Feline Behavior House Calls

07/02/2022

Happy Valentine's Day!

03/02/2022

Yes, you CAN learn to brush your cat's teeth!

04/01/2022

From 2011 - Me (pregnant with twins) and Betty White when she was made an honorary WSU Vet School alum.

30/12/2021

Ever wonder about the origin of kitty litter? This invention made it possible for cats to move indoors.

With kitty litter, Ed Lowe changed how cats and humans bonded. But not everyone understood the idea: One woman tried feeding it to her cat.

17/12/2021

Holiday Safety Tips from Veterinary Information Network!

16/12/2021

Check out this short video that discusses how your body language can affect your pet. https://youtu.be/7BthPQdabzc

It’s not just animals who communicate through body language. So do humans! That’s why understanding what our body language is saying to our pets is so import...

25/09/2021

https://ivapm.org/common-signs-pain-dogs-cats/

10/05/2021

This is Emmett! He is modeling and testing hats for the upcoming Meow auction happening August 7th through 14th. https://auction.meowcatrescue.org/

12/12/2020

A CURE FOR BAD TEETH IN CATS? At some point, every cat will suffer from painful teeth called resorptive lesions, just like this poor kitty. Some cats stop eating but some just suffer in silence. We pull these teeth under anesthesia. Scientists now have discovered which genes are responsible and we are one step closer to prevention. This info might also help us prevent bone cancers too. https://www.vettimes.co.uk/news/gene-discovery-may-help-prevent-tooth-loss-in-cats/

15/11/2020

Dr. Gross has been working with Fritzy at Meow Cat Rescue to help her relax and enjoy life. I think it might be working! She will make a great companion for a lucky cat-person. She's not ready for adoption yet but you can visit Meow's website to see who is... https://meowcatrescue.org/

11/11/2020

Do you have your cat on any supplements for anxiety or other conditions?
If so, please check to make sure that the label displays the NASC seal. NASC stands for the National Animal Supplement Council and is a non-profit organization that regulates animal supplements. If a product contains this seal on the label, it means the manufacturer is a responsible supplier committed to quality control and labeling standards. Please support companies that have the NASC seal.

24/10/2020

01/09/2015

Natural Disasters: Plan Ahead for Animals’ Safety - Veterinary Medicine at Illinois

For people in Western Washington this weekend's windstorms served as a reminder that we always need to be prepared to take care of our animals, especially during disasters such as fire, flood, or other emergencies. In cases of fire or natural disasters, you need to be prepared in case your pet gets injured, lost, or has to be evacuated.
A pre-determined plan in case of a disaster will help you remain calm and think clearly.
Remember to communicate and cooperate with all emergency personnel.
The AVMA has a very good brochure that you can download as a pdf and provides lots of great info for preparing for an emergency: https://ebusiness.avma.org/ProductCatalog/product.aspx?ID=140

Microchipping or other ID, arrangements for shelter, and medical records should be part of an animal owner's emergency preparedness plan.

27/08/2015

Making sure litter boxes pass the smell test - Dr. Marty Becker

How often do you clean your cat's litter boxes? If it is less than once a day consider using a Honey Bucket that is seldom cleaned. Doesn't sound very appealing? That's how your cat feels about a soiled litter box.

When it comes to bathroom behaviors, cats aren’t much different from humans. All they want is a little privacy, a clean facility, and no surprises. Yet the number one behavior problem that lands cats in the shelter is litter box misfires. If you cat isn’t using her litter box, the first thing you ne…

25/08/2015

Tasha is enjoying her SmartyKat Motion toy. A good toy to help fill your cat's hunting instinct. Always follow play sessions with a meal to reduce anxiety.

20/08/2015

We recommend hard sided carriers for most cats. Some are fine with soft carriers, but hard sided carriers provide more protection in an accident. Cats may also be able to figure out how to unzip the opening of a soft carrier.
Top loading carriers are much easier and less stressful for most cats. They can be lowered into the carrier, even if bundled in a towel. One of our favorites is the Petmate 2 Door Top Load Kennel. It comes in two sizes - 19" is good for more petite cats, and 24" will accommodate most larger cats. They can be found at some local retailers or on Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Petmate-24-Inch-Kennel-Metallic-Coffee/dp/B0062JFGM0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1440085958&sr=8-1&keywords=petmate+2+door+top+load+kennel

The best carriers are inexpensive hardsided carriers that open from the top and the front, and can also be taken apart in the middle. An easily removable top allows a cat which is fearful to stay in the bottom half of the carrier for exams. Avoid carriers that require a cat to be pulled from or dumped out for an exam. Choose carriers that are sturdy, secure, and stable for the cat, as well as easy for you to carry. Carriers should be seatbelted into the car to keep your cat safe.

