Articles
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Body condition scoring is a way to check if a pet is too skinny, too heavy, or just right. It allows a pet owner to determine how much fat their pet has compared to the muscles and bones. This handout outlines how to assess your pet's body condition score by look and feel.
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Booster vaccines are follow-up vaccines given after your cat first receives a vaccine. Protection from an initial vaccine series can fade, so boosters help keep immunity at a safe level by reminding the immune system how to fight a disease.
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This handout summarizes breeding and queening (giving birth) in cats and the normal estrus (heat cycle). Pregnancy care and labor care are outlined, along with signs to watch for to determine if your cat is experiencing delivery complications.
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Transitioning to a new home is a big step for even the most playful and outgoing kitten. Slowly introduce your kitten to your home, family members, and other cats or dogs in the home. Begin training your kitten as soon as they are comfortable with all the members of your household.
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Bromethalin is a common rodenticide. Cats are commonly poisoned when they find loose bait placed for rodent control. Clinical signs can develop as soon as a few hours after exposure and as long as seven days after exposure. There is no antidote for bromethalin, so early decontamination is extremely important.
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Roughly 50% to 80% of all cats over the age of four have periodontal disease (infection of the tissues surrounding the teeth). Brushing three times a week is the minimum recommendation to help remove plaque and prevent tartar accumulation. This handout outlines how to safely and successfully brush your cat's teeth.
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Caffeine is a chemical that can be toxic to pets. Many foods and drinks contain caffeine, including coffee, tea, soda, chocolate, diet pills, gum, coffee grounds, over-the-counter medications, energy boosting products, and even some herbal supplements. Early intervention is key to successful treatment.
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Cats and dogs can become intoxicated by cannabis in various ways, most commonly by eating things that include cannabis (e.g., baked goods, candies, chocolate bars and chips) or by ingesting cannabis directly in any form (second-hand smoke). A small amount of cannabis is all it takes to cause toxicity in cats and dogs.
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Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas produced from burning fossil fuels. It causes poisoning by depriving the body of oxygen. If carbon monoxide builds up in your home, garage, or other enclosed space it can be extremely dangerous for you, your family, and your cat.
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Modern vaccines save lives and prevent disease. They are extremely effective and safe. Pets sometimes experience mild side effects following vaccination, but rarely do they require veterinary medical attention. Monitor your pet and report any concerns to your veterinarian as soon as possible.