GET THE LATEST SCOOP ON FELINE VACCINATION GUIDELINES! One might think that vaccination protocols for cats are much simpler than those for dogs, but think again! Individual feline vaccination protocols can become more complex when taking into consideration factors such as lifestyle, life stage, vaccine design and efficacy. In this month's Kitty Insider, Dr. Kelly St. Denis reviews the most recent feline vaccination guidelines as updated by the AAHA/AAFP. From injection sites to core versus...

GET THE LATEST SCOOP ON FELINE ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS! Cats are known for being able to sneak around just about anywhere. Unfortunately, this isn't always a good thing. Curiosity killed the cat, as they say. Therefore, pet owners need to be aware of environmental hazards in and around the home to ensure their beloved feline doesn't get into anything harmful. In this month's Kitty Insider, Dr. Kelly St. Denis offers practical advice and recommendations on feline environmental hazards and what...

GET THE LATEST SCOOP ON FEEDING CATS IN A MULTI-CAT HOUSEHOLD! Pet owners in multi-cat households may think that cats enjoy sharing their food when they see them wandering around their fellow felines as they eat or swapping dishes with them. On the contrary, it is their nature to be solitary eaters … and hunters. Luckily, there are ways to support pet owners in creating an eating environment for their cats that somewhat replicates what they would experience if they had to fend for...

GET THE LATEST SCOOP ON THE ROLE OF STRESS ON FELINE MENTAL AND PHYSICAL WELLBEING! Some people may think that cats are easy pets to care for because all they need to be happy is food, water, shelter, and a litter box. But think again! Keeping our fabulous felines happy and healthy requires more than that. If some of their most basic needs are not being met, this can lead to stress and affect their mental and physical wellbeing. In this month’s edition of the Kitty Insider, Dr. Kelly St. Denis...

GET THE LATEST SCOOP ON YEAR-ROUND PARASITE PREVENTION! Some cat owners might be under the impression that parasite protection is less important in cooler weather. However, at least one study has shown that the number of fleas on animals in the fall is at least 70% higher than in the spring. This surge is mainly explained by the humidity and temperature change. Felines are meticulous groomers and tend to erase all evidence of adult fleas and flea dirt. This makes it extra challenging for...

GET THE LATEST SCOOP ON REGULAR PREVENTIVE CAT CARE! Statistics show that 83% of cats visit their veterinarian before their first birthday, but over 50% of them don’t return until they become sick or are in pain. Cats are masters at hiding their sickness and pain, so it’s important to encourage clients to come in regularly to make sure their furry pal is in good health. In our feline-focused segment on regular preventive cat care, in honour of Take Your Cat to the Vet Day, Dr. Kelly St. Denis...

GET THE LATEST SCOOP ON SENIOR CAT CARE! Over time, aging cats may start showing a reduced tolerance to stress, an altered social standing, and an altered sleep/wake cycle, among other changes. There’s no denying it! Aging cats have special needs and changes in their behaviour or habits are to be expected over time. Being aware of this will help clients better care for their senior or geriatric cat. In our feline-focused segment on senior cat care, Dr. Kelly St. Denis presents some advice and...

GET THE LATEST SCOOP ON SAFETY FOR OUTDOOR CATS! Allowing cats to go outside provides them with great benefits, but also puts them at higher risk of injury, or of being exposed to infectious disease, attacks, etc. Getting some fresh air is beneficial to most living beings, and this includes cats! Not only does it stimulate their mental health and provides environmental enrichment, it also gives them more opportunities to exercise and indulge their instincts. In our feline-focused segment on...

GET THE LATEST SCOOP ON HEARTWORMS IN CATS! Did you know that cats are susceptible to heartworms and show unique clinical signs that wouldn’t normally be expected in canine patients? Although cats might not be natural hosts for heartworms and are not as susceptible to infection as dogs, both indoor and outdoor cats are at risk for heartworm disease. In our feline-focused segment on heartworms in cats, Dr. Kelly St. Denis shares five interesting facts about heartworm disease in cats. She also...