The Visiting Veterinarian

08/08/2024

Always good to have your kitty used to a carrier….even if you have a housecall veterinarian…..

Regular checkups are crucial for a cat's health and wellbeing. National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day is the perfect time to book your cat's yearly checkup. Be prepared for the appointment with our handy checklist to reduce the stress typically associated with vet visits. Download the checklist at https://bit.ly/3LzBVNK.

08/08/2024

Happy International Cat Day! Today, we celebrate and raise awareness about cat healthcare, wellbeing, and responsible pet care. Let’s support regular checkups and appreciate the joy cats bring into our lives.

04/07/2024

Happy 4th of July from all of us at the Cornell Feline Health Center! Just a quick reminder that today's festivities can be stressful for some cats. Check out this graphic for tips on how to keep your feline friends safe and calm in noisy situations.

27/06/2024

Pancreatitis was once thought to be very rare in cats, but is now recognized more frequently. This may be due to improvements in testing and diagnostics available to veterinarians. Though a few infectious diseases, such as Toxoplasma gondii, have been associated with the development of pancreatitis in cats, in over 95% of cases there is no obvious underlying cause.

To learn more click the link below.
https://hubs.la/Q02C_hrq0

18/06/2024

As the temperature rises with the onset of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, this is a good time to review a few heat safety recommendations to keep your feline friends safe and comfortable.

The following are some guidelines for addressing this important issue. As always, your veterinarian is your best source of guidance if you have any questions or concerns about these recommendations or the well-being of your cat.

1) Help to maintain hydration by assuring that fresh water is available at all times. Providing a running water source like a fountain may encourage some cats to drink more. Make sure that water is always available both indoors and outdoors for those cats that are allowed outside.

2) Provide shaded areas for cats that are allowed outside. These may take the form of tress, umbrellas, sun sails, and/or indoor places to which a cat has access.

3) Provide ice cubes for your cat to play with and cool down while doing so.

4) Use cooling mats (available for purchase online and through other outlets). You can also make a cool space for cats to hang out in by wrapping ice packs in blankets.

5) Keep cats indoors (if possible) in air-conditioned areas when extreme heat is forecast.

6) Check sheds, garages, greenhouses, barns, and other outbuildings to make sure there are no places in which cats can become trapped.

7) Use pet-safe sunscreen on the ear tips and nose of cats with light colored fur to help prevent skin cancer.

8) Know the signs of heat stroke, which can become life-threatening very quickly. These include:
a. Weakness/collapse
b. Excessive panting
c. Drooling
d. Vomiting
e. Diarrhea

If you notice any of these, immediately place your cat in a cool area with a draft, gently wet her fur with cool (not very cold) water, and contact your veterinarian immediately.

Taking these easy steps and knowing what to watch out for can help assure that your cat is comfortable and safe during times of extreme heat.

Stay cool out there!

Bruce Kornreich, D.V.M ’92, Ph.D. ’05
Director, Cornell Feline Health Center

18/06/2024

This

As the temperature rises with the onset of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, this is a good time to review a few heat safety recommendations to keep your feline friends safe and comfortable.

The following are some guidelines for addressing this important issue. As always, your veterinarian is your best source of guidance if you have any questions or concerns about these recommendations or the well-being of your cat.

1) Help to maintain hydration by assuring that fresh water is available at all times. Providing a running water source like a fountain may encourage some cats to drink more. Make sure that water is always available both indoors and outdoors for those cats that are allowed outside.

2) Provide shaded areas for cats that are allowed outside. These may take the form of tress, umbrellas, sun sails, and/or indoor places to which a cat has access.

3) Provide ice cubes for your cat to play with and cool down while doing so.

4) Use cooling mats (available for purchase online and through other outlets). You can also make a cool space for cats to hang out in by wrapping ice packs in blankets.

5) Keep cats indoors (if possible) in air-conditioned areas when extreme heat is forecast.

6) Check sheds, garages, greenhouses, barns, and other outbuildings to make sure there are no places in which cats can become trapped.

7) Use pet-safe sunscreen on the ear tips and nose of cats with light colored fur to help prevent skin cancer.

8) Know the signs of heat stroke, which can become life-threatening very quickly. These include:
a. Weakness/collapse
b. Excessive panting
c. Drooling
d. Vomiting
e. Diarrhea

If you notice any of these, immediately place your cat in a cool area with a draft, gently wet her fur with cool (not very cold) water, and contact your veterinarian immediately.

Taking these easy steps and knowing what to watch out for can help assure that your cat is comfortable and safe during times of extreme heat.

Stay cool out there!

Bruce Kornreich, D.V.M ’92, Ph.D. ’05
Director, Cornell Feline Health Center

18/04/2024

In recognition of National Heartworm Awareness Month, take a look at the infographic to learn how you can help your feline friends in the fight against heartworm.

Click the link below for treatment options, signs of infection & more. ⬇️

https://hubs.la/Q02rFRSc0

14/04/2024

Cats' eating habits can change as they get older. If your senior cat isn’t eating as much, try offering meals a few times throughout the day. Some cats like small amounts of flavoring, such as canned tuna juice or low-sodium, unseasoned broth. Learn more about the eating habits of senior cats at https://bit.ly/49b7o1X.

