Small Animal

What makes cats different?

Unlike humans and dogs, cats are obligate carnivores. Let’s consider how cats became domesticated. Cats were attracted to human settlements because the rats and mice that humans attracted were delicious and plentiful food sources. Essentially, cats domesticated themselves as they opted to live around humans to access these food sources.  

What does this mean for their nutrition?

What this means to cats’ diets is that they are obligate carnivores who thrive off diets composed mostly of water, then protein and fat, with little carbohydrates (basically the components of a mouse!). Cats get most of their water from their food and are most efficient at deriving energy from protein. In fact in one study, cats actually preferred to eat a higher protein diet that tasted bad versus a higher carbohydrate diet that tasted good.

So what should I feed my cat?

Here at Mitchell Veterinary Services, we recommend feeding your cat a mostly canned food diet. Canned food contains more water and protein than a kibble based diet, which is more appropriate for your cat. However, not all canned foods are created equal and some can even be very high in carbohydrates. Ideally the protein source should be meat-based, as cats digest these more readily. You should speak with your veterinarian about the best food to feed your cat. Your cat should receive 2-3 canned food meals per day.

Should I totally avoid kibble?

While cats can thrive on a completely canned food diet, we understand that some cats do like to graze throughout the day. In these cases, feeding some kibble is perfectly fine for your cat. We often recommend a specific veterinary dental diet for cats, as these have been proven to reduce the risk of dental disease.  The focus however, should still be on feeding mostly canned food, with only some kibbles to nibble on through the day. You should speak with your veterinarian about the exact amounts you should be feeding your cat to ensure it does not become an unhealthy weight.

Will my cat gain weight eating more canned food?

No! While you always need to measure food amounts to ensure you are not over feeding your cat, cats that eat canned food tend to maintain a better body condition than those fed kibble. Feeding your cat canned food (being high in protein and low in carbohydrates) can actually help it lose weight. Kibble is far more energy dense than canned food and so it is far easier to over feed with kibble (or for your cat to over eat!).

Will eating more canned food cause bad teeth?

Only veterinary dental specific diets have been shown to help prevent dental disease in cats. Any other kibble does not have this effect. This is why we recommend a dental diet be fed with canned food. That being said, brushing your cat’s teeth is really the best way to prevent dental disease, no matter what it is fed.

How do I know how much to feed my cat?

The best thing you can do is contact your veterinarian. The Mitchell Veterinary Services team members can examine your cat and know whether it needs to lose, gain, or maintain its current weight. They can then give you an exact amount of canned food and kibble that would be best to feed your cat. If your cat has any special health needs (diabetes, renal disease, arthritis, urinary crystals, etc), your veterinarian can also give recommendations as to the best diets and supplements that will help your cat with its condition.

It’s getting hot in Perth County!  Don’t forget that our furry friends can’t handle the heat very well.

Heat stroke happens to a pet when its body cannot get rid of heat fast enough.  Normally, a pet will seek shade and lay down.  Dogs will pant and drool to cool the body by evaporation and their blood vessels will dilate in order to radiate heat away.  However, with too much heat stress, both dogs’ and cats’ core temperatures will rise above normal and pets will develop a change in attitude and alertness, bright red or blue gums and may become weak or collapse.

Risk Factors

• Non-ventilated areas (confinement in a car or hot cage)
• Water and shade deprivation
• Exercise in hot, humid weather
• Obesity and old age
• Obstructed upper airway (think bulldog or other short-nosed breeds)
• Exposure to forced heat (from blow dryer or clothes dryer)
• Underlying diseases, such as congestive heart failure

Rules to Prevent Heatstroke

1. Never ever leave an animal alone in a car, regardless of the temperature outside
2. Pets should always have access to clean, fresh water
3. Do not push a pet to exercise if they are slowing down and want to take a break
4. Keep pets indoors during very hot weather

Please make sure that when you open windows to allow a breeze indoors, that the screens are secure, so that your dog or cat will not fall out if they jump on to the window sill.

Pets can also get thermal burns on their paw pads if they walk on hot pavement, decks or sandy beaches.  Hoses that are left out in the sun should be allowed to flow before pets drink from them.

If you think your pet has heat stroke, please call your veterinarian right away!  Move it to a shaded and cool environment with a fan.  Soak a towel in tap water and drape it over its body.  You may offer water, but do not force it to drink.  Do not use ice or cold water for cooling, as it constricts blood vessels, preventing heat from escaping.

