Cat Tips

• ANIMAL CARE CLINIC TIPS

  Animal Care Clinic: My cat has become "alarm clock cat," help!

  

  Posted 3:50 PM 2/21/2013 by Bonnie Markoff, DVM, ABVP

  Q: My cat suddenly has what is referred to as "Alarm Clock Cat." She recently picked up the habit of meowing at the same time every morning between 5:30 and 6:00 a.m., which she never used to do. We've tried feeding her at different times (late at night/early morning) and that doesn't always (More)

  
  

• Animal Care Clinic

  How can I tell if my pet is overweight?

  

  Posted 12:14 PM 10/23/2012 by Bonnie Markoff, DVM, ABVP

  Obesity is one of the most common diseases we see at Animal Care Clinic - and also one of the most dangerous. We know that large breed dogs who maintain a healthy weight will live 2 YEARS longer than those that are overweight. This advantage is probably even greater in small dogs and cats. We (More)

  
  

• Animal Care Clinic Tips

  Why does my pet's breath smell so bad?

  

  Posted 3:44 PM 10/4/2012 by Bonnie Markoff, DVM, ABVP

  Bad breath can be caused by oral problems or even stomach and upper intestinal disease, but 95 percent of the time bad breath in dogs and cats is due to dental infection. As plaque builds up and then calcifies into tartar and calculus, bacteria invades the tissues around the teeth causing (More)

  
  

• Animal Care Clinic Tips

  Keeping your pet safe from the summer heat

  

  Posted 2:50 PM 8/31/2012 by Bonnie Markoff, DVM, ABVP

  The summer heat has found it's way to much of the Central Coast and the rest of the country as well. Our pets can easily overheat without the ability to remove their fur coat. Don't leave your pet in your car, and consider going for walks in the morning or evening to avoid the heat of the day. (More)

  
  

• Animal Care Clinic Tips

  Couch potato pets

  

  Posted 11:32 AM 2/10/2012 by Bonnie Markoff, DVM, ABVP

  Have you started your New Year's resolution to exercise and get fit yet? Some of you started and have already quit!

  During December I wrote about obesity in pets and looked at several feeding strategies to help curb this problem. If you watch the "Biggest Loser" you know that a good (More)

  
  

• ANIMAL CARE CLINIC TIPS

  It's Not a Hairball

  

  Posted 10:05 AM 1/10/2012 by Bonnie Markoff

  One of my favorite scenes in any movie is from Shrek 2: Puss In Boots hacking up a hairball. Wouldn't you love to see the actual footage of Antonio Banderas as he voiced over that scene?! Those of you with vomiting cats would surely rather watch the movie version than see your own cat vomiting (More)

  
  

• ANIMAL CARE CLINIC TIPS

  Throwing up and loss of appetite a worrisome combination

  

  Posted 11:09 AM 10/25/2011 by Bonnie Markoff, DVM, ABVP

  Q: My very healthy Chow Mix, Bear, has been throwing up for a month now. We took her to the vet for a blood and urine work up and there's nothing wrong with her. Now she is not eating unless it's chicken or fish. She goes back to the vet tomorrow, but would like a second opinion on what this (More)

  
  

• ANIMAL CARE CLINIC TIPS

  Tail Chasing, Fly Biting and Other Odd Behaviors

  

  Posted 12:06 PM 10/13/2011 by Bonnie Markoff, DVM, ABVP

  Sarah has asked us about tail chasing by submitting a question to us through the KSBY Central Coast Experts page.

  Puppies and kittens will show all sorts of funny and cute behaviors that are just part of being a little kid. Tail chasing, sudden sprints across the living room floor and (More)

  
  

• ANIMAL CARE CLINIC TIPS

  Why do animals chew on and eat weird stuff?

  

  Posted 3:41 PM 10/12/2011 by Bonnie Markoff, DVM, ABVP

  We recently had a question from Ginger on our KSBY Central Coast Experts page. Apparently her kitty, AJ Purrs (gotta love that name!) likes to chew on plastic bags.

  Our pets are often found chewing on things we would like them to avoid - socks, furniture, plants, irrigation systems (More)

  
  

• ANIMAL CARE CLINIC TIPS

  My 14-month-old cat won't stop eating!

  

  Posted 12:59 PM 10/4/2011 by Bonnie Markoff, DVM, ABVP

  Q: My 14 month-old cat won't stop eating! I've got him on lowfat food and only feed him twice a day, but he's FAT! Seriously, this cat would eat all day long if I let him. Help?

  A: Our pets are no different from us - they eat because it tastes good or because they are bored. All of us (More)

  
  

• ANIMAL CARE CLINIC TIPS

  Handling allergies in our pets

  

  Posted 2:35 PM 7/11/2011 by Bonnie Markoff, DVM, ABVP

  Q: My dog keeps tearing up the side of her face. I know its an allergy, but I dont know to what. We have tried process of elemination: It is only certain parts of the year, so we figured pollen, so we did the shots. It stopped for a while then returned. Her food does not change ... I dont know (More)

  
  

• ANIMAL CARE CLINIC TIPS

  How often should I brush my terrier's teeth? Any other tips for tooth care?

  

  Posted 11:06 AM 7/1/2011 by Bonnie Markoff, DVM, ABVP Animal Care Clinic, San Luis Obispo

  Q: Ideally how often should I brush Jack, my little terrier's teeth? Any other good tips on tooth care for my animals? I have a cat too.

  A: Toothbrushing is most effective when done daily! The plaque on dog and cat teeth starts to calcify after just 48 hours, and you cannot brush it off if (More)