You’ve scoured pet listings, visited shelters, talked to friends, consulted the internet… and now, you’re ready to adopt a new cat into your home.

Whether you chose your new family member from a litter, or they caught your eye during a visit to your local shelter, adopting a new cat is a big deal and should be taken seriously.

Cats require basic levels of TLC but are much more independent and self-sufficient than dogs. However, kittens have comparable energy to puppies but will mellow out as they get older.

If you are bringing home a kitten, make sure you are prepared with the necessities, and the previous owners or shelter have taken the necessary steps to ensure it is healthy and ready to go to its new home.

From your research, you are probably quite familiar with all the different items on the market for pets, but there are a few must-have items every first-time cat owner should have before bringing their new cat home.Read More »

Welcoming a new puppy is so exciting! It’s a fun time filled with lots of puppy snuggles, learning their personality, and lots of playtime!

But with a new puppy comes a lot of responsibility, and it’s important to be prepared for their arrival. Puppies require lots of care, attention, and stuff.

In fact, many experienced puppy owners describe a new addition as a lot like having a new baby. Many midnight potty breaks, early morning fussing, and lots of naps are in your future.

Before welcoming a new puppy into your home, you want to make sure you are fully prepared with the essentials. When selecting supplies for your new furry bundle, consider their breed, intended lifestyle, and their health and safety.

If you are in charge of the shopping list, let this checklist be your guide for all the essentials!Read More »

Thunderstorms can be very unsettling to animals. When we consider the impact of storms, we usually think of dogs as the ones who panic during loud events like thunderstorms or fireworks.

Cats have always been touted as the more independent house pet; however, just because they aren’t pacing, whining, or barking, like their canine friends, doesn’t mean storms or loud noises don’t affect them.

Cats may exhibit behaviors like being clingy, restlessness, or pacing. Also, these anxious behaviors may not seem out of the ordinary, especially if your cat seeks out a hiding space to ride out the storm.

While you can’t eliminate the threat of bad weather or loud noises, there are a few things you can do to maintain a calm environment when the time comes.

Keep in mind that it’s normal for animals to exhibit anxious behaviors during stressful situations, but if the behavior does not return to normal afterward, have a discussion with one of our veterinarians.Read More »