Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital’s Blog

We all know that doggos are the best, 12/10 paw-some. The dogtors at Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital sez that cattos are pretty cool, too, though, and we are inclined to believe them. Did you know that even though dem purr-buckets say dem is okay, sometimes they need hoomans help, too? Lucky for you, we are gonna do you an educate and tell you all there is to know about cat wellness care. 

You can hear the cat retching and you race to grab the paper towels. You know what’s coming, the dreaded hairball extrusion. There it is, on your freshly washed comforter, a log of compacted hair wet with bile and kitty’s digestive juices. Disgusting? Yes. A health problem? Maybe. What you don’t know about hairballs could be dangerous for your cat.

Why Do Cats Get Hairballs?

Your cat will inevitably develop hairballs because their grooming practices cause them to swallow strands of fur. Usually, the hairs will pass through their digestive system and be eliminated in the litter box. But sometimes, the hairs don’t make it out of the cat’s stomach. When that happens, the hair strands collect in clumps and need to be ejected in some other way. Hack. Hack. Hack.

When Sir Timothy John Berners-Lee, the famous “father” of the World Wide Web, was asked for an example of widespread use of the internet he never imagined, he said “Kittens”. 

There’s no doubt that people love domestic felines, but online cat videos are absolutely captivating perhaps because they remind of us of the human condition. In fact, research shows that people feel better about life after watching funny cat videos, and are more likely to post a picture or video of a cat than a selfie. 

These and many other fun cat facts listed below are convincing evidence that cats are simply amazing.

It’s not always the easiest thing to grasp what your cat is doing – or why. Sure, they can have some odd or questionable proclivities, but if you’re hip to feline behavior and good at reading their body language, you’ll have a better time understanding what drives them. 

The concept of whisker fatigue is on the periphery for most cat owners, yet it’s something that can cause intense distress for their furry friends.

Amazing Anatomy

Cat whiskers are absolutely incredible. Aside from sending messages to the brain about a cat’s surroundings, these powerful vibrissae detect air currents, allow cats to hunt accurately, help them jump and climb with precision, and inform them when it’s time to blink or retreat from a space. They also inform others of a cat’s mood. 

Regular wellness care is important for all pets, but it tends to take a back seat when it comes to cats. Unfortunately, many cats don’t receive the medical care they need until their problems become more severe.

Making a commitment to preventive cat wellness gives your pet the best chance at overall health and longevity.

Kitten Care

The first few days and weeks with a new pet is thrilling, and it’s easy to get caught up in all the excitement. However, keep in mind that one of the most important things you can provide for your new kitten is their first visit to the veterinarian.

Are you living with a fearful feline? A trembling tomcat? A cowardly kitten? Cat anxiety is no laughing matter, especially when it interferes with a happy home and a harmonious relationship with your pet. Helping our readers learn about cat anxiety is important to us, and we are confident that our tips can help you to create a happy kitty and harmonious home.

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Around the world and throughout centuries, we’ve managed to create explanations for things that defied logic. As collective understanding developed, ideas that mystified our ancestors were later invalidated by science, technology, research, and, perhaps, common sense.

Cat myths, like urban legends, are captivating. However, when given the opportunity to grapple with feline truth, these myths are obvious relics of the past.

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Many cat owners are amazing at keeping routine wellness appointments for their indoor felines. However, anecdotal evidence shows that a large number of indoor cats do not receive regular veterinary care. If this sounds familiar, we understand that it’s often easier to remain at home than to force a cat to travel. Plus, cats – especially those who are safe from accidental injury or exposure to disease – give the impression they don’t really need a check-up. However, indoor cat care is vital to health and longevity.

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Head bumps. Slow blinks. A twitchy tail. Meowing. These are just a few of the ways your cat communicates with you. However, when it comes to other pets or people, Fluffy has other ideas. Cats are often (incorrectly) labeled as aloof or antisocial. While we’ve all seen a cat or two that fits that description, many felines are actually very friendly, affectionate, and curious.

Feline behavior can be mysterious, but getting into your cat’s head isn’t impossible. Learning more about how he or she socializes provides important insight, resulting in better health and wellness. And who can argue with that? Continue…

Bootsy The Cat has been there for you through thick and thin. He may be getting a little older, but at 14 he hasn’t been sick a day in his life. He seems to be doing great and he is eating well, but over the past few months you have noticed his hips and spine sticking out a little more than they used to. It’s normal for old cats to lose a little weight, though, right?

You decide that maybe it’s best to get Bootsy checked out and bring him in for a checkup. When we place him on the scale to weigh in, you are astonished to see that he has lost almost a pound since his last visit less than a year ago. What could be going on?

As you may realize, it’s not always obvious that your cat is sick. There are many conditions that could be plaguing Bootsy; however, at the top of our list of suspects, is hyperthyroidism. Continue…