The Most Talkative Cat Breeds

If you’re looking to communicate with your cat, you can likely tell how they’re feeling based on their body language. While most cats speak through body postures, there are a few breeds known for being quite chatty. Instead of just meowing and purring, these cats love to talk out loud through chirping and sometimes even yowling. If you’re looking for a companion who loves to talk back, check out these talkative cat breeds.

 

Why people love talkative cat breeds

 

Before we dive into which breeds are the most talkative, a lot of people wonder why people love talkative cat breeds. The answer is simple, outside of enjoying a little banter, a kitten that chats back can help curve loneliness. It is also great for owners who want to learn their cat’s behavior quicker. When you pay attention to those chatty clues and body language habits, it’s easier to understand your kitten. If you want your cat to talk a bit more, encourage it to do so. Similar to dogs, you can train cats and with a little positive reinforcement you’ll enjoy chats for years to come.

 

Siamese

 

Siamese cats are well-known for their chatty habits. Full grown Siamese cats grow to be around 10-12 pounds and will tell you when they’re hungry or need cuddles. These are social cats and love companionship, so it won’t take long for you to hear their purrs, meows and cries for attention. These cats are also quite popular, and you may just recognize them from famous animated movies like The Aristocats and Lady and the Tramp.

 

Bengal

 

Some cats are more curious than others and the Bengal fits perfectly in that description. These courageous and daring cats are beautiful with fur that resembles leopards, jaguars, and ocelots. Their strong, athletic bodies may have something to do with the bravery and playfulness you’ll find with your Bengal cat. These kittens are playful and talkative from a young age, making them great pets!

 

Tonkinese

 

Tonkinese cats are known for their striking features and beautiful eyes. While they may gain a lot of recognition for their looks, it’s their personality that makes people fall in love. These cats are a hybrid between Siamese cats and Burmese cats, so it makes sense they take after the talkative Siamese breed. The cats have a ton of energy and therefore love to play around and talk while doing so. Because they’re so friendly, these cats make great pets for families with small children and cat-friendly dogs.

 

American Bobtail

 

Last, but certainly not least, we can’t mention talkative cat breeds without bringing up the American Bobtail breed. These cats have dog-like personalities and love to play games like fetch and hide-and-seek. Because they’re social and easygoing like many dogs, it’s natural for them to be chatty.

 

If you’re looking to add a cat to the family, the AVMA suggests you bring your kitten home when it is between 7 and 9 weeks old. When your new furry friend joins the family, make sure to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Scheduling appropriate vaccinations can help ensure your cat is protected from diseases and healthy from the start. If you’re ready to schedule an appointment today, reach out to our team at the Bregman Veterinary Group today. We can’t wait to meet your new feline best friend!

Spring Preparation

As the seasons begin to change and winter fades into Spring, and the April showers start to bring May flowers, it’s time to start getting your furry friend ready too. They will be happy with the weather and the rains will mean fresh new grass to run and play on. As a pet owner though, you want to ensure their health as head into Spring.

Slowly Increase Exercise

Depending on your locations winter, your pet may have been less active than normal. This could have lead to weight gain and a decreased level of energy. Encourage them to take things slowly as quickly getting back into being highly active or exercising could lead to injuries. If you plan to start outdoor exercise consider including your pet.

Yard Inspections

Winter season can be harsh, and depending on your location can affect your yard in a variety of ways. To ensure your pets safety give your yard a good overall inspection. Check for debris, fallen tree branches, trash, debris, and anything that could pose a danger to your furry friend.

Seasonal Allergies

If winter season where you are was above average on snow/rain then you could be experiencing allergies all ready. Just like you, pets are not immune and may show signs too. Unlike humans, pet allergies manifest through their skin so be on the lookout for excessive scratching and licking. If you see signs be sure to schedule an appointment for a Veterinary visit.

Prevention

As the weather warms those fleas and ticks that made it through winter will be back in full force. Along for warm up ride, mosquitos and Heartworm which can be carried by them. If you have not taken the steps to treat your pet with a preventive Heartworm, Flea, and Tick medication then now is the time.

