Articles
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Scratching is normal feline behavior. Cats use their claws to mark territory, climb to safety, hunt prey, and stretch their bodies, among other important routine behaviors. Cats that live primarily or exclusively indoors are still inclined to claw prominent objects and do not discriminate based on an object’s personal value, which may be undesirable to their owners. Providing multiple appropriate scratching surfaces that suit your cat's preferences and using positive reinforcement when your cat scratches these provided surfaces can be helpful. If you notice changes in your cat’s pattern of scratching, check with your veterinarian. Your cat may be experiencing pain or another health condition. Next, a behavioral consultation may be needed to identify the underlying behavioral condition and to find an appropriate treatment.
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Cats vocalize to communicate. Vocalizing can be problematic when it interferes with people’s sleep. Often, the behavior develops due to unintentional reinforcement. Since vocalization can also reflect underlying illness, particularly if it is a new behavior, both a medical exam and a behavioral work-up are needed. Providing adequate social and environmental enrichment while discontinuing reinforcement can resolve the problem.
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A Cat Friendly Practice is a voluntary designation through the Feline Veterinary Medical Association (FelineVMA). To earn the Cat Friendly Practice designation, a veterinary practice must demonstrate that they have taken specific steps to understand cats' unique needs and have implemented feline-friendly standards of care.
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A cat-only veterinary practice is typically designed and built with cat comfort in mind. Feline Practices are especially interested in delivering medical care to cats in ways that help the cat (and her human family members) experience as little stress as possible. Cats need to see their veterinarians for preventive care. It is recommended that cats be seen by their veterinarian twice per. You can make regular veterinary assessment as easy as possible for your cat by seeking out a cat only veterinary practice.
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Treats are a great way to bond with your cat but are an additional source of calories that must be considered within the overall diet. Treats should be no more than10% of your cat's daily calorie intake and, in greater quantities, can create a nutritional imbalance. Consider choosing lower calorie treats for your cat to avoid exceeding the 10% rule.
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There are many potential hazards for cats who live outdoors. This handout discusses some hazards including wild animals, infections, parasites, toxins, and cars, among others. Fenced yards do not protect cats nor keep them contained to the yard. If you feel your cat must go outdoors, train them to wear a leash and harness and/or create a safe outdoor cat enclosure and always monitor them when they are outdoors.
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Periodontal disease is the most common problem affecting cats of all age groups. The importance of daily, at-home dental care cannot be overemphasized. Cats may benefit from either a food, treat, water additive, gel or powder that has been approved by the VOHC to reduce plaque buildup.
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Online shopping is convenient, but it’s important to be cautious about what you purchase online, especially when it comes to your pet's medications. Follow recommendations from your veterinary clinic and avoid any company that does not require a prescription from your veterinarian.
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Brushing Your Cat's Teeth
Enseñar a su gato a aceptar que se cepille los dientes puede llevar cierto entrenamiento, pero se convertirá en algo sencillo una vez se acostumbre al proceso. El lavado de dientes diario es lo ideal, pero si sus horarios no le permiten hacerlo cada día, un cepillado de dos veces al día es aceptable.
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Brushing Your Dog's Teeth
¿Por qué debería cepillar los dientes a mi perro? Se estima que alrededor de 2/3 de los perros con una media de tres años tienen periodontitis, una inflamación o infección del tejido alrededor del diente. La enfermedad periodontal empieza con una gingivitis y progresa hasta afectar a la raíz del diente. Si no se trata a tiempo, la enfermedad periodontal puede llevar a una pérdida del diente.