Severe heat stroke can cause damage to all organs. Treatment for heat stroke may include IV fluid therapy and hospitalization.  Here at Mitchell Veterinary Services, we are glad that summer is finally here, but we need to ensure that our pets are safe in the heat.

Do you have a new kitten?  Are you considering bringing a kitten into your household?  Mitchell Veterinary Services will give you the scoop on kitten ownership and what to expect in the first six months of its life.

Kittens begin developing personalities at a very early age, once their eyes and ears are open.  Generally, kittens are adopted between 6 to 8 weeks.  It is a good idea to select a kitten that has been raised with positive interactions with humans.  We encourage you to pick a healthy-looking kitten that has been socialized with other kittens and people.

Kittens are more likely to injure themselves through exploration than mature pets.  Showing them the ropes from the beginning of their life is important to their safety.  When bringing a kitten into your home, have a designated room prepared with food and water on one side and a new litter box on the other.  Many kittens will instinctively use a litter box, but their chances of success are improved if they have a quiet private area in which to use it.  The kitten will also need a scratching post, cat toys and several places to hide and safely climb.  This room should be “kitten-proof” with secure window screens that they cannot escape from and without elastic bands, string or other small objects that could be ingested.                   

Developing a consistent feeding schedule can also decrease a kitten’s stress level when faced with its new surroundings.  After a week or so, when the kitten has acclimatized to its surroundings, it may be integrated into the household, but always returns to its safe room.

As with all pets, the best way to train them to adopt appropriate behaviours is to praise them when they behave in a positive manner.  Kittens love being spoken to in a gentle voice, being petted on their own terms and being offered tasty treats.  They will naturally be curious and want to play, so they should be directed to toys that they are allowed to play with.  Kittens should not be allowed to play with fingers, toes or articles of clothing.  It is recommended to expose your kitten to a carrier, as well as nail trimming, brushing its teeth, wearing a collar, getting brushed and having gentle play time.

An advantage of keeping a kitten separate for the first few weeks from other pets is preventing the spread of disease and parasites.  Kittens should have their first visit to a veterinarian as soon as they are adopted, in order to make sure they are healthy.  During the kitten consultation, preventive care, such as nutrition, behavior, deworming and vaccinations is discussed.  Other topics addressed during the series of kitten visits include dental health, pet insurance, microchipping and neutering or spaying.

Feline Vaccines

There are core vaccines and non-core vaccines:

Core vaccines:

1.  FVRCP -Combination vaccine which provides protection against1) feline herpes virus, 2) feline calicivirus (both of which cause upper respiratory tract infection) as well as 3) feline panleukopenia virus, which is also known as distemper.  Generally given at 8 weeks of age, then again as a booster at 12 weeks and 16 weeks.
2. Rabies – Generally given at 4 months of age.

Non-core vaccines:

1.  Feline leukemia virus -May be appropriate for kittens that could have exposure to other cats outside.  The kitten is tested for feline leukemia, inoculated at 12 weeks of age and again at 16 weeks. There is a small risk of vaccine reactions and ways to minimize these risks can be discussed with a veterinarian.

Very young kittens have maternal immunity (antibodies from the mother cat) which fade in the first few months of life.  Early on, maternal immunity will block disease, as well as vaccines, but when it has faded, will not prevent disease.  The purpose of the series of boosters is to ensure that the kitten is protected against disease during the window of time where maternal immunity is no longer protective.

Many kittens have parasites when they arrive at their new home including intestinal worms, giardia and fleas.  We recommend bringing in a fecal sample at the time of the kitten’s first visit in order to screen it for parasites.  The kitten will be sent home with safe dewormer and flea medication.

Spaying and neutering is recommended at 5 to 6 months of age, prior to sexual maturity.  Please take a look at our blog on heat cycles in female cats, as well as OVARIOHYSTERECTOMY. You can log on to our website to see our library of veterinary written health articles.

Take lots of photos of your kitten, it will be an adult before you know it!  Mitchell Veterinary Services recommends annual exams for adult cats for ongoing preventive care.  Getting your kitten on preventive care at an early age will maximize its likelihood of many healthy years to come.

Just like people, pets can get allergies! It’s that time of year again in Perth County – we are seeing flare-ups in allergy-prone pets. Signs can be as subtle as feet licking or can be as severe as pets chewing themselves raw. Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to what is typically a harmless substance. Usually the cause of the allergy is some sort of protein. The immune system overreacts to the protein and causes substances to release that can lead to intense itchiness and inflammation of the skin.

