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Learn how to prevent Lyme disease in dogs, recognize symptoms early, and protect your pet from tick-borne illness with effective tick prevention.

Lyme Disease in Dogs: Prevention, Symptoms, and Tick Protection

Understanding how oral bacteria contribute to widespread health complications helps explain why consistent dental care is essential for long term wellness.

How Dental Disease Impacts Heart, Kidney, and Lung Health in Pets

Regular dental cleanings support systemic health, reduce chronic inflammation, and prevent painful conditions that can affect a pet's quality of life. Understanding how oral disease impacts the body helps explain why pets with healthy mouths often enjoy longer, healthier lives.

Do Dental Cleanings Help Pets Live Longer? What the Research Suggests About Lifespan and Oral Health

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Pet Cancer Awareness Month: Early Diagnosis, Prevention, and Hope

Learn how to reduce pet anxiety during Halloween with veterinarian-approved tips. Help your dog or cat stay calm and happy when costumes, candy, and trick-or-treaters arrive.

How to Help Your Pet Stay Calm This Halloween

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<p dir="auto">We’ve all seen the memes since this <strong>COVID-19</strong> pandemic started about dogs who have had enough of you walking them, <em>thank you very much</em>. And in turn, the cat memes are all about them wondering when we are going back to work and giving them their much-needed personal space back. We get it. Dogs tend to be goofy and friendly, while cats are, ahem, a bit more discerning about their company. The truth is, though, cats have plenty of different personality types, and many of them do experience separation anxiety. This is particularly true of cats who were orphaned. And with many of you going back to work, if you haven’t gone back already, it’s a good idea to know the signs of separation anxiety in cats.</p><h2 dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 1.2"><strong>What Are the Signs My Cat May Be Experiencing Separation Anxiety?</strong></h2><h3 dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 1.2"><strong>While every cat has a different personality, the general signs of separation anxiety in felines are:</strong></h3><ol><li><p dir="auto"><strong>Excessive meowing, crying, or moaning</strong></p></li><li><p dir="auto"><strong>Eating too fast or not eating at all</strong></p></li><li><p dir="auto"><strong>Excessive self-grooming</strong></p></li><li><p dir="auto"><strong>Elimination outside the litter box</strong></p></li><li><p dir="auto"><strong>Destructive behavior</strong></p></li><li><p dir="auto"><strong>Excitement upon returning from home is out of the ordinary</strong></p></li><li><p dir="auto"><strong>Vomiting food or hairballs</strong></p></li><li><p dir="auto"><strong>Trying to escape</strong></p></li></ol><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 27px">As veterinarians and pet owners, we know that some of these things can be frustrating, particularly the elimination outside the litter box. Many cat owners have gotten the “gift’ of defecation on the bed, in a shoe, or on an item of clothing. It’s important to remember that this isn’t necessarily a sign of spiteful behavior, but can often mean that your cat is looking to mix their scent with yours. Cats believe they are also helping you find your way home. Instincts run deep!</p><h2 dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 1.2"><strong>What Can I Do if My Cat Shows Signs of Separation Anxiety?</strong></h2><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 27px">Thankfully, there are things you can buy and actions you can take to minimize the anxiety your cat may begin to feel when you return to work or other activities outside the house.</p><h3 dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 1.2"><strong>Some of the ways to minimize separation anxiety in cats are as follows:</strong></h3><ul><li><p dir="auto">Leave the radio or TV on a station that is often on when you’re there</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Keep arrivals and departures low-key (hint: Don’t announce, “Mommy is leaving!”)</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Create a nook, haven, or refuge for your cat that is their safe space</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Provide plenty of toys and/or puzzles for playtime while you are gone</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Channel prey instincts by hiding food in toys that make them work for it</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Start with shorter absences first</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Provide a perch or “catio” so that your cat can see their favorite views</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Consider a room diffuser or pheromones to provide a calming scent for your cat (check the safety of this with your vet first)</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Remove departure cues (ie, put your keys in your pocket a few minutes before leaving)</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Provide plenty of cuddles and playtime once home</p></li><li><p dir="auto">For more serious cases, consider having a sitter come for 1-2 play sessions during absences</p></li></ul><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 27px">We cannot emphasize enough the importance of checking with your veterinarian when you see any change in your <strong>cat’s behavior</strong> before you chalk it up to separation anxiety, as early treatment of illnesses is crucial to <strong>cat wellness</strong>. For example, some cats go outside the litter box when they have urinary tract infections.</p><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 27px">In extreme cases, medication may be an option, but your vet will usually leave that as a final alternative. As the <strong>ASPCA</strong> notes, "Sometimes for cats, veterinarians will advise using pheromones or calming treats before prescribing medication. Always consult with your veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist before giving your dog or cat any type of medication or supplement for a behavior problem."</p><p dir="auto" style="text-align: left; line-height: 27px">If you have any other questions about this or how to deal with anxiety in your cat, please don’t hesitate to <strong>give us a call</strong>.</p>

This is particularly true of cats who were orphaned. And with many of you going back to work, if you haven't gone back already, it's a good idea to know the signs of separation anxiety in cats.

8 Signs of Separation Anxiety in Cats And What to Do About Them

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Enhance your pet's recovery and mobility with custom rehabilitation at (). Our expert team uses therapeutic exercise, laser therapy, and underwater treadmill sessions to reduce pain, rebuild strength, and restore comfort. Schedule your pet's rehab consultation today.

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Pet acupuncture at () provides gentle, drug-free relief for pain, arthritis, and mobility issues. This holistic therapy boosts circulation, reduces inflammation, and supports healing for happier, healthier pets.

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Laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses light to stimulate healing and reduce pain in animals.

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Saying goodbye is the hardest part of loving a pet. When that time comes, you deserve clarity, comfort, and the space to make decisions with peace of mind.

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When pets act out, there's almost always a reason. Anxiety, fear, medical conditions, or past trauma can show up as barking, biting, hiding, or destruction. Our job is to uncover the cause and help your pet feel safe again.

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Your pet can't tell you when something's wrong. That's why regular wellness exams are so important. These visits give us the chance to catch health issues early, before they become painful or costly.  

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Bad breath isn't just annoying - it's often a sign of deeper health issues. Dental disease in pets can lead to oral pain, local or systemic infection, tooth loss, and even heart, liver, or kidney complications. 

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When your pet isn't acting like themselves, diagnostic testing helps us find the reason. From bloodwork, urine testing, and fecal exams to x-rays, these tests give us a window into what's happening inside, so we can take action before things get worse.

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When pets get sick or injured, you want answers fast. Advanced imaging gives us a deeper look, without invasive procedures.

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Spaying or neutering your pet is one of the most important decisions you can make for their long-term health. It helps prevent certain cancers and infections, curbs unwanted behaviors, and reduces the number of orphaned pets in shelters.

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Permanent ID for Peace of Mind. A collar can come off. A tag can get lost. But a microchip is a permanent, tamper-proof way to make sure your pet always has a way home. At (), we offer safe and simple microchip implantation, so your pet stays connected to you, no matter what.

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8 Signs of Separation Anxiety in Cats And What to Do About Them

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8 Signs of Separation Anxiety in Cats And What to Do About Them

Recent Blogs

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