Now that all that has been covered, it’s time to have some fun! Start enjoying the warmer weather with pet playtime and walks!

Does Your Cat Look Forward To Teeth Brushing Time?

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Brushing your cat's teeth shouldn't be a chore for you or your furry friend. Instead, it should be an enjoyable time for the both of you. As you know, do not overly restrain your cat. If you take things slow and give lots of praise, you and your cat will start looking forward to your brushing time.

Brush your cat’s pearly whites at home by following these simple steps:

• Before starting, get your cat use to the idea of having their teeth brushed.
• Gently message their gums with your finger or with a cotton swab.  
• Then, put a little cat-formulated toothpaste on their lips to get use of the taste. 
• After, introduce the toothbrush, try to get a small and soft bristle brush. They make toothbrushes that go over your fingers to help message your cat’s teeth. 
• Lastly, apply the toothpaste and gently brush your furry friends teeth.

A veterinary exam before may help to find out if your cat’s gums are inflamed or have gingivitis. If this is the case, brushing too hard could damage their gums.

If you have any concerns in regard to your pets health, please contact the Bregman Veterinary Group at any one of our locations. For more information, please visit www.bregmanvetgroup.com.

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Does Your Pet Need a Trip to the Vet?

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Does your pet need a trip to the vet? Now that 2014 is in full swing, it's important to start this year out healthy! However, realizing if your cat needs a check up isn't always that easy. To facilitate this process, here are some tips.

Excessive Meows: Don't forget to attend to your cats! If you hear more vocalizations than normal, perhaps your cat is looking for some attention. Sometimes, a couple of strokes or surprising them with a toy can fix a problem. However, your cat could be using their vocals as a sign of pain. Make sure you see the vet if there any kind of unusual signals coming from your cat.

Cold Symptoms: Cats generally show signs of colds similar to humans. If you notice crust around the eyes, a runny nose or frequent sneezes, seek medical attention from your vet. Visit your vet for yearly immunizations and make sure your cat's health is up to date.

Frequent Sleeping or Unusual Diet: A quick way to notice if your cat is ill to track how much they're sleeping and eating throughout the day. If you catch them snoozing more than playing, or their eating seems off, it's likely they are getting sick. Generally cats don't go more than a day of not eating. If your cat is possessing any of these signs, make an appointment with your vet.

Refusing the Litter Box: Either few or excessive trips to the litter box could be a reason to take your bet to the vet. If you've noticed this, first try to remove waste immediately after each time your cat uses the litter box. If this doesn't seem to change anything, try washing your little box frequently.

Fur Loss: If you see patches of hair missing or signs of an allergic reaction, your cat may have an infection. Cats, just like dogs, are able to catch fleas. A quick way to catch the problem early on is to nice how much your cat scratches him or herself.

If you have any questions about your pets health, please give us a call at any one of our locations. For more information on the Bregman Veterinary Group, please visit us online at www.bregmanvetgroup.com.

Table Foods to Keep Away from Pets

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With the holidays quickly approaching, there is no better time for a quick reminder on what table foods you should never let your pets get their paws on!

Although the food you're munching on is delicious and you want to share it with your adorable furry friends, these foods can often make our pets ill.

Check out the info graphic below, courtesy of www.mnn.com on tips on what NOT to feed your pets!

Let us know what you think on our Facebook page.

Raccoon collected in South Brooklyn Tests Positive for Rabies

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Attention all pet owners: A message from the Department of Health & Mental Hygiene.

Pet owners, earlier this month a raccoon that was collected in the Sea Gate area of Brooklyn tested positive for rabies. To date, this is the fourth raccoon to test positive in Brooklyn for rabies. However, it indicates rabies may now be present in South Brooklyn.

We highly recommend that you check with your veterinarian that your pets are up-to-date on all rabies vaccinations.

• A few friendly reminders to pet owners:
• Avoid contact with wild and stray animals.
• Make sure your cat or dog is up-to-date on all rabies vaccinations.
• Avoid leaving your pets outdoors unattended and feed them indoors.
• Avoid trying to separate animals that are fighting.
• Contact the Bregman Vet Group if your pet has been in contact with a raccoon, skunk, bat or any animal that be rabid.

