How to Identify Anxiety in Cats

An anxious cat hides under a bed.

A cat with an anxiety disorder is a frightened cat. Something has happened in its life to make the cat fearful. It could have been loud noises, mistreatment, a fall, or any event that caused trauma. If your cat is overly sensitive to sounds or abrupt actions, anxiety is likely the cause. A specialized cat veterinarian can diagnose this condition and help you understand how to address it. 

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Taking Your Cat to the Vet Is Necessary, But It Can Also Be Fun!

A furry white cat receives a scratch under the chin. Taking a cat to the vet can be a chore, so have as much fun as possible with it!

As a practice with certified Fear-Free professionals, Cat Care of Vinings goes to great lengths to ensure our feline patients are comfortable while they’re with us. It is our privilege to care for your cat and we take everyone’s emotional well-being into consideration during your pet’s appointment. To that end, we provide a calming environment throughout our hospital, apply careful handling techniques that minimize stress and anxiety, and customize each visit to the needs of the individual cat. 

A huge part of the fear-free equation is the at-home preparation needed prior to coming in with your cat. We know it’s not always easy to get your cat to the vet, but together we hope we can change what the veterinary experience means to our feline friends.

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A Quick Guide to Feline Behavior: What Does It Mean When Cats Hide?

When cats hide, they aren’t simply waiting for you to seek them out. Instead, cats sniff out quiet, dark, seemingly inaccessible places so they can go it alone – especially if they are in ill health. But why do they do this? How can cat owners help? Paying extra close attention to the subtle art of feline behavior is a good place to start.

February is National Cat Health Month; and while we focus on cat health every day, we wanted to take advantage of the spotlight to showcase this often-misunderstood feline behavior.

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Crate Training Your Cat

Crate training your cat can help get your cat to the vetWhile crate training cats may seem counterintuitive to many, it is one of the smartest things you can do as a cat owner. Why? Simply put, a crate-trained cat is a cat that is ready for action. Whether that action is a trip to see your veterinarian, making a cross-town (or country) move with the family, or an emergency evacuation, having a cat that is comfortable with going into, and hanging out in, his or her crate is a plus.

Luckily, cats naturally love cozy, semi-enclosed spaces such as cardboard boxes, baskets, and other den-like areas. Even though this may seem hard, it really shouldn’t be too much of an adjustment. The goal is to accustom your cat to the idea of “the crate.” Simply, make it a safe and comfortable place that is part of daily life.

Crate Training Cats 101

If possible, we recommend that you start crate training your cat when they are still a kitten. If you are crate training an adult cat, the same general procedures apply, but may require a bit more patience on your part. Continue…