Top 10 Things To Do Before Bringing Your New Cat Home

Congratulations, the cat's out of the bag! You've just entered into a wonderful relationship that's bound to be filled with fun and affection. By starting off on the right foot—that is, by being well-prepared for your new arrival—you can move through that rocky adjustment period most new relationships go through and get right down to the lovin'!

1. Make Sure Everyone In The House Is Prepared To Have A Cat

Talk to your family members before bringing a new cat home. Make sure everyone knows that the fun begins only after kitty feels safe and her needs are met. Once you're sure everyone is ready for feeding, litter changing and grooming, you can divvy up chores among family members so everyone is prepared to care for kitty before she arrives.

2. Do You Know What Your Cat Is Trying To Tell You?

The average cat has a vocabulary of more than 16 different sounds, including purring, howling, hissing and meowing—not to mention a wide-range of playful and serious body language. Taking a glance at our Cat Care section will help you understand your cat's behavior before you're faced with her mysterious cat calls, pouncing and nocturnal romps.

3. Stock Up On Supplies Before Kitty Arrives

Have all of your cat's needs ready so she can get right down to the business of making herself at home. Kitty will need:

• A litter box and the brand of litter she's been using
• Food and water bowls and the food she's used to eating
• A sturdy, rough-textured scratching post—at least three feet high—that allows her to stretch completely while scratching
• Safe, stimulating toys. Hint: If you give her toys that make noises, you'll know when she's playing.
• A bed lined with a soft, warm blanket or towel
• Grooming tools: a high-quality brush and nail clipper are a good start

4. Identity Is Key

Proper identification is a necessity. If your kitty is indoors-only, an ID tag or implanted microchip will help ensure she'll be returned to you if she gets out and can't find her way home. A safety collar with an elastic panel will allow your cat to break loose if the collar gets caught on something. We caution against letting cats outdoors, but if you do—or if a window or door is left open—a safety collar and an ID tag may be what bring your missing cat home.

5. A Room Of One's Own

Choose a low-traffic room your kids and other pets don't frequent—this will be your cat's safe space to sniff, eat, scratch and play while she gets her bearings. Arrange her food and water bowls, bed and litter box—and scatter her toys around. You can even clean off a windowsill for her and have soft music playing. She'll appreciate the chance to feel out her new family from inside her haven.

6. Routine Behavior

Give your cat a little structure to lean on. For the first few weeks, provide him with the same kind of food and feeding schedule he had before living with you—and give him the same brand of litter, too, for a familiar scent and feel on his paws. Later on, if you wish to switch to different products, you can make a slow transition.

7. What's New, Pussycat?

With a whole new life in store for her, Kitty will need some time and space to check out her surroundings and all of her new play things. Give her time alone in her room to get comfortable before you come in to play with her. If you have other pets, it's a good idea to leave your new cat in her own room for a few days will allow the other animals in the house to get used to her sounds and scent. (Hint: Watch from the door to see how she leaves her carrier. Whether she pussyfoots into a dark corner or zooms out into the room, you'll know how she feels about her new surroundings.)

8. Introducing Kitty To The Pack

Go slow at first. A cat may need seven to fourteen days to relax into her new environment. If you have kids, let them introduce themselves one at a time. Hold up on the meet-and-greets with friends, neighbors and relatives until your kitty is eating and eliminating on a normal schedule. If you have other pets, don't let your new addition have free run of the house. This is the territory of the animals who have lived with you already. Allow all of your pets to meet in the new cat's territory—and make sure you're there to supervise.

9. Cat-Proof Your Home

When your cat is ready to explore the rest of her new home (for short excursions at first), be sure to get rid of stray items she might chew on or swallow, like toilet paper, tissues and paper towels. Pens and pencils may need to be kept in drawers. You may also have to tape wires to baseboards and put caps on outlets.
Put away harsh cleaning products, human medications and household poisons, and rehome any houseplants that might be toxic to her. Make sure foods that aren't healthy for a cat's tummy are placed securely out of reach.

10. Visit The Vet Within Her First Week

Last but not least, bring your new feline to a caring veterinarian for a wellness exam within one week after adoption. Make this appointment even before you bring your kitty home.

Obscure Cat Breed of the Month: LaPerm

LaPerm is a cat that was “accidentally” bred on a farm in Oregon in 1982.  The farmer noticed that his barn cat had one completely bald kitten in her litter.  It had very large, wide-spaced ears and a blueprint pattern on her skin that mimicked a classic tabby patter.  She stayed bald until about 8 weeks of age, at which time she grew very soft, curly hair. By the age of 4 months, she had a full coat of curls.  The farmer just accepted this kitten as a unique mutant and didn’t think much of it.  However, over the years, the farmer noticed that more and more kittens were being born bald and then developing the same type of curly coat.  These cats, she also noticed, were some of the friendliest cats she had ever seen.  She began to breed these cats exclusively and that is how the “LaPerm” breed was established.

LaPerm cats come in either long or short hair, in any color imaginable.  Most are born bald, but some are born with a curly down that they lose within the first two weeks and then grow back again.  All of the LaPerm cats have one thing in common: their indisputable people oriented personalities. 

