Cat's Meow
October 19, 2021 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
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As the pet obesity problem in most of North America continues to grow, pet owners have become more and more concerned about nutrition and what they are feeding their cats. A simple google search will highlight a vast array of potential reasons for this…a more sedentary lifestyle created by keeping cats indoors, ad lib feeding, dry food, etc. But did you ever think that it might just be the measuring cup you’re using?
Written by Angelina Johnstone RVT Certified in Fear Free and Low Stress Handling
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June 28, 2021 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
To all my wonderful clients,
I feel that I need to let all of you know that I will be off for a few months in order to have and recover from open heart surgery....
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April 01, 2020 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
For the last couple of months we’ve been exploring how to keep our cats happy and emotionally healthy in relation to the CVMA’s five animal freedoms. Our last three freedoms are providing adequate shelter, ensuring proper socialization and allowing them to exhibit normal behavior.
Written by Angelina Johnstone RVT Certified in Fear Free and Low Stress Handling
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March 01, 2020 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
As we continue to explore The Five Animal Freedoms in relation to our feline family members, we need to think about more than what they need to just what is needed to sustain life but instead what we need to ensure they remain happy and healthy.
Written by Angelina Johnstone RVT Certified in Fear Free and Low Stress Handling
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February 06, 2020 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
Not that long ago it was thought that cats were one of the “easy”, low maintenance pets you could have. Give them some food, water and a litter box and they can pretty much take care of themselves. For the most part we keep them indoors so they don’t need to go to the vet. They are small so keeping them in an apartment is fine and there is no need to exercise or play with them. Wow were we wrong. We’ve been doing our feline family members a disservice.
Written by Angelina Johnstone RVT Certified in Fear Free and Low Stress Handling
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October 22, 2019 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
Another year has gone by and it is once again October. For many Canadians October brings Fall Leaves, Halloween and Pumpkin Spice Latte’s! For people in the veterinary field it also brings Veterinary Technician week (October 13-19) and for Ontario Technicians, Veterinary Technician Month (October). I use this as a time every year to take a few minutes to reflect and appreciate what’s changed in this great profession I'm in….and every year the answer is A LOT but also NOTHING.
Written by Angelina Johnstone RVT Certified in Fear Free and Low Stress Handling
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October 01, 2019 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
Does your kitty have a bald belly? Or leg? Or a patch anywhere else? Most cats spend a lot of time grooming, every day. Feline overgrooming is a condition where cats lick themselves to the extreme. This results in them losing fur in patches or clumps where skin becomes very visible.
Written by Dr. Kelly Rawlings
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May 19, 2019 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
As the weather warms up, many of us are venturing outside and enjoying the outdoors. Unfortunately, ticks are also out enjoying the nice weather.
Written by Dr.Kayla Hyland
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March 12, 2019 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
Finally we can say spring is coming! With the warmer weather we start thinking about spring planting and summer gardens. More and more of our feline friends are heading outdoors in catio’s and on leashes. While this is great for environmental enrichment it does mean we need to pay a little bit more attention to what we are planning for our outdoor spaces.
Written by Angelina Johnstone RVT Certified in Fear Free and Low Stress Handling
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January 21, 2019 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
What we feed our cats is very important, but more and more we are realizing how we feed them is just as important. Believe it or not, how we feed our cats can affect them physically and emotionally. Boredom, frustration, and environmental stress are some of the most common reasons that cats exhibit behavior problems. This same boredom combined with high calorie, easily available food, can also lead to obesity. We strongly believe that encouraging foraging behavior for our feline friends is one of the easiest things you can do for your cat to help combat these problems! Written by Angelina Johnstone RVT
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September 15, 2018 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
Infections of the nose and ears happen in domestic cats with some frequency. However, sometimes an infection is more than it seems. Cats (especially young cats) who experience frequent, recurrent, or difficult to treat infections of the nose or ears may actually have an underlying disease known as a polyp.
Written by Dr Matthew Kornya, DVM
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May 31, 2018 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
To celebrate our 40th anniversary we are proud to sponsor "Kitty-Paw-Looza", the fundraising event that celebrates all things cat.
