Search Results for ‘bond’

Most cats do a superior job of self-grooming, but when you pitch in (or treat your pampered Persian to a professional grooming appointment), it benefits more than her crowning glory. Regular grooming sessions actually improve her overall health and wellbeing.

At Cat Care of Vinings, we love focusing on the unique needs of cats. Our experts have compiled four reasons why tending to your tabby’s grooming needs should be part of your cat care routine.

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Cats are fastidious creatures, and it may seem counterintuitive that they need our help to stay tidy. Our feline housemates do rely on us for many things, though, and Cat Care of Vinings knows that pet parents everywhere will be grateful to better understand our top three reasons cat grooming is so important.

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If you are a cat owner that has had to replace one too many vacuums, we know the struggle. How to keep your cat from shedding so much is a common complaint we hear a lot at Cat Care of Vinings. Unfortunately, shedding happens.

Did you know we offer grooming for long haired cats? We don’t always recommend shaving them down simply for shedding, but a lot of owners with long haired cats choose shave-downs to prevent matting and hairballs!

There are some good solutions to reduce your cat’s shedding, which is why we are devoting an entire blog on this hairy situation!

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It’s been proven that cats enhance the quality of their owner’s lives. Just being near them lowers blood pressure, and petting or snuggling with them releases the “love hormone”, oxytocin, known to invigorate emotional well being. 

Since cats benefit us so much by simply being, it makes sense to repay the favor. Understanding and valuing the importance of feline mental health is an intrinsic part of a loving, compassionate, mutually beneficial human-cat relationship.

Love Works Both Ways

Cat lovers know very well the healing powers of feline ownership. Much has been said of the many ways they benefit human health, and perhaps it’s not surprising that human interaction boosts their mood in similar ways.

Human stress goes down when we cuddle with cats, and it happens to cats, too! Studies show dramatic increases of oxytocin after close time with the people they’re bonded with. Unsurprisingly, the strongest foundation for feline mental health may be building on these feelings of closeness and security. 

In other words, it truly is a two-way street when it comes to cat companionship. Contrary to some dubious feline body language, both parties are equally lucky to be in the presence of the other.

Look Good, Feel Good

Another facet of feline mental health actually starts with their physical state.

Like us, cats feel good when they look good. And how do they look good? By working out, of course! Exercising your cat at least 30 minutes every day is essential for a healthy mind and body.

Inherited Skills

Similarly, the installation of a cat tree, catio, window perch, or other vertical vantage point can help feline mental health enormously. They like to employ their predatory skills, so try to find games to play that encourage stalking, pouncing, or ambushing.

Is Scratching Good?

While scratching up furniture or curtains isn’t great, it’s a sign that cats need a proper outlet for scratching. The action gives them a great stretch, relieves stress, and helps shed dead claws.

What They Eat

On the same note, it’s important to watch what your cat eats. A balanced and complete diet that is rich in minerals and antioxidants is critical for optimal cognitive function.

We are happy to discuss whether your cat would benefit from omega-3 fatty acids or nutritional supplements to maintain feline mental health, especially as they age.

The Smart Test

Puzzle balls or food mazes incorporate your cat’s love of food with their ability to solve problems. Likewise, training your cat is extremely important to feline mental health – crate training, leash training, and agility training add significant value to your cat’s life. Plus, you can teach them commands, how to perform certain tricks, or even to use the toilet!

Feline Mental Health

The bottom line is that when your cat feels good, they are likely experiencing optimal health. Since we know that cats hide signs of illness or injury, it’s always a good idea to keep up their routine wellness checks.

If you have additional questions about how to help your cat look and feel their absolute best, our staff is always here for you at Cat Care of Vinings.

As we roll out the red carpet for Santa, it’s easy to feel consumed by the seemingly endless naughty and nice lists. Not only are we distracted by shopping for family meals or neighborhood potlucks, but there are always last minute gifts to purchase, and a million other things to do. 

The collective frenzy of the holiday season can cause us to shift our priorities a bit, and we’d be willing to bet that our cats sense it.  Luckily, with a few minor adjustments, you can improve your cat’s quality of life for the new year that is just around the corner.

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Although cats consistently beat out dogs for the title of “Most Popular Pet,” owners don’t bring them in to see a veterinarian as often as their canine counterparts. In fact, studies show that veterinarians see 5 dogs for every 1 cat. As cats get older, they’re even less likely to make it in for a wellness exam.

Anyone who’s ever owned a cat probably isn’t surprised by this statistic. Cats are notoriously resistant to their carriers and often experience high levels of fear and stress while at the clinic. As a result, millions of cats don’t receive the health care they need. Because cats are hardwired to mask signs of illness or injury, regular visits to the veterinarian are critical.

At Cat Care of Vinings, we take the bond between cats and humans seriously. We know cat owners don’t want their pets to suffer, yet the importance of regular wellness exams cannot be overstated. With this in mind, we’re proud to have certified Fear Free professionals at our practice and want to share the benefits of what this means to our patients.

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There’s something undeniably special about kittens; maybe it’s the large and inquisitive eyes, or the precious and tiny paws, or the little tails that continually twitch in the excitement of exploring a new environment. Taking care of a kitten is an exercise in playfulness and delight, to be sure.

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Cat ownership is an amazing, rewarding experience, but it doesn’t always come easily or naturally. A great deal of thought, preparation, and planning is ideal prior to bringing home a new animal; however, many adoptions are unplanned, hurried, or impulsively done. A hasty cat adoption can still yield positive results, but it’s always important to face this lifetime commitment with an understanding of feline health, safety, and wellness.
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Regular wellness care is of the utmost importance for any pet, but trips to the veterinarian often end up on the back burner when it comes to our cats.

This pro-cats-tination could be due to a general dislike of car rides, carriers, handling without their consent, or because cats are experts at masking symptoms,  hiding pain and making us believe that there is nothing wrong. Because of this, many felines don’t get the care they need until their health problems become serious. It’s important to remember that cats age more rapidly than humans, making regular wellness care an essential component of a healthy lifestyle for your feline companion. Preventing illness and disease in our feline companions is easier, healthier, and cheaper than attempting to treat a problem once it arises. Continue…