Scratching Is A Part Of A Cat’s Grooming Ritual

Grooming is a habit that all cats engage in every day. In fact, it occupies a considerable chunk of their day to day activities. They are indeed known for their fastidious grooming habits. Licking their bodies remove any dirt or grime and chew out small mats. While we don’t really associate a cat’s scratching habit with grooming, running their nails over rough surfaces removes the outer nails to give way to newer, healthier nails growing in. Keeping their nails sharp this way is just a secondary. Understanding why cats scratch will enable pet owners to view the habit in a positive light. If your cat loves scratching on furniture or other objects in your home, it’s time you buy scratching posts to accommodate your pet’s need to scratch.

Sudden changes in your pet’s habits and behaviors should warrant a visit to your animal hospital Des Moines, IA.

Why your cat likes high places

Your cat is a big part of your life and you want to make sure you are able to offer her places she can comfortably spend her time. This makes you wonder – why does she prefer places that are high off the ground?

Your cat is an avid explorer and she loves being able to enjoy some time in areas that give her something new to check out. This helps satisfy some of her innate curiosity and can seem like she is extending her territory a bit. These areas also offer her a place to view the area around her, so she can be well-aware of what’s happening in the area. These spots can also lessen the chances of someone sneaking up on her without her knowledge, which can make her feel safer. Your local veterinarian Des Moines, IA can offer additional guidance.

Fostering a Dog

Before a shelter dog can be adopted he needs to learn to live outside the shelter environment. Thus fostering a dog in your home helps him prepare to go to his forever home. Work with a local animal shelter or rescue group to choose the dog that you can foster the best. Find out about your financial responsibilities and other obligations to your foster dog and the animal shelter.Even though fostering is a temporary situation, consider how this dog will fit into your household. Consider the size, temperament and breed of the foster dog you want to bring home. Consider the needs of your resident pets too. Find out about the foster dog’s behavior issues, fears or special needs. Establish a routine for your foster dog. Spend time on obedience training, exercise and play. Most importantly, be patient and kind to your foster dog. Learn more from your vet clinic Des Moines, IA.

How to Diagnose FeLV in cats like the Korat

If you own a Korat or other breed feline, make sure you take him to the vet for routine visits. Cats like the Korat should be tested for FeLV annually. Cats that test positive should receive a vaccination. If a cat tests positive, he will need to start immediate care. Signs of FeLV may include pale gums, yellow coloring of the mouth and whites of the eyes, enlarged lymph nodes, bladder infections, skin infections, upper respiratory infections, weight loss, loss of appetite, poor coat condition, weakness, lethargy, fever, diarrhea, etc. FeLV can cause anemia, lymphoma and even a suppressed immune system. In order to test for FeLV, your vet can administer a blood test called ELISA which is capable of identifying FeLV proteins. Cats that test positive can undergo a second test called IFA to determine the progression of the illness. For more information, consult with your Des Moines, IA veterinary clinic.