SEPTEMBER IS, "HAVE WE SEEN YOUR CAT LATELY?" MONTH!
Myth vs Fact
There are several commonly held misperceptions that keep some pet owners from seeking regular veterinary care for their cats.
These myths include:
MYTH
Cats are more self-sufficient than dogs.
FACT
Cats require the same amount of attention as dogs. Food, water, a clean litter tray and regular veterinary care are vital factors for feline health.
MYTH
Cats are healthier and experience fewer health problems than dogs.
FACT
Cats are no more or less healthy than dogs and require annual health checks just as much as dogs do.
MYTH
Health problems come from outside and don't affect indoor cats.
FACT
Even cats with no outdoor exposure can still get sick and have health conditions that require attention including dental health, osteoarthritis, chronic kidney disease, weight management and even diabetes and cancer. Parasites such as fleas can also be passed on from other pets.
MYTH
Cats will show signs of being sick just like dogs do.
FACT
Cats are very adept at hiding the symptoms of poor health. Regular examinations by trained veterinary professionals are the best way to ensure your feline's health.
MYTH
Veterinary visits are more stressful for cats than dogs.
FACT
With proper preparation, you can minimize the discomfort of a visit to the veterinary hospital.
For the month of September, your friends at Glendale are offering 20% off all feline annual exams and necessary vaccinations. It is important to us to educate all our feline parents on the importance of regular veterinary visits for all cats of all lifestyles and all ages.
Concerned about having to travel with your cat? Read this article on how to lessen the stress of travelling with your cat.
From Boehringer Ingelheim
Myth vs Fact
There are several commonly held misperceptions that keep some pet owners from seeking regular veterinary care for their cats.
These myths include:
MYTH
Cats are more self-sufficient than dogs.
FACT
Cats require the same amount of attention as dogs. Food, water, a clean litter tray and regular veterinary care are vital factors for feline health.
MYTH
Cats are healthier and experience fewer health problems than dogs.
FACT
Cats are no more or less healthy than dogs and require annual health checks just as much as dogs do.
MYTH
Health problems come from outside and don't affect indoor cats.
FACT
Even cats with no outdoor exposure can still get sick and have health conditions that require attention including dental health, osteoarthritis, chronic kidney disease, weight management and even diabetes and cancer. Parasites such as fleas can also be passed on from other pets.
MYTH
Cats will show signs of being sick just like dogs do.
FACT
Cats are very adept at hiding the symptoms of poor health. Regular examinations by trained veterinary professionals are the best way to ensure your feline's health.
MYTH
Veterinary visits are more stressful for cats than dogs.
FACT
With proper preparation, you can minimize the discomfort of a visit to the veterinary hospital.
For the month of September, your friends at Glendale are offering 20% off all feline annual exams and necessary vaccinations. It is important to us to educate all our feline parents on the importance of regular veterinary visits for all cats of all lifestyles and all ages.
Concerned about having to travel with your cat? Read this article on how to lessen the stress of travelling with your cat.
From Boehringer Ingelheim
Six Ways to Socialize Your New Cat
Socializing a cat into a new family takes just as much patience as it does the love you have for her. Even an adult cat adopted from an animal shelter may be frightened, shy or unsure of her new housemates, no matter welcoming they are at heart. Here's how to give your new companion plenty of time and space to become acquainted with her new home and the people who live there.
1. Let Her 'Map' It Out
Your job during cat socialization is to see things from your cat's point of view: She's frightened, in a strange environment inhabited by "giants" (you and your family) who always want to hug her and scoop her up. This can be overwhelming, especially for timid cats. With this in mind, instruct your family to keep a safe distance as she makes her way around the house. She needs time to smell, investigate, and ultimately identify safe places she likes to escape to for a bit. This allows her to develop her own internal "map" of the house by learning whose room belongs to whom.
2. The Gentle Giant
At the very beginning, everyone should sit quietly or go about their business. If your cat comes to you, place your hand down slowly to allow her to sniff. Moving quietly, start petting your new cat on the back. If she allows it, stroking her cheeks is also a fine way to greet her as she rubs her scent onto you, thus marking you as her property. Watch her tail for signs of distress or affection; cat tails can tell you how they're feeling.
