Comfy Kitties: The Many Benefits of a Cat Friendly Practice
It all starts with getting your cat into the carrier, then comes the harrowing car ride to the clinic, followed by the stress of managing a fearful or angry feline in the examination room. Most cat owners agree that taking their cats to the vet is not easy. Cats are creatures of habit, and are highly sensitive to the scary sights, sounds, and smells associated with the veterinary clinic.
At Clairmont Animal Hospital, we understand the challenges of bringing your cat or kitten in for a visit. We’re proud to hold a Cat Friendly Practice certification by the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), and are excited to share what this designation means for you and your cat!
Tale as Old as Time: Revealing Why Cats Knead
If we were asked which feline behaviors we enjoy the most, it would be a pretty long list. We really like (in no particular order) the butt wiggle and pounce, long, slow eye blinks that say “I love you,” chirping while eyeing birds through a window or catio…to be sure, the list goes on and on.
While every cat is unique, they all share certain traits that endear them to cat fanciers around the globe. However, few feline behaviors are more perplexing than when cats knead.
How to Build a Catio and Why You Should
There’s no question that pet cats live longer, healthier lives when they are kept exclusively indoors. Indoor cats are protected from injury, have fewer problems with illness and disease, and tend to have much longer lifespans than their outdoor peers. That being said, any cat owner who has witnessed his or her cat stare longingly out the window for hours on end probably doesn’t feel completely comfortable with the indoor-only arrangement.
But what other option is there? Enter, the “catio”!
All of us at Clairmont Animal Hospital believe that indoor cats shouldn’t miss out on fun and enrichment, which is why we are so excited to tell you all about something called a catio and how you can build one for your feline friends!
What’s the Secret to a Long Life? Preventive Cat Care!
We could easily make the case that our cats chose us instead of the other way around. It’s one of the many reasons we love to live with felines – if it’s not their idea, you can hit the road (but maybe come back later for a cuddle or two?). Specifically, it can be slightly difficult to convince a tenacious feline that regular visits to the vet are for his or her own good. However, the secret to helping your cat live a long, healthy, happy life is preventive cat care.
Establishing Wellness
Cats carry the burden of an inaccurate reputation. Many people think they’re a sort of semi self-sufficient species. Certainly, some cats are perceived as less demanding or independent, but they have just as many health needs as other pets.