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Cats + Preventive Care & Wellness

  • In some cases, two laid-back adult cats can be easily introduced with minimal drama. In other cases, however, the introduction does not go as smoothly. Some adult cats may physically fight with each other, resulting in potential injuries. Even in the absence of physical aggression, introductions can provoke anxiety that leads to inappropriate elimination, decreased appetite, or other signs of stress in one or both cats. Fortunately, you can help increase the likelihood of success by introducing two adult cats slowly and gradually.

  • Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is also commonly referred to as dry eye. It is an uncommon eye condition in cats. It results from inadequate production of the watery portion of the tear film by the lacrimal gland or the third eyelid gland. Cats with KCS have painful, red, eyes with squinting. Corneal ulcers may also be present. Chronic cases have scarring on the cornea, impairing vision. The prognosis for cats diagnosed with KCS is good with long-term treatment and diligent monitoring.

  • Play is a very important part of the feline world and kittens need the opportunity to play in order to learn vital adult skills both for communication and for hunting.

  • Tooth Resorption in Cats

    Una de las enfermedades más frecuentes en la práctica veterinaria en gatos son las lesiones de resorción oral felinas (LROF). Estas lesiones también se llaman cavidades, caries, lesiones del cuello cervical, resorciones de la raiz internas o externas, o erosiones de la línea cervical. Las LROF normalmente se encuentran en la parte exterior del diente, en el área donde el diente se une con la encía.

  • Crate training is most used with dogs, but it can be useful for kittens and cats too. Crate training is useful in many situations, such as providing a safe place when home alone or unsupervised. Cats that are calm in their crates experience less distress when they need to travel, visit the veterinary hospital, or stay at a boarding facility. Starting while your cat is young makes training easier, but even adult cats can be trained to relax in a crate. If your cat shows signs of distress (e.g., prolonged vocalization, trying to escape, salivation, rapid continuous movement) while using the training methods provided in this handout, consult your veterinarian.

  • Cats can have hearing loss due to increasing age or chronic ear infections, or they may be born with a defect. Deafness in cats can present some challenges, but overall they can have healthy, normal lives. It is possible to teach your cat household routines by using hand signals and body language. It is important to take their deafness into account when considering their safety, and they must remain indoors or in outdoor enclosures.

  • Hip Dislocation and Postoperative Care in Cats

    La cadera es una articulación sencilla compuesta por una bola y un cuenco, que puede realizar una gran cantidad de movimientos en todas las direcciones y su función es permitir un adecuado movimiento de las extremidades posteriores.

  • Once a pet has lost some weight, the new goal is to make sure that excess weight stays off. Pet parents who partner with their veterinary health care team for support and who focus on changing their behaviors often have the most success. Examples of some changes include using a different food or a different feeding method, focusing more on portion control, and incorporating some movement or activity time into each day. This article addresses several commonly asked questions about how to help a pet during the maintenance phase (after the weight has been lost).

  • Feral cats are fiercely independent and survive (but may not thrive) without the help of humans. They avoid people and hide, back away, or flee when they spot humans. Lack of immunization, parasite control, adequate nutrition, and hygiene put feral cats at risk of many life-threatening problems. TNR (Trap, Neuter, and Release) programs are the hallmark of controlling feral cat populations.

  • For most cats, a visit to the veterinarian is an overwhelming experience. If your cat’s veterinary appointment is for a routine wellness examination, your veterinarian may prescribe a sedative or antianxiety medication. Natural medicines, also known as complementary therapies, cover a wide range of products including herbs, nutraceuticals, supplements, and homeopathic remedies and may be beneficial in treating your anxious cat. Products such as Feliway® and Rescue Remedy® are examples of natural therapies that may be helpful in reducing your cat’s stress. One of the most important ways to decrease your cat’s anxiety level is to remain calm and relaxed during the visit as this will help reassure your cat that she is safe.