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• Hospice Care for Pets – Overview – Part 1

  Hospice is supportive care provided to individuals in the final phases of terminal disease so that they may live as fully and comfortably as possible. Hospice care recognizes that death is a part of life and focuses on maximizing the quality of life for the patient during whatever time remains. The veterinarian coordinates and oversees medical procedures, medication prescription and delivery, and comfort care, but the day-to-day hospice care happens in the home. With planning, forethought, and honest communication, it is possible to provide a dying pet with a reasonable and acceptable quality of life as the end of life approaches.

• Hospice Care for Pets – Overview – Part 2

  Open, honest, and direct communication with your pet's veterinarian and veterinary healthcare team, throughout your pet's life, lays the necessary foundation for effective communication as the end of life approaches. As soon as a life-limiting disease is diagnosed, it is time to begin a dialogue about treatment options and how the approaching end of life will be handled. Delivery of hospice care is as individual as the pet and the family. Applying hospice and palliative care principles to our pets as they approach the end of their lives can be an emotionally rich and satisfying experience.

• House Training for Kittens and Cats

  House training is best accomplished with patience and positive reinforcement. Teaching a cat to be well house-trained makes them a more enjoyable pet and a welcome guest. Many cats nearly house train themselves, but it's important to meet cats' needs to ensure they maintain desirable habits for a lifetime.

• How to Bathe Cats with Medicated Shampoo

  Learn how to safely and effectively bathe your cat using medicated shampoo prescribed by your veterinarian. This article explains why medicated shampoos are used and provides step-by-step instructions for applying and rinsing the shampoo properly.

• How to Recognize Pain in Aging Cats

  Cats are very good at hiding signs of pain, so cat owners need to be very observant to recognize behavior changes that indicate their cat needs help. Some of the most common behavior changes are associated with grooming and litter box habits. This handout describes these and other changes to watch for, as well as advice on how to support your aging cat.

• How to Trim a Cat’s Nails

  Many indoor cats need their nails trimmed regularly. It may take several weeks to build up to being able to perform a full nail trim, and that is normal. The goal is to make nail trims as positive and stress-free as possible for your cat. This article gives advice on how to safely trim your cat’s nails at home.

• Indoor Cats and Infectious Disease

  Vaccinations are important to prevent serious illness in cats. Even cats that spend all their time indoors should be vaccinated. Some viruses can be carried into your home on inanimate objects such as shoes and clothing. Your veterinarian can help you determine what vaccinations your cat needs to be protected.

• Ingestion of Foreign Bodies in Cats

  Cats love to investigate new sights, smells, and tastes. Unfortunately, this curiosity can lead them into trouble if they ingest something they shouldn't. While some will pass through the digestive tract, some foreign bodies can cause serious problems.

• Instructions for Ear Cleaning in Cats

  This handout discusses the anatomy of the cat’s ear canal and how to safely clean your cat’s ears to prevent ear infections.

• Introducing New Adult Cats

  In some cases, two laid-back adult cats can be easily introduced with minimal drama. In other cases, the introduction does not go as smoothly. Fortunately, you can help increase the likelihood of success by introducing two adult cats slowly and gradually.