The fiddle leaf fig is one of the most beautiful houseplants. Their huge leaves can transform any room of your home into a jungle. But is it safe to have a fiddle leaf fig if you’re a cat owner? Unfortunately, this house plant is one of many that are toxic to pets, namely cats and… Read More
Daisies are a beautiful and common wildflower that act as a stunning foreshadowing to spring. They are surprisingly hardy, so if you have a flower bed at home, don’t be surprised if you see them popping up when the weather starts getting warmer. If you have cats, however, you might be wondering if daisies are… Read More
When we hang out with our furry buddies daily, we’re bound to notice the minor changes that happen. If you see that your cat’s eyes are watering more than usual, that’s probably precisely what landed you here. No big emergency, just some general questions that you need to be answered. Hopefully, we can at least… Read More
Bananas are popular all around the world. Some people eat them as occasional snacks, while others include them as part of a healthy meal. Still others eat bananas as meals in themselves. They are sweet and satisfying, full of nutrients and water, and they happen to be an excellent source of energy, which might be… Read More
If your dog is like most dogs, they love to gobble down treats anytime they have the opportunity. They also like to chew on non-edible things, including your shoes and furniture, especially if they don’t have access to enough chew toys. One edible chew toy that has become extremely popular among dog owners is the… Read More
Diffusers have become all the rage in households around the United States and elsewhere in the world due to their delightful scents and perceived healing abilities. These devices emit a steady stream of essential oils into the environment, but are those essential oils good for dogs? Should we be diffusing essential oils in our homes… Read More
The word “hypoallergenic” is thrown around a lot with all these new pet breeds. But is that true? Are cats genuinely hypoallergenic, or has it become a new age term that simply means “less allergy-triggering.” We’re going to find out. But first of all, let us burst your little sneezy bubble—ragdoll cats are in no… Read More
It’s not uncommon for pet owners to slip their fur babies a few titbits from the kitchen every now and then. When we love the taste and texture of something yummy, we naturally want to share that experience with pets and people around us. Unfortunately, if you’re not all that clued up on which fruits… Read More
Spider plants are perennially a favorite houseplant due to their relatively easy care, fullness, and attractive appearance as both a hanging and potted plant. They reproduce readily via plantlet production. If you have cats, though, it’s important to know how safe spider plants may be for your furry friends. Cats are well known for their… Read More
Dahlias are gorgeous flowers that never cease to be stunning. They can brighten up gardens and bouquets alike. However, it’s essential to check up on the safety of any plants you might bring into your house or that your cat might come into contact with. After all, some plants are not only poisonous but downright… Read More
Ferns are, inexplicably, a favorite houseplant. Well, it’s probably because they’re full, lush plants that bring an air of exotic interest to your home. Anyone who’s ever attempted to keep a fern will tell you, though, they can be quite picky plants that are rarely easy to keep due to their high humidity and indirect… Read More
If you’re interested in the art of Bonsai and you have cats, you may have found yourself wondering if it’s safe to have Bonsai trees around your cats. Unfortunately, there’s not a simple answer to that question because the safety of the Bonsai tree depends on what species of plant you’re keeping as a Bonsai…. Read More
In a moment of complete closeness with your kitty, they might reach up and touch you on the face with their little wet nose. It’s adorable, and you love to be the recipient—but it might have just struck you that you aren’t sure why your cat’s nose is wet! Actually, we assure you that cats’… Read More
Tulips are breathtakingly colorful, upright flowers with cupped vibrant blooms—they’re tough to miss. These little clustered beauties pop up in flowerbeds all over in the springtime. But are they safe for your feline friends if ingested? Absolutely not. In fact, tulips can be deadly to cats, dogs, and even horses—permitting enough is in their system…. Read More
Mums (or chrysanthemums) are part of the Asteraceae family which also includes daisies and chrysanthemums. While the plant itself isn’t poisonous, the stem, leaves, and flowers contain a substance called pyrethrin which is toxic to cats. Continue reading to learn more about this as well as what to do if your cat eats a mum…. Read More
Introduction Did you know there’s really no such thing as a hypoallergenic cat? Humans who suffer from cat allergies are actually allergic to a protein called Fel-d1. This chemical is found in a feline’s saliva, dander, and urine—not directly from their fur. Though they have medium-long hair and actually molt twice a year, the Siberian… Read More
Do you love cats but are unsure if you’re allergic to them? You’re not alone – millions of people are allergic to cats, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the companionship of a feline friend. In this blog post, we’ll answer the question “are cats hypoallergenic?” The answer is no, there are no cats… Read More
