We talked earlier this week about the importance of using a cat's normal behavior to encourage activity and energy expenditure.

We mentioned the concept of Feline Environmental Enrichment and I though this would be a great time to elaborate on that subject.

A healthy cat needs a balance of stimulation and security to lead a healthy life, especially if they live indoors full time. While outdoor cats are at higher risk of infectious disease and injury, indoor cats in unhealthy environments are also at risk. So how do we make a cat's indoor world more appealing and interesting?
 
First we have to understand the unique personality and behavior patterns of the domestic feline.

Continue Reading "Feline Environmental Enrichment" »

It can be shocking how much money people are willing to spend on their pets. I am no exception. Yes, I’ll admit it, I spoil my two fur-babies. Not to the point where I will indulge them with a collar that costs more than $6, but I do go a little crazy when it comes to toys.

I don’t want to know how much I have shelled out on Maizie and Marleigh when it comes to squeaky toys, plush critters and bones. They have a whole basket dedicated to their addiction (OK, my addiction) to toys. However, no matter how many toys I buy them, there are somethings that are just far too entertaining to pass up.

Continue Reading "What's in a Toy?" »

Obesity is all too common for modern house cats. We know it's not good for their health in the long run and we know we should help them lose weight.

Diet can certainly help and there are a number of good diets and programs out there, but what about exercise? Have you ever been told to exercise your cat, but not given any real world advice on how to go about doing that?

Well, I came across a great video with advice from a Veterinary Behavior expert on how to use normal cat behavior to encourage activity and energy expenditure. Not only that, these activities will help make your cat's life more interesting and we all know how important environmental enrichment is to the health of indoor cats.

Continue Reading "Exercise for Cats" »

The Oscars are this Sunday and I'm rooting for one film in particular.

I really liked The Artist the most among the oscar nominated films I saw this year. The Descendants was good too, but it relied on George Clooney and he was no match for a Jack Russel Terrier named Uggie who stole the show in The Artist.

As a matter of fact Uggie won the Golden Collar award for best performance by a pooch just last week. The Golden Collar Awards are a new event that recognizes the achievements of canine "actors" and, just as importantly, their trainers.

For anyone that grew up watching Rin Tin Tin and Lassie, dog actors hold a special place in the heart.

Continue Reading "Oscar Worthy Dogs" »

Puppies and kittens are curious by nature. Both use their senses to discover their surroundings. Just like babies they go through an oral phase in which everything they find goes into their mouths. Because they do not have hands, their mouths do all the exploring…is it hard or soft, is it heavy or light, what does it taste like, does it move when I bite it, does it bite back? ”Mouthing” is also a way to help loosen their baby teeth so they fall out, making room for their adult teeth to grow. Chewing, destructive or constructive, can also be a means to dispel excess energy, get an owner’s attention, cure boredom or curb hunger. Unfortunately, dogs and cats cannot tell the difference between acceptable and unacceptable objects when they are chewing. Pets must be taught what is acceptable to chew on and what is off-limits.

Our pets are lower to the ground than we are, so it is important to get down to their level and see the dangers from their vantage point. Things like electrical cords or household objects that have been hidden behind or under furniture can cause serious injury to a dog or a cat. They can be shocked or burned from electrical cords or choke on a long forgotten children’s toy.

Continue Reading "How to Stop Naughty Nibbling" »

By now you probably know that Malachy, the Pekingese, won the Westminster Best In Show competition. With his win, Pro Plan, the pet food continued it's unprecedented streak as the fuel for Westminster Champions.

Malachy makes it six Best In Show champions in a row for Pro Plan. That's an amazing streak for a brand that is certainly not the biggest or best known pet food brand in the world.

Before Malachy made it six in a row Pro Plan aired a great ad touting the streak.

Continue Reading "Pro Plan Does it Agan at Westminster" »

Sometimes you don't need to say anything at all. Sometimes all it takes is a moment to realize how lucky you are to have the things you do. Especially the things that give you happiness when you need it most, comfort when you can't find it anywhere else, laughter when you have forgotten the sound and love when ever you need it.

Love your pet today.

-- Chloe Ochse --

Did you know that pet cats out number pet dogs in the US? In fact there are a little over 86 million cats in the US compared to about 78 million dogs according to my latest statistics.

Another interesting fact is that pet cats visit the Veterinarian far less than their canine adversaries. About half as often according to statistics kept by Veterinarians.

Do cats get sick less than dogs? Do they get injured less frequently? Are they healthier than dogs?

Continue Reading "Stress Free Vet Visits for Cats" »

We've written several posts about the new vaccine guidelines and how most of the core vaccines don't need to be repeated every year.

While most pets don't need boosters more often than every three years, (assuming they have had the puppy/ kitten series plus the one year anniversary booster) they most certainly need to visit the Veterinarian at least once a year for a "Wellness" exam.

Even when we vaccinated every year a key component of that visit was the physical exam and routine diagnositc tests to make sure the pet was in good health.

Just in case you need a good reason to get the pooch or the kitty an routine physical exam allow me to give you an example that is near and dear to my heart.

Continue Reading "The Annual Physical is for Pets Too" »

Since it seems like winter is going to pass us by this year, the warmer weather is getting people outside and active a little earlier. To ensure your four-legged sidekick is ready, here are a few easy medical tips to provide your pet with a lifetime of good health.

Continue Reading "Getting Ready to Get Outside" »