Happy Cat Month

Happy cat getting loved

How Are You Celebrating Happy Cat Month?

Can you imagine life without your cat? Those fluffy felines make life more interesting, provide countless hours of entertainment, and offer unconditional love. It's only fitting an entire month is dedicated to them every September. If you don't have any plans for Happy Cat Month yet, these suggestions may give you a few ideas.

Buy Your Cat Something Nice

Every holiday is better with gifts, including Happy Cat Month. Your cat is sure to appreciate a new toy, special treat, or even a custom-made climbing structure. If your local pet supply store doesn't have an ample selection of cat items, check out one of the many online stores dedicated to pets.

Not sure what to buy your cat? Most cats enjoy stalking and capturing prey. Indulge your pet's prey drive with a dangling toy at the end of a kitty fishing road or a battery-operated mouse that moves just like the real thing. Interactive toys keep your pet intellectually stimulated, while cat tunnels and condos offer the perfect spots to explore or take a cat nap.

Spend More Time With Your Pet

Society regards cats as aloof creatures, but as a feline lover, you probably know that's not exactly true. Although some cats prefer to keep their distance from people, many enjoy nothing better than curling up next to their favorite humans on the couch. Increasing the time you spend with your cat is one of the best gifts you can give your pet, whether you set aside time for a grooming session, play chase with your cat, or stream a new show with your pet at your side.

Cat-Proof Your Home

Cats can get into all sorts of trouble when left alone for just a few moments. Cat-proofing your home will prevent injuries and illnesses that could require an emergency trip to the veterinarian. Get down on the floor and view your home from your cat's point of view to identify potential hazards. Your cat-proofing plan may include:

  • Promptly Putting Away String, Thread, Needles, Yarn and Other Items That Could Harm Your Cat if Eaten
  • Storing Medication and Cleaning Products in Cabinets Secured with Childproof Locks
  • Keeping Trash in a Can That Closes Securely
  • Using Flameless Candles
  • Keeping Chocolate, Onions, Garlic, Scallions, Leeks, Alcohol and Caffeinated Products Secured in Cat-Proof Containers. (These foods can sicken or kill your pet.)
  • Buying House Plants That Are Safe for Pets
  • Shortening Cords on Blinds and Shades
  • Attaching Furniture to the Walls
  • Putting Essential Oils and Oil Burners Out of Reach

Offer a Place to Scratch

Scratching offers many benefits for your cat. According to The Humane Society of the United States, your cat scratches to:

  • Remove the Dull Outer Part of the Nails
  • Stretch Its Body
  • Make Its Territory
  • Show Emotion

Your cat will be less likely to shred your new couch if you provide a convenient place to scratch. The ideal scratching posts are sturdy, stable and long enough for your cat to extend its body fully.

Keep an Eye on Your Pet's Weight

Do you throw handfuls of food in your pet's dish instead of following the feeding recommendations on the package? Your pet is more likely to develop a weight problem if too much food is available. As many as 56 million American cats are overweight or obese, according to estimates from the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. Gaining too much weight increases your cat's risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, urinary tract disease, joint issues, high blood pressure and arthritis.

If you can't feel your cat's ribs when you pet it, it may be overweight. Your veterinarian can recommend the best type of food for your pet and offer tips that will help your cat lose weight safely.

Make a Trip to See the Veterinarian

Annual visits to the veterinarian are essential for your cat's good health. Unfortunately, health problems aren't always obvious in the earliest stages. Regular visits help your pet's veterinarian spot signs of diseases and illnesses and offer treatments that will help protect your cat's health. Check-ups include a head-to-toe examination, a blood test and vaccinations if needed.

Ready to schedule a visit with the veterinarian? Just give us a call to make your cat's appointment.

