Our Services

Fremont Veterinary Routine Health and Wellness Exams

The cornerstone of any preventative pet care and wellness program is regular wellness exams. As a part of our Fremont vet wellness services, these routine exams also make for a great opportunity for you to ask any health-related questions you may have or raise concerns about the health of your pet. Your veterinarian will also use this time to discuss age-related health issues with you as well as provide any new information on the care of your specific type and breed of pet.

Appointments

Our appointment book is computerized which allows us to efficiently make appointments for you and your pet. Our receptionists and team will attempt to accommodate all requests to the best of our ability.

Emergency & Urgent Care

We have a veterinarian and personnel on duty 6 days a week who are trained and equipped to handle any urgent care your pet has. Usually an emergency team consists of at least one veterinarian and several technicians working together to save a pet’s life. If you ever feel that your pet needs emergency treatment do not hesitate to call or come in immediately. If possible it is best to call before coming in so that a team member can advise you on your particular emergency.

We are also available for urgent care when the condition is not life-threatening, but you feel your pet needs to be seen before you are able to get an appointment. Our veterinarians will work to “squeeze” you in between scheduled appointments. When you arrive, our receptionists will be able to give you an estimate on how long you may have to wait in order to be seen.

 

Types of Pets Seen

Because a large number of veterinarians practice at TriCity Veterinary Hospital, we can care for many types of pets:

• Dogs
• Cats
• Rabbits*
• Pocket Pets*
• Reptiles*
• Birds*

   

   

*Select veterinarians only. Call us for more information at (510) 796-8387 to ask a question or make an appointment.

Caring for Senior Dogs: What You Need to Know

As your dog ages, many of his basic needs, from diet to exercise, will begin to change. This guide will help you understand what it takes to keep your senior dog happy and healthy.

Dogs are very good at hiding their health problems and as an owner, it’s your responsibility to keep an eye on your senior dog to ensure that you are adjusting his routine to match changes in his body and immune system that make him less able to cope with physical and environmental stresses. Routine exams, preventive medicine and adjustments to your dog’s lifestyle can help your pooch stay healthy even as the years creep up.

Know When Your Dog Qualifies

Different sized dogs age at varying rates, with larger dogs reaching senior status much sooner than smaller dogs.

While each dog reaches “seniorhood” at a different age, most canines become seniors between 7 and 10 years old. It’s important to know your dog’s age, so you know when he becomes a senior. Ask your vet about when your dog’s needs may begin to change.

Watch Out for Senior Health Issues

You and your vet will begin looking for specific issues that become more prevalent as a dog ages. Here’s a list of some of these issues:

1. Arthritis
2. Cancer (especially testicular or breast cancer)
3. Prostate disease
4. Cognitive disorders
5. Intestinal problems
6. Deafness
7. Dental disease
8. Diabetes mellitus
9. Kidney disease
10. Liver disease
11. Vision problems

Schedule Regular Wellness Exams

Just as with people, regular health checkups become increasingly important as dogs grow older. Most experts agree that senior dogs should be seen at least once every six months. The purpose of these wellness exams is to do three things:

1. Promote your dog’s health and longevity.
2. Recognize and control your pup’s health risks.
3. Detect any illnesses at their earliest stages, which may improve treatment options.

During a typical wellness exam, your vet will ask a variety of health-related questions in order to build a snapshot of your dog’s medical history. These questions often focus on your pup’s regular behaviors and whether you’ve observed any recent changes that may indicate a developing health concern.

During this checkup, vets typically check a dog’s body for tumors, signs of pain, or arthritis. In addition, your vet will assess your dog’s overall appearance and body condition, scanning his eyes, ears, nose, and mouth for irregularities as well as listening to his lungs and heart. A routine checkup may also include the following battery of diagnostic tests.

1. Blood pressure
2. CBC (complete blood count)
3. CHEM screen (liver and kidney function)
4. Urinalysis
5. Thyroid function testing
6. Heartworm blood test
7. Fecal test

Most veterinarians agree that these baseline laboratory tests should be performed at least once a year in adult dogs ages two to seven years old, and more frequently in senior dogs. These baseline screenings allow your vet to monitor any developing trends in your dog’s health status as it changes from year to year. Additional testing may be necessary if your dog has any ongoing health issues, or if these routine screenings uncover any unusual results.

Consistently Monitor Your Senior Dog’s Health

Many of the illnesses that commonly plague senior dogs are obvious even to the untrained eye. So it’s important that you monitor changes in your dog’s health between regular vet visits. If any of the following signs present themselves, contact your vet immediately.

