Answer your pet's questions on National Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day!

7 Questions Your Cat Might Ask 

Cats are great at body language, and you’re probably clear on your cat’s desires…most of the time. But what about those times when you’re just not communicating? Here are a few questions we think a lot of cats have about life with humans.

Question 1: Why do you keep petting me after I’ve told you to stop?

I like being petted, but I have my limits. Or in case you didn’t understand my body language, a twitching tail and sideways ears means, “I’m done. Please stop.” I can’t be blamed if there’s a scratch or bite that follows my warning!

A Good Answer from You

Sorry, kitty. I know now! I’ll keep an eye out for those signs that you’d like your space.

Question 2: Why can’t I have fish at every meal?

I appreciate the occasional tuna juice you give me, but I want my own piece. Fish oil is good for me. It makes my coat soft and improves my brain functions. Plus, I like fish. Like, a lot!

A Good Answer from You

Oh kitty, too much can make you sick! Let’s talk with the veterinarian about treats and snacks that are good for you and can keep you happy.

Question 3: Why do you get upset about me jumping on the counter (or table?)

First off, let’s look at facts. I can jump up there, and I like having the advantage of height. It keeps me out of reach of the dog, plus, you have tasty food there (like fish.) If you really don’t want me on the counter, then give me another high place where I can retreat but still be close to you.

A Good Answer from You

OK. We don’t want your fur in our food. Why don’t we make another place where you can sit, like this shelf or a new cat tree?

Question 4: Why do you yell at me when I sharpen my claws on the big fluffy scratching post you call a couch?

I like to stretch my paws wide, and sometimes my claws catch. Then, I realize it feels so good to stretch. And I can do it while sitting next to you, so that’s a win. Confession: sometimes, when you’re not around, I scratch it to relieve stress. Sorry. Not sorry.

A Good Answer from You

The furniture is expensive. When you scratch it, you ruin it. Here’s proper a scratching post. I’ll even put some treats on it to encourage you to use the post instead of the furniture!

Question 5: Why do you insist on combing me?

I don’t like it, and I can groom myself. Do you see my tail twitching?

A Good Answer from You

Do you see how much fur comes off of you when I comb you? That’s fur that doesn’t coat the furniture, or my clothes, or the floor. I’ll try to keep brushing sessions a bit shorter, and I’ll reward you with chin scratches or treats!

Question 6: Why do you take so many pictures of me?

Sleeping, stretching, playing, cleaning my toes...all of these are all photo opportunities to you. But I’m just living my life. Why so many pictures?

A Good Answer from You

Kitty, you’re cute. And we need to have our own cat photos to post on #catsofinstagram. Do you know you’re up 150 followers? How about I turn off the camera flash and sounds?

Question 7: Why do I have to split your love and attention with the dog?

Actually, why do we have a dog?

A Good Answer from You

We like the dog. You’ll have to learn to get along. But as a family, we pledge to keep an eye out for signs of stress and make sure that you have plenty of space. If need be, we’ll talk with the vet about ways to help you two share the household happily.

You and your cat might have many, many more questions, and you’re always welcome to ask us! Please feel free to reach out on Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day -- or any day!

 

Based on an article that first appeared at GeniusVets

  

What exactly does AAHA accreditation really mean?

What exactly does AAHA accreditation really mean?  

The Hollywood Animal Hospital has been AAHA accredited for over 64 years. We have certifications in multiple categories and prepare all year long for scheduled reviews of our records, procedures and protocols. While the title sounds prestigious, what does it mean for pet owners. Ryan Mason, a pet owner and advocate explains it well in this article from the Pet Health Care Gazette.

An AAHA Accredited Veterinary Hospital Is Not Common

According to AAHA itself, only 17 percent of veterinarians are AAHA accredited. It goes without saying that any accreditation that is that difficult to earn undoubtedly has stringent requirements. This is true. The benchmarks for AAHA Accreditation are high in regards to cleanliness and sterility, and inspections are common. The standards go further than just cleanliness, though. Patient care, hospital management, pain management, and record-keeping are all subject to the high standards established by AAHA. The varied standards and high benchmarks make obtaining AAHA accreditation difficult for most veterinary offices.

AAHA Accreditation Does Translate to Healthier, Happier Pets

According to the AAHA website, “AAHA developed the accreditation program to raise the level of care being provided to companion animals.” The high standards in regard to pain management, cleanliness, and patient care clearly do result in healthier animals that are less likely to develop complications after treatment and surgery. For example, the anesthesia standards upheld by AAHA are intended to ensure that the risk of anesthesia-related complications during surgery are reduced. There are over 900 standards dictating patient care alone in the AAHA guidelines. These standards far exceed the ones required by law, meaning that the veterinarians who aren’t AAHA accredited are not required to do nearly as much in terms of patient care as accredited vets do. This isn’t to say that there aren’t good veterinarians who aren’t accredited, as there clearly are. On the whole, however, taking your pet to an AAHA accredited veterinarian gives a peace of mind that is difficult to measure.

AAHA Accreditation Actually Makes Veterinarians More Successful

Becoming AAHA accredited results in a veterinary office that is running at the cutting-edge of patient care, organization, and sanitary standards. Besides the increase in business that an AAHA accreditation can bring to an office, there are many other benefits that people may not immediately realize. Becoming accredited inspires pride in one’s office, and the process itself is a powerful team-building tool. Many offices have marveled at how their team members pull together during the accreditation process.

AAHA Accreditation Is an Extra Step That Benefits Pets

The takeaway from this is that AAHA accreditation, while not for everyone, is indeed a powerful step that benefits pets. The high standards in regard to cleanliness, patient care, hospital organization, and pain management benefit pets. It’s not surprising that AAHA accredited veterinarians are so proud of the accomplishment- and not surprising that pet owners are more apt to trust them. Finding an AAHA accredited veterinarian is not difficult. AAHA accredited veterinary hospitals like the Animal Health Hospital in Tucson, Arizona will display the AAHA logo clearly on their website. If you’re looking for an AAHA Accredited veterinarian in your area you can search AAHA’s website for pet owners.

Source: http://www.pet-health-care-gazette.com/2013/11/14/should-aaha-accreditation-be-one-of-your-criteria-for-picking-a-veterinarian/
About the author:Ryan Mason is a pet owner, feral cat advocate, and writer dedicated to pet welfare living in Tucson, Arizona.