Arthritis in Cats

/

Did you know that us cats get arthritis too? I see plenty of dogs coming in to get their anti-inflammatory drugs to ease their pain but often we get forgotten about because we don’t complain as loudly as those whining dogs! But as many as 1 in 3 cats may be affected.

Your human may notice you slowing down, not playing, climbing, jumping, grooming like you used to, perhaps not making it to the toilet in time and being more irritable than usual. The good news is that arthritis can be managed successfully with appropriate treatment and simple changes to your environment or diet. If you’re feeling sore then get your human to bring you in to see one of my vets about a treatment plan today! (Check out www.catswitharthritis.com)

…….Cotton

Cotton's Birthday!

/

It's my birthday and I'm turning 12 Years Old!

Did you know that 12 cat years makes me 65 in human years …which means I can finally retire!

I'm just getting too old to be able to help out the vets anymore, and time to find a nice quiet spot to put my paws up and relax. I'll still be writing a little article each month for my friends at the Blue Cross Vet about things my 4 paw friends need to know, and even though I won't be seeing you we can all still stay in touch.

Remember people, to keep up with worm and flea treatments, and feed us some good tucker to keep us healthy!

…..Cotton

Warrant of Fitness

/

What better time for a “Warrant of Fitness” than the start of a new year? A regular veterinary health check and vaccination programme can help detect and prevent potentially life threatening diseases. Nobody likes going to the doctor but honestly “my vets” are actually exceptional – very thorough but very gentle and they will usually have a treat or two for obliging patients.

If you are not vaccinated, then make sure you have your human bring you in to see one of my vets soon!

…..Cotton

Sun Block

/

There is nothing better than relaxing in the sun and having a well earned cat nap!

Because of my white ears and nose my humans make sure that I’m well protected from skin cancer by applying FiltaClear. It’s a Sun Block specially designed for animals to be non-toxic, unlike the human stuff. They think I’m worth the effort ... and I agree!

I am lucky because my humans are working right through, and available 24/7 to look after me.

Are your humans going on holiday? Who have they got to look after you?

All the best for 2023 everyone ...

... Cotton

Christmas Time

/

I love this time of year when the Christmas tree goes up. I have an endless supply of tinsel and toys to play with. The staff get a bit grumpy with me helping myself to the tree decorations but they never seem to stay mad too long. We have loads of pet stockings and gifts here ready for some lucky pets out there....send your humans in to grab you one so you are not left out come Christmas Day.

We are open most days over the holidays and even when we are not, my vets come in and check on their patients. So I am lucky, I will get fed, watered and cuddled everyday. Have you got somebody looking after you if your family goes away?

Merry Christmas everyone ...

…..Cotton

Baby Animals

/

Gosh I do love this time of year – all the cute baby animals arriving. There’s also the gorgeous sunshine, perfect to curl up in and have a well deserved snooze, or to do a spot of bird watching (only watching of course, I’ve been told not to touch).

At the Veterinary Centre we are very busy at the moment, out and about helping to deliver all those new fur babies that need a little assistance, but they’re still very keen to help out any of you young humans if you need any advice on rearing your brand new pets! So if you’re looking for any tips on how to best care for those new found friends, make sure your big people pop down to see us at any of our clinics and we’ll be only too happy to help. Enjoy the sunshine!

...Cotton

Mycoplasma haemofelis

/

I’ve been visiting a few of my fellow felines in our cat ward. Our vets have been helping a few of them that have come in with Mycoplasma haemofelis, a bacteria that attaches to their red blood cells, breaking them down and causing them to become very sick and anaemic. Being bitten by fleas is a common way of transferring these parasites. My people at the Veterinary Centre ensure that I am treated for fleas all year round, even in wintertime when fleas can still be very active, to keep me safe and protected.

……..Cotton

Winter Warmth

/

Brrr ... it sure is getting cold out there!! Fortunately for me, my people here at my Blue Cross Veterinary Centre have just got in the winter range of snugly beds. There is such a selection… furry, fluffy, thick, thin, waterproof, and all sorts of colours. And boy are they cozy!

We also have a range of jackets for all you dogs out there. They will keep you dry and warm when your people take you for a walk.

If you pop into my house, you can quite often see me taking the beds for a “test run”, they have my paw-print of approval.

Send your human in to take a look!!

. . . . . Cotton

Neutering Pets

/

Did you know a female cat can produce 15-20 kittens a year? The world is incredibly overpopulated by stray cats . . . those poor souls have no homes to go to, no beds to sleep in and no humans at their beck-and-call!

My human owners lead the way in responsible pet ownership and make sure that our Tiny Tigers are neutered when they leave here for their new homes. Being neutered also means ovarian and testicular cancers are impossible.

Neutered pets tend to be happier, friendlier and less territorial so please make sure “your people” bring you in to talk to one of my Blue Cross Vets about this routine surgical procedure!

……Cotton

Vaccinating Your Pet

/

I bump into many cats and dogs here at the vet centre and I’m glad I am vaccinated as there are a few sniffles out there.

Vaccinating your pet protects them from potentially life threatening diseases such as parvo virus and kennel cough in dogs and flu and FIV (aids) in cats. Cats that fight are very susceptible to catching aids from other cats through biting.