• Incontinence (sometimes evidenced by accidents in the house)
• Lumps
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Shortness of breath or other difficulty breathing
• Coughing
• Weakness
• Unusual discharges
• Changes in appetite, water intake, or urination
• Stiffness or limping
• Increased vocalization
• Uncharacteristic aggression or other behavioral changes

Unexplained fluctuations in your dog’s weight may be an early sign of an underlying disease. Weight management itself can be a huge factor in your dog’s health. Obesity in dogs increases the risk of developing arthritis and a number of other diseases.

Take Action

Along with being more watchful over your senior dog’s health, it’s crucial that you keep up with routine preventive care such as parasite prevention, dental care, vaccinations, and nutritional management. As your dog’s immune system weakens, the importance of routine basic care only increases.

Create a comfortable environment for your aging best friend with easy access to food, supportive bedding, and fresh water whenever he needs it. In addition, plenty of regular attention and affection is good for morale, both yours and your senior dog’s.

Adjust Your Dog’s Nutrition

Foods designed for senior dogs often have less fat, but not lower protein levels. Ask your vet to recommend a senior dog food formula for your dog. Size typically determines the age at which you should shift your dog to a senior-friendly diet:

• Small breeds (dogs weighing less than 20 pounds) – 7 years old
• Medium breeds (21 to 50 pounds) – 7 years old
• Large breeds (51 to 90 pounds) – 6 years old
• Giant breeds (91 pounds or heavier) – 5 years old

Smaller, more frequent meals are often easier on a senior dog’s digestive system. You may also want to adjust your bathroom routine, giving your dog more frequent opportunities to go outside.

Adjust Your Home’s Comfort Level

Older dogs can’t regulate their body temperature as well as they could in their younger days. It is important to keep your dog warm, dry, and indoors when he’s not out getting his exercise. Senior canines are also more sensitive to heat and humidity, so protect them from conditions in which they may overheat.

If your dog has arthritis, he may prefer a ramp instead of walking up the stairs, extra blankets on his bed, or even a new bed designed to promote orthopedic health. If your dog suffers from vision loss, it’s a good idea to ease his anxiety by keeping floors clear of clutter. These little things add up.

Don’t Forget Dental Care

Plaque and tartar buildup can lead to a number of nasty health problems for your dog. Regular brushing with a specially formulated canine toothpaste can reduce the likelihood of any problems. Discuss with your vet whether your dog should come into the office for a thorough cleaning.

Caring for a Pregnant Cat

Before we start talking about how to care for a pregnant cat, let me say first that I am not encouraging you to breed your cat unless you are a responsible breeder with a wide base of knowledge about your chosen breed.

Breeding your cat so that your children can see the “miracle of life,” because you think your cat needs to experience having a litter of kittens, or because you just have to have one of your cat’s kittens is unacceptable.

That being said, I understand that there may be legitimate circumstances under which you need to take care of a pregnant cat. You may have adopted a pregnant stray cat, or you may be fostering a pregnant cat. If that’s the case, I salute you for taking on the responsibility.

One of the most important things your pregnant cat will need is good nutrition. She’ll need additional calories as she progresses through her pregnancy. After all, she’s eating for more than one. Choose a food suitable for reproduction. Kitten food is usually a good choice. Plan on increasing the amount of food provided as your pregnant cat nears her term.

Shortly before her due date, provide your cat with a box or similar shelter where she can give birth to and care for her kittens. Line the box with soft blankets or towels. Choose materials that are easy to launder and/or easy to clean or replace. Place the box in a quiet, familiar location, and show your cat where the box is located.

Don’t be surprised if your pregnant cat chooses a location other than the box you have prepared to actually have her kittens. If so, don’t be afraid to move the kittens to the prepared box once they’re born. It’s perfectly fine to handle the kittens; handling them will not cause your cat to abandon or injure her kittens.

When your pregnant cat’s time comes and she’s ready to give birth to her kittens, watch her closely. It’s likely she’ll be able to deliver her kittens without your help. However, there are some things that should prompt you to seek veterinary care.

• If your cat is having active contractions and has not passed a kitten within 15-20 minutes, seek veterinary care.
• If you see part of the fetus or placenta protruding from your cat’s vulva and she does not pass the kitten very quickly (within a minute or two), get your cat to her veterinarian.
• It’s not abnormal for a cat to rest between having kittens. However, if more than 2 hours passes between kittens, consult with your cat’s veterinarian.
• It’s a good idea to have your cat examined by your veterinarian when she finishes queening as well.