More tips to reduce stress for vet visits: http://www.catvets.com/content-articles/reduce-vet-visit-stress

19/08/2015

Local Cat Friendly Veterinary Practices

19/08/2015

Dr. Cori visited Ruby on Saturday. They are both enjoying the physical exam. Ruby was an ideal patient.

07/08/2015

Cats Who Suckle and Lick People

Some cats can have OCD like behavior. Sometimes it is mild and while slightly annoying, it is not a problem. Other times it can develop into a real issue. Read this article to learn why cats suckle and lick and some possible remedies. Of course sometimes getting help from a vet specializing in feline behavior can be very beneficial.

There are many reasons why a cat might suckle or lick people excessively. Learn more about why your cat might be engaging in this type of behavior, and how to treat the behavior if it becomes excessive.

06/08/2015

Gear Guide

Do you and your cat have refined tastes? Hauspanther has some really cool stuff for you and your cat. If you're tired of the carpeted cat tree check out some of the great options here. From toys to lounging to dining, Hauspanther has just about everything the refined cat and cat lover needs.

Welcome to the Hauspanther Gear Guide, your ultimate resource for the coolest cat gear available. You’ll find everything you need for your cat, from toys and scratchers to litter boxes and cat carriers. Our Gear Guide is continuously updated, so bookmark this page and check back whenever you need so…

31/07/2015

Dr. Cori met with Bear this week. Bear is having some trouble adjusting to his new home and housemates. We visited the home and are working with Bear's people to help him be more comfortable and accepting with the other cats in the home. We have high hopes that Bear and his housemates with be happily cohabitating soon.

10/07/2015

Cat Enclosure Backyard

One of Dr. Cori's clients has created lots of additional space for their cats by adding safe outdoor enclosures. This one is on the back of their house and is accessible from both upstairs and downstairs and can be one large enclosure or blocked to create two separate spaces with separate entrances. The cats love it in all types of weather.
If you want a referral in the King County area for having an enclosure added on your home just contact us.
Video by Mardee Productions.

09/07/2015

Why are cats all the same?
Dogs come in all shapes and sizes -- from Irish wolfhound to Chihuahua -- while cats, aside from having different colored fur, all look pretty similar to the untrained eye. Of course there are different breeds of cats. We've got Siamese, British shorthair, Maine c**n, Manx, Persian, Scottish fold and lots more.
But dogs' genetics are better at mutating, which is how we get so many different types of dogs. Researchers suggest they have what's called a "slippery genome," meaning that their genetic makeup will adapt to mutations (that might otherwise have fatal consequences) relatively quickly. Cats (along with humans and the vast majority of other animals), on the other hand, don't have this ability. So we're stuck with cat breeds we may or may not be able to tell apart.

08/07/2015

Dr. Cori is packing her bags and heading off to Boston to the AVMA National Convention. This is a great chance to meet with others in the veterinary profession and learn new things. Dr. Cori will also be starting her term as President of the American Association of Industry Veterinarians. Lots of exciting things happening over the next few days. We'll let you know what we learned.

07/07/2015

Feline Behavior House Calls's cover photo

07/07/2015

A couple of recent patients get an exam from Dr. Cori. In the first picture she visited Wiley to help with his anxiety and inappropriate urination. The second picture shows Dr. Cori examining Georgie, a nice senior kitty who is having some aches and pains.

07/07/2015

Adopting a Cat / Kitten | American Association of Feline Practitioners

Shelters are almost bursting this time of year, with lots of kittens and adult cats needing homes. Cats are wonderful pets but before adding a new kitty to your household please check out this article from AAFP for things to consider. Make sure you can give any pet an appropriate home before adopting.

