Hairball Management

Yes, cats are adorable, hairballs however not so much. Cats are known self-groomers, always working to keep their fur clean and in order. As a kitten grows into a full grown feline,  the amount of fur to deal with grows exponentially. This, in turn, means coping with hairballs.

As a cat licks itself, its tiny sandpaper-like tongue acts as a means to groom out the loose fur it has. This fur is then swallowed and enters the gastrointestinal tract. It generally exits in the cat’s feces, but not always. The fur that does not get passed ends up staying lodged in the stomach until being vomited out, aka a hairball.

Helping to Diminish

1. Ensure your cat is entertained. The more active a cat is the less likely it is to groom itself in an excessive way. 
2. Groom your cat every few days to help reduce the amount of fur consumed by your cat. 
3. Cat food. Certain foods help the cat to pass along swallowed fur. Talk with your Veterinarian to find the right food for your cat. 
4. Supplements. Certain ones may help your cat with passing it out. Talk with your veterinarian to help with the right supplement choice. 

Do know that hairballs are a normal event with a cat. They are especially normal during season change such as winter to spring, as the cat is shedding its heavier winter coat. It’s normal to see a few hairballs during this time, but if your cat is excessively getting rid of hairballs then it may be time to take them to your veterinarian.

Hairballs that do not make their way back up can also cause gastrointestinal issues for your cat. You will want to bring your cat to your veterinarian If you begin to notice symptoms such as

• Change in appetite
• Lethargy
• Excessive retching or gagging
• Diarrhea
• Constipation

 If you find your cat is starting to groom itself beyond normal reason, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian for an exam. We hope you find these tips useful when it comes to dealing with your feline friend and their hairballs!

Training Tips That Teach Your Cat to Play Nice

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You love your cat – but it can be frustrating when they scratch or bite you or a family member.  If your cat is struggling with behavioral issues, take the time to train him or her.  While you don’t want to inhibit their biological instincts, it’s okay to discipline your cat to play nicely.  Here are a few tips to help train your cat to get along with you and your family.

5 Cat Training Tips:

• Verbal Commands – When your cat does something it’s not supposed to - say “No!”  Don’t scare your cat by yelling, but let them know that you are serious and that what they are doing is wrong.
• Cold Shoulder – The other option is to give your cat the silent treatment.  Stop playing and showing affection as “punishment.”
• Spray Bottles – If your cat is prone to biting often, keep a spray bottle on hand.  Once it bites, immediately spray it with water.  This behavioral method will teach your cat to avoid the action that results in getting sprayed.
• Play Areas – Set up a play area with a scratching post and toys.  This will help your cat let out its need to scratch things without hurting you or a family member.
• Rewards – Offer rewards for good behavior!  If you notice your cat chooses to leave a situation rather than attack, offer a treat.

If you are still having trouble disciplining and training your cat, contact our office.  Our experienced veterinarians can offer tips and tricks to help improve the relationship between you and your cat. 

How to Care for Your Cat’s Litter Box

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A litter box should be a safe and easy to access place for your cat.  However, both new and experienced cat owners are often confused about what to do when it comes to the litter box.  Here are a few tips that address the most frequently asked questions about litter box care.

Litter Box Tips:

• Teaching Your New Cat – Teach your new kitty how to use the litter box by introducing the cat to the box every morning and after meals and playtime. 
• How Many Litter Boxes – You should have one litter box per cat in your house.  This provides enough places for your cats to go.  Put the litter boxes somewhere that gives your cat privacy, but is also conveniently located.
• Choosing a Material – If you have a kitten or you are concerned about your cat eating its litter, biodegradable litter is a safe and eco-friendly option. Clay and silica-based litters are good for cats that are at least 3-4 months old. 
• Cleaning the Litter Box- You should scoop your cat’s litter box once a day to keep the area free of germs and clean out the full litter box twice a month.  Cat owners can also use baking soda to refresh the litter box and reduce odor.
• Picking a Size – Your cat’s litter box should be at least one and a half times the length of the cat.  If you’re not sure, pick the bigger litter box.

Cat owners can learn more litter box care tips here. 

If you find that your cat is spending too much time in the litter box, it could be a sign that something is not right with your pet.  Contact our office if you see your cat exhibiting this strange behavior.  Our experienced vets can also offer advice about choosing the best litter box for your pet.