Sources:

The Humane Society of the United States: Cats: Destructive Scratching

Association for Pet Obesity Prevention: National Pet Obesity Awareness Day

Catster: 11 Tips for Cat-Proofing Your Home This Fall, 9/30/2013

Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University: Five Ways Being Overweight Can Harm Your Cat’s Health, 9/21/2017

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Testimonials

Feedback from our clients

  • "Words can not begin to express our gratitude for the care you had given Hunter over the years. When his time came, he watched for you to come through the door and his tail showed his affection towards you. That was most comforting having you there. Thank you.""
    ~R.H
  • ""Thank you so much for taking care of Maggie over the years. Y'all are the best and Dr. Johnson, you are the best vet in the world! God bless you all.""
    ~ J.D.
  • ""Your care for my beloved Mattie these last 10n years made her life, and mine much better….God bless each of you for all you did for us and I'm sure for all your other two and four legged patients.""
    ~E.D.
  • ""Thank you for saving my life." ~T.C."
    ~T.C.
  • ""I can not express how grateful I am for you and your staff… I appreciate everything you did in Beckham's treatment. He was so lucky to have such a wonderful doctor on his side. Thank you for all you do for the benefit of all our beloved pets.""
    ~L.B.
  • ""Dr. Johnson - There are no words that can truly capture your kindness.""
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  • ""Thank you for the great care you took of Taco and the rest of our family. He is doing great now! He is enjoying running and playing with all four legs again.""
    ~W.C
  • ""People who avail themselves of your services at the clinic certainly are blessed to have such a caring staff....bless you and your devoted staff.""
    ~E.D.
  • ""A sincere thank you for taking such good care of Dulce. We are so thrilled that she is back to her normal self. You gave her the support and care she needed in her darkest hours and kept us confident in her recovery.""
  • ""Just to say how much we appreciate all of you. You all are wonderful people. We feel blessed to have our beloved furry children in your care when they need it. Your professional knowledge and your acts of kindness have a beautiful act all it's own. You are a great vet, compassionate and everything good all in one. You are in our daily prayers.""
    ~T.F.
  • ""Thank you and all of your staff for the excellent care you gave to my wonderful Abbey, who was so much a part of the family. Thank you for all the advice and support you gave to me these last few months. I don't know how I would have gotten through this without your constant support. I will, and I have highly recommended you to family and friends, as I feel you are the best!""
    ~P.B.
  • ""Thank you for taking care of my kitty, Slingshot. He is feeling better and better. My Paw-Paw said that you took extra special care of him and I really appreciate it. So, thank you again for taking care of my cat.""
    ~T.B. (age 6)
  • ""Dr. Johnson, I don't know why you decided to move here from your home in New Jersey, but I absolutely believe it was so you could help me and Mickey. I know coming to someone's home is not what a typical veterinarian would do, but you are obviously an extraordinary man in a world filled with ordinary men….On top of that, your sensitive and wonderful handwritten note arrived and touched my heart…You are one of those quiet, unheralded champions who make life easier for everyone you touch.""
    ~C.W.
  • ""Thank you so much for taking care of Lola when she had her reaction, and your office was already closed. I know you took time away from yourself and your family and I really appreciate it.""
    ~R.M.
  • ""Thank you for giving me more time with my best friend. We are all so grateful.""
    ~A.M.
  • ""Thank you for all of your support for Maxine during her illness. All was very much appreciated and will always be remembered. I have related to all my friends of what a great doctor and staff at Birdneck Animal Hospital.""
    ~O.B.
  • ""Thank you for taking such good care of me over the last 4 years. I am doing well and both legs and feet feel great. You sis an awesome job on me Dr. Johnson, and I'm gonna have a great year this year and I hope to see you only for my check up. You guys are the best!""
    ~Budkus
  • "We can't thank you enough for the wonderful and loving care you gave to"Budkus" while he was in your care. He was so little and so sick and we were so scared for him. Each and every one of the staff members made us feel like we had the only dog in the world. Like nothing else mattered except getting "Budkus" well again. Our deepest gratitude to all of you for the excellent care and attention we received, for your encouragement, comfort, and understanding, and most importantly for saving his life! Thank you so much.""
    ~ J.,B.,C.