It’s normal for your cat to have a discharge from her vulva after the birth of her kittens. However, if the discharge becomes foul-selling, consult with your veterinarian.

Your cat will likely spend most of her time with her new kittens. For the first few weeks of their life, the kittens will depend on their mother to help regulate their body temperature and keep them warm. She will also clean the kittens regularly and will eat their excretions. This is normal. However, if your female cat is not eating her food normally or is otherwise acting abnormally, have her examined by her veterinarian. If she is vomiting or experiencing diarrhea, she may be ill. Likewise, if she is having tremors or seizures, she needs prompt medical care.

Around 4-5 weeks of age, you can start introducing your kittens to solid food. Once they are eating solid food readily, usually around 6-8 weeks, you can begin weaning them. However, socialization is extremely important to the development of your kittens, especially during the first 8-10 weeks of their lives. Kittens should remain with their litter mates, if possible, until at least 8 weeks of age.

HAPPY NEW YEARS!

New Year 2017 will be celebrated on the occasion of Entering into Happy New year 2017. Hope that this would be a Wonderful year with great Thoughts. Happy New Year’s 2017 celebration is a prodigious time when memories are recalled, and upcoming events are planned. It’s the time when people start exchanging Happy New Year 2017

4 Common Home Remedies for Your Cat

More people are turning to natural remedies for both themselves and their pets. While nothing can replace the expertise of your local vet, there are many natural remedies to combat common cat ailments. Below you will find several popular holistic methods — all of which can be done from the comfort of your own home.

 1. The Itchy and Scratchy Show

The causes for itching are many, including fleas, dandruff, or even allergies. But regardless of the cause, itchy cats make for rude unfriendly pets. Help Ms. Scratchy Cat out with a soothing, homemeade dip of rosemary, peppermint, or pennyroyal (these are especially helpful for itching associated with flea). Just be careful when using essential oils, as cats often don’t respond well ingesting them. You could also try a tea bath with catnip or aloe to soothe your cat’s skin.

Does your cat have skin flakes? We recommend you skip the dandruff shampoo and use a humidifier instead. A humidifier, in conjunction with a healthy diet, will assist in rejuvenating and re-moisturizing the cat’s dry, scaly skin, which is generally caused by a lack of moisture in the home environment.

 2. Hairball Central

Never mind that these little “surprises” are disgusting to look at, but some cats scatter them around the home like a minefield. And doesn’t it always seem that you only step on them while you’re barefoot? Shaving your cat might be a tempting idea, but we don’t recommend it. Have you ever seen how pathetic a wet cat looks? A shaved cat will look much the same. Instead, step up the grooming routine and try a less drastic remedy for those pesky hairballs. Brush your feline friend daily and then thoroughly wipe down its fur with a moist towel.

You can also help your cat pass the hairballs by giving it a little petroleum jelly or butter to eat (butter may be better, as far as kitty is concerned). Just half a teaspoon for a few days will help. No more, no less. Of course, a diet high in fiber and exercise is another solution to your hairball problem. So get on it, kick off your shoes, and make your home a hairball-free zone again.

 3. Attack of the Bladder Cat

Cats, especially male cats, are susceptible to bladder/urethra issues and blockages. If your cat has had such problems, unsweetened cranberry juice may help prevent a reoccurrence. This is because cranberry increases urine acidity which means less chance of blockages or infections.

So try adding cranberry powder to your cat’s food, or cranberry juice to her water. If your cat is finicky, try a syringe of juice daily straight into your cat’s mouth or give her a cranberry capsule. However, consult your vet or the expert at the local holistic pet store for advice on the proper dosage.

 4. Not On My Turf

Kitties can be very territorial; some are always looking for an excuse to start a fight. While minor scratches or scrapes don’t warrant an expensive trip to the vet, you should play nurse and tend the wounds (nurse uniform is purely optional). Cleanse the wounds with either diluted baby shampoo or a simple saline solution. You can make your own saline solution from salt and water, or use a first-aid saline solution available at any pharmacy. You might also want to trim the fur around the wound and can keep an eye out for any possible inflammation or infection. If that should occur, contact your vet immediately.

Now you are prepared to try out some of the most popular home remedies on your cat. As always, research the holistic treatment before you begin. And when in doubt, or if your cat shows little or no improvement, take your kitty to see the vet.

