Why Does My Cat Meow?

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Happy #Caturday!

Have you ever wondered why cats meow?  

There are several potential reasons as to why your cat loves to meow.  Here are a few of the most common.

Why Cat's Meow: 

• They Want Attention - Not all cats like to be left alone.  Some cats want to play or be pet.  If your cat is meowing, he or she might be looking for some love!  Try playing, grooming or talking to your pet a little bit more often each day.
• They're Hungry - Some cats meow when they want food.  If it's close to feeding time, this might be why your cat is being vocal.  If your cat meows every time you go into the kitchen, don't feed your cat when he or she is crying.  Wait until your cat quiets down before feeding.
• They're Saying Hello - Your cat might just be greeting you!  Some cats meow when people come home.
• They're Stressed - Cats that are under stress can become more vocal.  If there are major changes in your home (a new pet or baby) your cat might be stressed.  Try to help your cat adjust to the new changes.
• They're Getting Older - When cats age, they can become confused and disoriented.  They might meow, especially at night.
• They're Getting Sick - If you're not sure why your cat is meowing frequently, it might be due to a medical issue. It's important to bring your cat in for an exam to ensure that they are healthy!

If you have any questions about your cat's odd behaviors, contact our office!  Feel free to contact any of our Brooklyn or Long Island offices for more information.

The Cat Hospital

877-228-4131

5th Avenue Cat Clinic

718-398-1187

Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital

718-782-8387

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Can Your Pet Indulge in Thanksgiving Food Scraps?

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

While we love to share and celebrate with our pets during the holidays, it's important to remember that certain foods that are good for us can actually be dangerous to our pets.  However, if you know what you can and cannot feed your pet, certain Thanksgiving foods can be healthy for your pets in small quantities.

Just remember that abrupt changes in diet can cause an upset stomach.  Be sure to keep an eye on your pet and make sure that they don't over-indulge.

Food Scraps You CAN Feed Your Pets:

• Turkey - In small amounts, turkey can be OK.  Just be sure that the meat is lean, light meat that is bone-free.  Dark meat is too greasy for your pets and bones can get lodged in their GI track.
• Mashed Potatoes - Plain mashed potatoes (with minimal fat and salt) can be OK for your pet.  However, potatoes with butter and heavy cream can be too fattening for your pets.  Fatty foods can upset their stomach and even be life threatening.
• Green Beans - Plain, unsalted green beans can be a nutritious holiday treat for your pets.  However, avoid offering your pets green beans that are mixed with other ingredients (i.e. avoid green been casseroles).
• Loose Corn - If you are serving unbuttered corn, this can be a healthy treat for your dog.  However, avoid corn on the cob.  Small pieces can cause an obstruction in your dog's digestive system.
• Pumpkin - Pumpkin can actually have several health benefits for your pets.  If you can find unsweetened, natural pumpkin, this can be a great holiday treat for your pet.  Just be sure to avoid pumpkin pie fillings, as they are often high in sugar.

Food Scraps You CAN'T Feed Your Pets

• Turkey Gravy - Gravy is often made from stock, pepper and seasoning.  While it may be a delicious addition to your Thanksgiving turkey, it is too fatty for your pets.
• Stuffing -  Stuffing is often full of fat, butter and ingredients (like onions and garlic) that are very harmful to pets.  As a general rule of thumb, it's best not to offer your pets stuffing.
• Candied Yams - Sweet and buttery yams are too sugary and fattening for pets.
• Chocolate - Chocolate can cause high heart rates in dogs, among other problems.  Avoid feeding your pet anything your are baking with chocolate.
• Alcohol - It may seem obvious, but you should keep alcohol out of reach of your pets.  Even small amounts of alcohol can be dangerous.

If you have any questions about your cat's odd behaviors, contact our office!  Feel free to contact any of our Brooklyn or Long Island offices for more information.

The Cat Hospital

877-228-4131

5th Avenue Cat Clinic

718-398-1187

Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital

718-782-8387

Don’t forget to connect with us on social media!

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Why Shouldn't You Scare Your Cats with Cucumbers?

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

You may have noticed a new trend on social media - scaring cats with cucumbers.  While the videos can be entertaining, we wanted to remind pet owners that it's not a good idea to scare your feline friends.

Why is scaring your cat with a cucumber a bad idea?

It turns out, your cat probably isn't afraid of the cucumber itself, according to National Geographic.

Cats are startled by the cucumbers appearing when they aren't looking.  The sudden appearance of a cucumber (or any object) can be very stressful for cats.  When cats are in places that they associate with comfort and safety, like their food dish, they take their guard down.  When a cucumber unexpectedly appears while they have their head down, it can be startling.  As a result, cats leap into the air, and run away from the cucumber when it seemingly appears out of nowhere.

You want your cat to always feel comfortable in your home.  Instead of sneaking up behind them, you should always gradually introduce new toys and objects to your cat.  This will help them get comfortable with the new object - rather than startling them in a way that could cause distress.

If you have any questions about your cat's odd behaviors, contact our office!  Feel free to contact any of our Brooklyn or Long Island offices for more information.

The Cat Hospital

877-228-4131

5th Avenue Cat Clinic

718-398-1187

Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital

718-782-8387

Don’t forget to connect with us on social media!

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November Is Adopt A Senior Pet Month

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Did you know that November is Adopt A Senior Pet Month?  With the holidays quickly approaching, now is the perfect time to consider giving a home to an older cat or dog.  If you are looking to add a new pet to your home, here are a few of the reasons you should consider adopting a senior pet.  

