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Cats + Preventive Care & Wellness

  • Penrose Drain Discharge Instructions for Cats

    A Penrose drain is a latex tube placed into a wound with one or two ends exiting the skin to passively remove unwanted fluid, usually from abscesses or open wounds. This handout provides post-operative wound care instructions for cats sent home with a Penrose drain.

  • Pet Monitoring: Keeping Track of Your Pet’s Tracks and More

    Monitoring your pet is important to his health. This handout discusses the use of trackers and apps to monitor your dog's activity level and overall mental and physical health.

  • Pet Safety: Laundry and Dishwasher Pods

    This handout discusses the dangers of laundry and dishwasher detergent pods in dogs and cats. Consumption of detergent in any form is dangerous for cats and dogs. Signs of pod exposure include irritation of skin, eyes, and mouth as well as more serious gastrointestinal and respiratory signs that require prompt veterinary medical attention. Learning to recognize and prevent pod exposure will help keep pets safe.

  • Pet Sitter Options

    It is not difficult to find your pet the extra care they may need if you have a busy schedule or are traveling. With the excellent pet sitter options available today, having a pet at home does not mean you cannot take a vacation every once in a while. Be sure to interview any potential sitters and use trusted friends, your vet, or online resources when looking for sitters. Hiring a pet sitter for your pet may be like a vacation for them as well!

  • Piometra en Gatas

    Pyometra in Cats

    En términos sencillos, una piometra es una infección del útero. Una piometra es una condición seria que debería tratarse rápida y agresivamente.

  • Plaque and Tartar Prevention in Cats

    Plaque forms on teeth shortly after eating and within 24 hours begins to harden, eventually turning into tartar. Tartar serves as a place for bacteria to grow, leading to gingivitis. As gingivitis worsens, periodontal disease develops, which includes inflammation, pain, and tooth loss. Prevention of plaque and tartar build-up is key. Use VOHC-accepted food and/or water additives, wipe or brush your cat's teeth daily, and have your veterinarian perform regular dental cleanings.

  • Post-Vaccination Sarcoma in Cats

    This handout explains post-vaccination sarcomas (also called injection-site sarcomas) in cats. They are a rare consequence of vaccine injections (and other drugs or materials) that can cause a very aggressive form of cancer at the site of the injection. The incidence of this condition, as well as precautions you and your veterinarian can take, are highlighted.

  • Preanesthetic Bloodwork

    Preanesthetic bloodwork is an important step in the evaluation of pets undergoing anesthesia or surgical procedures. Bloodwork can help diagnose a variety of internal disorders, many of which could negatively affect your pet's anesthetic and surgical safety. By diagnosing and treating any underlying medical disorders before surgery/anesthesia, your veterinarian can make anesthesia as safe as possible for your pet.

  • Preparing Your Cat for a Trip to the Veterinarian

    Preparing your cat to travel to the vet is one of the most important investments you can make during the lifespan of your cat. Cats should visit the veterinary hospital at least once yearly. The smoother the experience goes, the least amount of stress both you and your cat will experience.

  • Preparing Your Pets for Winter

    Winter cold weather poses several risks for our pets. This article outlines some of the key risks and how to avoid them, to keep your pet safe year-round.