Is Your Cat Getting the Right Vitamins and Minerals?
As a cat parent, you want the best for your furry companion. You make sure they have fresh water, tasty food, and plenty of love. But have you ever stopped to wonder if your cat is getting all the vitamins and minerals they need to stay healthy and happy? Let’s break it down in a simple way. Why Vitamins and Minerals Matter Just like humans, cats need vitamins and minerals to keep their bodies working properly. These nutrients help with everything from strong bones and healthy skin to a working immune system and good eyesight. Without...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Resource guarding, turning finders into fosters and more!
Happy Tuesday. Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Transforming finders into fostersWhat is your shelter’s biggest resource? If you didn’t say “our community,” then let’s talk. On our next Maddie’s® Monthly Foster Connection presentation on June 4, Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter’s Animal Services Director, Misty Valenta, will explore how your community can transform the way you look at your intake counter. Building a community-based team… Learn More...
Eye injuries in cats: causes, symptoms and treatment
Eye injuries in your kitty can cause pain, tearing, or discharge. This guide covers common causes, warning signs, and steps to safely treat or seek veterinary care for your cat’s eyes. As a cat guardian, you might not be aware when your kitty suffers a minor eye injury. You only realize something’s wrong when you see him pawing at his eye. You may also notice a change in the way the eye appears. Let’s look at different types of eye injuries in cats, and what to do if they occur. What can cause an injury to your...
Holistic Approach to Mobility in Senior Dogs
As your dog grows older, you may notice them slowing down, struggling to climb stairs, or taking longer to get up after resting. These changes in mobility in senior dogs are normal parts of aging, but they don’t have to define your dog’s quality of life. With a thoughtful, whole-body approach, you can help your senior dog stay active, comfortable, and happy for years to come. Know the Signs Early Mobility problems often start small. Watch for subtle clues like stiffness after rest, hesitation before jumping, or a slight limp after...
Tornado safety for dogs: sheltering in place
When tornadoes threaten, knowing how to protect your dog matters. Find simple ways to prepare, train, and shelter safely together. Intense rain, hail, or high winds can be “just a storm.” But they can also signal something more dangerous. If the sky turns a dark, greenish color and normal sounds become muffled, a tornado may be forming. It’s time for you and your dog to take shelter. Read on for tips on tornado safety for dogs and why sheltering in place is better than evacuating. Are tornadoes becoming more frequent?...
Natural Care for Dog Dandruff
If you’ve noticed white flakes on your dog’s coat or furniture, you’re likely dealing with canine dandruff. While this condition is usually not serious, it can be uncomfortable for your furry companion and may signal underlying health issues that need attention. Understanding Dandruff in Dogs Dandruff appears as small, white or gray flakes of dead skin that shed from your dog’s coat. This happens when the skin becomes too dry or when skin cells regenerate faster than normal. Your dog might scratch more than usual, and...
Nystagmus in Cats: Causes and Treatments
If you’ve noticed your cat’s eyes making rapid, involuntary movements, they may be experiencing nystagmus. This condition can be concerning for those caring for cats, but understanding the types, causes, and treatment options can help you support your feline companion’s health. What is Nystagmus? Nystagmus refers to rhythmic, uncontrolled eye movements that can occur from side to side, up and down, or in a circular pattern. These movements happen without your cat’s control and can affect one or both eyes. Types of...
Transforming finders into fosters
What is your shelter’s biggest resource? If you didn’t say “our community,” then let’s talk. On our next Maddie’s® Monthly Foster Connection presentation on June 4, Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter’s Animal Services Director, Misty Valenta, will explore how your community can transform the way you look at your intake counter. Building a community-based team through fostering benefits the everyone involved – especially the pets! You’ll learn how the Williamson County Regional...
Nutritional Strategies to Achieve Longevity in Cats
Every cat guardian wants their feline companion to live a long, healthy life. While genetics play a role, nutrition is one of the most powerful tools we have to support our cats’ wellbeing and potentially extend their years with us. Let’s explore some key nutritional strategies that can help your cat thrive. Understanding Your Cat’s Unique Needs Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their bodies are designed to get nutrition primarily from meat. Unlike dogs or humans, cats have specific requirements for nutrients like...
Cat coat types and grooming care
A complete guide to cat coat types, with practical grooming tips to keep your kitty’s skin healthy and his fur clean and unmatted. Your cat’s coat is more than just cosmetic. It plays an important role in his well-being. It helps with temperature regulation, skin protection, and overall health. From so-called hairless cats to long-haired breeds, feline coats come in a variety of textures and lengths. In this article, we look at different cat coat types and grooming care. Hairless cats Hairless breeds like Sphynx, Donskoy,...
