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• Giving Pills to Cats

  Giving pills to cats can be a challenge, even for the most experienced veterinarian. This handout provides a step-by-step guide to giving your cat a pill at home, along with some other options.

• Grass Treats for Cats

  Cats like to graze on grass, and eating grass, in moderation, benefits even well-fed cats. Grass provides roughage that aids digestion and elimination. Cats that eat grass routinely may have more regular gastrointestinal tracts, fewer hair balls, and less constipation.

• Grooming and Coat Care for Your Cat

  A well-groomed cat is a sign of overall good health, and regular grooming can help you notice problems early on. Some cats will need different levels of grooming care than others, depending on coat/hair type, medical conditions, and lifestyle factors. This handout outlines best practices for grooming your cat.

• Halitosis in Cats

  Bad breath (halitosis) is caused by bacteria, plaque, tartar, decomposing food particles, or death of tissue. Treatment of halitosis in cats involves eliminating the cause(s). The teeth need to be thoroughly cleaned and polished under general anesthesia. Teeth affected by advanced periodontal disease or tooth resorption need to be extracted. Reducing the accumulation of plaque, tartar, and resulting halitosis can be achieved by using VOHC-accepted products.

• Halloween Safety for Pets

  Halloween can be fun for the whole family, but it can also be a scary or dangerous time for pets. Costumes, candy, and noises can cause problems such as stress, poisoning, and anxiety. Keep them in mind when planning your holiday and talk to your veterinarian if you need help with anxiety issues.

• Helping Senior Cats Age Gracefully

  Age is not a disease, but many changes occur as cats age that can result in diseases or disabilities. It's important to spend time with your cat to keep their stress low and monitor for changes. Regular veterinary examinations and discussions about your cat's behaviors at home will allow your veterinarian to provide recommendations on how to keep your senior cat healthy.

• Holiday Toxins for Pets

  The holidays add excitement to the winter months, but we cannot forget about the indoor and outdoor toxins that pets frequently encounter at this time of year. Keeping your pets healthy and safe will help keep your holidays as stress-free as possible.

• Home Breathing Rate Evaluation

  An increase in your pet's breathing rate while resting quietly or sleeping is an early clinical sign that your pet may be developing heart failure and needs to see your veterinarian. In general, all normal dogs and cats have a breathing rate of between 15-30 breaths per minute when they are resting. Resting breathing rates that are consistently greater than 30 breaths per minute are increased and considered abnormal.

• Home Repairs and Pet Safety

  Home renovation can be arduous for every member of the household. Awareness of possible construction site problems will help homeowners avoid pet-related issues. A little planning can make the renovation process run more smoothly everyone.

• Homecare for Paralyzed Pets

  Taking care of a paralyzed pet comes with many challenges. This handout reviews the needs of a paralyzed pet and how an owner can help them at home.