Category Archives for "Cat Q & A"

0 Cat Lover: Why You Should Get A Cat

Are you a cat lover? Then read on to find out why you should get a cat!

Cats. Everybody always talks about how great dogs are, but what about cats?

Dog owners often like to say that cats are aloof and less affectionate. However, I’d argue that they’re just more independent and have a different method of showing affection. They’re just meant for a different type of character.

Now don’t take this as me turning this discourse into putting cats and dogs at odds with each other. I love both! It’s just, this time I want to express my appreciation for cats. So here are reasons why I think you’d love to have a cat:

Cat Lover: They’re independent

A cat’s independence makes them a lot more low maintenance! Perfect if you’re a busy student. They can be left alone for several hours, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t bond with them! It just means they know how to enjoy solitary time.

Subtle Affection

Many dog owners express their distaste for cats being “less affectionate.” But honestly, like dogs, cats are different from one another! Some cats can be as affectionate as a dog, licking their humans out of affection. But most often, cats show their affection through purring, grooming, or rolling around you! Cats also do this thing called “bunting” where they rub their head on you- it’s their way of showing trust.

Pest Control

In the olden days, cats were used to kill vermin. Despite their domestication, cats still have that killer instinct to kill pests. Cats are a great way of getting rid of roaches and rats without having to do the work yourself.

Calming Presence

Call me biassed, but I do genuinely feel calm when there’s a cat by my side. There’s just something so..serene and peaceful as they tuck their arms underneath themselves, close their eyes, and sway their tails.

Are you convinced? Then why not get a cat? Of course, there are considerations before you could just, impulsively decide to get a cat. Nonetheless, they are pets that are worth your time.

Pet Owners, if you need guidance on your cat’s health management do not hesitate to bring your pet to Makati Dog and Cat Hospital

Message us here on our Facebook or Instagram account or call to book your appointment 0908-896-7113 (Viber too!) | 8896-6386 | 8896-2860 or email us for further information at makatidogandcathospital@gmail.com.

Enjoy peace of mind,

Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM, MS
Pet Happiness Expert
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital

Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC

0 Importance of Dental Care in Pets

Importance of Pet Dental Care:

Oral health doesn’t exactly top the list when it comes to pet care. Of course – dogs and cats don’t need to brush their teeth 3 times a day.

But just like us humans, cats and dogs’ teeth can have plaque buildup which eventually hardens into tartar. This is no less unpleasant for our furry friends.

This can cause Dental Disease, which consequently causes tooth loss. Not only very painful, but removes one of the very basic functions – to be able to eat.

It’s also important to carefully watch your cats and/or dogs. They’re very good at hiding their pain in the early stages of this disease

Most dogs and cats have some sort of oral disease by the time they’re three years old.

If you have a puppy or a kitten, make sure to start a tooth-brushing routine by the time they’re 6-9 months old.

Meanwhile, if you have a pet that doesn’t have a brushing routine, make sure to get them checked by a vet before taking any other actions. Depending on the severity, you might need your pet to be professionally cleaned.

For Dental Care for Pets, bring your pet to Makati Dog and Cat Hospital.

Message us here on our Facebook or Instagram account or call to book your appointment 0908-896-7113 | 8896-6386 | 8896-2860 or email us for further information at makatidogandcathospital@gmail.com.

Enjoy peace of mind,

Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM, MS
Pet Happiness Expert
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital

Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC

0 How To Deal With Pet Allergies

Are you a pet owner with fur allergies? If so, you’re not alone.

Let’s delve into my personal journey, starting from my earliest years. My mother has always been a dog lover, dating back to her own childhood when dogs shared her bed.

However, when she had me, she had to change her ways. I was so allergic to dogs that my skin broke out in rashes, I suffered from incessant itching all over, and my eyes turned a telltale shade of red.

As a preschooler, I couldn’t stand being around dogs because of the relentless itchiness in my eyes.

Fast forward to today, and I no longer break out in rashes after touching dogs. There are occasional sneezes, but it’s a vast improvement from my early days.

So, how did this transformation occur?

Well, it all begins with understanding how dog allergies work in the first place.

When it comes to dog allergies, most people assume that the fur is the culprit. While that’s not entirely wrong, it’s not the whole story either.

Allergic reactions stem from substances found in the fur. Dog fur acts as a reservoir for allergens like dead skin cells (commonly referred to as dander), saliva, and urine.

These are the real culprits that trigger allergic reactions.

