February might be short but it packs a lot of wallop for a month! February is both National Cat Health Month, and National Pet Dental Health Month. These are important reminders to pay some attention to our pets’ health, including their teeth.
Check out the complete line of dental products for both dogs and cats at Rainbow. Dental care goes beyond chew toys. From specially formulated food such as Science Diet Oral Care for Cats to additives for your pet’s drinking water – Tropiclean offers teeth and breath cleaning gels, sprays and drops – to special “finger” tooth-brushes, interactive treat toys, and dental chews, Rainbow can help you keep your fur-iend smiling with the best of them. Have a question? Just ask one of the friendly staff!
Dogs and cats are not the only pets that require dental care. Rabbits, gerbils, and hamsters also benefit from attention to their teeth. Because their teeth grow continuously, they need to gnaw to keep the teeth at an appropriate length. Sometimes they even need veterinary care to trim the over-grown teeth.
Best tips to keep your cat healthy:
- Ensure your cat visits the vet for a check-up at least once a year.
- Stay updated with your cat’s vaccinations to protect them from diseases and illness.
- Have your cat spayed or neutered to prevent unwanted litters and conditions related to your cat’s reproductive organs.
- Provide your cat with vet-recommended preventative medication for fleas, worms, and ticks.
- Ensure your cat’s teeth are clean and healthy. Your vet can perform a dental check-up and cleaning if necessary.
- Ensure your cat receives adequate mental and physical stimulation.
- Ensure your cat is fed a good-quality, vet-approved diet.
- Provide your cat access to clean, fresh water every day.
- Monitor your cat’s weight.
- Always monitor your cat’s behavior and get to the vet as soon as something seems off, such as a lack of appetite, lethargy, weight loss, and unusual litter box habits.
Learn more about National Cat Health Month here.
Cats are very good at hiding their pain, so any significant changes in their behavior, mobility or physical abilities can indicate discomfort. Some of the common reasons for pain in cats are arthritis, dental problems, diseases and urinary tract infections. Cat owners need to pay attention to any subtle signs that the kitty is not okay. A visit to the vet is in order if the cat’s behavior last more than 24 hours. Want to learn more about diagnosing pain in cats? Check out this article from GoodRx Health, 14 Signs That Your Cat May Be In Pain.
Cluck. Cluck. Cluck! Did you know that Chickens are experiencing a surge in popularity, and are now the third most common pet in the U.S.? While less than 2% of US residents live on farms these days, the American Pet Producers Association now tells us as many as 13% of American households keep chickens! Want to join in this growing new hobby? Head to your local Rainbow store – where the Chicks Are In The Building! Rainbow can set you up with everything you need to start your own backyard flock, and right now there’s a great variety to choose from. Little Banties, Leghorns, Rhode Island Reds, Silkies and the “Easter Eggers” who produce beautiful colored eggs! And mark your calendars for March 23rd – Chick Day at Rainbow. It’s a Poultry Party, with special deals on feed and supplies, and fun activities for all, including educational seminars and the ever-popular Egg Toss! Check out what varieties are scheduled (Here, at the Ukiah store) or call your local Rainbow. You can also special order chicks and other poultry.
Trivia – Enter to win a $15.00 Rainbow Coupon, good on any purchase at any Rainbow store.
The January questions was, Start the new year off right – participate in National _______________________ Month! Fill in the blank! Brite Mertle had the correct answer, Walk Your Dog! Congratulations, Brite!
This month, we ask, According to the American Pet Producers Association, what is the third most common pet in American households?