Tag Archives: cat play

Cat Care, General Health

Cat Health Month

February is a pretty important month for our feline friends: it’s Cat Health Month! Kitties are easy keepers, but they are still susceptible to illness and injury. And, contrary to that old wives’ tale, they don’t actually have nine lives! Read on as a Roanoke, VA vet lists some things you can do to keep Fluffy happy and healthy.

Petproofing

This one is particularly a concern with kittens, as they are basically tiny, adorable balls of chaos. Little Fluffy will be very interested in sorting out what she can fit into, what she can eat, and what’s most fun to play with. To make your home safe for your little furball, remove or secure anything that could be dangerous, such as toxic plants. Ask your vet for specific advice.

Menu Revision

Has it been a while since you revisited Fluffy’s menu? High-quality food can make a big difference in your cat’s overall health. It may be time to consider upgrading your pet’s food. You may also want to revisit your feline buddy’s portion sizes. If your furball is getting round, but melts down every time she spots the bottom of her bowl, you may need to trim her portions back a bit. Ask your vet for specific advice.

Playtime

Physical activity is just as important for pets as it is for people. Fluffy may race around the house when she’s a kitten, but as she ages she’ll become, well, a bit lazy. Keep your kitty moving by playing with her daily.

Veterinary Care

Making sure Fluffy sees her doctor regularly is very important! If she’s overdue, let this be a reminder to schedule an appointment. We recommend that all cats be microchipped, spayed or neutered, and kept current on exams, vaccinations, and parasite prevention. If your kitty hasn’t had her teeth examined in a while, she’s likely due for a dental checkup as well.

Water

Did you know that many cats prefer to drink running water? Consider getting your furry pal a kitty fountain. 

Purrs

Cats may like to pretend that they’re cold and aloof, but they’re actually quite emotional. Pay lots of attention to Fluffy, and keep that little motor going. Things like toys, treats, catnip, and pet furniture will also help keep your kitty content.

Do you have questions or concerns about caring for your feline pal? Contact us, your Roanoke, VA veterinary clinic, today!

Cat Care, General Care, General Health

Caring for an Aging Cat

Did you know that cats are officially considered seniors by the time they are 11? Our feline friends usually age slowly and gracefully, so you probably won’t’ notice major changes happening very quickly. However, as your furry buddy grows older, you will want to make some changes to her care routine. Read on as a Roanoke, VA vet offers some advice on caring for an aging kitty.

Grooming

Older kitties sometimes have trouble reaching their entire bodies to groom themselves. Brushing Fluffy gently will help keep her fur from getting matted or tangled. This is a good time to check your pet for bumps, bruises, or other signs of trouble.

Playing

Playing is actually great for your kitty! Running and jumping keep her in shape physically, while timing those pounces offers her mental stimulation. Try to play with your feline pal every day. Don’t worry about overdoing it: if Fluffy gets tired, she’ll just walk away and find her next napping spot.

Kitty Luxuries

Fluffy will spend most of her retirement napping and relaxing. Make sure your home has plenty of comfy kitty napping spots. Store-bought beds are fine, but your furball will also enjoy sleeping on an ottoman or chair with soft blankets.

Safety

We recommend that all cats stay indoors. This is especially important for older kitties! Fluffy won’t be as quick or agile as she once was, and may not be able to escape predators. She may also forget how to get home, and will be at higher risk of getting lost.

Confusion

Just like people, cats can get a bit confused and forgetful in their golden years. Fluffy may forget where her water dish is, or get lost on the way to her litterbox. She may meow loudly to vocalize her angst. Just try to soothe her.

Litterboxes

Speaking of litterboxes, you may want to get one with low sides. We also recommend keeping litterboxes on every floor of your home. That way, your cat won’t have to navigate the stairs as much.

Purrs

The most important thing you can do for your feline buddy is just pay attention to her, and make her feel loved. Just be very gentle when picking Fluffy up or putting her down!

Please contact us, your local Roanoke, VA vet clinic, for all of your senior pet’s veterinary care needs. We are here to help!

Cat Care, General Care, General Health

7 Ways To Keep Your Cat Happy and Healthy

Cats are very cute and lovable pets, and they have many charming qualities that have helped them earn places in our homes and hearts, as well as on our laps. One great thing about these cuddly little furballs is the fact that they are quite easy to care for. However, they aren’t completely independent. Fluffy needs good TLC in order to thrive. Here, a Roanoke, VA vet discusses keeping kitties happy, healthy, and purring.

Good Food

Proper nutrition will go a long way towards keeping your cute pet in good health. Offer Fluffy the best pet food you can afford. Treats are fine, but don’t go overboard. If your feline pal becomes obese, she could develop some very serious health issues!

Clean Litterbox

While cleaning litterboxes isn’t the best part of having a kitty, it is necessary. We recommend scooping daily, and changing the litter every week or so.

Beds

You may have noticed that cats are rather tired. Apparently, looking cute and doing nothing is really exhausting! Offer your sleepy furball plenty of comfy napping spots. Store-bought beds are great, but Fluffy probably won’t turn her nose up at a soft pillow or blanket in a box.