Adopting a Cat

01/07/2015

It's not uncommon for a cat to be afraid of loud noises, especially fireworks. They usually display by hiding. There are some things you can do to help your cat get through the seasonal celebrations. Cats who are allowed outdoors should be kept in starting before the 4th. Often people will light fireworks before the nighttime activities begin. A frightened cat may run off and get lost and disoriented. It’s a good idea to keep your cat inside starting on the 3rd.
• Staying calm will help your cat feel safe. You might even try to play with your cat to distract from the noise of fireworks.
• Close all doors and windows. Not only will this help ensure that your cat cannot get outside if it is startled or scared, but it will also help muffle the sound of fireworks.
• Make sure your cat has a safe place to seek refuge. Cats typically will run under a bed or under a chair to escape loud noises. Your cat chooses these places because she feels protected and the noise of fireworks is muffled. If your cat has not already picked out a place, provide one. Try leaving a few kibbles of a favorite treat in safe place to encourage your cat to go there.
• Play some calming music. Don't blast it, or try to drown out the sound of the fireworks. Play the music at a normal volume level - just enough so you can easily hear the music.
• Try desensitizing your cat to loud noises so the sound becomes normal. This is usually done by playing recorded fireworks at a low volume and in short intervals while you monitor your cat's behavior. This process is long and requires patience, but in the end your cat will be much more comfortable near a fireworks display.
• Try using Comfort Zone spray to help calm your cat. A couple of spritzes in the room where your cat seeks refuge can help take the edge off. See their website for more information on use. http://www.petcomfortzone.com Comfort Zone can be purchased at most pet supply stores.

15/06/2015

Cats love a good hiding spot, but if you notice your kitty is spending more time under the bed or in hard-to-reach places, it could signal that something’s wrong. “Owners often tell me they notice when their cat is ill if they’re usually social but have been spending more time in new hiding spots, or that they stop coming out at feeding time,” says Jake Zaidel, DVM, founder of Malta Animal Hospital in upstate New York and a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association. While excessive hiding is a general sign that something is off with your cat—not necessarily cancer—it’s still a good idea to see a vet, he says.

10/06/2015

WATCH: Cats vs. Socks

It would be interesting to know what these cats believe the socks represent. We love watching cats play and stalk.

For the love of animals. Pass it on.

10/06/2015

Cats are not that different from people - we both sort of want the same things in life.
These Five Items are the Basis for a Secure Environment
Food - Predictable meal times and individual food bowls for each cat.
Water - Clean fresh water in a location that appeals to your cat.
Toilet - A convenient clean private litter box serves for a kitty toilet. As a general rule of thumb, you should have one for each cat, plus one. Many cats prefer the litter box to be one and a half times the length of their body and at least one and a half inches deep.
Safe Place to Sleep - Soft bedding, as well as familiar smells and sounds supply security.
Familiar Territory - Face rubbing and scratching surfaces mark the territory with a personal touch. Be sure to supply plenty of scratching posts.
Each cat in the household needs a set of these resources. There can be some overlap, but sharing requires accurate assessment of each cat's relationship with the others. Resources should be located in an area that has at least two ways where a cat can enter or leave. Also avoid noisy places, high traffic areas, or places where a cat may feel threatened or stressed.

09/06/2015

Island Cats Veterinary Hospital - Veterinarian In Mercer Island, WA USA :: So what do you think...

Dr. Gross once worked at Island Cats and still does relief work there. Check out Dr. Ronngren's Blog chronicling her life as a new veterinarian.

“So, what would you recommend?” Many pet owners asked me this seemingly simple (though actually very loaded) question on my first day finally working as a licensed veterinarian after graduation.

04/06/2015

1. Cat Friendly Practices Can Reduce Stress of Vet Visits - Cat Owners

Taking your cat to the vet can be a very stressful activity - for both you and your cat. Finding a Cat Friendly Practice can help ease the strain on everyone. You can find a Cat Friendly Practice in your area by going to www.catvets.com

For many cats and owners, a trip to the veterinarian can be a cause of severe stress. It's critical for cat owners to understand the importance of routine ve...

21/04/2015

Past enemies, now peacefully sleeping side-by-side! Zac and Nina - they didn't used to get along and as a result Zac had frequent litter box problems. After implementing some litter box changes and behavior modification, these two get along quite well (can even be on a cat tree together) and Zac's litter box transgressions are significantly reduced!