This breed of cat is highly valued for its affection and trainability.  Because their ultimate goal in life seems to be to please their owners, owning a LaPerm would seem to be a wonderful experience.

For more information, reach out to www.cfa.org.   If anyone reading this owns a LaPerm, we encourage your input and/or pictures!

Obscure Dog Breed of the Month: Coton de Tulear

The Coton de Tulear is a bichon-type dog related to the French Bichons and the Italian Bolognese.  This is the “Official Dog of Madagascar”, and has even been honored on a postage stamp in 1974.

Cotons, from the French word for cotton, have a very cottony or fluffy haircoat rather than silky.  They have a long topcoat which, when left long, resembles a bale of cotton.  Accepted colors for this breed are white, white & black, or tri-colored; however, the all white dogs are preferred by show breeders.

This breed is very friendly, gentle, affectionate and alert.  They are very sociable and get along great with children.  Since they are small, they make a great apartment dog for someone in that situation that wants a small, loyal friend.  They are also great watchdogs due to their attentiveness.  Their most endearing “trick” is their tendency to jump and walk on their hind legs. 

If you own a Coton de Tulear, please feel free to let us know about them or post pictures.  For more information about this cute breed, reach out to www.dogbreedinfo.com.

Trent: New Veterinary Assistant

We are proud to highlight Trent, Veterinary Assistant. Trent graduated from the University of Colorado, Denver with a BA in Fine Arts. He enjoys music, art and the outdoors. His cattle dog, Cash, is an avid Frisbee dog!

Mobilize the Earth for Earth Day 2012

The first Earth Day, on April 22, 1970, activated 20 million Americans from all walks of life to speak out against the deterioration of the environment and demand change. As a result, the Environmental Protection Agency was created, the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts were passed,and the modern environmental movement was born.

Today, more than 1 billion people in 192 countries participate in Earth Day activities each year, making it the largest civic observance in the world. This year, in the face of global inaction on pressing environmental problems, we must harness that power.

Earth Day Network is calling upon individuals, organizations, businesses and governments to Mobilize the Earth™ and demand that environmental issues become a top priority.

Angie: New Front Office Employee

We are proud to highlight Angie, our new Front Office Employee, In her free time, Angie spends a lot of time taking care of her three rabbits, two cockatiels, cat and dog. She also enjoys playing her viola, messing with makeup, cooking, reading and hanging out with her buddies. She is currently a student at JCCC studying towards her Associate of Arts degree.

Pets & Easter Egg Hunts

Easter egg hunts are so much fun for kids, and sometimes even for adults! Finding that brightly colored egg stuffed with a surprise is exciting! But don't forget the dangers of failing to find an egg that's been stuffed with candy. Your dog leads with their nose, and if you don't find it, your pet might! Consider stuffing your eggs with something safe for pets this year. If Fido finds them, he'll be less likely to break them open and eat what's inside.

Vectra3D

We are proud to offer VECTRA3D, a new flea & tick alternative that also repels or kills four other external parasites...and it's cheaper than Frontline Plus!!

Call us at 913-649-0440 or stop by our clinic for details.

Senior Care Packages

We are proud to offer 15% off all Senior Care Packages in the month of February. Call us at 913-649-0440 for details or to schedule your senior pet's appointment.

 

One Happy Dog

This kooky canine is jumping for joy! What does your pet jump for?

5 pet hazards hiding in your purse or backpack

1.       Sugarless chewing gum and breath mints

    Many people carry chewing gum in their purses or backpacks and don’t realize that, if ingested by a dog, it can be fatal.  Most sugarless gums, including some Trident, Orbit and Ice Breaker brands, contain Xylitol, a sweetener that is toxic to dogs. Some sugarless mints and flavored multi-vitamins may also be made with Xylitol.

    When ingested, even small amounts of Xylitol can result in life-threatening and rapid drop in blood sugar, and, if large amounts are ingested, dogs can suffer from severe liver damage.  Signs of Xylitol poisoning include vomiting, weakness, difficulty walking, collapse, tremors and seizures.

2.       Cigarettes

     As few as three cigarettes can be fatal to a small dog, depending on the “strength: or “lightness” of the cigarettes.  After ingestion, clinical signs of distress can become apparent in as little as 15 minutes. Cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and even gum (Nicorette) contain nicotine, which is toxic to dogs and cats. Exposure causes high heart and respiratory rates, neurological overstimulation, uncontrolled urination, defecation, tremors, seizures, paralysis, and death.

3.       Asthma inhalers (albuterol)

    While asthma inhalers are often used in veterinary medicine for cats and dogs, when accidentally chewed and punctured by dogs, they can cause severe, life-threatening, acute poisoning. Because inhalers often contain concentrated doses (often 200 doses in one small vial) of beta-agonist drugs (albuterol) or steroids (such as fluticasone), dogs that bite into them are exposed to massive amounts of the drugs all at once.  This can lead to severe poisoning, resulting in life-threatening heart arrhythmias, agitation, vomiting, and collapse.