Merry Christmas!!

Don’t forget your pets also expect Santa’s visit this season!

TriCity Veterinary Hospital

37177 Fremont Blvd

Fremont, CA 94536

510-796-8387

7 Home Remedies for Your Dog

When you’re feeling under the weather, you might find that the perfect thing for treating what ails you is something you already have in the kitchen. Did you know that you can use similar, simple home remedies to treat allergies in dogs, ailments in dogs, and other canine annoyances, too? with some simple home remedies too? Below you will find seven great natural remedies for making your dog happy and healthy again, whether they are suffering from allergies, dehyrdation, fleas, and more.

1. Vitamin E for Dogs with Dry Skin

Have you ever wondered how to treat dry skin on dogs? Vitamin E is good for preventing those pesky age lines on your face, and it’s also great for your dog’s dry skin. You can give your pup a doggy massage by applying vitamin E oil directly to the skin, a soaking bath with vitamin E added to the water, or you can go all “Hollywood” and pop your dog a pill (of vitamin E, that is).

If you give the vitamin orally, check with your vet on the recommended dosage for your specific dog breed.

 2. Electrolyte-Replacing Liquids for Diarrhea and Vomiting

Flavorless electrolyte-replacing liquids, such as sports waters or pediatric drinks, not only help athletes to replenish fluids, and babies to rehydrate after an illness, they can also supply your sick pooch’s body with much needed fluids after a bout of diarrhea or vomiting.

Consult your veterinarian as to the appropriate dosage amounts when giving these types of liquids to your dog.

 3. Yogurt and Acidophilus for Dogs

Deliciously plain yogurt is a healthy treat for your dog. Just as with humans, the live acidophilus in the yogurt keeps the good bacteria in your dog’s intestines in balance, so that bad bacteria is swiftly knocked out. If your dog is on antibiotics, a little yogurt will also help keep yeast infections at bay (a common side-effect of antibiotic treatment). You can also give your dog acidophilus pills — wrapping the pills in bacon is strictly optional.

Puppies are especially prone to yeast infections, so a little plain yogurt as a snack (or even dessert) can help keep things in balance; especially useful while the intestinal system is building immunities.

 4. Chamomile Tea for Dogs

Chamomile tea uses the natural disinfecting effects of the chamomile plant to settle upset doggy tummies. It is recommended for colic, gas, and anxiety. It can also alleviate minor skin irritations. Just chill in the fridge and spray onto the affected area on the dog’s raw skin. Your dog should feel an immediate soothing effect as the chilled tea kills the yeast and/or bacteria on the skin. A warm (not hot) tea bag can also be used for soothing infected or irritated eyes.

5. Oatmeal to Stop Your Dog from Itching

An itchy dog can be quite an annoyance, especially as it goes around scratching itself on any piece of furniture it can reach. But don’t blame your dog, sometimes they’re ircy because of allergies and can’t help but to scratch. If your pup is itchy, forget the backscratcher! Finely ground oatmeal is a time-honored remedy for irritated skin. You can use baby oatmeal cereal or grind it yourself in a food processor. Stir the oatmeal into a bath of warm water and let your dog soak in the healing goodness. Your dog will thank you, trust us. Dogs with skin allergies, infections, and other diseases which cause itchiness have been shown to gain immediate relief with this approach, too.

6. Epsom Salt Bath for Dogs’ Wounds

Dogs can be like kids at times, and as such they are bound to suffer from wounds and the occasional unexplained swelling. Try treating these ailments with Epsom salt soaks and heat packs next time. A bath consisting of Epsom salt and warm water can help reduce the swelling and the healing time, especially when combined with prescribed antibiotics and veterinary supervision. Be sure that your pet does not ingest Epsom salt, however, as it can be very harmful. Also, do not bathe your pet in Epsom salt if there are open wounds.

If soaking your dog in an Epsom salt bath twice a day for five minutes isn’t convenient or practical, a homemade heat pack using a clean towel drenched in the same warm-water solution can be applied to wounds for the same effect.

7. Flea Home Remedies

Does your dog have fleas? Some dogs are allergic to flea bites and just one can cause them to itch for days. Never fear. Before turning to the big guns, try some borax powder. The standard stuff at the store will work wonders on fleas by poking holes in their crunchy insect exoskeletons. A good way to make sure those parasitic suckers get annihilated is to sprinkle the borax on your floor, and then sweep or vacuum up the excess. The invisible borax crystals left behind will kill the fleas and you won’t even have to lift a finger. It’s inexpensive and practically non-toxic compared to an appointment with the exterminator, just make sure that your dog does not ingest any borax.