What are signs my pet has allergies?

• Feet licking
• Bum scooting/chronic anal gland issues
• Itchy ears/chronic ear infections
• Red/itchy/ulcerated skin
• Itchy skin around head and ears in cats
• Itchy/watery eyes
• Coughing/sneezing
• Diarrhea/vomiting

What is causing my pet’s allergies? How can allergies be treated?

There are many different types of allergies. Your pet can have one type of allergy or a combination of a few. More often than not, a pet with one allergy tends to be prone to developing others.

Flea Allergy Dermatitis   

Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) is an allergy to flea saliva. While all pets will be itchy with fleas, those with FAD have severe reactions, sometimes to the point where the skin becomes very inflamed and painful. The most common area you would see this is in the lower back area near the base of the tail. However, other areas can also be affected. This allergy tends to worsen with age and with more flea exposure.

Treatment involves regular flea prevention medications. It is best to use a veterinary specific medication as there is guaranteed efficacy of the products when used properly. Prevention is the best approach as even a single flea bite can cause a severe reaction. Some dogs with severe reactions may also benefit from other medications from your veterinarian that can help stop the itchiness. Some may even require antibiotics for bad skin lesions.

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (Atopy) occurs when your dog or cat is allergic to environmental allergens. These allergens include pollen, mold, dust mites, and grasses. These allergens are all over the environment and impossible to avoid. Your pet can be exposed to these by inhaling them or through the allergies contacting and travelling through the skin. Common areas that become itchy because of this are feet, groin, armpits and belly. Some dogs can be itchy over their entire body. Other signs include sneezing coughing and itchy, watery eyes,

Treatment can be difficult with atopic animals. First line treatment often involves using a steroid medication to help itchiness and inflammation. Antihistamines can also be used but are often ineffective.

The best option is allergy testing. This allows us to figure out exactly what allergens are causing the issue. We can use this information to develop “allergy shots”, which are actually small doses of the allergen you give your pet to help desensitize them. Sometimes, in more severe or complicated cases, referral to a dermatologist may be the best option.

Food Allergy Dermatitis

Food allergy dermatitis occurs when an animal has adverse skin reactions due to allergens in their food. Most commonly the allergens stem from the protein or carbohydrate source. Some common food allergens include chicken, beef, soy, corn, dairy, lamb, salmon, rice, wheat and tuna. In dogs, signs associated with food allergy dermatitis are commonly itchy feet, itchy ears/chronic ear infections and itchy bums/chronic anal gland issues. In cats, the most common signs are itchy skin around the head and neck. Sometimes, food allergies in dogs and cats can cause vomiting and diarrhea.

Treatment for pets with food allergy dermatitis involves a strict food trial. This means feeding a hypoallergenic food prescribed by your veterinarian. The key to doing this properly is to make sure that your pet only gets the prescribed food and nothing else! Even a tiny piece of meat can cause a bad allergic flare-up in an allergic animal.

Are allergies common?

Allergies are a fairly common finding in pets. Some breeds that are predisposed to allergies include Bulldogs, West Highland Terriers, Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds and Cocker Spaniels. That being said, any dog or cat can develop allergies.

What should I do if I suspect my pet has allergies?                        

The first thing you should do is take your pet to see a veterinarian! The veterinarians at Mitchell Veterinary Services will take a detailed history and perform a thorough physical exam. This will allow us to determine whether your pet indeed has allergies and what type is most likely. We will also treat for any other secondary issues such as infections and recommend a plan to help keep your pet as comfortable as possible.

Can pets with allergies be cured?

Unfortunately allergies are not something that can be cured but they can be managed. The sooner the issues are addressed, the better off your pet will be. Seeing your vet as soon as possible when you have concerns means your pet will live a more comfortable and happier life.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by spiral-shaped bacteria known as leptospires.  The bacteria are transmitted by the urine, blood or tissues of infected animals.  Infection most frequently occurs in dogs but has the potential to occur in all animals, including humans and cats.  This is why we take this infection seriously at Mitchell Veterinary Services.

The primary route of exposure is from wildlife such as rodents, raccoons or ground hogs.  For this reason, hunting dogs or pets camping, cottaging or living in rural areas have a greater risk of exposure.  Infected individuals may shed the bacteria into their environment for several months.  It can survive in water or soil for several weeks.  A domestic dog can become infected by drinking, swimming or walking through contaminated water.  The leptospires enter the body through a cut, eyes, nose or mouth. 

