The Cat's Meow Archives | Veterinary Blog for Los Angeles - Shiloh Veterinary Hospital /blog/category/cats-meow/ Veterinary Care That Comes To You! Mon, 12 Aug 2024 19:18:34 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 Feline Feng Shui: Designing a Harmonious Living Space for Your Cat’s Well-Being /blog/feline-feng-shui-designing-a-harmonious-living-space-for-your-cats-well-being/ Mon, 12 Aug 2024 19:18:33 +0000 /blog/?p=347 Felines are notoriously finicky, and they often like their home environments to be just so. If you’re interested in harmonizing your home for cats according to the principles of feng shui, keep reading! What is Feng Shui? Feng shui is an ancient Taoist Chinese practice that “centers around energy flow and the ways items in […]

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cat on couch.

Felines are notoriously finicky, and they often like their home environments to be just so. If you’re interested in harmonizing your home for cats according to the principles of feng shui, keep reading!

What is Feng Shui?

Feng shui is an ancient Taoist Chinese practice that “centers around energy flow and the ways items in your environment affect how you feel about your surroundings,” so it’s easy to see why this art of household arranging could appeal to cats. According to Architectural Digest, when you create a home using the principles of feng shui, you arrange furniture and decor “to promote health, harmony, and balance…to allow for proper energy flow that aligns with natural forces.”

Sometimes those “natural forces” are your cat’s well-being in the home and their expressions about how the home makes them feel. Cats who feel unsettled in the home may eliminate outside the litter box, refuse meals, scratch the furniture, and more. Arranging your house according to a feline-friendly version of Feng Shui is worth it to keep your kitty happy at home!

Why Create Cat-Centric Living Spaces?

Feline-focused interior design can help your pet live their best life in an otherwise people-pleasing home. While humans tend to live via the horizontal spaces in our homes, cats will consider the vertical as well. We will sit at a desk, then simply cross a hallway to stand at a kitchen counter. But cats will move down from a cat tree to the floor, and then up to a windowsill if they choose. They also sleep and play in places we might not even fit, like behind a couch, under a bed, or on a bookshelf.

Kitties will also do a fair amount of moving around at night, and rather than switch on a lamp like we might, they’ll rely on their great low light vision and on the air vibration and tangible environmental information they get from their sensitive whiskers. Cats can’t actually see in complete darkness, though, so it helps if they can be familiar with any furnishings or decorations that can create an obstacle. In the light or the dark, they’ll appreciate a good flow throughout the home as they move from perch to food bowl to toy bin to litter box.

And speaking of these different locales, cats will appreciate separate “stations” so that they can bird watch, eat, play, and eliminate in dedicated spaces. Cats prefer peace and privacy, especially at meal or bathroom times.

Cat Feng Shui Principles

While achieving an authentic Feng Shui setup relies on working with an expert in your home, there are some general ideals that overlap between Taoist beliefs and functional feline living:

  • Declutter—give your cat ample space to play, exercise, eat, and even use the litter box.
  • Position large furniture wisely—in a cat’s world, a perch or cat tree might be the focus of their everyday life, and it should not be crammed into a corner as an afterthought.
  • Consider form and function—from the simple food dish to the entertaining catnip toy to the beloved bed, beauty can mean that your cat’s items are not chipped, torn, or otherwise damaged; this is important for comfort and safety.

Overall, the practice of feng shui “dictates where objects should be placed in relation to windows and doors,” so you would consider your entire living space, from front to back and top to bottom.

It’s not truly authentic Chinese or Taoist culture to try to create “Feline Feng Shui,” but you can set up a home space that is cat-friendly, which will make the entire household happier, too! If you’d like to ask questions about your cat’s home environment, Shiloh Mobile Veterinary Hospital can bring our veterinary care right to you. Call us today at (818) 614-9929 to set up your in-home visit!

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Top 5 Most Hazardous Holiday Decorations for Cats /blog/top-5-most-hazardous-holiday-decorations-for-cats/ Tue, 12 Dec 2023 21:28:13 +0000 /blog/?p=311 The holidays bring coziness, cheer, joy…and potential hazards for any kitties who live in your home. The team at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital can help you prepare—whether you’re a first-time cat parent or a long-timer in need of a refresher. Our tips for how to decorate for Christmas with cats will show you which holiday decorates […]

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cats near fallen christmas tree.