To relieve the dog’s allergies and repel fleas in its fur, try a simple solution of lemon water. Fleas are repelled by citrus, so this can work both as a flea preventive, and for making your dog smell clean and refreshing. A useful solution can be made by pouring boiled water over lemons and allowing them to steep over night. This solution can then be applied all over your dog’s skin using a fresh spray bottle. And, the tried and true Brewer’s yeast method cannot be left out. Brewer’s yeast can be given as part of a regular diet in powdered form, sprinkled over the dog food, or in tablet form, perhaps wrapped in a small slice of bacon or cheese.

Home (or holistic) remedies aren’t just for tree huggers anymore. It’s important to take care of your dog from  day to day, not just when it’s feeling a little under the weather, and the best way to maintain the best health is often the most natural way. But most of all, it’ll help keeping your “baby” from crying like a hound dog.

Why are dogs tempted to eat grass?

 

Dogs love to munch away on grass, and some even make it part of their daily routine. Fortunately, most experts believe it isn’t something you should worry about. So why exactly do they gobble up that green stuff in your yard?

Scavengers ‘R Us

Dogs, unlike their catty counterparts, are not carnivores. But they’re not like your garden-variety omnivores, either. For tens of thousands of years, these opportunistic scavengers have devoured anything and everything, as long as it fulfilled their basic dietary requirements.

The modern dog, partly because of evolution and domestication, is no longer like its ancestors, which frequently ate their prey entirely, including the stomach contents of plant-eating animals. Instead, dogs today seek out plants as an alternative food source. Most commonly the plant is grass — since that is what is closest at hand — but wild canines are known to eat fruits, berries, and other vegetable matter, too.

Clearly, dogs can find their nutrients in a wide range of plant foods, but that doesn’t explain why Fido usually throws up after eating grass.

When the Tummy’s Grumblin’

A dog will seek out a natural remedy for a gassy or upset stomach, and grass, it seems, may do the trick. When ingested, the grass blade tickles the throat and stomach lining; this sensation, in turn, may cause the dog to vomit, especially if the grass is gulped down rather than chewed.

Although dogs don’t typically graze on large amounts of grass like a cow, they may nibble on grass, chew on it for a while, and not throw up (an unwell dog will tend to gulp the grass down in big bites and then throw up). This may be because they find the texture of the grass palatable, or just because they need to add a little roughageto their diet.

Nutritional Necessity

Whatever the reason may be, most experts see no danger in letting your dog eat grass. In fact, grass contains essential nutrients that a dog might crave, especially if they’re on a commercial diet. If you notice that your dog has been munching away on grass or houseplants, then you may want to introduce natural herbs or cooked vegetables into their diet. Dogs aren’t finicky like cats, but they’re not too fond of raw veggies either. They’re kind of like big furry kids that way.

So, when you think about it, grass munching isn’t that bad at all. However, watch out for a sudden increase in grass eating; it could be a sign of a more serious underlying illness that your dog is trying to self treat, and that requires immediate veterinary assistance.

You may also want to buy a small tray of grass just for the dog, or start an herbal home garden. This will give your poor pooch an alternative to the outdoor grass and landscaping, the eating of which could lead to accidental ingestion of pesticides, herbicides, or chemicals that have been used to treat your (or your neighbor’s) yard.

10 Signs Your Cat Might Be Stressed

Is Your Cat Freaking Out?

Stress can make anyone a little crazy, even our cats. The tricky part is while the anxiety and fear associated with stress affects our cats in much the same way it does us, most cats tend to hide and mask their inner turmoil. Even worse, stress can be an indication that your cat has a health issue. According to Patricia B. McConnell, Ph.D., a certified applied animal behaviorist, chronic stress can even “suppress the immune response, causing a broad range of illnesses.” Here are some signs of stress you’ll want to watch out for in your cat, especially if they occur suddenly.

1. Urinating Outside Litter Box

It’s annoying, smelly and a pain to clean up, but pay attention. Cats that urinate outside the litter box are trying to tell us something. Consult your veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist to find out what it is.

2. Diarrhea, Constipation or other Digestive Issue

This is another rather stinky situation and one that could be indicative of several things. Best not let it go and speak with your vet.