Leptospirosis may cause a range of symptoms in pets.  Certain pets may be carriers and not show any symptoms but have a risk of spreading the bacteria to other individuals.  Dogs often have vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, excessive drinking, abdominal pain, severe weakness, fever and muscle pain.  Many patients have severe liver and kidney damage that is seen on their bloodwork.  Blood and urine testing can be performed by a veterinarian to determine if a pet has been exposed to leptospirosis. 

Treatment is available for leptospirosis.  This involves antibiotics and frequently, hospitalization on IV fluids is also necessary.  Without aggressive therapy, or if not treated early, this disease may be fatal.  We recommended avoiding contact with your infected pet’s urine before the pet has received treatment. If necessary, gloves and protective clothing may be worn.  Due to the human health risk, we recommend informing your physician if you have had contact with a pet’s urine, blood or tissues during its infection.

Leptospirosis is preventable through vaccination of our dogs.  The vaccine is not 100% protective, since if does not provide immunity against all the different strains of the bacteria.  Vaccines may reduce the severity of the disease but will not prevent infected dogs from becoming carriers.  The veterinarians at Mitchell Veterinary Services recommend removing standing water and controlling wildlife in the pet’s environment.   This will help reduce the risk of your pets coming into contact with the bacteria.

What are fleas?

Fleas are very small wingless insects that feed on the blood of animals. They have flat bodies and long legs that make them perfect for jumping great lengths and quickly moving through fur.

Flea Life Cycle

A flea lays eggs on the host, but these eggs tend to fall off into the environment. They eventually hatch out as larvae. The larvae like to live in dark places such as carpets and crevices where they feed on flea feces (called “flea dirt”). Eventually the larvae form a cocoon called a pupa. They can stay dormant in this stage for months until conditions are perfect for them to hatch into adults. Fleas thrive in warm and moist conditions, which is why we tend to see outbreaks in spring and autumn.

Once an adult flea hatches, it has one week to find a host to feed off of. When it jumps onto the host, it take its first meal within 30 minutes, and will start producing eggs within 24 hours of its first meal. Typically fleas live 30 to 90 days but can live longer under ideal conditions. In total, a flea’s entire life cycle can range anywhere from two months to one year.

What are signs my pets have fleas?

Flea bites can cause intense itchiness to the point where your pet may be excessively scratching or even chewing at itself. Typically fleas like to spend time around your pet’s lower back/base of tail area, inside the thighs, on the belly and on the neck. In more severe infestations, you may actually see fleas on your pet.

Some animals can have allergies to flea bites. This can cause even worse signs like hair loss, inflammation and ulceration of the skin and lethargy. This is called Flea Allergy Dermatitis. Animals with Flea Allergy Dermatitis should be on regular flea prevention as even one bite can cause a severe reaction.   

 Animals with severe infestations, especially kittens and puppies, can lose a significant amount of blood and become extremely weak due to anemia.

 How would my pets get fleas?

Fleas are very common in the environment. Your pet can be exposed to fleas by being around other animals with fleas or even spending time in an area where flea infested animals may have been (including wildlife). Fleas can also hitch a ride on humans into a house, so even indoor pets can be exposed. It only takes one flea to begin an infestation.

How do I prevent my pets from getting fleas?

We recommend all dogs be on flea prevention medications available from your veterinarian from spring to winter (this is often a combination product with heartworm and intestinal worm prevention). This is the best way to prevent fleas from becoming an issue. Cats that go outside or live with other animals that spend time outdoors should also be on regular flea prevention.

How do I treat my pets if they get fleas?

There are many flea treatment options available for your pet. Here at Mitchell Veterinary Services, we believe products available through your veterinarian are the safest and most effective to use for your pet and to be used around your family.

Here are some reasons why we don’t recommend the following products:

Flea Collars:

While flea collars can be effective in some cases, we have seen a number of animals with bad skin reactions and fur loss due to the collars. Furthermore, we have seen many pets with fleas while wearing a flea collar. Pets have fleas while wearing the flea collar. Some products may also lose their effectiveness when they become wet. Often times in our experience, the collars tend to only kill fleas around the collar.

Topical Flea Medications from Pet Stores:

We never recommend store bought topical medications to be used on cats. Some of these products, specifically the ones meant for dogs, can be extremely toxic and fatal if applied on cats. Every year a startling number of cats will die because of improper use of these products. For dogs, we have seen these products fail many times or only provide a very short duration of action. Furthermore, unlike veterinary products, these companies do not offer any guarantees as to the effectiveness of their products.