The holidays bring coziness, cheer, joy…and potential hazards for any kitties who live in your home. The team at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital can help you prepare—whether you’re a first-time cat parent or a long-timer in need of a refresher. Our tips for how to decorate for Christmas with cats will show you which holiday decorates to steer clear of. 

5 Holiday Decorations to Avoid When You Have Cats at Home

1. Toxic Plants for Cats

Even though the holidays hit in the dead of winter, plants are popular during this time. You might be tempted to pick up a pretty poinsettia from the grocery store while you’re doing some holiday shopping. Or a festive amaryllis. 

Don’t do it. These plants can be toxic to cats—especially amaryllis. 

Here’s a non-exhaustive list of toxic holiday plants for cats: 

  • Poinsettia: Contains sap (and usually pesticides) that can irritate your cat’s esophagus and make her sick.
  • Amaryllis: Contains lycorine, a toxin that can make your kitty very sick.
  • Lilies: If a plant has “lily” in the name or comes from the Lilium or Hemerocallis genera, give it to a cat-free friend, as lilies are toxic to cats. 
  • Holly and mistletoe: The leaves and berries alike can be deadly to cats. 
  • Fir, spruce, and pine trees: AKA, Christmas trees! That’s right. Cats and Christmas trees don’t necessarily mix. These trees have needles that can be mildly toxic to cats.

Your best bet is to set up a fake Christmas tree and fake plants that look real. Or, stick to non-toxic plants for cats…like catnip. 

2. Essential Oils Toxic to Cats 

Some of the most seasonal-smelling essential oils are toxic to cats and should not be used in a kitty’s home. These include: 

  • Peppermint
  • Cinnamon
  • Citrus
  • Pine
  • Wintergreen
  • Tea Tree
  • Birch 

Remember that many potpourri mixes contain these oils, too, so keep those away from your furry friends as well. 

3. Ribbons and Tinsel 

You might not use tinsel or ribbons to decorate your home during the holidays, but are they on the gifts Santa brought under the tree? Or wrapped around the bottle of wine your coworker gave you?

Keep a close eye on any tinsel, ribbon, or stringlike decorations or gift-wrapping accessories in your home. These objects are harmful because they look like toys—but they’re not. If eaten, the ribbon or tinsel can bunch up in your kitty’s intestines and cause a life-threatening blockage. It can even slice through vital organs, causing irreparable damage. 

So keep this holiday hazard far, far away from your beloved feline friend!

4. Salt-Dough Ornaments

Maybe your kids or grandkids brought salt dough ornaments home from school. These precious ornaments last forever, giving you fond memories for years to come. But they also contain, well, a ton of salt. 

And to your kitty’s nose, they smell just like treats

That’s why these ornaments are so hazardous to pets. Even small bites can cause salt poisoning, which can make your cat extremely sick—or worse. 

So hang those salt dough ornaments somewhere your kitty can’t reach. Or better yet, put them in a secure memory box where you can take them out to admire when Kitty isn’t around. 

5. Snow Globes

If you have cats, dogs, or toddlers, don’t put snow globes out as holiday decor. 

You know that mysterious liquid inside the globe? The one that allows the fake snow to gently drift down onto a holiday scene? 

That liquid can contain ethylene glycol, otherwise known as antifreeze. 

This is especially true for glass snow globes. So if you have an heirloom snow globe or any type of newer globe that’s made from glass, refrain from setting it out. Keep it locked away in a place your kitty can’t reach. Even a tiny amount of antifreeze can be too much for your kitty’s body. It’s not worth the risk. 

Reach out to the team at Shiloh Mobile Veterinary Hospital to learn more about how to safely decorate for Christmas with cats.

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How to Help a Feral Cat /blog/how-to-help-a-feral-cat/ Tue, 07 Mar 2023 21:47:42 +0000 /blog/?p=272 Any animal lover’s heart will ache when they see an animal in need of some help. This can be especially true when you notice an outdoor cat in your community, and wonder if they are being cared for. While some cats are family pets with outdoor access, others might be in need of a little […]

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Group of feral cats sitting by the roadside.

