Tag Archives: cat care tips

Cat Care, General Care

5 Ways To Pamper Your Cat On Respect Your Cat Day

There’s a very important pet holiday coming up. Respect Your Cat Day is March 28th! Showing your kitty proper respect doesn’t mean hanging portraits of her or installing catnip gardens and stocked fishponds. It really just means understanding some of Fluffy’s innate needs. A Georgetown, IN vet lists some ‘purrfect’ ways to celebrate this special occasion below.

Scratching Post

Fluffy is very dedicated to keeping her paw daggers sharp, and with good reason. Kitties depend on their claws in the wild, for hunting, defense, and climbing to safety. Your furry buddy will need a good peticure station. A cat tower is ideal, but you can also get a scratching board. This is a great gift for your feline friend!

Playtime

Kitties are actually fierce predators at heart. Let Fluffy indulge her inner lioness! Even if your pet’s ‘prey’ is only a catnip mouse or a rubber ball, pouncing and jumping on it will help her stay active, burn off stress and excess energy, and build confidence. Make sure your furry buddy has lots of toys to bat around. It’s also important to play with your cat regularly. Take a few minutes to hold a wand toy or laser pointer for your kitty.

Window Views

We always recommend that cats stay inside: Fluffy is both safer and healthier indoors. However, indoor pets don’t get as much exercise or stimulation as kitties that are allowed out. It’s important to make sure your feline buddy has ways to amuse herself. Birdwatching is, unsurprisingly, one of Fluffy’s favorite pastimes. A comfy window seat is a must! Or, better yet, put a cat tower before a window that overlooks a birdfeeder.

Hiding Spots

While some cats are bold and fearless, others are very timid. No matter which end of that spectrum your kitty falls onto, it’s safe to say that she will appreciate having some hiding spots to retreat to if she feels scared. Enclosed cat condos are great for this, but you can also give Fluffy things like boxes, paper grocery bags, or homemade pet tents.

Love

At the end of the day, the best way to make your feline pal feel respected is to just pay attention to her. Spend some quality time with your adorable pet!

As your local Georgetown, IN veterinary clinic, we are here to help. Contact us anytime!

Cat Care, General Health

Easy Ways to Keep Your Cat Healthy

February is National Cat Health Month! Kitties are known for being easy keepers. However, Fluffy is quite small and fragile, and she is susceptible to illness and injury. A Georgetown, IN veterinarian offers some tips on keeping your feline buddy healthy and purring in this article.

Good Food

It’s probably no surprise to find proper nutrition at the top of the list. Making sure that Fluffy is getting high-quality food will go a long way towards keeping her healthy. Ask your vet for specific advice, including tips on portion sizes, feeding schedules, and reading labels.

Veterinary Care

Kitties are quite independent, but they still need regular veterinary care. We advise getting Fluffy microchipped and spayed or neutered, and keeping up to date with her exams, vaccines, and parasite control. Also, if you notice anything that could be a sign of illness, don’t wait to see if it resolves on its own. Call your vet immediately.

Clean Litterbox

Dirty litterboxes look and smell bad. They’re also germ magnets! Ideally, you’ll want to scoop Fluffy’s bathroom out daily, and change the litter every week or so. If you have more than one cat, avoid overcrowding by giving each furball her own box.

Keep Kitty In

Although Fluffy may love to run and play outdoors, she’s much safer inside. As soon as your kitty sets her paws outside, she’s exposed to some pretty serious risks, such as traffic, wild animals, and weather.

Catproofing

Our feline pals are very playful, which is one of the best things about them. However, that mischievous streak can get them into serious trouble! Cats don’t know (or care) what is and isn’t safe for them to play with. Keep anything that could be dangerous out of paws’ reach. This includes items with strings or threads, chemicals, medicine, and small or sharp objects.

Climate Control

Did you know that cats can overheat very quickly in summer? Fluffy can also get very sick if she gets too cold. Make sure she always has a comfy shelter. If you leave her home alone, keep the climate control on.

Love

Fluffy’s mental health is also important! Keep your kitty happy and purring by providing things like scratching posts, comfy beds, toys, treats, boxes, and lap space.