Playtime!

Cats are hunters by nature, so they are more or less wired to pounce and jump on things. Take time to play with Fluffy every day! Also, make sure she has plenty of things she can play with by herself when you’re out.

Stimulation

You may not think boredom is much of a problem for kitties. However, cats can get irritable, lonely, and unhappy with nothing to do, especially when they are home alone. Fluffy will appreciate having lots of nooks and crannies to explore. Pet furniture is great, but boxes, paper bags, and newspaper tunnels will also work. Kitties also like looking out windows, so offer your furry little voyeur a comfy spot with a good view.

Veterinary Care

It’s probably safe to say that Fluffy would rather take a nap than come visit us, but don’t be swayed. Proper veterinary care is crucial for your cat’s health! Follow your vet’s recommended appointment schedule.

Love

Love is the magic ingredient in any pet care routine. Pay lots of attention to Fluffy, and make sure she feels loved!

Please contact us, your Roanoke, VA vet clinic, anytime. We offer great veterinary care!

Cat Care, General Care

DIY Cat Toys

Did you know that playing is beneficial to your cat, both mentally and physically? Kitties can get bored and unhappy with nothing to do all day. Making sure Fluffy has plenty of toys is very important! You don’t have to break the bank buying cat toys, however. There are lots of great playthings you can make your feline buddy. Making cat toys is also a great rainy-day project for kids. A Roanoke, VA vet lists some cute DIY kitty toys below.

Catnip Mice

For the easy version of this, just take some baby socks, stuff them with catnip, and sew the openings shut. Voila! If you want something a bit more involved, you can use patterns to create specific shapes. Add felt ears and pipe-cleaner whiskers if you like!

Toilet Paper Roll

You can do quite a bit with the cardboard tubes from toilet paper or paper towels. Cut them into rings, and assemble them into small balls. Then, put some catnip in the middle. Or, put some treats inside the roll, and then fold the corners into an ‘envelope.’ You can also just cut narrow strips into the ends, then fold them back. Look online for more options.

Cardboard Mouse

In just a few minutes, you can turn a piece of cardboard into a little ‘mouse’ for your kitty to bat around. Trace an outline of a mouse shape, and cut it out. To add depth, glue two together, or make a little ‘fin’ section out of another piece of cardboard.

Puzzle Toy

Take the tube from a can of potato chips. You can peel off the label or cover the can with contact paper. Another option is to glue thick wrapping or parcel paper onto it. Be sure to make the edges neat, so the lid still fits! Then, use a round object to trace circles onto the tube. Cut the circles out with an X-acto knife. Drop a catnip mouse into the tube, close the lid, and tell your feline pal not to use it. She’ll immediately start playing with it!

Pipe Cleaner Kitty Toy

It doesn’t get much simpler than this. Take two pipe cleaners, and twist them into a little ball shape. Just be sure there are no sharp parts sticking out! Presto!

Please contact us, your Roanoke, VA pet hospital, for all your cat’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!

Cat Care, General Care

4 Cute Ways to Spoil Your Cat

Kitties are very popular pets, and with good reason. Fluffy is not only super cute, she’s also very lovable and cuddly, not to mention entertaining. She’s also quite an easy keeper! Giving your feline buddy good food, a clean litterbox, and regular veterinary care will see to her most essential needs. But what does it take to really pamper a cat? Read on as a Troutville, VA vet lists some super cute ways to spoil your feline friend.

Kitty Garden

We recommend that cats live indoors, as they are both safer and healthier as indoor pets. However, you can still give your furball a taste of nature. Set out some pet-safe plants for Fluffy, so she can peek out at you from behind green leaves and pretend she is a ferocious predator. Just be sure to only choose non-toxic plants. You can find a full list at the ASPCA website here.

Vertical Space

Kitties can’t see very much from floor level, so they often like to climb to higher vantage points to get a better look at their kingdoms. Consider getting Fluffy a cat tower, so she can peer down at her domain. This will also provide Fluffy with a napping spot, a jungle gym, and a manicure station. Your furry friend may also enjoy some wall-mounted furniture, like kitty shelves or a catwalk.

Playthings

Playing is very important to your kitty’s health and well-being. A fun play session will not only get Fluffy off the couch and moving, it will also provide her with beneficial mental stimulation. Classic pet toys, like catnip mice, are fine, but you can also offer your furball a cute modern toy, like a robotic mouse. Offer Fluffy a variety of playthings, and see what she likes best. We also recommend playing with your cat regularly. It will be fun for you both!

Love and Cuddles

We may like to joke about how Fluffy is cold and calculating, but the truth is, kitties are really very emotional, and form very strong bonds with their human pals. Spend time with your feline buddy every day, and pay lots of attention to her. Purrs and kitty kisses are both truly precious gifts in our book!

Please contact us, your Troutville, VA veterinary clinic, with any questions or concerns about your cat’s health or care. We’re dedicated to providing excellent care!