Any animal lover’s heart will ache when they see an animal in need of some help. This can be especially true when you notice an outdoor cat in your community, and wonder if they are being cared for. While some cats are family pets with outdoor access, others might be in need of a little extra help if they don’t belong to anyone. 

It’s always important to approach any unfamiliar cat with caution, as you never know how they might react. The team at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital is passionate about helping all animals, and has put together these tips to help stray or feral cats in the Southern California community. 

Stray Cat or a Feral Cat? How to Tell 

Stray cats are felines that are socialized to humans, and can be adopted into a loving home. Or, they may belong to a family already. Feral cats, however, are not friendly or socialized to humans, and may prefer living outdoors. You can usually tell if a cat is a stray cat by how friendly they are, and if they let you approach them. Even if they are skittish and don’t let you come close, they will usually eat any food you put down immediately. You can help a stray cat by trying the following: 

  • Offering food to see how they respond with you present 
  • Contact the owner if the cat has visible identification on a collar or tag
  • Contact nearby animal shelters and rescue groups, to see if anyone has reported a lost cat matching the description 
  • Create a “found pet” in your local Facebook groups, shelters, and anyplace else in the community 
  • Post signs around the neighborhood
  • Ask your neighbors or local post office employee to see if they are familiar with the cat 

Feral Cats: How to Help 

Most feral cats prefer living outside, and are not friendly when approached. They might be extremely hungry, and might be dangerous to handle directly. So how can you help? Try these steps:

Offer Food and Water: Feral cats may not eat or drink in front of you, but that doesn’t mean they won’t appreciate the offering. Leave some food (dry or wet) and a water bowl outside for them to access when they are comfortable. Try placing the food or water dishes under a covered patio to protect it from the elements. 

Provide Shelter: You can provide a space for feral cats to enjoy some shade or protection from rain and other weather elements. Try building your own shelter with a plastic storage container, by cutting a hole in the side and lining it with straw or towels for them to cozy up in. 

Contact Your Local Trap-Neuter-Return Rescues: There are several nonprofit organizations whose main mission is to help feral cats through the Trap-Neuter-Return method, or TNR. This helps prevent overpopulation of feral cats by spaying and neutering them, and returning them to the outdoors. A cat who has been spayed or neutered already may have a notched or tipped ear. Cats who are brought in for spay or neuter may also be vaccinated before they are released again. You can contact local groups to see if you can get involved to help directly, or they may come out to you. 

Don’t Get Overwhelmed 

If you see a stray or feral cat (or several!) and feel overwhelmed, you can always contact the team at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital for advice. If you happen to adopt a stray cat into your family, we are also here to help with a new pet exam and wellness care throughout their life. We take the stress out of the vet visit by coming to you, so you don’t have to worry about bringing your kitty in a carrier. Contact us at (818) 614-9929 to learn more about our compassionate veterinary services. 

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It’s All About That Calico Cat /blog/its-all-about-that-calico-cat/ Tue, 07 Feb 2023 21:02:04 +0000 /blog/?p=268 Colorful, unique, and oozing with “catitude,” calico cats are spectacularly marked with a tri-color blend of black, white, and shades of caramel. Calicos can have long or short coats, and they’re almost always female. They can’t be bred, which makes these fabulous felines extra special to cat lovers everywhere.   At Shiloh Veterinary Hospital, we love […]

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Calico cat sitting down staring into camera.

Colorful, unique, and oozing with “catitude,” calico cats are spectacularly marked with a tri-color blend of black, white, and shades of caramel. Calicos can have long or short coats, and they’re almost always female. They can’t be bred, which makes these fabulous felines extra special to cat lovers everywhere.  

At Shiloh Veterinary Hospital, we love delivering full-service veterinary care to cats of all colors! Whether you’ve got a calico cat of your own, or you’re just curious about these beauties, our team has some fascinating feline factoids to help explain the wonders of calico cats.

Why are Calico Cats So Popular?

Cat lovers agree that all felines are fabulous, but here are some reasons why calico cats are extra special:

Calicos are good luck! 

