Articles
Articles, questions and guides on pet care.
Common Causes of Bad Breath in Cats
A cat’s breath doesn’t necessarily smell like a bouquet of flowers, especially when fish is a staple in their diets. A piece of tuna can get stuck between their teeth, leading to an unpleasant odor.…
Why does my cat have red gums?
Your cat’s gum color provides a peek into their current health and well-being. Your cat’s gums are also prime indicators for the presence of dental disease. Keep reading to learn what is normal for…
Common Causes of Urinary Issues in Cats
Your cat’s litter box habits can tell you a lot about their urinary tract health. A sudden change in your cat’s bathroom habits might be a red flag indicating an issue in the urinary tract that…
Tips for Bringing Home a New Cat or Kitten
Planning on bringing home a new furry family member? What can you do to prepare? Here we share our best tips to prepare for your new cat’s arrival.
Wasp and Bee Stings in Dogs and Cats
Dogs and cats are often curious. They like to investigate or hunt insects, and therefore run the risk of being stung or bitten. Most dogs and cats can tolerate a wasp or insect sting without…
What You Need to Know About Vaccinating Your Cat
Vaccination is the quickest and most effective way to protect your cat from preventable diseases. We’ve all heard the saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”, and that certainly…
Grooming Tips and Coat Care for Your Cat
Keeping your cat’s coat clean and smooth will make them happier and petting them even more enjoyable! A dull coat can indicate possible internal diseases, nutritional deficiencies, dirty coat, etc.…
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…