We encourage you to report all suspected rabies cases to the Veterinary Public Health Services, Bureau of Communicable Diseases and the NYC Poison Control Center.  

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact any one of our locations.

Pet Owners Advised to Watch out for Jerky Treats

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Pet owners are being advised to watch out for jerky treats made for dogs. Jerky treats that are made in China are being linked to the death of hundreds of pups and illness of many others.

The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning to pet owners in late 2011, but has yet to recall the treat. According to NBC News, the FDA has done numerous tests attempting to figure out what is causing death and illness in so many pets, but are unable to pin point where the issue is stemming from.

To continue reading about this topic, please CLICK HERE.

Has your pet suffered any illness from jerky treats? Let us know on our Facebook page. 

Adding a Second Pet to Your Home

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Photo Source: Pixabay

Adding another pet to your home is a big decision.  Whether you have a dog, cat or bird – the transition can be dramatic for your current pet.  After all, your pet has probably already established their turf and the addition of another brother or sister could get their paws in a twist.  In order to make the transition a little easier, we've gathered some useful links from around the web on the topic.

Dogs

1.       The Barking Lot

2.       Veterinary Partner

3.       ASPCA

4.       The Indoor Pet Initiative

Cats

1.       Cat Behavior Associates

2.       Perfect Paws

3.       FourPaws.org

Parakeets

1.       BirdChannel.com

2.       The Nest

Whatever your plans may be, it’s always best to think about how the decision of adding another pet to your home will not only effect your family, but the quality of life that your loving pet at home is used to.  By taking your pet into consideration, you’re already on your way to making the right and responsible choice.  While it’s true what they say – the more the merrier; there’s even more truth to the benefits of careful planning. 

Whether you have 1,2 or 10 pets, make sure that you make an appointment with Bregman Veterinary Group for ALL your pet’s health care needs.  While the thought of having more than one pet may overwhelm you, it certainly won’t overwhelm us!  We are here for you!

Image Courtesy of Jupiter Images

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. 

Is Your Pet Overweight? Try a Pet Treadmill!

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Whether a pet is overweight, injured or just lacks exercise, taking them on a walk or letting them roam outside is pointless. If your pet doesn't enjoy getting exercise on its own, it should be forced to work out to stay healthy, and that’s what the pet treadmill offers.

Veterinarians are now using a special water treadmill to help cats and dogs rehabilitate and get them back to their proper health. Brittney Barton, a veterinarian who is working on this project states: “It’s kind of like a Cadillac. It’s a very specialized piece of equipment, so it has a very long bed treadmill. We can adjust the speed. We can even kind of mix it up a bit and put some exercise balls in and do some specialized exercises.”

During these sessions, patients can spend anywhere from fifteen to forty minutes on the treadmill, all depending on the health of the pet.

The treadmill seems to be working with most patients; mostly every pet that has been exercising on this treadmill has been getting stronger and fit. One of the patients, “Skinny the cat”, was rescued last year weighing 41 pounds, and since using the treadmill he has shed over 10 pounds of fat!

For more information on how to give your pet a healthy lifestyle, please visit our Facebook page or call any of the Bregman Veterinary Group locations. 

Have You Heard of Pet Flipping?

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Police fear a new heartless crime is growing throughout the United States. The crime is known as pet flipping. Criminals are continuing to find lost dogs, and instead of returning them to their owners, they are selling these pets for a profit.

One incident occurred in Indianapolis this summer. Leisa Waggoner's dog Rosie, a schnauzer, got lost on the streets of Indianapolis. Desperate, Waggoner posted flyers all over the neighborhood. When she went to a lost dog website the next day, she got great news, Rosie had been found. But there was a twist, a con artist, posing as Rosie's owner, had already claimed the dog off the website. The con artist claimed the dog and listed her on Craiglists for $50.

In Indianapolis, there were 10 such cases of “pet flipping”alone this year. Police say these crooks can make anywhere from $50 to $1000 on any lost pet, it all depends on the breed.