Do you need to make an appointment for your feline friend? Contact us, your Georgetown, IN veterinary clinic, today!

Cat Care, General Care

Ginger Cat Appreciation Day

Do you have a ginger kitty? If so, you may want to get Fluffy a special treat or a new toy. Today, September 1st, is Ginger Cat Appreciation Day! A Georgetown, IN vet discusses ginger cats in this article.

“In my head, the sky is blue, the grass is green, and cats are orange.” ― Jim Davis, creator of Garfield

About Ginger Breeds

Ginger cats—also known as orange tabbies or sometimes marmalade kitties—are not associated with any specific breed. In fact, ginger coloring is acceptable in almost all breeds. There are four different variations of coat patterns, including the classic, mackerel, striped, and ticked patterns. As you may have noticed, our redheaded feline pals can display quite a few different hues. Some are dark red, some are more cream-colored, and others look quite orange. This is because of a specific pigment, which is called pheomelanin. And, in case you were wondering, yes, this is the same pigment that is responsible for red hair in humans.

Famous Ginger Cats

There quite a few celebrity ginger cats. Morris, the famous cat food ‘spokescat,’ is one of the first ones that comes to mind. (Note: three different kitties have played Morris, and they were all adorable. They were also all rescued from shelters!) You may also have heard of the Youtube celebrikitty, Marmalade, half of the lovable Cole and Marmalade duo. Last but certainly not least, we have Garfield, the lasagna-loving, eternally unimpressed furball that has been charming readers since 1978. Beloved worldwide, this famous cartoon kitty is known for being lazy, hating Mondays, drinking coffee, and scheming against his canine roommate, Odie. What’s not to love?

Fun Facts

Kitties all have their own adorable quirks, and ginger furballs are certainly no exception. It may interest you to know that most orange kitties—about 80 purrcent, in fact—are male. Why? No one knows! It’s just one of many of Fluffy’s adorable and mysterious quirks. Another cute thing about ginger cats? They often get freckles. Ginger cats also seem to share some purrsonality traits. While all cats are unique, with their own characters, people with ginger cats often report that their furballs are lazy, affectionate, and love to eat… just like Garfield!

Do you have questions about your ginger cat’s health or care? As your Georgetown, IN vet clinic, we’re here to help. Call us today!

Cat Care, General Care

Tips for Keeping an Indoor Cat Happy

Do you keep your cat indoors? If, so, that’s great! There are many benefits to keeping Fluffy inside. She’ll be much less likely to ingest toxic chemicals, such as fertilizer and antifreeze. You’ll also greatly reduce the risk of her getting lost, and keep her safe from cars, predators, and other hazards. Last but not least, you won’t have to deal with your pet leaving you gifts on your doorstep. However, indoor cats don’t get as much activity or stimulation as outdoor cats, so you’ll need to take some steps to keep Fluffy happy and purring. Here, a local Georgetown, IN vet discusses indoor cat care.

Safe Space

Cats may try to make us think that they are fearless and invulnerable, but at the end of the day, they’re very small, and are easily frightened. Make sure Fluffy has a hiding spot in each room. This can be a kitty tent, pet tipi, or an enclosed level of a cat tower. Even a spot behind the couch or under the bed will work.

Scratching Posts

Outdoor cats often use trees as nail-care stations. Indoor kitties, however, need something to scratch. Cat towers are great, but you can also use posts or boards.

Veterinary Care

Even if Fluffy stays indoors, she’ll still need regular veterinary care to stay healthy. Most kitties should come in at least once a year. Ask your vet for specific advice.

Entertainment

We know, Fluffy spends a rather excessive amount of time napping. However, she’ll need entertainment options to amuse herself with when she is awake. Offer your feline friend lots of toys, and play with her every day.

Kitty Garden

Give your cat a little taste of nature by setting out pet-safe plants for her to nibble on and hide behind. You can find a full list of suitable plants online at the ASPCA website here.

Vertical Space

If you don’t have a lot of floor space, consider giving Fluffy some vertical space. Get your kitty a cat tower, or put up a catwalk or some cat shelves.

Live Entertainment

Make sure your furball has at least one comfy spot where she can relax and look out the window. Our feline pals absolutely love birdwatching!