In many cultures, calico cats are considered lucky charms. In Japan, calicos are the official symbol of good fortune, and Japanese anglers used to keep calicos on board their boats to “guarantee” that the fish would bite.

They’re practically magical.

Again we turn to Japan, where calicos were once believed to protect ships from the ghosts of angry ancestors.

They can’t be bred.

The calico coloration is a full-on fluke of nature, and like snowflakes, no two are exactly alike! 

They’re basically royalty in Maryland.

Calicos were chosen to be the official state cat of Maryland because their tri-colored coats echo the coloring of the state bird: the Baltimore Oriole.

They have an aura of ancient mystique.

Calico cats are said to have originated in ancient Egypt, where people worshiped them for their beauty.

Why are 99% of Calico Cats Female?

Without diving too deep into the biological nitty-gritty, the tri-color pattern of a calico requires two “X” chromosomes. Male cats can’t be calicos because males need an “XY” pair of chromosomes in order to be male. The only way for a male cat to be born a calico is if he has an extra “X” chromosome (XXY). Because the XXY chromosome combination is rare, male calicos can have certain health conditions and are usually sterile.

Rare Cat Breeds

Calico cats aren’t actually a breed at all, but rather, a happy accident! You can find the calico coloration among popular breeds like Maine Coons, American Shorthairs, Persians, mixed breeds, and others. However, there are some rare cat breeds where you will not find a calico cat. Pure, solid-color breeds like Russian Blues, Siamese, and Bombay cats cannot produce the calico color configuration. 

Good Health is What Matters Most 

All cats of all colors, sizes, ages, and genders deserve a lifetime of love, proper nutrition, and quality veterinary care that emphasizes wellness and prevention. Our team absolutely loves getting to know all the cool cats in our community. Please contact us to schedule your cat’s visit, or if you have any questions about our services.   

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The Healthiest Cat Food Is Within Reach /blog/the-healthiest-cat-food-is-within-reach/ Thu, 08 Dec 2022 20:51:38 +0000 /blog/?p=260 December is a very busy month. In addition to all of the other national holidays, it also rings in National Cat Lovers Month. While true cat lovers don’t need a month to acknowledge and celebrate the value of felines in our lives (we do that all the time!), it is an opportunity to promote the […]

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Bengal cat reaches for raw wet food with its paw.

December is a very busy month. In addition to all of the other national holidays, it also rings in National Cat Lovers Month. While true cat lovers don’t need a month to acknowledge and celebrate the value of felines in our lives (we do that all the time!), it is an opportunity to promote the healthiest possible feline lifestyle. To that end, do you know what your cat is eating? Finding just the right cat food may not be the easiest experience, but the best product for your unique cat may be closer than you think.

Feline Dietary Requirements

The evolution of today’s domestic cats began in the ancient Fertile Crescent, a region in the Middle East. From Egypt to Israel, the ancestors of our fluffy best friends survived on small, high protein meals. As obligate carnivores, they didn’t have food sources rich in carbohydrates or fat. They sharpened their hunting skills over millennia and descendants today continue to largely benefit from meat-centric cat food. 

A Balancing Act

In addition to boasting high levels of protein and fat, modern cat food should provide felines with a balance of vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and amino acids. Even if your cat could subsist on meals they caught themselves, doesn’t mean they should.

Responsible cat ownership involves providing the best cat food. Today you can choose between canned or wet food, and kibble or dry food. A combination of both is commonly appealing, and meets all the flavor and texture profiles they crave. Plus, with wet or canned food, you’re increasing how much water they take in every day. 

When Cats Have Picky Palates

If your cat doesn’t seem to like their food, try to move it to a different location. They could be easily disturbed by household noise or traffic. If they continue to snub their food, it could be worthwhile to investigate. Inappetence can signal various medical conditions. Once these are ruled out with examination and diagnostics, we can try to figure out their taste preferences.  

It may be a valuable endeavor to slowly introduce a small variety of options for them to taste and try at any given meal. Of course, just because your cat demolished a certain type of food one day doesn’t necessarily mean they want it at every meal. Taking the time to understand what your cat likes (and, perhaps more importantly, dislikes) can help you provide the best cat food for their special preferences. 