Benefits of Adopting Senior Pets:

• They're Trained - Most senior pets are likely to have already been house-trained.  If they haven't, they are likely physically and mentally ready to pick up the training in minimal time.
• They Are Calm - Unlike puppies and kittens, senior pets are more laid back.  You won't need to puppy- or kitten-proof your home.  Instead, your pet will likely enjoy lounging around.
• You'll Provide Them With Peace - Rest easy knowing that you're giving a senior pet a home full of love during their final years.

If you have recently  and feel free to contact any of our Brooklyn or Long Island offices for more information on what your pet can and cannot eat.

The Cat Hospital

877-228-4131

5th Avenue Cat Clinic

718-398-1187

Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital

718-782-8387

Don’t forget to connect with us on social media!

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Health Benefits of Pumpkin for Pets

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Will you be including pumpkin treats in your Thanksgiving dinner plans?  You can include your pet too!  Canned natural pumpkin, pumpkin seeds, and freshly cooked pumpkin can have many health benefits for both cats and dogs.

Health Benefits of Pumpkin:

• Aids in Digestive Health - Pureed pumpkin is high in fiber.  In small quantities (about a table spoon) you can help keep your pets regular and help with indigestion or upset stomachs.
• Improve Urinary Health - Pumpkin seeds are high in fatty acids and antioxidants that help support a healthy urinary system.
• Reduce Risk of Cancer - Pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of vitamins, including vitamin A, beta-carotene, iron and potassium.  This can reduce the likelihood of cancer and keep your pet healthy longer.
• Aid in Weight Loss - If you have a pet that is struggling with weight loss, try including a small portion of canned pumpkin in their diet.  This will help them feel full longer!

If you do plan on serving your pet any pumpkin treats, be sure that the pumpkin is unsweetened (not pie filling).

Learn more about the health benefits of pumpkins here and feel free to contact any of our Brooklyn or Long Island offices for more information on what your pet can and cannot eat.

The Cat Hospital

877-228-4131

5th Avenue Cat Clinic

718-398-1187

Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital

718-782-8387

Don’t forget to connect with us on social media!

Facebook - Twitter - YouTube - Pinterest

What Should You Do If Your Dog Eats Chocolate?

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Chocolate is one of the most common pet poisons in the home.  In certain quantities, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal heart rhythm, and more.  

If you come home and find that your dog has gotten into your candy stash - don't panic.  Here are the steps you should take.

What To Do If Your Dog Eats Chocolate:

1. Take the Chocolate Away -  First, hide the rest of the chocolate.  You'll want to keep the chocolate far away from your dog so that they don't eat any more. 
2. Check Your Dog - Make sure that your dog is acting normally.  Look to see if they are gagging or having difficulty breathing.
3. Take Note of the Chocolate - How much chocolate did your dog eat?  What kind of chocolate was it?  Dark chocolates and baking chocolates have higher concentrations of the ingredient (theobromine) that is toxic to dogs.  
4. Consider the Size of Your Dog - If you have a smaller dog, they are at a greater risk of toxicity than a larger dog.
5. Give Our Office a Call - Speak with a veterinarian to discuss the best course of action for your pet. Depending on how much chocolate your pet ate, the type of chocolate, and your breed of dog, we can recommend an appropriate treatment.

If you have any questions or you find that your pet has ingested chocolate, contact one of our offices below:

The Cat Hospital

877-228-4131

5th Avenue Cat Clinic

718-398-1187

Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital

718-782-8387

Don’t forget to connect with us on social media!

Facebook - Twitter - YouTube - Pinterest

What is Kennel Cough?

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Is your dog coughing frequently?  A persistent, forceful cough is one of the symptoms of a common disease known as kennel cough.  While kennel cough is treatable, pet owners should keep in mind that it is highly contagious.

Kennel Cough Symptoms:

• Persistent Dry Coughing
• Gagging
• Coughing Up White Foamy Phlegm
• Fever
• Nasal Discharge
• Sneezing
• Eye Discharge

Treatment for less severe cases of kennel cough just involve supportive care, rest, and good hydration.  However, if the kennel cough infection is more severe, your dog may benefit from medications that reduce inflammation and coughing.  If an infection is present, your pet may need an antibiotic to shorten the course of the disease.

If your puppy is suffering from any of the symptoms associated with Kennel Cough, bring him or her into one of our practices.  We can help you bring your pet back to full health.  Reach one of our Brooklyn or Long Island offices below:

The Cat Hospital

877-228-4131

5th Avenue Cat Clinic

718-398-1187

Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital

718-782-8387

Don’t forget to connect with us on social media!

Facebook - Twitter - YouTube - Pinterest

Why Does Your Cat Love Running Water?

THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP
www.BregmanVetGroup.com

Does your cat play with running water?  Your pet is not alone!  Many cats like to play with water and sometimes even like to drink out of the running faucet.

One theory as to why cats love running water has to do with their past.  Wild animals prefer to drink from running streams because the water is cleaner than a pond with standing water.  

If your cat splashes the water in their bowl, this could also be their way of testing the water to see if it is safe.  Your cat's paws are one of the most sensitive areas on their body.  Cats sometimes scoop water to check the water and its temperature.  

Some pet owners like to provide their pets with an automatic water dispenser that trickles water!  If you're not looking to invest in a new dish, just make sure that your cat always has plenty of clean water. 

Check out this article to learn more about why cats have such an affinity for running water.

You can also contact our offices with any questions you have about your cat's behaviors and health.  Reach one of our Brooklyn or Long Island offices below:

The Cat Hospital

877-228-4131

5th Avenue Cat Clinic

718-398-1187

Paws and Claws Veterinary Hospital

718-782-8387

Don’t forget to connect with us on social media!

Facebook - Twitter - YouTube - Pinterest