Flea baths:

Flea baths do not offer residual protection so you would most likely have to bathe your pet more than once. They will not take care of fleas in the environment; therefore you would have to spray your home with flea spray, which is undesirable as all family members need to evacuate the house first.

Treat all pets in Household:

When fleas are noticed on one pet in the house, then all pets that come into the house should be treated with prevention for three consecutive months to break the flea life cycle.  This is important as fleas can live in the pet’s environment and jump onto the other pets. 

 Why Flea Medications from Your Veterinarian are the Best Choice:

For the above reasons, Mitchell Veterinary Services, recommends using medications from your veterinarian. These medications are safe and effective. Talking with a member of your veterinary team will allow him/her to choose a product that is suited to the specific needs of your pet. Using these products alone is often enough to clear fleas out of your house, as well as eliminating the need for flea sprays. The companies we work with stand behind the quality of their products and guarantee they will work when used properly. These products often have superior pest control, are easy to use and are the safest option for both your pet and your family.

Welcoming a baby to the family is an exciting time and we should keep in mind that changes in our lifestyle may impact our pets. Cats and dogs are creatures of daily routine, so a new addition to the household can dramatically change their schedules and it is best to plan ahead.

Baby Proofing

A young child should never be left with a dog or cat unsupervised.  Mitchell Vet Services recommends crating your pet, using baby gates and closing the nursery door, to prevent such situations.  When your child gets older, you don’t want him/her to enter the pet’s space unless the contact is under your supervision. 

You can spend time training your dog now, before the baby comes, to minimize its anxiety and ensure it continues to respond to commands once the baby is home.  Your dog will need to be able to come when called, sit, calmly stay in its crate or designated area, “drop it”, take treats gently, have no teeth contact with human skin and allow any part of its body to be handled.  In addition, your dog should respond to these commands from all of its family members.

Consider calming products for your pet in the home for a month before your baby is due.  Offering your pet a blanket carrying the scent of your baby can give it time to familiarize itself with the new family member.  Babies can make strange loud noises that may frighten your pet and it is important to use positive reinforcement to encourage your pet to remain calm.  Consider having mom greet the pet before introducing baby.  Initially, have one adult hold the baby while a second adult handles the pet.  You want your pet to form a positive association with the baby.  When your pet is calm around the baby, reward it with praise and treats.

Pet Proofing

In addition to “baby-proofing” your house, it’s important to “pet-proof” your home before the baby comes home!  Prenatal vitamins may contain high doses of iron, which can lead to toxic levels of iron in a pet if consumed.  Signs of toxicity include bloody vomiting and diarrhea, heart problems or even organ failure, seizures and death. 

Believe it or not, some dogs find dirty diapers to be quite tasty!  Disposable diapers themselves are not toxic, but due to their absorbent nature, they increase in size in the stomach and may cause an obstruction.  Pacifiers and nipple shields are also at risk of causing a foreign body obstruction. 

Diaper rash creams contain zinc oxide and often cause vomiting if consumed.  If this product is ingested for multiple days, it also has a risk of zinc toxicity. 

Vitamin D3 supplements for babies may cause fatal kidney damage to a pet unless hospitalized.  Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is extremely toxic to cats even at baby dosages.  It can cause death within 1 to 2 hours.  The toxic dose is slightly higher in dogs, but can still be fatal even with critical veterinary intervention. 

Teething products (such as Orajel) contain benzocaine, which can numb the throat and create a risk for aspiration.  In cats and dogs, benzocaine metabolizes into a poisonous component that results in blood that cannot transport oxygen.

 As with any potential toxin ingestion, if you believe your pet has consumed something that may be hazardous to its health, please do not hesitate to call our clinic at any time.

A little extra planning early on can go a long way to maintain a harmonious household when your bundle of joy comes home. If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact Mitchell Veterinary Services at 519-348-9711.

With the hot weather approaching, many of us in Perth County will be spending a lot of time around water and sharing that experience with our dogs. Whether it is by the pool, a lake, or a river, here are some safety tips from Mitchell Veterinary Services to ensure that you and your dog have a happy and safe summer holiday.