3. Excessive Grooming

Cats are known for their fastidious grooming, but licking themselves raw or bald is a clear sign of distress. Skip the groomer and go straight for the vet’s office.

4. Excessive Scratching

Like compulsive licking, excessive scratching can be indicative of several health and behavioral issues. Make an appointment with your veterinarian before the problem gets out of hand.

5. Isolation

Aloofness is second nature to cats. However, a cat should not be actively and constantly hiding from you and everyone else in the house. Once you’ve managed to wrangle him or her into a cat carrier, go to the vet.

6. Excessive Vocalization

Many find the tone of a cat “talking” quite soothing, but be wary of unusually long or recurring bouts of panicked meows — especially if your cat is not the typical “talker.” If it does happen, take your cat to the veterinarian rather than try to crack the kitty language code.

7. Decrease in Appetite

Cats don’t go on fasts or diets like we do so it’s important to consult a veterinarian if your cat suddenly loses interest in food or stops eating altogether.

8. Increased Sleeping

Just because cats can sleep up to 20 hours a day doesn’t necessarily mean your cat will. By now you will have become accustomed to his or her sleeping schedule. Speak with your veterinarian if you’re cat is sleeping more than usual or seems overly lethargic.

9. Aggression Towards Other Animals

Fights or aggressive actions towards household pets or other animals can be a sign of a stressed or sick cat. Consult your veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist before the problems gets worse.

10. Aggression Towards People

A stressed or sick cat may also display aggression towards people, even you. Again, it’s best to consult your veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist immediately.

Can You Socialize a Kitten

Most people do not think about socializing cats or kittens. The whole behavior thinking process of a cat is different from a dog since they are mostly solitary. As household pets living with a family and exposed to all kinds of situations it is beneficial to give your cat the best and most interesting life you can. It will help if you expose your cat to many different things.

Instead of socializing, you could call the work you do with a cat “desensitization.” This means they are calm or cooperative in many new or different situations. As a cat parent you are probably saying it can’t be done.  Yes cat training is possible and can start at a young age. In fact, most people have never bothered to work with their cats and believe all the old myths floating around about our finicky feline friends.

Some of the things to think about doing with your cat are: Traveling, teaching them to allow you to restrain them, brush them, check their eyes, ears, paws and teaching them what proper scratch items are! They can benefit by traveling around with you on errands, spending playtime on a leash in new areas, and being exposed to new people and animals in controlled environments. All this work will pay off as the kitten grows into a cat.

The more you involve your kitten in activities and interactions with others, the calmer they will be. The benefit is that they will be more likely to respond without fear or defensiveness as they grow older. Your Veterinarian and the Groomer will love you for it! Teaching your kitten right from wrong at an early age will prevent them from challenging you as they get older too. They will not necessarily like what it is you want them to do but they will more likely  to cooperate if you have worked with them early in life.

Working with your cat should be done in short calm sessions. Brushing them is a good place to start with since it is so pleasurable. Next you can examine the ears by rubbing them. As you rub you can look in their ears, and touch different parts of the ear with your finger. This is great if you have to clean ears or medicate the cat later in life.  GO SLOW! The biggest problem most people have is moving too fast with this type of work.

Holding the paws and gently applying pressure to extend the claws is another useful practice. You can do some amazing things with your cat if you take the time. Nail clipping, touching your cat all over, and other types of restraint will be easier if you work at it slowly. Later invite friends and neighbors to come over and visit. By socializing your cat to people they will be more calm around strangers later in life.

You can also help develop your cat’s intelligence by exposing them to lots of new things. A different amount of toys that are changed or rotated are a necessity. The most favorite toys can be pretty simple. Paper bags, the rings off of milk bottles, rolled up foil and other household items make great play items on a budget. They always seem to be the favorites over anything else too!

Teaching a cat to crate or enter a carrier is one of the more critical things to teach. Placing bedding in it or traveling with the cat in the carrier will get yourfeline comfortable with it.

This is critical  should the need for disaster evacuation, temporary housing during travel, and restraint be necessary. Many people have lost their cats because they were moving and did not think about securely putting their cat into a carrier or separate room for their safety.

It does not matter if you get a pure bred kitten or rescue an alley cat since they all need the same loving care and guidance. Spend the time with your new family member and they will grow into a very secure and loving pet.

These suggestions and ideas will help show you what to do with your cat to make them happier, healthier, more secure and perhaps a bit more cooperative despite their independent nature.