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March 30, 2018 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
It all started on an early Sunday morning. When her mom went outside to refill the stray kitty feeding station Soma decided to sneak out the door. For the next two days there was a lot of time spent canvassing the neighborhood and searching for Soma. Written by Angelina Johnstone RVT
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February 09, 2018 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
Halitosis may be caused by both oral disease and non-oral disease. Blood work will help your veterinarian determine if there are reasons beyond the oral cavity for the change in odor. Renal disease can create a uremic smell to your pet’s breath , and of course gastrointestinal diseases can also alter the odor from your cat’s mouth. Written by Dr.Mark Camilleri
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January 16, 2018 / Cat's Meow / 2 Comments
Essential oils can be very poisonous to cats. Some are safer than others, and they can carry a wide range of toxic effects. Most of the most toxic oils to cats are the ones that contain "phenols". These include (but are not limited to): peppermint, lavender, citrus, tea tree, cinnamon, wintergreen, thyme, and many others. Written by Dr.Matt Kornya
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January 06, 2018 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
Obesity is a major issue in the modern world, and this holds true for cats as well as people. Many of the diseases we deal with on a daily basis are caused by obesity. These include diabetes, arthritis and joint disease, cancer, constipation, poor hair coat, and lack of cleanliness. Obese cats can have a dramatically shorted life span compared to those of normal weight, and will generally have a decreased quality of life due to decreased mobility.
Written by Dr.Matt Kornya
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October 07, 2017 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
The Village Cat Clinic understands the heartbreak you as a pet owner would feel if your cat were to go missing. If your cat does get out, it is extremely important that he or she can be identified so that you can be contacted and your furry friend can be brought home. Written by Angelina Johnstone RVT
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April 04, 2017 / Cat's Meow / 1 Comment
One of our clients found him as a baby kitten on the sewer grates of their street; he was estimated to be about two days old when he came to us. Freddie had developed the bad habit of compulsively eating objects that he shouldn’t. Written by Maria Brock
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February 11, 2017 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
How important is dental health to our pets? VERY! It can be a cornerstone to their health, just like with us. We value our own teeth so much; of course we put value on our precious pet’s teeth and their overall well-being too! Written by Debra Neave
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December 13, 2016 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
We all love our cats. Here are a few gifts we can give them to help them live healthier, more enriched lives. Written by Dr.Dianne Bourdeau and Angelina Johnstone RVT
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October 21, 2016 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
Are you ready? We had so much fun seeing everyone's gorgeous kitty pictures in the past years that we've decided we want to make it even bigger! We are holding an all season kitty picture contest. Check this out for all the details.
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September 30, 2016 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
Many of us have found ourselves in the position of needing (or sometimes simply wanting) to introduce a new cat into the house. When this is going to be the only cat in the home it's pretty easy and usually goes smoothly without too much fuss. However, there are times when we find ourselves in this position and there is already one or more furry family members to consider. Written by Rebecca Hardwick
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August 29, 2016 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
It’s been a couple of weeks since we started with Hemi’s clicker training. He's doing pretty well so it's time to move on to "come" and "sit". Written by Angelina Johnstone RVT
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August 25, 2016 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
An inevitable part of owning a cat is dealing with hairballs on the floor, or more likely your nicest rug or furniture- or is it? Many cats produce hairballs on a regular basis, but how much is too much? Written by Dr.Matt Kornya
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August 02, 2016 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
To start we are simply teaching Hemi that when his name is spoken he is to look at the person doing the speaking.
Written by Angelina Johnstone RVT
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August 01, 2016 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
Demon was diagnosed with renal lymphoma. This is an aggressive and fast growing cancer of the kidneys that often affects other organs as well. After some aggressive supportive care and a few days in the ICU, the decision was made to start chemotherapy and place a feeding tube. Written by Dr.Matt Kornya
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July 30, 2016 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
In a perfect world, we would all want our animals to get along. I recently introduced a Syrian hamster into our home. As we all know, cats love to catch mice, this means the hamster is considered tasty prey. Written by Emma Brock
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July 22, 2016 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
On the May long weekend I had purchased a harness for my new cat Panda. Written by Jennifer De Loyde
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July 14, 2016 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
Cats have become the most popular pet in North America and 78% of owners consider their cats to be family members. Despite their popularity, some cats do not receive the veterinary care that they need, especially preventive healthcare. Written by Dr.Diane Bourdeau
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June 17, 2016 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
Hemi was an orphan polydactyl kitten who found his way to Animal Services when he was only 2 weeks old. Our ultimate goal is to try and keep Hemi as a friend for our sister clinic's clinic cat Lance. A little history on his name.....