3. There's the Rub
If your cat has been hidden away for a while, or hasn't seen certain people for some time, she may be fearful around them as if they're new again. Make sure your family and friends let her sniff them at her leisure?cat behaviorist Marilyn Krieger suggests extending an index finger to start. It may take her a few minutes to connect (or reconnect) that scent with a special ally. Nonetheless, she'll let you know when the connection is made by rubbing against you, purring, or giving the happy welcome-back "chirp" that some cats give when saying hello to someone they haven't seen in a long time.
4. Offer a Safe Place
Cat socialization should always include a safe place for her to go if she becomes frightened?not just when she's new to the home. You should leave her crate or carrier in the room at the start so she has a place to retreat to if she is startled. Place a towel or something soft inside so she can snuggle up. A cardboard box with a door cut out for easy entrance and exit is also a simple refuge to help a socializing cat develop confidence in you over time.
5. Reward Social Behavior, Ignore the Rest
When your cat comes out to investigate you and your family, greet her with praise, treats, and gentle strokes. If she hides, just ignore her instead of chasing after her. It's important to reward desirable behavior and simply ignore undesirable responses during the ongoing cat socialization process. The more receptive you are to her affection when she's ready to give it, the less shy she'll be.
6. Gain Trust through a Routine
Cat socialization is easier when she can rely on the casual nature of others right from the start. This allows her to find security in knowing what to expect from guests and other residents of the home. Create a routine of petting and feeding as you host relatives she may see regularly. This can make strangers more approachable and easier for her to remember. Feed her at regular intervals will let her know she can rely on you as well, which in turn will make her feel less vulnerable. Food, as you can imagine, is a great motivator when building a healthy relationship.
Spend as much time as possible around your cat without directly interacting with her; don't pressure her to play or come to you. Watch television in the same room or read a book. As long as you stay in common places, she'll be confident enough to come and join you eventually.
It may be cliché, but take it slow. Cats are like people in at least one way: They can be outgoing, shy, aggressive, and passive. Depending on your cat's unique personality, she may warm up to the family quickly or it may take her several days. Let her set the pace, and never force her to accept affection she doesn't want to give. If you have other pets in the home, read our article about introducing a new cat to other pets.
Socializing a cat into a new family takes just as much patience as it does the love you have for her. Even an adult cat adopted from an animal shelter may be frightened, shy or unsure of her new housemates, no matter welcoming they are at heart. Here's how to give your new companion plenty of time and space to become acquainted with her new home and the people who live there.
1. Let Her 'Map' It Out
Your job during cat socialization is to see things from your cat's point of view: She's frightened, in a strange environment inhabited by "giants" (you and your family) who always want to hug her and scoop her up. This can be overwhelming, especially for timid cats. With this in mind, instruct your family to keep a safe distance as she makes her way around the house. She needs time to smell, investigate, and ultimately identify safe places she likes to escape to for a bit. This allows her to develop her own internal "map" of the house by learning whose room belongs to whom.
2. The Gentle Giant
At the very beginning, everyone should sit quietly or go about their business. If your cat comes to you, place your hand down slowly to allow her to sniff. Moving quietly, start petting your new cat on the back. If she allows it, stroking her cheeks is also a fine way to greet her as she rubs her scent onto you, thus marking you as her property. Watch her tail for signs of distress or affection; cat tails can tell you how they're feeling.
3. There's the Rub
If your cat has been hidden away for a while, or hasn't seen certain people for some time, she may be fearful around them as if they're new again. Make sure your family and friends let her sniff them at her leisure?cat behaviorist Marilyn Krieger suggests extending an index finger to start. It may take her a few minutes to connect (or reconnect) that scent with a special ally. Nonetheless, she'll let you know when the connection is made by rubbing against you, purring, or giving the happy welcome-back "chirp" that some cats give when saying hello to someone they haven't seen in a long time.
