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How to Have a Happy Cat: Feline Enrichment

  • Writer: Lance Baltzley, DVM
    Lance Baltzley, DVM

Updated: 2 days ago

"Cats believe you can make anything a toy if you have enough imagination."


Keeping Your Cat Happy and Healthy

If you’ve ever caught your cat batting your car keys off the table, wrestling a paper bag like it’s a wild animal, or launching themselves out of a laundry basket like a fighter jet, you know exactly what we mean.


Here at Newberry Animal Hospital, we hear it all the time—stories of cats getting into boxes they don’t fit in, chewing on plants they’re definitely not supposed to, or turning a sock into a full-scale wrestling match. Why? Because to a cat, anything is a toy if they put their mind to it.


While these antics can be hilarious (and occasionally chaotic), they also hint at something important: your cat craves stimulation. Play and exercise aren’t just for fun; they’re essential for your cat’s health and happiness. The good news is, you don’t have to surrender your shoelaces or couch corners to keep them entertained! Let’s dive into some of the best toys and activities you can offer your cat to keep their brain busy, body active, and mischievous paws out of trouble.


Why Play Matters for Cats


Play isn’t just about burning energy; it taps into your cat’s natural instincts to stalk, chase, pounce, and hunt. It keeps them physically fit, mentally sharp, and emotionally satisfied. Without proper stimulation, cats can become bored, anxious, or even develop unwanted behaviors like scratching furniture or excessive meowing.


For indoor cats especially, structured playtime is essential. Without access to the ever-changing sights and smells of the outdoors, indoor cats rely on you to make their environment fun and enriching.


Top Toys to Keep Your Cat Engaged


1. Interactive Wand Toys


Wand toys with feathers, bells, or plush animals attached to the end mimic prey and encourage jumping, pouncing, and stalking. These are ideal for interactive play sessions with your cat and help strengthen your bond. Tip: Vary the motion! Mimic the erratic movement of a bird or mouse to really capture your cat’s attention.


Keeping Your Cat Happy and Healthy

2. Puzzle Feeders & Treat Dispensers


These toys combine brainwork and food rewards. They challenge your cat to work for their treats or kibble, turning mealtime into a mental workout. Some popular options include food-dispensing balls, puzzle boards, and slow feeders with compartments or hidden areas.


3. Electronic Motion Toys


Battery-operated toys that scurry, wiggle, or spin on their own can trigger your kitty’s hunting instincts and are great for solo play, especially when you’re busy.


4. Nocturnal Toys


Did you know that cats are crepuscular, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk? This means that when you are trying to fall asleep or just waking up, your kitty’s desire for playtime is just starting. Opting for a toy that glows in the dark or even one that lights up when pawed at can help your cat stay stimulated even when you’re catching your z’s.


5. Catnip Toys


Soft toys infused with catnip can encourage solo play, rolling, kicking, and wrestling. Just be sure to rotate them out regularly so your cat doesn’t lose interest. Limit how much catnip they are exposed to; ingestion of the herb in large amounts can result in gastrointestinal signs like vomiting or diarrhea for your feline friend.


Newberry Animal Hospital does not receive any additional compensation from the sale of any above-linked toys. Please use at your discretion and always supervise your cat when introducing a new toy.


Activities That Boost Your Cat’s Brain


In addition to toys, hands-on play and training sessions can play a big role in keeping your cat mentally sharp. The following cat-friendly activities can be done for 10-15 minutes, 2-3 times per day and will be monumental in both tiring out your kitty’s brain and strengthening your bond with them:


Hide and Seek

Hide your cat’s favorite toys or treats around the house. Encourage them to “hunt” using their nose and paws.


Clicker Training

Yes, cats can be trained! Use a clicker and small treats to teach simple commands like “sit,” “high five,” or even “come.” This is a fantastic mental exercise and great for bonding.


Keeping Your Cat Happy and Healthy

Vertical Space Exploration

Install cat trees, shelves, or window perches. Cats love climbing and observing from above, and vertical movement adds to their daily exercise. Tip: Install a birdhouse or bird feeder outside your cat's favorite window for hours of effortless mental enrichment for your feline friend!


Rotation of Toys

Just like kids, cats can get bored with the same toys. Rotate their selection weekly to keep things fresh and exciting. Remember to always supervise when introducing a new set of toys. We want to keep our feline friends happy and safe!


When your kitty’s playtime is over, it is always a good idea to end with a calming activity, like petting or grooming, to help your cat wind down.


What if My Cat Doesn’t Want to Play?


Not every cat loves to play—and that’s okay! Every pet is different, and a lack of interest in toys or activity does not necessarily mean that something is wrong with them. However, while some cats have more love for play than others, a sudden change in their activity level can indicate the beginning of an underlying health issue. If you have questions or concerns about recent changes in your cat’s behavior, weight, or wellness, we’re here to help you figure out why. Schedule an appointment for your furry friend at any of our locations below.


Let’s Keep Those Whiskers Twitching!


Play is more than fun; it’s a vital part of your cat’s health and happiness. By choosing the right toys and making time each day to engage your cat’s body and mind, you’re giving them the stimulation they crave and the care they deserve.


Book an appointment today:



What Diseases Can I Get From My Pet?

  • Writer: Lance Baltzley, DVM
    Lance Baltzley, DVM

Updated: 2 days ago

The answer: There are a few! But don't worry, we'll teach you how to defend against them.


Can your pet infect you? Prevention is the key

World Zoonosis Day is July 6th, which means now is as great a time as ever to talk about an important but often overlooked topic: zoonotic diseases! Zoonotic diseases are defined as illnesses that can be passed between animals and people, and while that might sound a little alarming, there’s good news - there’s a lot we can do to prevent them. 

