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Scratching is normal feline behavior. Cats use their claws to mark territory, climb to safety, hunt prey, and stretch their bodies, among other important routine behaviors. Cats that live primarily or exclusively indoors are still inclined to claw prominent objects and do not discriminate based on an object’s personal value, which may be undesirable to their owners. Providing multiple appropriate scratching surfaces that suit your cat's preferences and using positive reinforcement when your cat scratches these provided surfaces can be helpful. If you notice changes in your cat’s pattern of scratching, check with your veterinarian. Your cat may be experiencing pain or another health condition. Next, a behavioral consultation may be needed to identify the underlying behavioral condition and to find an appropriate treatment.
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Cats vocalize to communicate. Vocalizing can be problematic when it interferes with people’s sleep. Often, the behavior develops due to unintentional reinforcement. Since vocalization can also reflect underlying illness, particularly if it is a new behavior, both a medical exam and a behavioral work-up are needed. Providing adequate social and environmental enrichment while discontinuing reinforcement can resolve the problem.
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The Feline Veterinary Medical Association (FelineVMA) is committed to excellence in healthcare for cats. FelineVMA launched the Cat Friendly Practice program in 2012. To earn the Cat Friendly Practice designation, a veterinary practice must show that they have implemented feline-friendly standards of care. A Cat Friendly Practice is committed to making your cat’s healthcare delivery more pleasant for both you and your cat.
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A cat-only veterinary practice is typically designed and built with cat comfort in mind. Feline Practices are especially interested in delivering medical care to cats in ways that help the cat (and her human family members) experience as little stress as possible. Cats need to see their veterinarians for preventive care. It is recommended that cats be seen by their veterinarian twice per. You can make regular veterinary assessment as easy as possible for your cat by seeking out a cat only veterinary practice.
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Periodontal disease is the most common problem affecting cats of all age groups. The importance of daily dental home care cannot be overemphasized. Nutrition can contribute to preventing periodontal disease and gingivitis.
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Online shopping for convenience and great prices has quickly become the new normal in today's consumerism society. Although technology may help us be savvy shoppers, it's still good to be cautious about what you purchase online, especially when it comes to your pet's medications.
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Cefpodoxime is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat skin infections in dogs. It is also used off-label in cats and to treat other types of infection. It is given orally in tablet or liquid form. Side effects are uncommon. If a negative reaction occurs, contact your veterinarian.
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Cephalexin (brand names Rilexine®, Keflex®, Vetolexin®) is an oral antibiotic used to treat pyoderma and other bacterial skin infections in dogs and is used off-label in cats to treat pyoderma and other types of skin infections. It is sometimes used off-label to treat urinary tract infections in cats and dogs. Side effects of cephalexin are rare and usually mild.
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Cerebellar hypoplasia is a developmental condition in which the cerebellum of the brain fails to develop properly. It most commonly occurs when a pregnant cat becomes infected with feline panleukopenia virus and passes the infection to her unborn kittens. Since the cerebellum is responsible for purposeful movement and coordination, the symptoms of this condition may not become apparent until the kitten starts to try to stand or walk on its own. There is no treatment; however, kittens with cerebellar hypoplasia are not infectious to other kittens or cats, are not in any pain, and will learn to adapt to their disability over time.
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Cerebrospinal fluid is a clear, colorless fluid found in the brain and spinal cord. The collection of CSF is usually indicated when a pet shows clinical signs, such as seizures, incoordination, circling behavior, and neck or back pain, when no obvious cause is known. The veterinary pathologist will evaluate the sample for a total nucleated cell count, a red blood cell count, a total protein determination, and a concentration of the cells in the sample. The presence of bacteria or fungal organisms may be detected along with increased numbers of inflammatory cells, leading to a diagnosis of bacterial or fungal infection. Neoplastic cells may also be found, indicating an underlying tumor within the brain or spinal cord.