables and counters with their paws. This may be Fluffy’s way of demanding attention. Or, maybe she thinks she’s helping with the housework. (Here’s an interesting note: if your feline overlord uses her right paw to do this, she’s right-pawed. If she uses her left, then your furry pal is a lefty.)

That Little Red Dot

Fluffy has been trying to catch this elusive prey for years, without much luck. You’d think that our feline buddy would get tired of trying, but that just hasn’t happened yet. Apparently, kitties think that mysterious red spot is a truly worthy adversary! In any case, holding a laser pointer for your furball to chase is a great way to help keep your frisky pet active, and spend some quality time with her.

Please do not hesitate to contact us, your local Floyds Knob, IN pet hospital, for all of your cat’s veterinary care needs. We are here to help!

Behavior, Cat Care, General Health

Why Your Cat is Ignoring Her Litterbox

Has your cat seemingly given up on her litterbox? Noticing more and more accidents outside of Fluffy’s bathroom? There are many reasons why a cat may decide to ignore her box. Here, your Floyds Knob, IN veterinarian helps you get to the bottom of your pet’s bathroom problem.

Cleanliness

Just like you, your cat isn’t fond of doing her business in a dirty bathroom. If you don’t clean your cat’s box enough, she may decide to go elsewhere! Scoop out your cat’s litterbox on a daily basis, and swap out the litter entirely about once a week. This will ensure that your pet’s bathroom stays clean and fresh at all times.

Location

Who wants to use the bathroom in a crowded, noisy place full of other people? Not your cat, that’s for sure. If you put the litterbox in a spot that’s highly trafficked by family members and other pets, your feline friend isn’t likely to take to it. Try placing the box in a quiet, out-of-the-way place like a basement or bathroom. Make sure your cat can access it at all times, even when you’re not at home.

Litter Type

Different cats prefer different types of litter. There is a wide variety, including clumping and non-clumping, scented and non-scented, various granule sizes, and much more. If your cat experiences a litter she doesn’t like, she might decide to simply avoid the litterbox entirely. Try experimenting a bit to find out what your cat prefers.

Negative Conditioning

If your cat was startled while using the litterbox in past years, especially if it happened during kittenhood, she may have a distrust of litterboxes in the present day. This is called a negative conditioning scenario. It might require the help of a professional animal trainer or animal behaviorist to correct. Talk to your veterinarian if you think this might be the cause of your cat’s aversion to her bathroom.

Medical Issues

Various medical issues, from injury and illness to infections like UTIs, could be the root cause of your cat’s anti-bathroom behavior. You’ll want to have your cat examined right away to rule out any medical problems. Set up an appointment with your vet if you can’t seem to get to the bottom of your cat’s issue.

Would you like to learn more about your cat’s behavior and healthcare needs? Call your Floyds Knob, IN veterinary clinic today. We’re here for you!

Behavior, Cat Care, General Care

Fluffy’s New Year’s Resolutions

Happy New Year! As we move forward into 2018, many people are reflecting on their personal priorities, and setting new objectives for themselves. As it turns out, our feline pals may also have a few purrsonal goals for the coming year. Read on as a Georgetown, IN vet lists some of Fluffy’s goals for 2018.

Improve At Yoga

Cats certainly are flexible little furballs. Fluffy can twist herself into configurations that even the best yogi would be hard-pressed to match. Your furball may very well want to take her kitty yoga skills to the next level in the new year.

Catch The Red Dot

Does your feline friend like playing with laser pointers? Fluffy is definitely intrigued by that elusive red spot! Your cute pet may vow to finally catch that pesky red dot in the coming months.

Get More Sleep

Kitties are expert nappers. By the time Fluffy reaches her senior year, she will be able to sleep up to 20 hours a day! Your furry buddy may want to catch even more Z’s in 2018 than she did last year.

Improve Sprinting Time

Does your kitty sometimes unexpectedly dash from one spot to another at full speed? These unpredictable bursts of kitty energy are definitely adorable! Fluffy may try to improve her sprinting times in 2018.

Finish Training The Humans

Fluffy may be small, but she certainly has a way of wrapping her human buddies around her cute little paws. If your feline overlord doesn’t have you trained to feed or pet her on demand, your kitty may work on that this year.

Explore New Napping Spots

Cats like to move around from place to place for their naps. Fluffy may doze in her favorite sunbeam in the morning, and then move onto a bed or couch later in the afternoon. Your drowsy pet may vow to change things up a bit this year, and snooze in some less-traditional places … like on top of your shoes, or on a magazine you’re trying to read.

Improve Computer Skills

Although it hasn’t been proven, we suspect kitties learn from osmosis. Fluffy may spend even more time napping or walking across on your keyboard in 2018 than she did last year!

Please contact us, your Georgetown, IN pet hospital, for all your cat’s veterinary care needs. We look forward to serving you in 2018 and beyond!