Feeding Raw and Grain-Free Diets

The raw-food trend has continued to gain traction in the last several years. Because it attempts to mimic their lifestyles in the wild, the raw food diet can be tempting to try. However, because of the risk of infection with salmonella, toxoplasmosis, e.coli, and listeria, we do not recommend it. Furthermore, while a raw meat diet meets the feline need for protein, it doesn’t account for the essential vitamins and minerals needed for health.

Grain-free cat food can be a wonderful alternative to foods high in carbohydrates, but should only be given to cats under veterinary supervision. The bottom line is that we want to ensure your cat receives a truly balanced meal (or two) every day. 

Ideally, cat food should be provided twice a day, morning and evening (not more than 12 hours apart). You can divide their portions into 3 or more small meals throughout the day, but this schedule is only truly successful if you’re home all day. 

Cat Food For the Win

If you need help finding the right cat food for your best kitty friend, please call us at (818) 614-9929. We are always happy to help at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital

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How to Change an Outdoor Cat into an Indoor Cat /blog/how-to-change-an-outdoor-cat-into-an-indoor-cat/ Mon, 08 Aug 2022 20:21:19 +0000 /blog/?p=244 Cats are very independent creatures, and sometimes it seems like they don’t need us at all. Cats that spend time outside have a reputation for being able to fend for themselves, but there are a lot of dangers for outdoor cats. Whether you have found a feral cat you want to adopt or you want […]

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Young woman petting her bengal cat.

Cats are very independent creatures, and sometimes it seems like they don’t need us at all. Cats that spend time outside have a reputation for being able to fend for themselves, but there are a lot of dangers for outdoor cats. Whether you have found a feral cat you want to adopt or you want to transition your feline to a fully indoor cat, Shiloh Veterinary Hospital can help.

Take Your Time

Cats are creatures of habit, and they need some time to adjust to a new environment. If you bring an outdoor cat inside without any transition period, the animal will become very agitated and anxious. Instead, move slowly and give the kitty a chance to get used to being inside. A great way to make this transition simple for your cat is to feed him inside the house. Keep the cat inside for a little more time each time you feed him. This will give him a positive association with being inside the house.

Set Up the Litter Box

For an outdoor cat, the whole world is her litter box. So when you are transitioning a cat from outdoor living to indoor living, it will be the first time she uses a traditional one. Although her instincts will kick in and she will most likely know what to do with it, you might have to show her where it is and use your finger to shift the litter to help her smell it. Give her a little time to get adjusted to this new way of doing her business.

Encourage Cat Scratch Fever…Kind Of

From trees to dirt to other animals, outdoor cats are used to being able to scratch whatever they want. If you want your new kitty to feel safe and comfortable inside your home, you have to provide plenty of scratching posts where he can get out the need to scratch (without destroying your furniture). 

Provide a Great View

Outdoor cats get a front-row seat to all the bird, lizard, and insect-watching their little hearts desire. If you want to make your space homey for your new indoor cat, you should make the windows desirable spots for your cat to lounge. Put a cat tree near a windowsill or set up a cat perch where the kitty can still get a great view of the outside world.

At Shiloh Veterinary Hospital, we love animals as much as you do. As a Fear Free Certified Practice™, we do everything we can to ensure your pets feel safe and comfortable in our care. To learn more about our practice or to schedule an appointment, please call (818) 614-9929. 

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The Hemingway Cat: What’s the Story Behind 6-Toed Cats? /blog/the-hemingway-cat-whats-the-story-behind-6-toed-cats/ Thu, 27 Aug 2020 16:00:00 +0000 /blog/?p=181 If you are a literary buff, you may have heard about Ernest Hemingway’s adoration of cats, so much so that a specific breed has even been named after the author. Hemingway cats, or more accurately, polydactyl cats, are known for their extra toes. How did this come to be, and what is the real story […]

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6-toed Hemingway cat

If you are a literary buff, you may have heard about Ernest Hemingway’s adoration of cats, so much so that a specific breed has even been named after the author.

Hemingway cats, or more accurately, polydactyl cats, are known for their extra toes. How did this come to be, and what is the real story behind Hemingway cats? 

