A cat comes into heat when she sexually matures, meaning that she is fertile and receptive to mating. Cats can reach puberty at different ages depending on breed and environment, but may experience their first heat as young as 4 months old, with 6 months being the average age. Outdoor cats can mature more quickly, particularly when there are intact males around. Cats can breed year-round in Southern California where winters are mild, with the heaviest “kitten season” running from March through September. Heat cycles can last upwards of 2 weeks.   If your cat is older than 4 months [...]

Vaccination safety is quite high and the vast majority of our furry family members hardly skip a beat. Generally, the diseases that you are protecting them from are far worse than the risk of an adverse vaccine reaction. However rare, vaccine reactions can occur and you should be aware of what is normal as well as the possible adverse reactions. Normal Reactions: Some puppies and kittens may run a mild fever (102-104 degrees), be slightly lethargic, grumpy, and not eat well for 36-48 hours following vaccination. This is a normal response-their immune system is working to process the vaccine. It [...]

The holidays are coming up and it’s time to deck the halls and host festive get togethers. If you have a cat in the house, the holidays can present added dangers for your pet. Follow these few simple tips to keep your pet merry and safe this holiday season! Cat safe décor: Cats are curious by nature and they look at decorations as new toys to play with. When setting up your tree, make sure it is anchored so your cat can’t tip it over if he attempts to climb the tree. Also, make sure light cords are secured. Avoid any tinsel [...]

Here are guidelines on vaccinating and revaccinating your kitty against the most common diseases. It is important to remember to vaccinate – and boost – your cat’s vaccines at the appropriate times(s). Vaccines help to protect against specific infectious diseases caused by some viruses and bacteria. Vaccination stimulates the immune system to destroy the organism and “remember” it so that in can fight the invading foreign infection again if necessary in the future. It is important to remember that some diseases are easier to vaccinate against that others, and that some vaccines confer a greater level of immunity against disease [...]

Every October, Halloween ushers in its unique kind of fun in the form of pumpkins, candy, and costumes. Spider webs and creepy decorations set the stage for parties, ghost stories and trick-or-treating. It is important to remember that what is holiday fun for humans can be hazardous for four-legged friends. Halloween is the busiest time of year for the Pet Poison hotline because pets often accidentally ingest Halloween candy or décor. Two simple tips will help keep your furry friends safe this Halloween: Keep pets inside around Halloween and away from visiting ghouls and goblins during trick-or-treating. Animals can become scared of [...]

As our beloved kitties age, there are many changes they will experience. Just like people every kitty ages differently, some will be 17 years going on 9 and some will be 9 in years and 17 in body age. Common changes you may notice as cats age are: Confusion (getting trapped in corners or forgetting the location of the litter box) Increased attention seeking (or less commonly, aggression) Increased irritability or anxiety • Changes in sleeping patterns Forgetting commands (yes, there are a few cats in the world who follow them) Loss of housetraining Reduced activity Decreased grooming Common health [...]

By FixNation Medical Director, Dr. Kerri Anderson As kitten season approaches, many of you will bring the joy and fuzzy goodness of a new kitten into your home. Congratulations! Here are a few tips that can help you keep your kitten happy and healthy for a long healthy life. Take your new kitten to the veterinarian.  Your kitties Doctor will provide you with important health information such as a thorough physical examination, vaccination schedules, deworming regimens, behavioral advice and nutritional information. Spay and/or neuter your new kitten.  Spaying your female kitten will prevent uterine infections and cancers, reduce her risk [...]

Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) is a highly contagious parvoviral infection of cats and has a particularly high incidence of disease in feral and stray cat populations. This virus infects all ages of cats and is usually fatal in kittens. Outbreaks of panleukopenia are often associated when there is an increase in populations of kittens , i.e. “kitten season”. The virus is hardy and can persist in the environment for months to years. It is able to withstand extreme heat and is resistant to many disinfectants including Parvosol, Roccal, Triple Two and isopropyl alcohol. FPV primarily targets the immune system and [...]

Disasters can happen at any time. You need a plan for your family and that includes your pets. Pets will have special needs during this difficult time and The CASEY Plan can help with that.  Please feel free to make copies for yourself, your family and your friends. Be Prepared Hurricanes, floods, wildfires, hazardous material spills--disasters can strike any time, anywhere. But with preparation and planning, your family--including your pets--can be protected. If You Evacuate, Take Your Pets The single most important thing that you can do to protect your pets if you evacuate is to take your pets with [...]