Monsteras are popular houseplants because of their unique leaf shapes. While these plants do make a great statement piece or blend in well with other greenery, you might not know if they are safe for your beloved cat. Unfortunately, monsteras are toxic to cats and dogs. There are a few factors to consider regarding how… Read More
Ferns add delightful greenery to any home, both inside and outside. If you love ferns and have a cat, you may be wondering if ferns are safe to have around your kitty. Better yet, maybe your cat just took a nibble and ingested a piece of a fern. Should you be concerned? Is this a… Read More
Introduction Daffodils are part of the Amaryllidaceae family—a category of plants that are mostly toxic to cats. Other plants in this family include Amaryllis, all types of lilies, most bulbed flowers, and allium vegetables such as onions, leeks, and shallots. All of these plants are harmful for felines and some can be toxic even in… Read More
Having house plants around your home or apartment can brighten your space and make it feel more natural and welcoming. However, even if you love having plants around your room, you still have to be careful if you have pets in the household. It’s possible to be a great cat parent and a good plant… Read More
Many people like to display a Christmas tree in their houses during the holiday season, but if you have cats, you may be wondering how the beautiful evergreens impact your beloved pets. When determining the level of toxicity in Christmas trees, a few factors have to be examined, such as the type of tree in… Read More
The snake plant is a popular decorative houseplant with long, thin leaves that grow vertically. This plant is also called a mother-in-law’s tongue, a magic sword plant, or a viper’s bowstring hemp plant. They are common in plant-loving households because they are hardy and easy to care for. They don’t require much maintenance and can… Read More
Cats love to chase and capture any small critters that they find, including insects. Ladybugs are distinctive insects that are normally easy to spot. There are over 5,000 species of ladybugs around the world! The most common ladybug in North America is the seven-spotted ladybug. You can identify these insects by their small, round, shiny… Read More
Try as you might, it can be difficult to keep your cat away from your houseplants. Some cats like to chew and eat the leaves. Others like to play in the dirt and knock the plants over, viewing them as some sort of jungle gym. Some plants are toxic to cats, however, and shouldn’t be… Read More
The healthcare of our felines is one of the most important responsibilities that we cat owners take on. This includes any potential surgeries that they might need to undergo. One of the most common procedures for male cats is neutering. While many pet owners understand that neutering is a surgical procedure to sterilize cats, not… Read More
The Venus flytrap is a popular species of carnivorous plant that’s fascinating to watch in action. If you are a cat owner, it’s important to be cautious about what plant species you keep because many common plants are toxic to cats. Fortunately, you don’t have to worry about a Venus flytrap being toxic to your… Read More
Himalayan salt lamps can create an atmosphere in your home that you find calming, but what about your pets? Is it safe to keep salt lamps with a cat in the house? What happens if your cat eats one? Salt lamps hold the potential to cause salt toxicity in cats if they lick or eat… Read More
Great for sauces, salads, and sandwiches, the tomato is a versatile fruit packed with vitamins and minerals. Considering how many dishes tomatoes can be used in and how often hungry cats beg for food, your feline best friend is likely to take a nibble of a tomato at some point. Tomatoes are both toxic and… Read More
If your cat has recently taken a bite of a banana, you may be wondering if bananas are feline-friendly. The short answer is yes, bananas are safe for cats. But before you give your cat regular bites of your breakfast banana, it’s important to know that there are pros and cons to doing so. Just… Read More
Despite being obligate carnivores, cats always seem to nibble on things that they shouldn’t. This can include house plants. Depending on the plant, this can lead to upset tummies and sometimes, serious poisoning. Majesty Palms are common in many households due to their hardiness and easy-to-care-for nature. Their popularity doesn’t just extend to humans. These… Read More
People take probiotics for their intestinal health, but dogs can benefit from them, too. When the right types are given in the right amounts, these helpful microorganisms can keep your dog’s intestinal microbiome healthy. The question is—can dogs take human probiotics? The short answer is yes. However, there are distinct advantages to giving your dog… Read More
Dogs can get an upset stomach and start vomiting or having diarrhea for what seems like no reason. Maybe the dog got into the neighbor’s garbage or started a new dog food that doesn’t agree with his stomach. The most common cause of canine stomach upset is gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach lining and… Read More