Although it’s a growing problem, pet flipping can be avoided. Never leave your pet unattended for in the front and backyard. If your pet does end up missing, check the pet’s section of Craigslist in your area to see if anyone is trying to sell the same breed. The best way to limit this issue is to get your pet micro chipped.  Micro chipping can help identify a pet and return it to its rightful owner.

For more information on pet flipping and tips to keep your pet safe, visit our website at Bregman Vet Group. Also, if you’re interested in micro chipping your pet, please call any one of the Bregman Veterinary Group locations. 

Is Their a Reason Behind Your Cats Thirst?

 THE BREGMAN VETERINARY GROUP 

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Sandra, having done some research on the Internet, concluded that her cat may have diabetes because of it has recently increased the frequency of its visits to the water bowl.  

When cats and dogs increase their water intake and their frequency of urination, diabetes mellitus is often a primary cause.  Although diabetes is usually the most common cause, it is not the only one, renal disease is often another common cause of these symptoms. Cats usually do not drink water for enjoyment, so if there is an increase in their intake there is a reason.  Sandra will need to take her cat, Chai, to the veterinarian for a blood panel, urinalysis and a spot check of his blood sugar level.  

These results will enable the doctor to determine whether it is renal disease or diabetes. Diabetes is manageable with insulin therapy, while treatment for renal disease is completely different, depending on the severity of the disease at the time it is diagnosed.  

Suppose Chai does have diabetes, his blood work will show an elevated level of sugar because he lacks insulin which drives sugar from his blood into his cells to be used as a source of energy.  The elevated sugar level increases the oncotic pressure which the brain interprets this and tells the cat to drink more water in an attempt to dilute the blood.  This increase in fluid is filtered by the kidneys and produces excess urine.  

Most treatments involve insulin therapy to replace the deficiency, although few cats can be treated long term by monitoring their weight.  Insulin is usually administered by injection twice a day, which usually becomes as routine as feeding your pet.  We like to monitor the blood sugar levels of the patient throughout the day in order to modify the dose to fit their specific needs.  Some cats will not allow these injections, which makes it hard to find success in their treatment.  If Chai is not one of these cats he should maintain a good quality of life.  

To read the full article, CLICK HERE! 

Does Your Cat Get Enough Playtime?

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 Do you think your cat gets enough playtime? Playtime can stimulate your cat mentally, which can help keep them out of trouble and developing behavioral problems. Playtime is also a great way for your pet to get the exercise it needs!

Try to play with your cat for at least 10-15 minutes twice a day. If you’re going to be out for most of the day, try getting your first round of playtime in before you leave and the second for when you return home. Another great way to incorporate a little more playtime for your cat is when you’re talking on the phone. Simply dangle an interactive toy while you’re talking and let your cat follow you around!

Also, if your cat spends a lot of time home alone, make sure there are plenty of toys around to keep your cat busy and out of trouble.

What are your favorite playtime activities for your cat? Let us know on our Facebook page, linked HERE!

Is It Smart To Declaw Your Cat?

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When it comes to cats, owners have the decision to make – should we declaw the cat or not? This is one of the hottest issues in the American cat owner community today.

Onychectomy in cats is an incredibly common procedure in the United States – it is estimated that fully one-fourth of house cats are declawed. The procedure involves removing a cat’s claw from within their tow, thus preventing it from growing back (http://goo.gl/IohKQ).

There are understandable reasons for declawing your cat – they can’t ruin your furniture, they can’t scratch anyone or other cats, they have the option of retaining their back claws to assist in jumping, and you don’t have to worry about clipping their nails.

When the declawing procedure is done, it actually severs the cat’s last toe bone, according to many (http://goo.gl/IohKQ). Balance is very important in cats, and declawing them can affect their natural balance. Also, after the surgery, infections are easy to get and some cats experience pain over the loss of their claws.

Make sure to do your research before you make this decision! 

Call us at the Bregman Vet Hospital and talk to one of our veterinarians if you have any questions. It’s an important decision to make and make sure you have the full understanding before you get the procedure done.