4.       Human medications

    Medications kept in your purse or backpack can be irresistible to some dogs because they resemble toys that rattle.  Each year nearly half of all calls to Pet Poison Helpline involve ingestion of potentially human medications.  Common drugs including NSAIDS (i.e. Advil, Aleve), acetaminophen (ie. Tylenol), and antidepressants (i.e. Effexor, Cymbalta, and Prozac) can cause serious harm to dogs and cats when ingested. NSAIDs can cause stomach and intestinal ulcers as well as kidney failure, especially in cats.

     A single Tylenol tablet containing acetaminophen can be fatal to cats, and in dogs, in larger ingestion, can lead to severe liver failure. Of all the medications, antidepressants account for the highest number of call to Pet Poison Helpline. They can cause neurological problems like sedation, incoordination, agitation, tremors and seizures.

5.       Hand Sanitizer

    Hand Sanitizer has become a common item in handbags and backpacks. Many hand sanitizers claim to kill almost 100 percent of germs. This is possible because they contain high amounts of alcohol (ethanol) – sometimes up to 95%.  Therefore, when a dog ingests a small bottle of hand sanitizer, it can have the same effect as a shot of hard liquor.  This can cause a severe drop in blood sugar, incoordination, a drop in body temperature, neurological depression, coma and death.

Dog Waits for Santa

Thanksgiving Pet Safety Tips

November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month

Did you know?
-Cancer accounts for nearly 50% of all disease-related pet deaths each year
-One in four dogs die of cancer.
-Approximately 1 in 4 dogs develops a tumor of some kind during his lifetime.
-Just like in humans, cancer can occur in any part of your dog’s body.

Are you aware that November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month? Run your hands over your pet and feel for any unusual lumps or bumps. If you feel something new or unusual, let's take a look at it. Dogs and cats can get benign lumps such as lipomas and sebaceous cysts, but they can also get much more serious tumors, like mast cell tumors, melanomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and many others. Many of these can be diagnosed with a simple in-office procedure involving a needle aspirate and then a microscopic exam of the cells obtained. A fine needle aspirate is generally less painful than a vaccination, so don't hesitate to get that lump checked out. The importance of annual check-ups regardless of the age of your pet is critical in the prevention of cancer. 

Here are the top 10 early warning signs of pet cancer listed out by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

1. Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow
2. Sores that do not heal
3. Weight loss
4. Loss of appetite
5. Bleeding or discharge from any body opening
6. Offensive odor
7. Difficulty eating or swallowing
8. Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina
9. Persistent lameness or stiffness
10. Difficulty breathing, urinating or defecating

Better to be safe than sorry, and much better to catch something sooner rather than later!

Obscure Dog Breed of the Month

The Bandog is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club as a cross between an American Bulldog and a Mastiff. It is our Obscure Dog Breed of the Month. The Bandog is an extremely intelligent dog who needs to have an owner that can maintain dominance. It is not a breed for a beginner or a passive owner. Unfortunately, they are sometimes used as fighting dogs in parts of Europe. For this reason,... they came in at #10 in the Top 10 Banned Dogs in the World for 2010. For the dominant owner, these dogs are an intelligent, loving companion. They are very protective of their families and can be trained as guard dogs, if needed. This is a breed that LOVES attention and thrives on leadership. It must be given mental as well as physical exercise to keep him happy and healthy. They can get along with other animals in the household as long as they have been raised with them.

 

Obscure Cat Breed of the Month

This beautiful cat, which resembles a longhaired Abyssinian, is our Obscure Cat Breed of the Month. Despite its name, the Somali breed does not originate in Africa; rather, breeders in Canada and the United States cultivated this breed.Somalis are a lively cat with a bushy tail; hence its nickname the “Fox Cat.” Its dense, soft coat is ticked in the manner associated with wild cats. Their accep...ted colors are blue, fawn, red and ruddy. They are also available in silver, but this color is not accepted by many cat associations. These cats are extroverted, active, inquisitive, very affectionate and people-oriented. They can be stubborn and, as always, obedience is better won with love and praise rather than punishment.

Fred the Bearded Dragon

Fred is a one year old bearded dragon owned by our receptionist, Tracy. Fred was named after an obnoxious boy who has crazy videos on YouTube. His favorite thing to do is to eat his crickets, superworms and greens. He has such a fun personality. When talking to Fred, he actually responds by moving his head. Tracy’s cat, Phoebe, has also taken an interest in Fred!!!!

 

De-Clawed Feline

Team Member of the Month

Our Team Member of the Month is Donna! Donna Deflatto has cared for pets as a registered veterinary technician at Cherokee Animal Clinic since 1995. She enjoys working at the clinic because of the focus on the well-being of pets and the honest, ethical treatment of owners. A jogger since the mid-1970s, Donna also shares her home with three dogs, Nina, Lola and Stevie. We are very lucky to have Donna as a part of our team!

 

Pet of the Month-Jorgie

Our Pet of the Month for September is Jorgie! Jorgie is a five month old Chihuahua puppy owned by Donna, our surgical technician. He is Donna's rendition of "How Much Is That Puppy in the Window", for that is exactly how he came into her life. She was shopping for her other dogs and saw Jorgie, who then went home with her! He has settled into his new household quite well. Ruling the roost with his little Napoleon attitude.