Written by Angelina Johnstone RVT
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June 03, 2016 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
I thought to myself, are we ready to add another feline to our family? I already have two cats, Crystal is a 9yrs S/F and Jackson is an 18 month old NM and they fight like cats and dogs – excuse the pun. Adopting a cat is a long term decision that I wasn’t taking lightly. Written by Jennifer De Loyde
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May 11, 2016 / Cat's Meow / 6 Comments
Keeping our furry friends free of fleas is a matter of both comfort and safety, as fleas are as annoying to them as they are to us. So, in this final blog about fleas, we thought it would be a good idea to talk about the differences between Vet and Over-The-Counter (OTC) flea products. Written by Dr. Shari Muller
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May 01, 2016 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
Last time we looked at Ctenocephalides felis (the cat flea) – both its life cycle and common flea myths. This time I thought we would talk about problems that can be related to flea infestations. It would be a grave mistake to think of the flea as simply a nuisance. Written by Dr. Shari Muller
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April 10, 2016 / Cat's Meow / 1 Comment
Lets ‘jump aboard & sink our teeth’ into some more information about fleas: The true story. Written by Dr. Shari Muller
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January 16, 2016 / Cat's Meow / 1 Comment
Providing your furry friend with the best in health care, and visiting The Cat Clinic on a regular basis will help to ensure you are taking the necessary steps to protect your cat’s well-being. There are many viruses and infectious diseases that your cat may be exposed to, even if they are indoors. Vaccinating your cat according to the recommended schedule will help make certain your cat is healthy and free from disease.
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December 23, 2015 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
Recently, racoons in Hamilton have tested positive for rabies. These are the first cases of rabies detected in racoons in this area in several years (the last reported case occurred in 2005). This presents a significant threat to humans, dogs, and cats in Hamilton.
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December 01, 2015 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
Taking the necessary steps to prepare your cat for travel ahead of time will help make the experience more pleasant for both you and your pet.
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November 21, 2015 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
Arthritis is a common condition affecting cats of all ages but mostly older cats. Fortunately there are many ways to slow the progression of arthritis and treat the associated pain. Written by Dr.Dianne Bourdeau
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October 16, 2015 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
The Village Cat Clinic team knows that caring for you cat is a great responsibility and one that frequently requires making decisions to benefit their health and well-being. One of the best decisions you can make as a cat owner is to have your cat spayed or neutered.
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August 22, 2015 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
Heart disease is a common affliction of domestic cats, affecting an estimated 5-20% of pet cats. While often seen as disease of older cats, it can affect animals at any stage in life. Written by Dr.Matthew Kornya
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August 01, 2015 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition of the joints and is a common cause of pain in cats. Cats are masters at hiding pain. This survival instinct protects them from being seen as weak to would-be predators. Written by Dr. Diane Bourdeau
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June 28, 2015 / Cat's Meow / 52 Comments
The Village Cat Clinic has recently made the choice to stop performing declaws on cats. This has been a decision that our veterinarians and staff have contemplated for quite some time. Medicine has changed dramatically over the past several decades. Many procedures once common in both human beings and animals are no longer performed. We believe that not performing this procedure is the next step in advancing our medicine and patient care.
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June 27, 2015 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
Kidney disease is present in a large number of older cats, with some studies suggesting up to 70% of elderly cats have some degree of insufficiency. Written by Dr.Matthew Kornya
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June 06, 2015 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
Spring is here and the lilies are out. Many lilies are extremely toxic to cats. When in doubt get your cat to the vet and snap a pic of the suspect ! Written by Dr.Jean Clark
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February 26, 2015 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid glands) is a very common disorder of older cats. Thyroid hormones are responsible for regulating many body processes and when too much hormone is produced the clinical signs can be quite dramatic, and if left untreated cats can become seriously ill. Cats with hyperthyroidism can be well managed and with careful treatment may live normal lives for many years.