Behavior, Cat Care, General Care

Keeping Fluffy Out of the Tree

Are you putting up a tree this year? If so, you may find yourself trying to keep your kitty from destroying it! For Fluffy, trying to climb holiday trees is an important annual tradition! There are some things you can do to make sure that both your tree and your pet make it through the holidays unscathed. In this article, a Georgetown, IN discusses keeping Fluffy out of the tree.

Choose The Right Spot

Picking the right spot for your tree is very important, not just for the overall look of your home, but also because of kitty shenanigans. Don’t put the tree near anything Fluffy could jump off to reach it, like a desk or chair. That’s just making it easy for her!

Get An Artificial Trees

Synthetic trees are much harder for kitties to climb than real ones. Consider getting a fake tree this year.

Decorate Carefully

Avoid putting flashy and/or fragile ornaments on the bottom of the tree. Keep delicate decorations, tinsel, and lights on the top part of the tree, well out of paws’ reach. Put just a few sturdy, unbreakable ornaments on the lower branches.

Provide Kitty Entertainment

If you make the rest of your home fun and exciting for your cat, she may not find the tree quite as tempting. Offer Fluffy lots of fun toys to play with, and spend a few minutes a day playing with her. In fact, you can even give your feline pal some of her gifts a bit early. A fun session of Catch The Squeaky Toy will hopefully satisfy your pet’s urge to make mischief, and tire her out a bit.

Add Support

Choose a tree with a sturdy base, so it won’t wobble or topple over on your furball. You may also want to secure the top to your wall or ceiling with fishing line. This won’t show, but it will provide extra support.

Training

When you see your kitty looking at the tree with a gleam in her eye, stamp your foot, clap your hands, or bang two pots together. This won’t hurt Fluffy, but it will startle her a bit, and may make her reconsider the benefits of getting too near the tree.

Happy Holidays from all of us here at The Animal Hospital of Lanesville, your Georgetown, IN pet clinic. Please feel free to contact us anytime!

Behavior, Cat Care, General Care

Common Behavioral Issues in Cats

Cats are extremely popular pets, and with good reason. Fluffy is not only super cute, she’s also clean, easy to care for, and full of adorable quirks. Our feline friends aren’t purrfect, however. Read on as a Georgetown, IN vet discusses some common behavioral issues in cats.

Scratching

Fluffy’s manicure habits are not very popular with her human friends. Your cat isn’t tearing up your things on purpose: kitties are instinctively driven to care for their nails. Offer your furry little diva a tall, sturdy scratching post, and bribe her with treats and praise for using it.

Rough Play

Cats are hunters by nature, and often really enjoy pouncing and attacking their ‘prey.’ Your housecat may never have to hunt anything other than a comfy napping spot, but Fluffy will still be driven to pounce, scratch, and bite. Nip this bad behavior in the bud! Offer your frisky furball lots of fun toys, play with her daily, and ignore her when she attacks you.

Aggression

Does your cat bite or scratch people? If so, you’ll want to determine whether Fluffy is truly acting aggressive, or is just playing rough. (Tip: if your cat’s ears are back and she is growling, hissing, and/or lashing her tail, she’s truly angry.) Aggression can often be corrected, but before you can address the issue, you’ll need to figure out what is causing Fluffy’s aggression. Does your cat lash out when she feels cornered? Or does she hate being picked up? Watch your furball closely, and ask your vet for advice.

Spraying

Having Fluffy spayed or neutered is the first and most important step to take in curbing this unwanted behavior. It’s also important to keep your furball’s litterbox clean: cats hate dirty bathrooms! Kitties can also spay because of medical problems, so be sure to consult your vet if your pet is having issues.

Bullying

Does your kitty terrorize your dog? Does Fluffy beat up on your other cats? Kitties can be both jealous and territorial, and aren’t always happy about having a furry roommate. Give all your pets their own beds and toys, and pay equal attention to them. Play sessions can also help, as they will burn off your furry friends’ excess energy. Ask your vet for more advice.

Do you have questions about your cat’s health or care? Contact us, your Georgetown, IN animal clinic, anytime.

Behavior, Cat Care, General Care

9 Ways Cats Help With Housework

Is your cat pampered? It may seem that housecats lead a pretty idyllic life. Fluffy’s schedule is chock full of naps, cuddles, and beauty treatments. Actually, our feline friends are very considerate of their human servants, and often try to lend a helping paw with ordinary household chores. A local Georgetown, IN vet lists some ways cats try to help with housework in this article.

Keeping Laundry Warm

Have you ever found your cat in a basket of fresh laundry? Fluffy is just trying to help out by keeping your laundry nice and warm. She’s also thoughtfully putting fresh cat fur on it. How sweet!

Making Beds

Kitties are always willing to help when it’s time to change your sheets. Fluffy will kindly jump and pounce on the bed.

Clearing Tables

Does your cat sometimes knock small objects off tables or counters? Fluffy is just trying to be helpful by keeping your surfaces clear!

Sleeping

Kitties often spend time every day sprawled out on your floors or carpet. By sleeping in the middle of the room, Fluffy is thoughtfully picking up dust with her fur, helping keep your floors cleaner.

