Cat
First Aid Kit Checklist for the Cat Owner
Having a well-stocked first-aid kit on hand for your beloved cat will help ensure that you’re prepared for minor illness and injuries. Although there are many commercial kits available, you can…
How to Choose the Right Food for Your Cat
Let’s face it, cats are notorious for being picky eaters. You finally figure out what type of food they like, buy a case of it, and all of a sudden they don’t want it anymore. Some cats only eat…
A Guide to Treating and Preventing Constipation in Cats
When it comes to our cats’ bathroom habits, we know they want privacy as much, if not more, than we do. How do you know if your cat is constipated and needs treatment? If your cat hasn’t produced a…
Body Condition Scoring (BCS) for Dogs and Cats
Body Condition Scoring (BCS) is a quick and simple way to evaluate your cat or dog’s weight. To help ensure that your pet maintains a healthy weight, you can check their BCS twice a month. Keeping …
Brushing Your Cat's Teeth: Step-by-Step Instructions
As soon as you get that new kitten, be sure to get them used to having their teeth brushed! They’re kinda like a ball of clay when they’re young and will be more agreeable to trying new things.…
Poisonous Plants for Dogs and Cats: Sago Palm
Sago Palms are common across the United States, both as indoor and outdoor ornamental plants. If you have pets, it's important to know that these plants are poisonous if eaten or chewed on. Continue…
Are Poinsettia’s Really Toxic to Dogs and Cats?
Poinsettia, Euphorbia pulcherrima, are very common plants during the winter holiday season. New plants indoors and outdoors are tempting for our pets and many will ingest the leaves. Luckily, this…
Vitamin and Supplement Safety for Dogs and Cats
If you take a daily vitamin or supplement, you might be wondering if your pet needs to take one too. Is it safe to give your pet the same vitamin that you take? Read more about the benefits, safety,…
FirstVet Q&A: Why do cats hate water?
Have you ever wanted to know why most cats seem to hate water? Our vets have the answer! Keep reading for the surprising answers…
How to Keep Your Cat Safe this Christmas
Christmas is a busy and exciting time for many people and their pets. Unfortunately, this can also mean unexpected dangers for our feline family members. Let’s discuss some common hazards you may…
Why does my cat have blood in his urine?
Cystitis, or bladder inflammation, is a common and painful condition in cats that can cause bloody urine. If your cat has ever shown signs of pain when urinating or passed small amounts of urine in…
Help! Why is my cat destroying my house?!
Many cats live in perfect harmony with their surroundings. Unfortunately, others can claw sofas, climb drapes, and even spray urine on the furniture. It’s important to understand that your cat is…
How to Recognize and Treat Pancreatitis in Cats
Pancreatitis in cats can be a difficult disease to diagnose and treat. It can involve many parts of the digestive tract and mimic other diseases. Learn more about pancreatitis in cats, symptoms to…
Tips for Preparing Your Cat for International Travel
Planning an international trip or move with your cat? Anticipating international travel is exciting, but it can also be a busy and stressful time. Planning ahead and preparing your cat is essential…
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) in Dogs and Cats
The pancreas is an organ that has many functions, including producing enzymes to help digest food from what is called the ‘exocrine’ portion of the pancreas (there is also an ‘endocrine’ portion).…
Foods You Should Never Feed to Your Cat
We often share food as a sign of our love for our feline friends. However, cats are definitely not tiny humans and some foods can cause upset stomach, trigger pancreatitis, can be toxic or even…
Introducing a New Cat or Kitten to Your Home
With the addition of a new cat to a household comes a number of challenges to ensure a smooth, and happy transition. Cats by their nature are typically solitary animals that may take longer to…
Common Causes of Stomach Upset (Gastritis) in Cats
When people experience stomach upset, it can easily be identified and treated with over-the-counter medicines. Once symptoms start to appear, even mild ones, any person can easily communicate what…