 

A zoonotic disease can be caused by a virus, parasite, or bacteria that our pets may carry, even if they seem perfectly healthy. Everyday interactions, like cleaning up after your pet, being licked, or (in rare cases) being scratched or bitten, can pose some risk. Those with weaker immune systems, like young children, pregnant women, or older adults may even be at a higher risk for infection. So what are some of the most common zoonotic diseases? Let’s take a look:

 

Bartonella henselae (Cat Scratch Fever)

Cats with fleas can carry the Bartonella henselae bacteria and pass it to people via scratching them or licking an open cut. This bacteria is hidden within flea dirt (flea feces), leading to infection for whatever it comes in contact with. To prevent this, regular flea prevention is key. Preventive products like Bravecto Plus are safe, easy to use, and typically given monthly or every other month, depending on what’s prescribed. 

 

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is another disease we take seriously here in Florida, especially during hurricane season. It’s spread through contaminated soil or water, often from wildlife urine. After heavy rains or floods, the risk can rise significantly. Fortunately, there’s a vaccine that protects dogs against Lepto, and it’s something we recommend at all of our hospitals! 


Salmonella

While many humans already know about Salmonella, some may not know that it can also sometimes be spread via our pets’ raw food diets. While feeding raw might seem natural or appealing, it can increase the risk of harmful bacteria spreading in your home. If you’re preparing homemade meals for your pet, we strongly recommend cooking the food thoroughly. More information on how to safely prepare your own fresh meals for your pet can be found at https://balance.it, a great resource for pet nutrition.

 

Intestinal Parasites

Many intestinal parasites such as Ancylostoma caninum, or “hookworms”, can spread through skin contact. If you’re walking barefoot in an area where infected pet waste hasn’t been cleaned up, you can be at risk. Keeping your yard clean and making sure your pets are on routine parasite prevention that includes deworming are the easiest ways to protect both pets and people.

 

It’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed by the threat of zoonotic disease, but the most important defenses you have to prevent against it are simple, everyday habits like washing your hands after handling animals, staying on top of your pet’s vaccines and preventives, and checking in with your pet’s vet when something feels off.

 

If you ever have questions about your pet’s health or want to make sure you’re covering all the right bases, we’re always here to help. Whether you suspect your furry friend is sick or you’d just like to get them updated on their vaccines & parasite prevention, you can always schedule an appointment at any of our locations:

 


 

Want to learn more about zoonotic disease? The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) offers a great overview for what to look out for in your pet and yourself: https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-pets/diseases/index.html

Understanding Your Dog’s Body Language for Dog Bite Prevention Week

  • Writer: Lance Baltzley, DVM
    Lance Baltzley, DVM

Updated: 2 days ago

Have you ever wished you could talk to your dog? When you look at them, do you wonder if their wagging tail and bright eyes mean happiness? Or do you think they might feel stressed when seeing a squirrel outside? Understanding your dog's body language is key. It can reveal how they feel at any given moment. By analyzing their behavior, you can identify when they may feel uncomfortable, especially in stressful situations. In honor of Dog Bite Prevention Week (April 13th-19th), we are here to help you interpret your dog’s body language. Recognizing signs of fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS) can be crucial.


The Fear, Anxiety, and Stress (FAS) Scale


The Fear, Anxiety, and Stress (FAS) Scale helps pet owners understand their dog's emotional state. It shows how body language can shift from comfort to potential aggression. At Newberry Animal Hospital, we utilize this tool to make vet visits more enjoyable for dogs. However, this scale is beneficial for pet owners in various situations. Below is the FAS Scale for dogs:


Is my dog aggressive? What your local vet thinks you should know

Familiarizing yourself with the FAS Scale will help reduce general fear and anxiety in your dog. Knowing which signs indicate stress can be invaluable. In urgent situations, early intervention can prevent a snap, bite, or escape.


Tips to Prepare for Vet Visits


If your pet struggles with anxiety related to vet visits, there are effective strategies to ease their stress. For starters, acclimating your dog to car rides can be very helpful. Make car rides a positive experience by rewarding your dog with praise and treats while the car is stationary and when it's moving. This association can help make future car rides less daunting.


Using a Carrier: If your dog needs to travel in a carrier, keep it open at home, and fill it with treats. This will help create a positive environment for your dog. Over time, they will view the carrier as just another part of their home rather than a place of fear.


Happy Visits: If your dog tends to stress only during vet visits, consider ‘happy visits.’ These visits entail bringing your dog to the clinic outside of regular appointment times. They can simply step inside to get treats, weigh in, or just play without any medical services being provided. Happy visits can lower the stakes of typical vet visits and help create a positive association with the clinic. Over time, your pup is likely to feel more relaxed when medical care is necessary.


More Techniques to Alleviate Stress at the Vet


Here are some additional tips for reducing stress during vet visits:


  • Familiar Items: Bring your dog’s favorite toy or other familiar items to help ease their nerves.

  • Positive Reinforcement: Allow your dog to play and receive treats throughout their appointment. This builds a positive relationship with our staff.

  • Check-In from Your Car: If possible, check in for your appointment from your car. This can help avoid stressful interactions in the lobby.

  • Pre-Medication: Consult with your vet about pre-medicating your dog with anti-anxiety medication before the visit. This can help them feel more comfortable in stressful situations.


Every pet’s behavioral journey is unique. It’s essential to remember that not every dog responds to stress in the same way, and that’s completely fine! Understanding your pet’s place on the FAS scale is crucial. We can work together to turn your dog’s fears into a lifetime of tail wags.


To alleviate your pet's stress, give us a call or schedule an appointment at any of our locations. We are here to support you and your furry friends.



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