Making Holes In Blinds

Has your cat ever made herself a little door in your window blinds? Your considerate feline friend is just trying to let in as much light as possible!

Furring Your Things

If you have a kitty, you’re probably somewhat accustomed to finding cat hair on your clothes and furniture. Actually, Fluffy sheds on your things deliberately, in order to spur extra rounds of vacuuming and dusting. Cats are so sweet!

Pushing Toys Under The Couch

Fluffy knows that it isn’t polite for her to leave her kitty toys scattered all over the floor. Therefore, she’ll help you out by conveniently pushing her toys under the couch. Our feline friends certainly are thoughtful little furballs!

Knocking Things Under The Stove

Just as Fluffy pushes her toys under the couch, she will also politely bat small items under the stove or fridge, helping your floor stay cleaner.

Wrapping Presents

Your thoughtful feline friend will also gladly help out when it’s time for you to wrap presents for holidays, weddings, or birthdays.

Do you have any concerns about your cat’s health or care? Call us, your Georgetown, IN animal clinic, today! We are happy to serve all of your pet’s veterinary care needs.

Cat Care, General Health, Illness & Disease

Five Signs That Your Cat is Sick

Cats can be fairly mysterious when it comes to how they’re feeling. Because of this, it’s difficult to tell when a cat is ill, as it’s their natural instinct to hide their discomfort or pain. Below, your Georgetown, IN veterinarian tells you about five key indicators of a cat who is feeling sick.

Behavioral Changes

Some of the first signs may include behavioral changes. If you’ve noticed your cat acting extra distant, hiding more than usual, or acting out aggressively when she’s usually friendly, something may be wrong. Excessive vocalization is another possible indicator of ill health. It’s best to get a veterinarian’s opinion if you notice changes like these.

Physical Changes

The way your cat looks physically can be a good indication of her internal health. A dry, dull coat, visible bald patches, an increase in shedding, or an obvious favoring of one limb over another are all signs that something is amiss. If you’ve noticed your cat looking a little different recently, let your vet know promptly.

Eating or Drinking Fluctuations

Have you noticed more cat food left in the bowl recently? Does your cat seem to be drinking water faster than ever before? Don’t chalk these changes up to random chance. Some disorders, like diabetes or inflammatory bowel disease, can cause a cat to eat or drink more. Others, such as dental issues or kidney disease, may make a cat consume less. Make your veterinarian aware if you notice fluctuations in your cat’s food and water consumption.

Waste Changes

If you notice differences while cleaning out kitty’s litter box, it may be worth a second opinion. Have your cat’s stools changed drastically in size, frequency, or color? This could be a sign of internal health issues, so place a call to your vet’s office for a professional’s help.

Bad Breath

It may not be the easiest thing in the world to get a whiff of your cat’s breath, but try to take a sniff every once in a while. Especially offensive breath could indicate a rotting tooth, gum disease, oral infections, and more, while fruity-smelling breath is a typical sign of diabetes.

Remember to keep regularly scheduled appointments at your vet’s office so that your veterinarian can keep track of your feline friend’s health. If your Georgetown, IN vet sees your cat consistently, he or she can catch minor problems before they develop into more serious issues.

Uncategorized

Does Your Cat Control You?

If you have a cat, you have probably noticed that our feline friends have a way of getting us to pamper them. In fact, your cat may very well have you wrapped around that cute little paw of hers. As we all know, it’s hard to resist those adorable furry faces! In this article, a local Floyds Knob, IN, vet lists a few signs that your cat just might be controlling you.

Lap Nap

There are few things more relaxing than settling down on your couch or armchair with a good book or movie and a purring cat. At least, until you need to get up, but hesitate because Fluffy looks so cute and comfortable. Sound familiar?

Bed Allocation

Have you ever found yourself relegated to the edge of the bed, while your kitty sprawls out in the middle? If so, your furry pal may be in control!

The Meow

Did you know that kitties may have started meowing specifically to manipulate us? Once past kittenhood, cats don’t meow at other kitties: they communicate among themselves using body language. Fluffy has, however, perfected the exact sound that will pull at our heartstrings. This often results in our furry friends getting a special treat or some cuddle time. Does your furball get snacks, playtime, or attention whenever she asks?

The Dinner Complaint

Kitties are known for being a bit finicky when it comes to dinner. If your furball begs for food, then turns that cute little nose up at your offerings, she might be a bit picky. Have you ever returned your cat’s supper, and replaced it with something more to her liking? If so, Fluffy might be pulling your strings! It is important to note that a loss of appetite can indicate sickness in kitties, so contact your vet if your cat isn’t eating.

Furry Alarm Clock

Our feline friends take breakfast very seriously. Every morning, countless numbers of cat owners are awakened to the gentle smack of kitty paws as their hungry furballs demand breakfast. Do you crawl out of bed just to feed your cat?

If any of these things sound familiar, take heart. Cats can only control people who love them, and whom they love in return!

Does your kitty need shots or an examination? Contact us, your local Floyds Knob, IN, veterinary clinic, any time. We are always happy to help!