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January 24, 2015 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
Village Cat Clinic would like to invite our senior cats (7years and older) in for a free examination and blood pressure analysis. Written by Dr.Mark Camilleri
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January 22, 2015 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
High Blood Pressure, also known as “Hypertension” is a common condition in both humans and cats worldwide. Written by Dr.Matthew Kornya
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December 12, 2014 / Feline Wellness / Leave a comment
Tips for how to keep your cat safe over the holidays from the pet poison help line.
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November 30, 2014 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
We had so much fun seeing everyone's gorgeous kitty pictures last year that we've decided to do it again!
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November 28, 2014 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
Like humans, cats are living longer and longer with each passing decade. Advances in medical science, nutrition, and preventative healthcare have played a major role in this increased longevity. Cats in modern society also have an increased value placed on their health and wellbeing, leading to better care and medical attention. With this greater life span, cats also face a whole new set of health concerns that are uncommon in younger cats. Written by Dr. Matthew Kornya
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October 25, 2014 / Feline Wellness / Leave a comment
Happy Halloween! Here are a few extra precautions to help your cat enjoy the holiday! Written by Angelina Johnstone RVT
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October 11, 2014 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
Many types of parasites commonly infect cats in Southern Ontario. These parasites can be transmitted though hunting mice, birds or rabbits; by contact with other animals or their feces; through potting soil for houseplants; by fleas, mosquitos and other biting insects; or by contact with people. Written by Dr. Matthew Kornya
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October 01, 2014 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
This toy Kong wild tail serves well for both interactive and self-play. Don't forget for every toy sold a donation will be made to a local cat rescue.
Written by Emma Brock
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September 27, 2014 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
We welcome the opportunity to discuss several of the more common food MYTHS that we hear from our clients on a regular basis. Written by Dr. Shari Muller
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September 18, 2014 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
Cats are genetically driven to hide signs of illness, weakness, pain or injury. Their ancestors survived by going unnoticed. Written by Dr.Jean Clark
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September 04, 2014 / Cat's Meow / 24 Comments
Cats are a species that are unique in many ways. One of the more sinister of these is their tendency to develop injection site reactions. The type of injection that is most risky for your cat is an “adjuvanted vaccine”. Written by Dr.Matthew Kornya
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August 31, 2014 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
As the cat population ages, dental and oral health is becoming a larger issue for our feline friends. Tartar and gingivitis, periodontal disease, cavities, fractures, and ulcers are all common conditions in today’s feline. Just like in humans, preventative care is the most important step in ensuring your cat’s mouth stays clean and disease free. Written by Dr.Matthew Kornya
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August 15, 2014 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
When I was asked if I could recommend a toy to clients, the first thing I thought of was Fluff Bunnies. Written by Rebecca Hardwick
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August 12, 2014 / Cat's Meow / 1 Comment
At The Cat Clinic and Village Cat Clinic our staff all love and play with their cats. With that in mind we are picking a “Toy of the Month” based on toys that our cats enjoy. So, enrich your cat’s life and help a homeless cat by bringing your “hunting/stalking feline” the “toy of the month” home. Written by Dr Liz O’Brien DVM, DABVP (feline)
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August 07, 2014 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
July and August in Ontario are usually seen as the season for BBQs, trips to the beach, sunbathing, and in the veterinary world, cuterebra. This gruesome little critter may not be the most talked-about parasite of the summer, but (contrary to its “cute” name) it certainly has the most gross-out value. Written by Dr Matthew Kornya
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July 27, 2014 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
Cats, just like people, can be infected with retroviruses. These viruses are masters of disguise that can remain hidden for many years before causing obvious disease. Written by Dr Matthew Kornya
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March 27, 2014 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
After first opening Village Cat Clinic in 1995 Dr. Kaufmann says a heartfelt goodbye now that she will be beginning her retirement. Written by Dr. Wilhelmina Kaufmann
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February 10, 2014 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
We’ve registered to participate in National Cupcake Day™ for SPCAs & Humane Societies. It’s a brand new event and will help raise awareness and urgently-needed funds to support animals that are abused, abandoned, neglected or no longer wanted. Written by Katie Goliboski
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October 07, 2013 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
Mojito's buddy Krinkles helps out with the next adventure since he was to undergo an anesthetic and have surgery. Written by Angelina Johnstone RVT
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September 19, 2013 / Cat's Meow / 1 Comment
In Katie's household there is room for only one cat, and not because all other space is filled with dogs. Written by Katie Goliboski
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August 31, 2013 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
As part of our team’s ongoing commitment to feline care, both locally and across Canada, Dr. O’Brien has joined forces with the other three feline specialists in Canada. They have co-authored preventive healthcare protocols specifically for cats.