Welcoming a New Cat

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Adopting a new cat is an exciting time.  However, you always want to make sure that your new kitty feels welcome and at home.  Whether this is your first pet or you are looking for a friend for your current cat, there are a few things that every pet owner should keep in mind when introducing a new cat into their home.

• Identification – This is one of the first things you should do when introducing a new kitty.  It is important to prevent any accidents by being able to easily identify your new pet.
• Toxic Materials – Protect your new pet by hiding bathroom cleaners, laundry detergents and cords, making sure that the plants in your home are non-toxic to cats, and keeping garbage can lids secure.
• Comfort – It’s common for cats to feel overwhelmed when they enter a new home.  Buy your new cat food, toys and a scratching post before they arrive.  This will help them feel comfortable right away.  You can also help the cat feel comfortable by sitting near where it is hiding and speaking gently.
• Kittens – If you are adopting a kitten, it’s highly recommended that you adopt more than one.  Kittens need constant stimulation.  A pair of kittens can keep each other occupied with playing and exploring together.
• Fighting – Play wrestling is normal and healthy for cats.  If the fighting becomes aggressive and involves hissing, then there is a problem.  End territory battles by providing each cat with their own space.

Read more about how you can introduce your new cat here.  You can also contact our office with any questions you have about your new pet.  We are happy to offer tips on how to help you keep your new cat happy and healthy.

Nail Trimming Tips for Cat Owners

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Having trouble trimming your cat’s nails?  It can take time for your kitty to adjust.  Our experienced veterinarians are here to help, but we want cat owners to be comfortable with caring for their cats too.

Check out these tips on how to help your cat relax:

• Start Early – Introduce your cat to nail clipping as a kitten.  This gives them time to get used to the process.
• Set the Mood – Make sure your cat is comfortable.  Choose a chair in a quiet room where your cat can sit on your lap.
• Massage the Paw – Gently massage your cat’s paw for a couple of seconds.  If your cat pulls away, that’s ok.  Wait until your cat relaxes again.  Try to take the paw and press the pad so that the nails extend out.  Give your cat a treat afterwards.  Do this every other day until you and your cat are comfortable with the process.
• Make Sounds Comfortable– Let your cat get used to the sound of the clippers before you trim the nails.  Try clipping a piece of uncooked spaghetti next to your cat.
• Never Cut to the Quick – The quick is the pink part of the nail where the nerves and blood vessels are.  This area is very sensitive.  Only cut the white part of the claw.
• Take Your Time – Don’t trim more than two claws in one sitting until your cat is completely comfortable.  Reward your cat with a treat.  Let them become comfortable for the first couple of sessions.

Read more about how you can trim your cat’s nails on the ASPCA website.  If you are still having trouble, contact our office.  We are happy to provide you with tips to help you and your cat become comfortable with nail trimming.

Feline Boarding

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Tis the season for vacations but what about your pets? You can choose to leave

 your pet home and have a house sitter take care of your furry friend or you could bring your pet to a boarding facility. Bregman Veterinary Group has feline boarding in Brooklyn and Long Island.

When pets are left home alone they can become anxious and scared. House sitters may not be as skilled in taking care of your pet as a professional. Bregman Veterinary Group takes great care of cats while you are away. If your cat already sees Bregman Vet then you and your cat will most likely feel less anxious. This familiarity will help your pet feel comfortable and safe while you are gone.

To make you feel more comfortable check out the boarding area before your cat stays. See what Bregman Vet has to offer. According to Star News Online, pets tend to search for their owners when left alone. The trained professionals at Bregman Veterinary Group can ease your feline friend's mood.

Your cat will feel at home with Bregman Veterinary Group while you are away. Bregman Vet provides a quiet, peaceful and stress-free environment. Cats stay in well-sized cubicles with pass throughs so your cat is free to roam.

For more information on boarding tips, please CLICK HERE.

To learn more about Bregman Veterinary Group, please visit www.bregmanvetgroup.com.

Check out the Cat Hospital

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The Cat Hospital in Williston Park is the perfect place to bring your cat to get the care he/she deserves. The Cat Hospital is a feline only hospital and we provide an atmosphere that will make your pet feel comfortable and peaceful.

Check out what the Long Island Cat Hospital has to offer by watching our YouTube video below. For more information about the Cat Hospital and to schedule your appointment, please CLICK HERE.