This is an X-ray of our office cat Eddie, taken with our new digital X-ray system.  We have upgraded the Xray systems in both of our offices to a digital system which will allow us to get much improved X-rays of our feline patients.  These digital files can then be manipulated to enhance viewing areas of interest.  We can now send and receive digital X-ray files and we can even consult with board certified radiologists via the internet.  This system will definitely improve our look inside your cat if needed!

I just brought home a new Cat!  Truman, is a large, chocolate siamese marked, lovable male cat who now is adjusting to life with a veterinarian.  He is slowly getting used to being poked and prodded on a daily basis.  This past Monday, I travelled to the Arubacat factory in NH to purchase some nice scratchable furniture for Truman.  I have known Arty Mitchell, the owner of Arubacat for over 20 years and his factory is a marvel of feline engineering.  He produces cat furniture of many sizes and shapes, with  or without cubbies, feeding stations, ramps, etc!  The variations are mind boggling!  All of his furniture is manufactured in NH, and is built to last!  My last piece that I purchased from him was 20 years old!  I just thought Truman should start with new furniture.  My visit reinforced my belief that Arubacat is the best furniture on the market!

We were recently featured in an article about our office in New Hampshire homes.  If you are interested in reading the article just click on the link  for newhampshirehomes.com

A market research firm working on behalf of Royal Canin reported some interesting facts after polling 541 cat owners:

 -Nearly 50% brought their pet home without researching its lifestyle.
 -61% believed that cats adapt easily to an owners lifestyle.
-A majority of respondents were unaware that cats are active every day, marking                     territory,hunting, and hiding.
-Half did not think of their cat's health each day
-72% di not think of their cat's health when selecting food
-93% do not consider breed when selecting food.
-More than half ignored their cat's age when selecting food.
-42% considered flavor to be important when selecting food
-15% admitted taste-testing cat food.

In reality, a cat's ability to taste is not nearly as powerful as a human's ability, and aroma and texture play a much bigger role in how cats choose food.  Remember, choose, no grain, moist foods for the majority of the menu.  Use dry food for rewards, games, and hunting experiences!

Sara Gardiner, DVM earned her BA from Connecticut College and her Veterinary degree from the University of California, Davis.  She has a diverse clinical background in general practice, emergency and shelter medicine.  Sara appreciates the unique needs of the feline patient and is pleased to become part of a feline-only practice.  In the past she has participated in orphan kitten rescue groups and feline spay/neuter clinics.  Her professional interests include internal medicine, ultrasound and urgent care.  

We all struggle to find the right food for our cats.  We want it to be high quality and at the same time please our furry companions.  It is amazing how finicky some of our cats are.  So what does cat food really taste like?  Click on the link below and find out.  One brave soul has actually tasted several brands and has posted her findings!

Click here:   
http://www.vice.com/read/what-cat-food-tastes-like

Just a Cat Doctor office update: Dr. Anne will be out of the office for the next month because of shoulder surgery. Please bear with us while our schedule is a little disrupted! Things should get back to normal during the second week of November. Dr. Anne hopes to be available by email during most of the next 4 weeks, but if you have an urgent question or problem, please call the office.

We are constantly stressing that cats need some places of their own to hang out in.  These should have many nooks and crannies, and places to observe the world from on “high”.  Some cat furniture is well built and long lasting,  however, much is cheaply built and will shortly be destroyed by our furry friends.  Why not use a material that can be replaced or recycled!  My favorite is the lowly cardboard box.  We have never had a cat ingest enough cardboard to create a problem.  It is cheap, plentiful, and your imagination is the only limiting factor.




Here is a youtube link to get you started.  You do not need to build this castle, but a few boxes in strategic places can really enrich a cat’s life.




Click on the url:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WI9W_VdV1l0&feature=share