So, every time you pet, hug, or cuddle with your dog, you run the risk of experiencing an allergic reaction.

While you can’t completely eliminate the possibility of reacting to your furry friend, there are several effective ways to minimise it.

For instance, make sure to bathe your dog(s) at least once a week to remove allergens from their fur.

It’s also important to control where your dog(s) roam in your home. Prevent them from entering your bedroom, as this can be a hotspot for allergens.

Additionally, it’s recommended to keep dogs off the couch since they tend to accumulate allergens from their fur there.

Most importantly, don’t forget to wash your hands regularly to minimise the transfer of allergens.

Pet Owners, if you require pet grooming for your pets do not hesitate to bring your pet to Makati Dog and Cat Hospital

Message us here on our Facebook or Instagram account or call to book your appointment 0908-896-7113 | 8896-6386 | 8896-2860 or email us for further information at makatidogandcathospital@gmail.com.

Enjoy peace of mind,

Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM, MS
Pet Happiness Expert
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital

Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC

0 WHY I DON’T SUPPORT PET DECLAWING

WHY I DON’T SUPPORT PET DECLAWING

Got a destructive cat?

Often people will tell you many different options on how to prevent it- and one of those methods can stop scratching completely. That is the method of declawing.

This process involves amputating the front knuckles of a cat’s toe so that it can no longer use its claws.

If you have a feline that is constantly destroying household items it may be tempting to declaw them, but you have to consider a few things.

First, a cat’s claws are their first line of defense. If they ever get into a fight with other cats or any animal, your feline has an increased chance of getting injured or even killed if declawed.

Second, this surgery can cause many complications such as infection. It’s not easy to keep a cat’s feet clean after surgery, as they use it to walk to their litter box filled with debris. Additionally, surgery can cause nerve damage which is very, very painful. 

Now this reason is still debated amongst pets – but there is evidence showing that declawing can cause behavioural changes in chats.

Scratching is an innate behaviour for cats – it’s part of their instinct. To suddenly not be able to do it may cause them stress.

How to Deal with Your Cat Scratching

In some cases, pet declawing can even make cats more aggressive, specifically causing more biting.

Before making any major decisions like declawing, make sure to consider it very carefully. Perhaps it may make your life easier, but it’s not the same for your pet.

Cat Owners, don’t forget that if you need to bring in your pet for check-ups don’t hesitate to contact Makati Dog and Cat Hospital

Message us here on our Facebook or Instagram account or call to book your appointment 0908-896-7113 | 8896-6386 | 8896-2860 or email us for further information at makatidogandcathospital@gmail.com.

Enjoy peace of mind,

Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM, MS
Pet Happiness Expert
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital

Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC

0 Cat Scratching: EMERGENCY! CAT IS DESTRUCTIVE!

Cat Scratching: EMERGENCY! CAT IS DESTRUCTIVE!

Having a cat is lots of fun. They are cute, fluffy, and amusing creatures. Adding to that, their natural instincts make them great pest control!

However, there is a negative side to this instinct. Specifically, their scratching tendencies. We’ve all experienced it before. You’ve bought your cat a scratching post and yet, they choose the furniture. What are the possible reasons for this?

★ Instinct

○   Behaviour such as scratching is simply part of a cat’s instinct. It’s also natural for cats to destroy household items!  It’s simply an innate behaviour, similar to grooming or burying waste.

★ Bored

○  Perhaps your cat is just not getting enough mental stimulation! Remember a cat’s intelligence is quite comparable to a 2-year old child. With that sort of brain, they need to be stimulated. Otherwise, they become bored, which can then lead to undesirable behaviour. No parent expects their toddler to sit down and do nothing- the same thing applies to your cat. 

★ Attention Seeking

○  Maybe your cat thinks that the only way they can get your attention is by engaging in destructive behaviour. For example, instead of meowing, does your cat scratch your closet, and then you respond to it by scolding them? To some cats, any attention is good attention.

★ Curious

○  Does your cat often jump on countertops? Perhaps they’re enticed by something such as a bird in the window. Cats are naturally curious creatures, and there’s nothing wrong in honouring that curiosity. However, if it’s destructive, something must be done about it

Now that you know the possible reasons as to why your cat may be destructive, you might be wondering, “What can I do about this behaviour?”

Is your cat an indoor or outdoor cat? Find out if you should let your cat out or just keep them indoors.