• Always supervise your dog around water. While your dog may be a good swimmer, injuries and disorientation can happen easily with lethal results. If you have a pool, make sure it is fenced off so your dog cannot access it when you are not around to watch.
• Teach your dog to swim. Not all dogs are born great swimmers. Gradually introduce your dog to water for short periods of time. Allow them to practice and learn proper doggy-paddle technique! Start in shallow water first. If they really do not want to swim, do not force them. Not all dogs are water dogs.
• Consider your dog’s breed. Some breeds are built better for swimming than others. Short-nosed muscular breeds, such as bull dogs, may have a more difficult time staying afloat due to their body composition. They may also have difficulty keeping their short nose out of the water. Consider always using a life jacket for these breeds to keep them above the water while swimming.
• Teach your dog where the steps out of the pool are. It is important that they always know the easiest way out of the pool. Place a flag or large object at the steps that is easy for them to see while swimming and train them that that is where the exit is. Reward them for using the steps to reinforce it as the exit point.
• Always have a life jacket on your dog while boating. Even if your dog is a good swimmer, if he or she falls out of the boat and injure itself, his or her swimming ability could be severely affected. A life jacket will also allow him or her to swim longer and give you time to go back and find your dog in the water.
• Check water conditions before heading out. If there are reports that there is rough or fast flowing water, it would be best to avoid that area that day.
• Try to prevent your dog from drinking water outside. Pool water contains chlorine and can cause some stomach upset. Water from lakes and rivers can contain intestinal parasites and cause diarrhea. This water can also contain a bacteria called leptospirosis that can cause lethal kidney failure. If you feel it would be difficult to prevent your dog from drinking water outside, speak to us about getting your dog vaccinated against leptospirosis.
• Rinse off your dog. The chlorine in pools can cause skin irritation so it is best to give them a quick rinse when they are done swimming.
• Dry your dog thoroughly after swimming. Use cotton balls to dry out ears, as damp ears can lead to ear infections. Dry off other parts of the body as much as possible, especially around the head and neck area, as these areas are common for skin infections known as “hot spots”. This is especially true in long haired breeds such as Golden Retrievers. Consider keeping your pet’s hair trimmed short if you know they will spend a lot of time in the water.

 We hope that by following these tips, you, your family and your dog will have a fun and safe summer!

Unfortunately it is all too common for indoor cats to live a far more sedentary lifestyle than they should.  A sedentary lifestyle contributes to high obesity rates, diabetes and other preventable diseases.  Increasing activity in indoor cats also provides environmental enrichment and can help prevent unwanted behavioural issues such as inappropriate urination. On top of the health benefits of increasing activity, the time you spend playing with your cat is a great way to nurture your relationship. Here at Mitchell Veterinary Services we recommend some tips on how to get your indoor cat moving:

• Provide a cat tree with perch. Cats enjoy climbing and jumping; cat trees not only help to increase activity but also provide a safe area for cats to climb, which also helps for mental well-being.
• Use food to bring out your cat’s inner hunter. Hide your cat’s kibble in different locations around the house so that he has to hunt for it. This provides for both mental and physical stimulation. You can also toss kibble for your cat to chase (they love this game!) and use treat dispensing toys for your cat to play with.
• Use toys that mimic prey your cat would like to catch.

• Use a wand with fur or a feather at the end (you can also use a string with a toy tied to it). Swing it in the air to mimic birds and move it around on the ground to mimic mice. Remember to let your cat capture the prey as well.
• Toss around larger soft toys that your cat can bite and scratch.
• Hide a toy under a blanket and make it move to entice your cat to pounce and dig. You can also hide toys in boxes or other locations that allow their hunting instincts to kick in.
• Put away your cat’s favourite toys. This helps to prevent boredom. Leave some toys out, but save the special ones for play time. This will allow the toys to stay exciting for longer.
• Older cats need play time too. You may need to modify the play based on their abilities but make sure to include daily play with them as well. This will help keep them young and spry.

Tips to Ensure Safe Play:

• Do not reward bad behavior with play. Only elicit play when your cat is calm, quiet and behaving appropriately.
• Do not use your hands, fingers, or other body parts as toys, or your cat will learn to bite and scratch them. Stop play that gets too rough and resume when your cat is calm.
• Ask family members to participate in the fun and share the responsibility of cat ownership; always make sure there is close supervision of play between cats and children.

Make sure to set aside a specific time each day and make play time a part of your daily schedule. Your cat will be less anxious the rest of the day in anticipation of your special play time. Cats, just like dogs, enjoy spending quality time with their humans. Play is a very important part of keeping your cat healthy and happy.