When a cat likes her scratching post and uses it exclusively, chances are, it will eventually start looking a bit ragged. Better the post looks ragged than the furniture, right? You may be tempted to toss out the old post and treat kitty to a brand new one. Before you do that, there’s a right…
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Many people don’t realize animals grieve the loss of companions and family members. Even if companion cats had a hostile relationship, the surviving cat may still grieve the loss. There’s confusion about where the other cat has gone. To add to the initial grief of the surviving cat, there’s the fact that humn family members…
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For those of us who consider cats as our family members, it is almost inconceivable that some people dislike them or actually hate them. “Hate” is a strong word to use against any living creature, especially a sentient being, a category which embraces humans, cats, and many animals. But there are such people, more kindly…
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Whether you plan a funeral or memorial, one immediate practical issue to address is transporting your pet’s body from the home or veterinary hospital to the final resting place. Your veterinarian is a valuable resource for information on laws and costs pertaining to the options in your area. Burial of a Pet ChiefMany people prefer…
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While experts favor honesty and openness, pet euthanasia presents an exceptionally difficult challenge for parents. Some parents may choose not to go into detail with their children, but simply say that a pet died. “Euthanasia is a difficult concept for adults to grasp, let alone young children,” Howie says. A child’s age and maturity level,…
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House soiling is the number one complaint among cat owners. The good news is that it is very treatable. An accredited veterinarian can help you determine if the problem is medical or related to social or environmental stressors. In addition to a complete physical exam, the doctor will ask you specific “where and when” questions. Health…
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10 basic steps to pill your cat successfully: Tip up the cat’s head. Position your forefinger and thumb on the cat’s forehead. Rest the tips of your forefinger and thumb on the cat’s upper lip. Gently press your thumb and fingertip into your cat’s mouth. Hold the pill in a pincer-like grip. Apply pressure with…
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If your pet’s a kitten, or you’re simply planning for your dream cat, this process can go much smoother when you start young. It takes patience and frequent, informal paw massages to let them cuddle longer and not squirm away immediately. The time when your pet is ready to frolic is not the time to tackle paw trims. It’s…
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Can we keep our cats away from the laundry? No! but we can handle laundry in a way that can keep everybody happy! A few useful tips: Restrict access. Depending on our setup, we can close the laundry room door or bring our clean clothes from the laundry in a container which keeps our cats away until it…
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The fourth of July is one of our nation’s most celebrated holidays, filled with fun backyard activities, barbecue dining and booming fireworks lighting up the night sky. If you include your furry friends at a 4th of July celebration, take safety precautions to ensure that your cat is protected from some common maladies. Food Toxicity Barbecues can…
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