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August 09, 2013 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
Mojito and his buddy Krinkles demonstrate how to give blood samples and explain the importance of preanaesthic and FeLV/FIV testing. Written by Angelina Johnstone RVT
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July 12, 2013 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
Deworming and Fecal Testing is important because there are several human health risks that can be directly linked to household pets having untreated parasites and of course these parasites are stealing valuable nutrients from your kitten and causing irritation in the intestinal lining. Written by Angelina Johnstone RVT
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July 05, 2013 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
Mojito is going to help us demonstrate how little kittens start their vaccination and physical examination series. For all our patients safety Village Cat Clinic uses only non-adjuvanted vaccinations and performs a complete physical examination with every visit. Written by Angelina Johnstone RVT
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June 17, 2013 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
For most families the perception is that a “good trip” to the veterinary hospital starts when you walk in the front door but it actually starts the very first day a kitten comes into his new home. One of the biggest limitations when a veterinarian is doing a physical exam is the cat or kittens stress level and how they respond to that stress. But how can we as an owner minimize that stress? Written by Angelina Johnstone RVT
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March 13, 2013 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
The Cat Clinic and Village Cat Clinic were proud to announce our participation in The Inside Ride this year! The Inside Ride is Canada’s first indoor cycling celebration that raises funds in support of children and their families living with and beyond childhood cancer.
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February 13, 2013 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
New website launch of the Village Cat Clinic, Ancaster
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November 18, 2012 / Feline Wellness / Leave a comment
We never think it's going to happen to us but it is always best to be prepared in the event that our feline friends get lost. By taking these few steps you can greatly increase the chances of them being able to find their way back to you.
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October 24, 2012 / Cat's Meow / Leave a comment
This week is National Veterinary Technician's week, its purpose is to raise awareness of what people like me do every day and to give veterinary technicians a chance to reflect and celebrate the field we have chosen. Written by Angelina Johnstone RVT
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September 10, 2012 / Feline Wellness / Leave a comment
As your cat reaches adulthood and on to middle age, dental and periodontal disease is extremely common. This disease process can be painful enough to stop your pet from eating and the resulting bacterial infection can have significant effects on your cat’s heart and kidney function.
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August 25, 2012 / Feline Wellness / Leave a comment
Ancaster and the surrounding areas are having a particularly heavy bat season this year. Traditionally bat season is in the beginning of August but this year the public health office is reporting bat related calls are up by about 200% over previous years.
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July 18, 2012 / Feline Wellness / Leave a comment
Hills is introducing a new diet in Canada specifically for the treatment of hyperthyroidism. It’s possible we may not have to treat these cats with medication anymore!
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May 07, 2012 / Feline Wellness / Leave a comment
Heartworm is something dog owners have been concerned about for years and with the influx of “Katrina Dogs,” southern Ontario has once again become a heartworm hot bed. As testing for heartworm improves, unfortunately new studies are undeniably showing that your cat's risk for a heartworm infection is as high as the family dog.
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February 02, 2012 / Feline Wellness / Leave a comment
Finally snow and the beginning of a typical “Canadian Winter” has started. This means we need to make some special considerations for our feline friends.
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Village Cat Clinic employs a Diplomate of the ABVP (American Board of Veterinary Practitioners)