Gulf Coast Scratching Post Cat Hospital

Gulf Coast Scratching Post Cat Hospital Gulf Coast Scratching Post is a full service, AAFP Gold Status certified Cat Friendly Practice

The Cat Friendly Practice® program is a global initiative designed to elevate care for cats by reducing stress and making visits easier for cats and caregivers. Awarded by the American Association of Feline Practitioners, the veterinary hospital must meet specific criteria in order to become a Cat Friendly Practice®. These Cat Friendly Practices® take extra steps to provide the best care and experience for you and your cat.

Don't forget that Saint Patrick is not the only saint whose feast day is March 17.  It is also the feast of Saint Gertru...
03/17/2025

Don't forget that Saint Patrick is not the only saint whose feast day is March 17. It is also the feast of Saint Gertrude of Nivelles, the patron saint of cats and the people who love them.

Another cat food recalled due to Avian influenza
03/16/2025

Another cat food recalled due to Avian influenza

Cat owners are warned of more pet food recalls, as Savage Pet of California says some of its products could contain H5N1 (bird flu). The FDA and New York D

I’m extremely concerned that we will start seeing cases in our area.  I urge you to avoid raw diets and to keep your cat...
03/07/2025

I’m extremely concerned that we will start seeing cases in our area. I urge you to avoid raw diets and to keep your cats inside.

A cat in New Jersey was euthanized after becoming severely ill from a confirmed case of bird flu, the state's health department said Friday.

I received a wonderful gift from a client today!  What a thoughtful gift!  I absolutely love it!
02/26/2025

I received a wonderful gift from a client today! What a thoughtful gift! I absolutely love it!

02/23/2025
02/09/2025
🚨 Important Update for Pet Owners 🚨A recent case in Oregon has highlighted the risk of avian influenza (H5N1) infecting ...
01/02/2025

🚨 Important Update for Pet Owners 🚨

A recent case in Oregon has highlighted the risk of avian influenza (H5N1) infecting domestic cats through contaminated food. An indoor cat fell ill and sadly passed away after consuming raw pet food that tested positive for the virus.

Recalled Product:

Brand: Northwest Naturals
Product: Feline Turkey Recipe Raw Frozen Pet Food
Packaging: 2-pound bags
Best if Used By Dates: May 21, 2026, and June 23, 2026
Distribution Areas: This product was sold in several U.S. states, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin, as well as in **British Columbia**

What You Should Do:
Check Your Inventory: If you have this product, discontinue use immediately.
Contact Point of Purchase: Reach out for a refund or further instructions.

What is Avian Influenza?
Overview: Avian influenza is a viral infection primarily affecting birds but can infect mammals, including cats.

Transmission: Cats can contract the virus through direct contact with infected birds or contaminated environments, and, as recent cases suggest, through consumption of contaminated raw poultry products.

Signs and Symptoms in Cats:
Lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, respiratory distress (coughing, sneezing, difficulty breathing), and eye or nasal discharge. Please note that common upper feline respiratory virus also shares some of these symptoms.

Action: If your cat exhibits these symptoms after potential exposure to raw poultry or wild birds, seek veterinary care immediately.

Stay Informed: Monitor updates from health authorities regarding avian influenza in your area.

Your vigilance is crucial in protecting your pets from avian influenza.

PLEASE STOP FEEDING RAW DUE TO EXPANDING CASES OF H5N1 BIRD FLU IN CATS -most cases have been fatal.
12/26/2024

PLEASE STOP FEEDING RAW DUE TO EXPANDING CASES OF H5N1 BIRD FLU IN CATS -most cases have been fatal.

A Portland-based pet food company issued a nationwide voluntary recall after a house cat in Oregon died from eating one of its products, which tested positive for bird flu.

Holiday HoursChristmas Eve: closing at noonChristmas Day: CLOSEDDecember 26th, 27th and 30th: open normal business hours...
12/24/2024

Holiday Hours
Christmas Eve: closing at noon
Christmas Day: CLOSED
December 26th, 27th and 30th: open normal business hours
December 31st: closing at 2 pm
January 1st: CLOSED
Resuming normal business hours January 2nd
The Veterinary Emergency Clinic of Port Charlotte is open 24 hours until January 2nd at 8 am. If you have an emergency or sick pet, please contact them at 941-255-5222.
Have a very happy and safe holiday!!