A thorough vaccination programme keeps me protected against all those nasties. If you are not vaccinated, then make sure you have your owner bring you in to see one of my vets soon!

...Cotton

Wearing Sunscreen

/

There is nothing better than relaxing in the sun and having a well earned cat nap!

Because of my white ears and nose my humans make sure that I’m well protected from skin cancer by applying FiltaClear. It’s a Sun Block specially designed for animals to be non-toxic, unlike the human stuff. They think I’m worth the effort ... and I agree!

I am lucky because my humans are working right through, and available 24/7 to look after me.

Are your humans going on holiday? Who have they got to look after you?

All the best for 2022 everyone ...

... Cotton

Merry Christmas

/

I love this time of year when the Christmas tree goes up. I have an endless supply of tinsel and toys to play with. The staff get a bit grumpy with me helping myself to the tree decorations but they never seem to stay mad too long. We have loads of pet stockings and gifts here ready for some lucky pets out there....send your humans in to grab you one so you are not left out come Christmas Day.

We are open most days over the holidays and even when we are not, my vets come in and check on their patients. So I am lucky, I will get fed, watered and cuddled everyday. Have you got somebody looking after you if your family goes away?

Merry Christmas everyone ...

……Cotton

Spring Time

/

Ahhh yes spring is here! Gosh I do love this time of year - all the cute baby animals arriving. There's also the gorgeous sunshine, perfect to curl up in and have a well deserved snooze, or to do a spot of bird watching (only watching of course, I've been told not to touch).

My people here at the Veterinary Centre are very busy at the moment, out and about helping to deliver all those new fur babies that need a little assistance, but they're still very keen to help out any of you young humans if you need any advice on rearing your brand new pets! So if you're looking for any tips on how to best care for those new found friends, make sure your big people pop down to see us at any of our clinics and we'll be only too happy to help. Enjoy the sunshine!

……..Cotton

Senior Health Check

/

Boy the years fly by! It’s senior health check time again and this is the four year I qualify. It’s actually a very good idea to have these checks though, your people can help prevent some pretty serious health issues developing by catching any early symptoms at these visits plus how amazing is this deal with everything you get for only $99?!

So if you are now in your ‘golden years’ get your people to pop you into your local Blue Cross clinic this month to take advantage of this furrtastic deal!

…….Cotton

Repair Joint Damage

/

With winter well on its way I was noticing it was getting harder to get up in the morning. In fact, I was sleeping in so late I was almost missing my afternoon nap. I thought it was a sign of getting “more mature” but my vets have started me on some special foods that have really helped. Our new 4Cyte capsules have some cool ingredients that helps repair joint damage! And they have also put me on a Royal Canin diet. It’s really delicious as well as being super good for me and my joints. No wonder I’m feeling younger already and able to resume my daily schedule. Is that the time already? You can’t keep in top condition like me without your beauty sleep! Ciao

…….Cotton

Cat Arthritis

/

Did you know that us cats get arthritis too? I see plenty of dogs coming in to get their anti-inflammatory drugs to ease their pain but often we get forgotten about because we don’t complain as loudly as those whining dogs! But as many as 1 in 3 cats may be affected.

Your human may notice you slowing down, not playing, climbing, jumping, grooming like you used to, perhaps not making it to the toilet in time and being more irritable than usual. The good news is that arthritis can be managed successfully with appropriate treatment and simple changes to your environment or diet. If you’re feeling sore then get your human to bring you in to see one of my vets about a treatment plan today! (Check out www.catswitharthritis.com)

Oh and remember - NO chocolate this Easter! - leave it for the humans, it will only make us sick....

……Cotton

Vaccinating your Pet

/

I bump into many cats and dogs here at the vet centre and I’m glad I am vaccinated as there are a few sniffles out there.

Vaccinating your pet protects them from potentially life threatening diseases such as parvo virus and kennel cough in dogs and flu and FIV (aids) in cats. Cats that fight are very susceptible to catching aids from other cats through biting. A thorough vaccination programme keeps me protected against all those nasties. If you are not vaccinated, then make sure you have your owner bring you in to see one of my vets soon! ...

…….Cotton

Sunblock for Animals

/

Holidays are all about relaxing right? Nothing better than a good book or a snooze outside soaking up the sunshine.

Because of my pale complexion I must be very careful not to get my ears and nose sunburnt. “My humans” have a special sunblock for me called Filta Clear which means I am well protected from getting skin cancer. Human sunblock is too toxic for us animals so if you are sensitive to the sun like me then send “your people” in to your nearest Blue Cross Veterinary Centre for some animal friendly sunblock today.

I am lucky because “my staff” are available 24/7 over the holidays.....I hope “your humans” have you well cared for if they are away.....

...Cotton

Spring Babies

/

Ahhh yes spring is here! Gosh I do love this time of year - all the cute baby animals arriving. There's also the gorgeous sunshine, perfect to curl up in and have a well deserved snooze or to do a spot of bird watching (only watching of course, I've been told not to touch).

My people here at the Veterinary Centre are very busy at the moment, out and about helping to deliver all those new fur babies that need a little assistance, but they're still very keen to help out any of you young humans if you need any advice on rearing your brand new pets! So if you're looking for any tips on how to best care for those new found friends, make sure your big people pop down to see us at any of our clinics and we'll be only too happy to help. Enjoy the sunshine!

……..Cotton