4. Offer a Safe Place
Cat socialization should always include a safe place for her to go if she becomes frightened?not just when she's new to the home. You should leave her crate or carrier in the room at the start so she has a place to retreat to if she is startled. Place a towel or something soft inside so she can snuggle up. A cardboard box with a door cut out for easy entrance and exit is also a simple refuge to help a socializing cat develop confidence in you over time.
5. Reward Social Behavior, Ignore the Rest
When your cat comes out to investigate you and your family, greet her with praise, treats, and gentle strokes. If she hides, just ignore her instead of chasing after her. It's important to reward desirable behavior and simply ignore undesirable responses during the ongoing cat socialization process. The more receptive you are to her affection when she's ready to give it, the less shy she'll be.
6. Gain Trust through a Routine
Cat socialization is easier when she can rely on the casual nature of others right from the start. This allows her to find security in knowing what to expect from guests and other residents of the home. Create a routine of petting and feeding as you host relatives she may see regularly. This can make strangers more approachable and easier for her to remember. Feed her at regular intervals will let her know she can rely on you as well, which in turn will make her feel less vulnerable. Food, as you can imagine, is a great motivator when building a healthy relationship.
Spend as much time as possible around your cat without directly interacting with her; don't pressure her to play or come to you. Watch television in the same room or read a book. As long as you stay in common places, she'll be confident enough to come and join you eventually.
It may be cliché, but take it slow. Cats are like people in at least one way: They can be outgoing, shy, aggressive, and passive. Depending on your cat's unique personality, she may warm up to the family quickly or it may take her several days. Let her set the pace, and never force her to accept affection she doesn't want to give. If you have other pets in the home, read our article about introducing a new cat to other pets.
VACCINATIONS
Vaccination is recommended for all cats to prevent against important infectious diseases, some of which are potentially fatal.
Your vet can advise you on which vaccines are required based on your cat's lifestyle.
Here are two questions that veterinary professionals are often asked about cats:
QUESTION
My cat is strictly an indoor cat so I don't see why he needs any vaccinations.
ANWSER
Indoor cats are still at risk for a wide variety of diseases. Also, you can never be 100% certain your indoor cat won't ever get outside, or the new cat you adopted is not harbouring a disease that can be transmitted to other cats. And while indoor cats may be exposed to fewer diseases than outdoor cats, indoor cats may be exposed to many disease pathogens. We recommend vaccinations and parasite control measures for all cats regardless of where they spend their time.
QUESTION
It seems like my cats have to get a lot of vaccinations. Do they really need all of them?
ANWSER
Your veterinarian will determine the vaccinations your cats need based on factors such as age and lifestyle e.g. do they have any outdoor access. The important thing to remember is serious infectious feline diseases are still prevalent and if your cats are not vaccinated against them, they're at risk.
From Boehringer Ingelheim
Vaccination is recommended for all cats to prevent against important infectious diseases, some of which are potentially fatal.
Your vet can advise you on which vaccines are required based on your cat's lifestyle.
Here are two questions that veterinary professionals are often asked about cats:
QUESTION
My cat is strictly an indoor cat so I don't see why he needs any vaccinations.
ANWSER
Indoor cats are still at risk for a wide variety of diseases. Also, you can never be 100% certain your indoor cat won't ever get outside, or the new cat you adopted is not harbouring a disease that can be transmitted to other cats. And while indoor cats may be exposed to fewer diseases than outdoor cats, indoor cats may be exposed to many disease pathogens. We recommend vaccinations and parasite control measures for all cats regardless of where they spend their time.
QUESTION
It seems like my cats have to get a lot of vaccinations. Do they really need all of them?
ANWSER
Your veterinarian will determine the vaccinations your cats need based on factors such as age and lifestyle e.g. do they have any outdoor access. The important thing to remember is serious infectious feline diseases are still prevalent and if your cats are not vaccinated against them, they're at risk.
From Boehringer Ingelheim
Photo Contest
In keeping with cats in September, submit your funniest cat/kitten photo along with a caption and we will share it (no last names) with our pet family community!
Email to [email protected]
In keeping with cats in September, submit your funniest cat/kitten photo along with a caption and we will share it (no last names) with our pet family community!
Email to [email protected]
