Have you been considering adding a cat, or a kitten, to your family? Will it be your first experience with a feline friend? If so, here are some “quick tips” to help – and there may be something in here for the experienced cat person, too!
Make it safe – in the same manner as you would “toddler proof” a house once they start crawling and walking around, you should “cat proof” before bringing your new cat or kitten home. Do you think they won’t be able to jump up to that high countertop, or the top of the refrigerator, or elsewhere? Well…they will. You’ll want to start making sure that medications, cleaning products, food, and small objects like hair ties or rubber bands are not where your new feline friend can find them…and try to eat them. Also, check your home for any plants that could be harmful to your kitten. Common household plants such as Aloe Vera, the Lily, English Ivy, and Philodendrons are a few of the many plants that can be dangerous to cats.
House warming presents
Non-plastic food and water bowls (stainless steel is great!), a litter box placed in an area away from the house’s hustle and bustle, a scratching post (instead of your couch!), small toys (get the small variety pack to start with, see what interests your cat), and a cat carrier – both for bringing them home, and for trips to see the vet.
Adding to your feline family?
If you already have a cat, and are adding another, give them their own space for a bit. Keep the new guy or girl in a room of their own for a week. Each of them will know there’s another cat in the house, and will attempt to investigate – they may even play footsies under the door with each other. After they’ve met, be sure to have at least a food and water bowl for each, and at least two litter boxes – if not three.
This Staff Chat covered the basics – if you adopt, consider keeping a list of questions to ask us on your initial “get acquainted” visit. We’ll be happy to discuss the subjects in greater detail – just like you, we want the relationship between you and your furry family members to be healthy, happy, and long term!
We offer both preventative care services (much like your visits to the dentist), along with dental x-rays and tooth extractions. Good oral hygiene is the best thing that you can do to ensure a longer life, with less health concerns, for your pet. Call us to schedule a dental exam or service.
xLaboratory services are a vital part of the diagnostic process when it comes to veterinarian care. This is because in many cases it is not possible to be able to give a firm diagnosis without undertaking additional tests to confirm the root of the problem. If you have any questions or concerns your vet will be happy to speak to you.
xThis is the most effective way to assist in having your companion returned if they go missing. The microchip (about the size of a grain of rice) is placed under the skin between the shoulder blades. When scanned, it provides information that assists in reuniting you with your furry friend!
xCongratulations on the newest member of your household - we can’t wait to meet them! Call us today to schedule an initial visit – our team will conduct a thorough physical exam, in addition to discussing nutrition, training, and medical care. We’ll be more than happy to answer any other questions you may have, as well
xLaser therapy is a holistic, non-invasive treatment that reduces inflammation, decreases pain, and accelerates healing for a variety of conditions. It is useful as a post-surgical treatment, for acute conditions such as sprains, strains, and wounds, and chronic conditions such as degenerative joint disease and osteoarthritis.
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