The team at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital sets out to solve this mystery and explain why these unusual 6-toed cats evolved.

What Is a Polydactyl Cat?

The term polydactyly means many toes. This is caused by a genetic trait that occurs in certain felines whose parents passed this trail down through their lineage. This dominant gene can produce up to seven toes on each paw. It is typically seen on the front paws, but all four feet can be affected.

What’s the Story Behind the Hemingway Cat Family?

Ernest Hemingway received a cat named Snow White in the 1930s. This kitten was unique because she had six toes on her front paws. This sweetie was a gift from a sailing captain named Stanley Dexter, a colleague of Hemingway’s who, along with cats, loved the sea.

Among sailors, 6-toed cats (sometimes called mitten cats) are viewed as good luck and are considered better hunters aboard the ship.

The Hemingway homestead in Key West, FL is still the home to roughly 45 descendents of Snow White and her brood. 

The Things That Make 6-Toed Cats Special

Along with their unique quality of having additional toes, there are some other notable things about these special cats that endear them to many.

  1. Their toes allow them to be better athletes. From gripping things to climbing and hunting, some of these  cats are benefited by their extra digits. In some cases, they are better able to balance on certain surfaces, as well as traipse through snow with their wide paws.
  2. They are considered lucky in many parts of the world. Because they are thought to be better mousers than non-polydactyl cats, they are considered a boon for many households and farms. This thought is still widely held in Great Britain, Wales, Canada, and the East Coast of the United States.
  3. They are loved by Maine Coon fans. For several generations, up to 40% of Maine Coon cats had these extra toes. Since then, the percentage has given way to a genetic trait of wider paws, without the extra digits. Still, afficianods of this breed have come to look for and cherish this special quality of multi-digits in their favored felines.
  4. They are a great conversation starter. Many pet lovers like to brag about their adorable pets, and it’s exciting to talk about what’s unusual about them. For cat fanciers, these mitten friends are a subject of conversation, and they even have Facebook fan pages devoted to them.

It’s interesting to note that, according to the Guinness Book of World Record, a ginger tabby named Jake has held the record for the most number of toes: 28, or 7 per each paw. 

No matter if your pet is a polydactyl or no, we’re sure they are unique in their own special way. If you would like more information on 6-toed cats, or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact us.

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On the Prowl and Out of Sight: What Your Cat Sees Outside at Night /blog/on-the-prowl-and-out-of-sight-what-your-cat-sees-outside-at-night/ Thu, 28 May 2020 20:47:59 +0000 /blog/?p=145 Cats love to roam, especially at night. This is because they are creatures whose instinct is to hunt when it is dark outside, especially at dawn and dusk. Those are the times of day that a cat is most active. If your cat is allowed to be outdoors, you may wonder what they do in […]

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LA Cat Outside at Night

Cats love to roam, especially at night. This is because they are creatures whose instinct is to hunt when it is dark outside, especially at dawn and dusk. Those are the times of day that a cat is most active. If your cat is allowed to be outdoors, you may wonder what they do in the darkness of the night. You are not alone in this question.

The team at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital is here to clear up the mystery of what a cat sees outside at night. Let’s explore!

Why Do Cats Go Outside at Night?

The reason why your furry one loves to go out at night is based on their genetics. Cats are not true nocturnal animals but crepuscular. This means they are most active during the early evening and morning, at dawn. 

Cats are innate hunters and they have the greatest chance of encountering prey species at those times of day. Even though the age of hunting for their breakfast is over for most domestic cats, they still retain that instinct to roam and hunt at night.

What Do They Encounter?

Your small little cuddlebug may seem like a couch potato during the day, but you’d be surprised that their instincts kick in whenever they get the opportunity. In fact, they may have delivered you a “present” of a mouse or bird on your kitchen table, if they are allowed outdoors.

A study conducted by the University of Georgia collected the video footage of over 50 cats to see what it is they do, where they go, and what they encounter at night. They found that up to half of the studied cats spent their time hunting wildlife, like lizards, frogs, and mice. Other cats did a lot of exploring, too, but many of them stayed within a ½ mile of their home. Since cats are territorial, they tend to roam in their own neighborhood, on established  paths they become acquainted with.