Very sad and scary. Please be aware that Avian Influenza is extremely contagious and deadly in cats.  Outdoor cats and t...
12/22/2024

Very sad and scary. Please be aware that Avian Influenza is extremely contagious and deadly in cats. Outdoor cats and those who are fed raw diets are at highest risk. Please protect your cats as we learn more about H5N1 in cats.

This clinic has been certified an official “Santa’s E.L.V.E.S.” (Emergency Landing and Veterinary Expert System) locatio...
12/19/2024

This clinic has been certified an official “Santa’s E.L.V.E.S.” (Emergency Landing and Veterinary Expert System) location.

In the event that Santa’s reindeer team needs to make an unscheduled Christmas Eve stop for sled repairs, refueling, or veterinary care, staff at this clinic will be available to provide needed assistance and ensure a safe and on-time delivery of Santa’s cargo. (we will make an exception and treat reindeer for Santa :)

To learn more about Santa’s reindeer, visit AVMA.org/Santa.

12/16/2024

🦀 walking 😹

In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, our office will be closed starting Wednesday 11/27 at 2 pm through Sunday.As ...
11/27/2024

In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, our office will be closed
starting Wednesday 11/27 at 2 pm through Sunday.

As we reflect on the past year, we want to express our sincere gratitude for your trust and partnership in caring for your cats. Working together to provide the highest level of care for our patients is a privilege we deeply value, and your ongoing support means so much to our team.

Should you have a veterinary emergency, the Veterinary Emergency Clinic of Port Charlotte is open from 1pm on Wednesday until 8 am on Tuesday December 3rd. Their phone number is 941-255-5222.

Happy Halloween!!
10/31/2024

Happy Halloween!!

Address

3135 Bobcat Village Center Road
North Port, FL
34288

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 6pm
Tuesday 8am - 6pm
Wednesday 8am - 6pm
Thursday 8am - 6pm
Friday 8am - 6pm

Telephone

+19412005779

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Understanding Our Commitment to Minimize Your Cat's Stress

You may find our approach to your cat's veterinary visit different from your previous experiences. We recognize that cats will probably be fearful when they come to the veterinarian and we will try to decrease your cat's anxiety with the steps we take during your visit.

There are some basic principles that can be helpful to understand in order to optimize the veterinary visit from a feline perspective. We know that kittens are more tolerant of experiencing new things and handling change than adult cats. Young animals (like people) don't seem to get as stressed about the unexpected. But as your cat gets older, changes in where they are and what is happening around them can create a great deal of anxiety. They get signals about their environment from their eyes and ears, but their sense of smell is also a very important signaling system. As a matter of fact, it's so important that many behaviorists say that "cats move through clouds of smell", creating another dimension to their landscape. When you're a small animal that is both a predator as well as another creature's prey, changes in your stable environment usually mean that you need to be alert to trouble or threat. Visits to the veterinary practice constitute a significant change and can be a significant challenge for a cat.

Cats will display a spectrum of responses to a stressful environment just like people do. Some people can cope with challenges and the unexpected much easier than others. It is the same with cats. Usually cats will seek out a hiding place so that they can stay hidden from view. A confident cat may sense that it can handle a situation and not display any anxious behaviors. Others may freeze and not move or react very much when they are handled. It is important to remember that these cats are still really scared. Some cats will lick themselves or fidget in some way to console themselves. And just as some pople are going to be more likely to lash out under stress than others, cats that have exhausted their coping mechanisms will often become aggressive. Allowing them to stay hidden while at the veterinary practice or distracting them with toys or treats can help cats avoid escalating fear.

You are an important part of making your cat's visit less stressful. We will give you resources that will explain how you can help prepare for a visit. For example, choosing the right kind of carrier is very important. Being dragged, pulled, or tipped out of a carrier can be very scary and it starts the visit off with a cat already more fear-aroused. When we can remove the top half of a hard-sided carrier, your cat can stay hidden under a towel while we perform most of our examination. Allowing them to cope in this manner can prevent them from progressing into more fear and aggression.