Please reach out to us, your local Georgetown, IN vet clinic, for all of your kitty’s veterinary care needs. We are here to help!

Cat Care, General Care

5 Easy Ways to Keep Kitty Cool

Summer is just around the corner! As the weather warms up, you may find your kitty spending more time sprawled out on the floor as opposed to curling up in warm blankets. Summer can be hard on our feline friends. After all, Fluffy is wearing a fur coat! Overheating can be very dangerous for cats. Unlike dogs, they don’t have any easy ways to cool themselves off if they get too hot. In this article, a Georgetown, IN vet offers tips on keeping your cat cool this summer.

Give Kitty Access To The Whole House

Cats are very, very good at making themselves comfortable. If you let Fluffy roam freely throughout the house, she will naturally gravitate towards the coolest areas. Don’t be surprised if you find your feline pal sprawled out on the bathroom floor. The tiles often stay cool, even on hot days. Just be careful not to accidentally lock your furball into an attic or shed!

Brushing

Brushing your furry pal regularly will remove dead fur and dander from her coat. This will help keep Fluffy looking and feeling good. It will also increase the insulating qualities of her fur, which will help keep her cool.

Hammock Beds

Did you know that hammocks are cooler than regular beds? This is because they allow air to pass beneath them. It’s quite easy to make your kitty a comfy pet hammock. Get an end table or coffee table with four legs, and a piece of material. Cut the fabric so that it’s just a little smaller than the tabletop. Then, attach the corners to the legs with twine or Velcro, and just tell Fluffy not to use it. She’ll hop right in!

Water

Proper hydration is very important! Make sure your cat always has plenty of fresh water. You can drop an ice cube into the bowl on hot days. Fluffy may also appreciate a kitty fountain.

Climate Control

We recommend that cats live indoors, as they are both healthier and safer staying inside. Keep your feline buddy cool and comfy in rooms that have air conditioning and/or fans. Even if you do let your kitty go outside, keep her indoors during the hottest part of the day.

Please reach out to us, your Georgetown, IN pet clinic, for all of your cat’s veterinary care needs. We are always 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!

Cat Care, General Care

Cat Care Hacks

Do you have a kitty? Our feline friends make wonderful pets. Cats aren’t difficult to care for: providing Fluffy with good food, regular veterinary care, and a clean litterbox will cover the basics. Caring for Fluffy does entail some work, however. Below, a Floyds Knob, IN vet offers some great cat care hacks to make your life a bit easier.

Cooling Fluffy Off

On really hot days, drop an ice cube onto the floor for Fluffy to play with. Since cats use their paw pads to regulate their temperature, batting an ice cube around is a great way for kitties to cool off.

Summer Napping Spot

Another way to keep your pet cool is to make her a kitty hammock. You’ll need an end table with four legs, and a piece of material. Cut the material so that it’s a bit smaller than the tabletop, then attach the corners of the fabric to the legs.

Food Spills

Put a dinner tray beneath Fluffy’s food bowls. If your kitty is a sloppy eater, this will contain her messes. It’s also easy to clean!

Fur Busting

Use a squeegee to get pet fur off your couch and carpet. You can also try a damp sponge, or a rubber dish glove. When you do laundry, add white vinegar to the wash. This will help loosen the fur.

Tape Tricks

If Fluffy is jumping on counters, put clear two-sided tape along the edge of the counter. Your frisky feline will hate the sticky feeling! After a few experiences, she’ll probably stop trying, and you can remove the tape.

Scratching

To keep Fluffy from scratching a sofa or chair, put two-sided tape in her favorite scratching spot. Another thing you can do is to attach a piece of carpet to a board. Nail the board to a wall, just high enough so your kitty will have to sit up to use it.

Carrier

Does Fluffy flee the moment she sees her carrier? Make the carrier seem like a comfy den by leaving it out. Add bedding and fun toys, and give her treats and toys near it.

Hunting Halt

Put a dent in Kitty’s hunting habit by tying a bell to her collar. Use a breakaway collar, so your feline friend can’t get caught on things.

Do you have questions about cat care? Contact us, your Floyds Knob, IN animal clinic, today!

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.