Top Behavior Problems of Chinchillas

 

If a chinchilla has been handled since its youth, it will be more receptive to socialization with other humans.  But there is always that chance that a pet chinchilla will develop anti-social habits if it has experienced something negative with humans or has not had the opportunity to interact a lot with them.  Below are just some of the undesirable behaviors that chinchillas might exhibit:

Spraying Urine

●Urine spraying is a behavior that female chinchillas exhibit if there is remaining energy left unspent.  They are very accurate, so much so that with the urine spray, they can hit their intended target, such as a human perhaps or some other object, several feet away.  Urine spraying is a habit that chinchillas exhibit when they become stressed or if they feel that they or their group is under threat.

Biting

●Interestingly, with pet chinchillas, biting is a way of displaying acceptance or affection to their human companions.  However, if they become stressed, afraid, or nervous, they can bite quite hard.

If you have concerns about your pet’s behavior, contact your vet clinic Fort Collins, CO.

Is Your Cat Obese?

 

Did you know that well over half of our feline friends are obese? Your pet may look cute with a bit of extra padding. Unfortunately, that additional weight is actually very bad for your kitty’s health and well-being.

Kitties that are overweight face the same potential health risks as overweight people do. This includes heart disease, diabetes, liver and kidney issues, reproductive issues, skin problems, and even certain cancers. Those extra pounds can also shorten your cat’s life span.

It's easy to be manipulated by those plaintive little meows. However, just remind yourself that you aren't doing your pet any favors by overfeeding her. Spoil your cat in other ways instead. Toys, cat furniture, playtime, and cuddles will all help your furry friend feel loved and safe … without endangering her health. 

Ask your local vet Fort Collins, CO to give you specific advice on feeding your feline friend.

Caring for a longhaired cat

 

You have a longhaired cat coming into your life soon and you want to make sure you are able to give her the best life you possibly can. This makes you wonder – what’s it like caring for a pet like this?

 

Looking after a longhaired cat is very similar to looking after a shorthaired companion, but additional attention will need to be paid to her grooming needs. This means that you will need to find the right brush for her and use it regularly to help prevent tangles, matting, and other issues. This can help her stay more comfortable in your care and lessen the chances of her having to deal with hairballs, as these can accumulate more quickly in a longhaired feline friend than a short haired one. For more information, please contact your local pet clinic Fort Collins CO.

Looking after your cat’s oral health

You have a cat in your life who is eager to enjoy her time by your side. She wants to make sure she is able to meet all her needs on a daily basis, and she will have to look to you for help with this. How can you help her look after her oral health?

Your cat needs you to continually take a look at her mouth in order to address any issues that may arise. This may mean seeking out ways to prevent issues from occurring and tending to them if and when they arise. Think about what you can do to help your little fur ball keep her mouth in top shape. Regularly brushing her teeth may help to keep her oral health in check and allow you the visibility into her mouth that you need. Your local vet Fort Collins CO can help you better understand your pet.

Plasticware Can Cause Acne In Cats

Yes, cats can get pimples and acne, too. Affected cats have small blackheads or pimples on their faces and chins. One of the common reasons for cat acne is a reaction to plastic food and water bowls. Cats have a habit of rubbing their faces against their food bowls to mark them. However, some cats are extremely hypersensitive to plastic and develop skin breakouts. For hypersensitive cats, simple contact with their plastic food bowls is also an important predisposing factor of feline acne. Once you notice the breakouts, it is a good idea to switch your pet’s plastic ware to bowls that are made of ceramic, stainless steel, or glass. If your cat has sensitive skin and is prone to acne, the water bowl should be thoroughly washed and cleaned every day.

Bring your pet to your vet clinic Fort Collins, CO for a thorough examination so the appropriate medication can be given.