When the weather changes, it may seem like your dog’s shedding goes into overdrive. That’s not too far from the truth. Dogs have a normal hair cycle that includes periods of higher hair growth and shedding than at other times. If you’re a pet parent to cold weather or water breeds like Malamutes or Labrador… Read More
Dry, flaky, itchy skin does more than irritate your dog. It could lead to an infection or be associated with another serious medical condition. Part of putting a stop to the itching is identifying the cause of the dry skin. From there, you can work through potential solutions that will (most likely) include consulting a… Read More
Getting a sick cat to eat can be extremely challenging. Cats can be very finicky eaters, and they can be even more finicky when they are sick. As a veterinarian, I often have to entice sick cats to eat again. This article will cover a few tips and tricks that I have learned during my… Read More
If your cat has been sneezing, scratching, or coughing, this may be a sign that they have allergies. While it can be tempting to reach into the medicine cabinet to relieve their symptoms, it is always a good idea to speak with your veterinarian before giving your cat any human medications. In this article, I… Read More
When you have a new kitten in your home, it can be an exciting time, but you might not be sure how to take care of a kitten. Kittens are naturally curious and playful little beings. However, learning how to care for them can be stressful for first-time owners. Before adopting a kitten, it helps… Read More
Cats can be a wonderful addition to your home. They are playful and active, yet they enjoy a good cuddle on the sofa from time to time. Best of all, no two cats are alike. Each seems to have its own unique personality and traits. There are plenty of rescues and shelters that offer up… Read More
Dogs have physical, mental, and emotional needs that, when consistently met, result in a furry, four-footed companion who happily lives life alongside you. Those needs include the obvious, like food and shelter, and somethings that could be forgotten, like regular grooming and time spent with his favorite people. A little rundown on the basics with… Read More
As dogs age, they become prone to various diseases and conditions. One of the most common conditions that aging dogs experience is arthritis. This leads to decreased mobility, less activity, stiff and sore joints, and a general decrease in the activities that the dog normally enjoyed with enthusiasm. Arthritis in dogs is a general term… Read More
A dog’s hair coat is one of the first things that another person may notice about a dog. If your canine companion has a healthy, shiny coat, you’ve probably received lots of compliments from strangers or from the staff at your vet’s office. But what happens when your dog starts to lose hair in some… Read More
Moving house is no one’s idea of fun. From packing to organizing movers, there’s certainly a lot to think about. And if you’re a dog owner? You’ll have even more to consider to ensure a successful move for both you and your dog. So how can you help your dog move houses without a hitch?… Read More
If you are a first time dog owner, there is a lot to learn. Getting a dog is a very exciting time, but it can also be very overwhelming at first. As a veterinarian, I often get questions from new pet owners about how to best care for a new dog. These are the 12… Read More
You want your new puppy to grow into a healthy, well-mannered, and loveable constant companion, but it’s not something that just happens without effort. Raising a puppy is hard work, takes time and patience, and is also well worth the effort you put in. If you’re not sure where to start or are having some… Read More
Providing appropriate exercise for your dog is a crucial component of being a responsible pet owner. However, it can be confusing to know if your dog is getting enough exercise, and what exactly constitutes a healthy amount of exercise for dogs. Many dog owners assume that a short daily walk is adequate to keep their… Read More
Until we figure out how to keep our beloved pups from aging, it’s something that we’ll have to deal with as dog parents. Fortunately, thanks to advancements in nutrition and medicine, our canine companions are living longer than ever before. How we care for them as they get older will determine how healthy, comfortable, and… Read More
Playing games with your dog isn’t just a great excuse to spend quality time together. Play is very beneficial for your dog in a number of ways, from contributing to their physical health, to addressing their social needs, to reducing the incidence of problem behaviors. Play has also been found to help establish emotional bonds between… Read More
Do you dread bathing your dog? You’re certainly not alone. It’s a task that many dog owners, as well as their dogs, would rather avoid. However, baths can help maintain your dog’s health, so it is important to bathe them when they’re due for a good cleaning. One of the reasons doggie bathtimes can feel… Read More
Whether your pup is a mile-a-minute, hyperactive Energizer battery on four legs or they just can’t handle those car rides or unexpected visitors, getting them to calm down is an invaluable skill. Keeping or getting your dog calm has many benefits, such as preventing possible accidents, fear-related behaviors, and reducing blood pressure. When a dog… Read More