Their Impact on Wildlife

Obviously, outdoor cats have a heavy impact on wildlife. Cats, even a few, can deplete local songbird populations through kills and injuries, as well as their presence. It’s been suggested that the domestic cat has contributed to the extinction of 63 species of birds, mammals, and reptiles. 

The Risk to Your Cat

Even though you consider Fluffy to be a savage city cat, being outside puts them in danger. Outdoor cats only experience a 3-5 year lifespan as opposed to the lifespan of indoor only cats, 10-16 years. There are several threats to your cat when being outside, which include:

Cat on cat aggression is also likely when a cat is left outside, which puts your pet at risk of injury and disease. 

What Your Cat Sees Outside… Is It Worth It?

While kitty certainly loves to be out and about at night, the risks to their health and the health of other animals isn’t worth it. There are several things you can do to encourage at-home enrichment, such as giving your pet a window perch in front of a  bird feeder or allowing them outside on an enclosed patio. 

Ultimately, your pet’s best life is our aim and we are here for you. If you have additional questions about what your cat sees outside, or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact us

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Avoid a Crisis With Pet Parasite Prevention /blog/avoid-a-crisis-with-pet-parasite-prevention/ Wed, 14 Aug 2019 21:08:21 +0000 /blog/?p=56 No matter where we live, parasites are everywhere. These tiny facts of life can range from gross (discovering worms in your pet’s poop), to frustrating (a flea infestation in your home), to downright deadly (a pet diagnosed with heartworm).  Because fleas, ticks, heartworm, and intestinal parasites pose a risk to dogs, cats, exotic pets, and […]

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Tick removed from black and white dog

No matter where we live, parasites are everywhere. These tiny facts of life can range from gross (discovering worms in your pet’s poop), to frustrating (a flea infestation in your home), to downright deadly (a pet diagnosed with heartworm). 

Because fleas, ticks, heartworm, and intestinal parasites pose a risk to dogs, cats, exotic pets, and people all year long, pet parasite prevention is a critical part of your pet’s health care plan. 

Creepy-Crawly Disasters

Fleas – It only takes one or two fleas tracked in by a pet to create a full-blown infestation (fleas thrive in the warm, humid environment inside our homes). Not only can fleas transmit tapeworm and Bartonellosis (cat scratch fever), some pets are so allergic to flea saliva that even one bite can trigger severe itching, scratching, and hot spots on their skin.

Ticks – Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, and tick-borne encephalitis are just a few of the many diseases spread to pets and people by these eight-legged parasites. 

Heartworm – Heartworm is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito and is arguably one of the most serious threats to our pets’ health. The disease is expensive and difficult to treat in dogs, and, because no feline treatment exists, it is almost always fatal in cats.

Intestinal parasites – Whipworms, roundworms, tapeworms, and more can cause uncomfortable and sometimes serious side effects for pets. Not only that, some of these nematodes can even be passed to people. Fortunately, many popular heartworm preventive medications also include protection against intestinal parasites.

Practical Pet Parasite Prevention

Preventive care is crucial to your pet’s wellness and longevity, and parasite protection should be part of that plan. At your pet’s annual wellness appointments, your veterinarian will help you determine the appropriate parasite prevention protocol based on the type of pet you have, their lifestyle, overall health, and exposure risk. 

Exotic and pocket pets are not immune from internal and external parasites. Fleas, ear mites, lice, intestinal parasites, and more can take a toll on a small pet’s quality of life. Regular wellness care for pocket and exotic pets is a must in order to prevent and treat parasites.

Year-Round Protection

Just because the weather cools off (a little) during the winter months does not mean you can slack on your pet’s monthly protection. 

Fleas, ticks, and mosquitos do not go dormant, especially in our warmer climate. Failing to protect your pet year-round exposes them to the serious risk of vector-borne illnesses. Most flea, tick, and heartworm preventives are relatively inexpensive and easy to administer to your pet on a monthly basis.

It’s never too late to start your pet on a parasite protection plan! Contact the team at Shiloh Veterinary Hospital for more information, and to schedule an appointment for your pet.

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