Happy Cat Month

Happy cat getting loved

How Are You Celebrating Happy Cat Month?

Can you imagine life without your cat? Those fluffy felines make life more interesting, provide countless hours of entertainment, and offer unconditional love. It's only fitting an entire month is dedicated to them every September. If you don't have any plans for Happy Cat Month yet, these suggestions may give you a few ideas.

Buy Your Cat Something Nice

Every holiday is better with gifts, including Happy Cat Month. Your cat is sure to appreciate a new toy, special treat, or even a custom-made climbing structure. If your local pet supply store doesn't have an ample selection of cat items, check out one of the many online stores dedicated to pets.

Not sure what to buy your cat? Most cats enjoy stalking and capturing prey. Indulge your pet's prey drive with a dangling toy at the end of a kitty fishing road or a battery-operated mouse that moves just like the real thing. Interactive toys keep your pet intellectually stimulated, while cat tunnels and condos offer the perfect spots to explore or take a cat nap.

Spend More Time With Your Pet

Society regards cats as aloof creatures, but as a feline lover, you probably know that's not exactly true. Although some cats prefer to keep their distance from people, many enjoy nothing better than curling up next to their favorite humans on the couch. Increasing the time you spend with your cat is one of the best gifts you can give your pet, whether you set aside time for a grooming session, play chase with your cat, or stream a new show with your pet at your side.

Cat-Proof Your Home

Cats can get into all sorts of trouble when left alone for just a few moments. Cat-proofing your home will prevent injuries and illnesses that could require an emergency trip to the veterinarian. Get down on the floor and view your home from your cat's point of view to identify potential hazards. Your cat-proofing plan may include:

  • Promptly Putting Away String, Thread, Needles, Yarn and Other Items That Could Harm Your Cat if Eaten
  • Storing Medication and Cleaning Products in Cabinets Secured with Childproof Locks
  • Keeping Trash in a Can That Closes Securely
  • Using Flameless Candles
  • Keeping Chocolate, Onions, Garlic, Scallions, Leeks, Alcohol and Caffeinated Products Secured in Cat-Proof Containers. (These foods can sicken or kill your pet.)
  • Buying House Plants That Are Safe for Pets
  • Shortening Cords on Blinds and Shades
  • Attaching Furniture to the Walls
  • Putting Essential Oils and Oil Burners Out of Reach

Offer a Place to Scratch

Scratching offers many benefits for your cat. According to The Humane Society of the United States, your cat scratches to:

  • Remove the Dull Outer Part of the Nails
  • Stretch Its Body
  • Make Its Territory
  • Show Emotion

Your cat will be less likely to shred your new couch if you provide a convenient place to scratch. The ideal scratching posts are sturdy, stable and long enough for your cat to extend its body fully.

Keep an Eye on Your Pet's Weight

Do you throw handfuls of food in your pet's dish instead of following the feeding recommendations on the package? Your pet is more likely to develop a weight problem if too much food is available. As many as 56 million American cats are overweight or obese, according to estimates from the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. Gaining too much weight increases your cat's risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, urinary tract disease, joint issues, high blood pressure and arthritis.

If you can't feel your cat's ribs when you pet it, it may be overweight. Your veterinarian can recommend the best type of food for your pet and offer tips that will help your cat lose weight safely.

Make a Trip to See the Veterinarian

Annual visits to the veterinarian are essential for your cat's good health. Unfortunately, health problems aren't always obvious in the earliest stages. Regular visits help your pet's veterinarian spot signs of diseases and illnesses and offer treatments that will help protect your cat's health. Check-ups include a head-to-toe examination, a blood test and vaccinations if needed.

Ready to schedule a visit with the veterinarian? Just give us a call to make your cat's appointment.

Sources:

The Humane Society of the United States: Cats: Destructive Scratching

Association for Pet Obesity Prevention: National Pet Obesity Awareness Day

Catster: 11 Tips for Cat-Proofing Your Home This Fall, 9/30/2013

Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University: Five Ways Being Overweight Can Harm Your Cat’s Health, 9/21/2017

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Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule closed holiday's including day after Thanksgiving.

Tacoma Office

Monday:

9:00 am-12:00 pm

1:00 pm-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-12:00 pm

1:00 pm-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-12:00 pm

1:00 pm-5:00 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-12:00 pm

1:00 pm-5:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 am-12:00 pm

1:00 pm-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

  • "Unfortunately had to put down my 15 year old cat. Jones animal staff is compassionate and honest when you need them to be most. Every time in you can see the passion everyone there has for every pet they see. I know who I can trust when i get a puppy soon. Thank you for the care and making the best of a tough situation."
    Justin S.
  • "Friendly Drs and staff fancy coffee for while you wait!"
    Tom D.
  • "Love goes they care for my boys and are so helpful!!"
    Trisha C.
  • "The staff is wonderful, just a pleasure to work with"
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  • "We used to see another Veterinarian, however, when our dog was sick we couldn't get an appointment for a couple of weeks. My daughter recommended Jones Animal Hospital, and I called. I was able to get our dog in the same day. When we met with Dr. Jones, he answered all of my questions completely without rushing me at all. We have been treated promptly, with friendly respect by the entire staff each time we visit. The medical care has been knowledgeable and helpful. The fees are extremely reasonable, too. We have found our animals' home for medical care!"
    Dori O.
  • "The people here are so nice and are very concerned for the animals they treat. Prices are the most reasonable I have come across as well. I recently took in one of my young kitties to be spayed, they keep them override which is nice so they can make sure they have they the experience well. The day after I brought her home, they called to check up on her to see how she was doing. I have never had a veterinary office do that before. I would recommend this office to anyone & everyone!!"
    Darlene B.
  • "They always seem to offer great compassionate care. And they were relatively affordable as well."
    Erik N.
  • "They have been taking wonderful care of my pets for many years."
    Corey D.
  • "I never take my fur babies anywhere else! I know I can trust the staff here & I know they CARE about the animals & their companions. Dr. Jones did retire, but the remaining staff is like family to me. They never charged more than I could afford because they always run the options by me first. I recently had to say goodbye to my 20 year old cat - It was inevitable but VERY painful. Even though they were very busy & they had to squeeze us in that day, they still offered to have one of the staff members sit with me as I said goodbye. I don't know anywhere else that gives that level of comfort!"
    Danielle P.
  • "We love our vet! Been using this vet for over 15 years. NO complaints!"
    Karen S.