08/04/2024

Although most feline heart disorders are diagnosed in middle-aged and elderly cats, some kittens are born with them. Fortunately, these congenital cardiac conditions are relatively rare, occurring in only one or two percent of kittens. The most commonly diagnosed among these disorders are: ventricular septal defect (VSD), patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), and mitral valve dysplasia (MVD).

A common feature of congenital heart defects is the presence of a heart murmur. A heart murmur is an abnormal, usually whooshing and/or harsh sound that can be heard using a stethoscope during a physical examination. Heart murmurs are caused by turbulent blood flow that is induced by these defects. Echocardiography is generally the best means of diagnosing congenital heart defects.

Click below for more info on congenital heart disorders. ⬇️

https://hubs.la/Q02rGRnZ0

23/03/2024

can’t help it……kitties are just so kissable!

21/03/2024

20/03/2024

start when they are kittens for extra success!

Medicating and grooming your pet doesn't have to be a battle if you set things up right for both of you!
https://hubs.ly/Q02pRwtZ0

13/03/2024

Determining the appropriate feeding schedule for your cat is crucial for maintaining their health and wellbeing. Providing too little food or the wrong type can lead to weight loss and potential health complications such as hepatic lipidosis. Conversely, overfeeding can result in obesity. Establishing consistent feeding routines is essential in ensuring your cat's nutritional needs are met. While it is important to offer complete and balanced meals, the frequency of feeding can vary depending on factors such as age, weight, and activity level. For personalized guidance on how often to feed your cat, consult with your veterinarian. For more information, visit: https://hubs.ly/Q02p66B90

11/03/2024

Just another reminder for all you kitty lovers (even if you don’t have a kitty - don’t bring Lilies to friends who do have kitties)

With up coming holidays we wanted to remind All pet owners the dangers of certain plants. If you buy a bouquet of flowers for the upcoming holiday, make sure they don’t contain lilies!

09/03/2024

Cats are creatures of habit. Your cat has a daily routine and it’s important to note when it changes. Even a small change can lead to a big problem if unnoticed. If your cat’s eating, drinking, sleeping, or bathroom habits change, contact your veterinarian for a checkup. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3P2JTRK.

04/03/2024

It’s better to be safe than sorry, so check which type of lily you are purchasing before you bring any flowers or plants into your home. Lilies are beautiful plants which may brighten your home, but they are highly toxic to your cat. All

04/03/2024

Not just Easter Lilies…ANY lilies

04/03/2024

And the people who love them are the best

Veterinarians don’t just treat animals; they treat the people who love them.

09/02/2024

People call us all the time worried that the neighborhood fox is going to eat their cat, dog or child…

Considering the average fox is the size of a house cat, it is highly unlikely that it will bother your kitty. We received 20 foxes this past year. All weighed between 8-11 lbs.

The fact is that cats are 40 times more likely to be harmed by other cats than a fox.

Your neighborhood fox is very shy and is highly unlikely to hurt you or your pets, unless it is messed with. They are busy regulating the rodent population in your area and feasting on things much smaller than cats - like mice and rats. So just don’t poison their meals and let them be.

Please spread the word so we can teach others to live in harmony with their local wildlife. ❤️

03/02/2024

February is National Cat Health Month, which is a great reason to focus on your cat’s physical and emotional wellbeing and learn to look for signs of unhealthy behavior or illness. Our website is full of helpful information to help you give your cat a happy healthy life. Learn more at https://bit.ly/3AqjLJr.

31/01/2024

I feel this applies to all our beloved feline friends

18/01/2024

great news!!!

SCRATCH THAT off the Massachusetts State Senate's to-do list! The Senate just UNANIMOUSLY passed a bill which prohibits inhumane feline declawing, a procedure usually involving the removal of the claws and the first bone of the toes of a cat’s front feet, and sometimes also the hind feet (S. 2552). The equivalent operation would involve amputating a person’s fingertips at the first knuckle. This bill makes exemptions for procedures when there is a therapeutic need, such as removing a cancerous tumor from the nail bed.

Kara Holmquist, Director of Advocacy for the MSPCA-Angell, said “We thank the Senate for advancing this bill and again demonstrating their commitment to animal protection. Our animal hospital, Angell Animal Medical Center, has not performed declawing surgery for decades because it is not in the interest of the animal, often involves painful complications, and can create lifelong behavior problems. We are grateful that this unnecessary amputation will be prohibited in the state.”

Thank you to sponsor State Senator Mark Montigny, Senate Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues, and Senate President Karen E. Spilka for you continued advocacy for animals in the Commonwealth. This bill now moves to the MA House of Representatives. Learn more about this issue at mspca.org/animal_protection/an-act-prohibiting-inhumane-feline-declawing/

16/01/2024

Find Your VEG

30/11/2023

Cats rub their head toward us to show affection and mark territory by spreading scent from glands on cheeks, chin, top of their head, and base of their tail. Learn more about territorial cat behavior at https://bit.ly/30ZOQVg.