Spring has sprung! The change of seasons always seems to come just in the nick of time. We’re more than happy to say farewell to snow and cold for a while, and enjoy some warmer weather. Our feline friends also enjoy this time of year. Just keep in mind that Fluffy does have a tendency to get into mischief. Here, an Aurora, CO vet offers tips on keeping your furball happy, healthy, and purring.
Shedding
Spring is a peak shedding time for our furry friends. Brushing Fluffy daily will help reduce the amount of hair that gets stuck to your things, as you’ll be grabbing it with a brush before it ends up on your sofa. This can also help reduce hairballs, which are no fun for either you or your feline pal. Your vet may also recommend a hairball remedy.
Veterinary Appointment
This is a good time of year for Fluffy’s annual checkup. Making sure your kitty is current on her vaccinations and parasite control is very important! As the weather warms up, parasites like fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes will return full force. Many animals are also emerging from hibernation at this time of year, and will be hungry, grumpy, and potentially aggressive.
Spring Cleaning
Many people roll up their sleeves for deep cleaning at this time of year. Give your kitty’s bed a good wash. You may also want to go through her toys. Discard and replace anything that’s really worn. Don’t forget to check under the couch and retrieve all the catnip mice Fluffy lost!
Plants
Spring is also a pretty busy time for gardeners. Many lawn/garden chemicals, such as fertilizer, pesticide, and herbicides, are toxic to cats. Fluffy can ingest these just by getting them spilled on her fur, or walking through a puddle or recently-treated area. You’ll also need to be aware of plants and flowers that are poisonous to pets. Anything with a bulb is toxic to kitties. This includes flowers like tulips and daffodils, and veggies like leeks and onions. Other unsafe options include chrysanthemums, gladiolas, and oleander. You can find many more listed at the ASPCA website here. This is also a good resource for choosing houseplants. Why not brighten up your home with some safe, colorful flowers? Nothing says spring like a pretty bouquet!
As your Aurora, CO veterinary clinic, we’re here to help. Contact us anytime!