Well dear reader, you’ve come to the right place! Here is what you can do to prevent your cat from being destructive:

Cat Scratching Tips

★ Toys

○  Cat toys such as scratching posts can prevent your feline from scratching furniture. These toys can act as a non-destructive outlet for your cats to let out their natural instinct.  

★ Play time        

○  There are many toys that allow you to play with your cat. When you play with your cat, you strengthen the bond between you and your feline. Make sure to have a dedicated time of the day to play with your cat.

○  As long as you keep your cat engaged, it will satisfy them and prevent them from being bored.

★ Scent neutralizers

○  Unlike us humans, cats have noses more sensitive to us. It’s innate cat behaviour to revisit a place that they’ve marked or scratched previously. By using a scent neutralizer, it discourages your feline from repeatedly destroying previously marked furniture 

★ Environment

○  Why not create a more stimulating environment meant just for you cat? If your cat is a fan of jumping on countertops, why not get a cat tree or a cat perch? Providing items specifically meant for cats and redirecting the behaviour to such items will help keep your items safe from cat scratches

★ Vet check-up

○  In the worst case scenario, your cat may be destructive due to unidentified medical issues. If any of the previous suggestions do not address your cat’s destructiveness, make sure to check with a vet.

While having a cat is fun, their destructiveness can be a challenge. However, do keep in mind that this is an innate behaviour in cats. It would be impossible to stop your cat from scratching. Luckily, it is possible to prevent his behaviour by giving them enough mental stimulation. You can also redirect your cat’s behaviour to more appropriate objects such as a scratching post!

Cat Owners, don’t forget that if you need to bring in your pet for check-ups don’t hesitate to contact Makati Dog and Cat Hospital

Message us here on our Facebook or Instagram account or call to book your appointment 0908-896-7113 | 8896-6386 | 8896-2860 or email us for further information at makatidogandcathospital@gmail.com.

Enjoy peace of mind,

Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM, MS
Pet Happiness Expert
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital

Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC

0 Cat Owners: Should You Let Your Cat Out?

Cat Owners: Should You Let Your Cat Out?

Compared to dogs, cats are a lot more independent. From being able to hunt for their own food to being able to clean themselves. This characteristic of cats may be a turn-off for some, but to many, it’s ideal.

Because of their independence, many cat owners are likely to allow their feline outside the house, alone & unattended. This choice is very debated amongst several pet owners. In this article, we’ll explore both sides of the debate.

Cat Owners: Indoor or Outdoor Cats?

Many pet owners argue that letting cats roam free outside is better for their pet’s well-being. It’s allowing cats to hunt for their own food- letting their natural instinct take over. Letting cats outside allows them to have the mental stimulation they need and gives them a great opportunity for exercise. This prevents hyperactivity in cats. Hyperactive cats are bored cats. Bored cats are destructive cats.

Allowing your cat to roam free also means less damage to your furniture, as your feline friends can just use trees or plants as their scratching post. Also, there’s less cleaning for the litter box, as your cat can just do their business outside.

However, just because cats are more independent to dogs, doesn’t mean they’re invincible to the outside world. Even if your feline wins a cat fight, they can still get infected with diseases such as feline panleukopenia. What’s even worse is that your cat can get parasites from so many different things. Fleas from other animals, roundworms from the eggs in the soil, and tapeworms from birds.

And you can’t just let your cat outside anytime- especially in extreme weather. They can get heatstroke, or hypothermia– depending on which climate you live in.

If you have an unspayed female cat, they can get pregnant. Kittens may be cute, but they are not easy or cheap to take care of. If you have a male cat, he might impregnate a female stray, which will contribute to the already troublesome problem of overpopulation.

In the worst case scenario, your cat can even die due to car crashes, or by being attacked by another animal. And even if they don’t die, you’ve still got a hefty vet bill to pay.

 In the end, it’s up to you to decide.

However, you don’t have to play both extremes. You don’t have to keep your cat completely outdoors, or indoors. You can walk your cat, just as others walk your dog. In fact, it might be good bonding time with your cat! If a leash isn’t for your cat, then a cat bag might suffice. If you can’t directly attend to your cat, you might want to consider a GPS tracker collar for your feline.

So Cat Owners, if you need to bring in your pet for check-ups don’t hesitate to contact Makati Dog and Cat Hospital

Message us here on our Facebook or Instagram account or call to book your appointment 0908-896-7113 | 8896-6386 | 8896-2860 or email us for further information at makatidogandcathospital@gmail.com.

Enjoy peace of mind,

Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM, MS
Pet Happiness Expert
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital

Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC

0 Shield Your Beloved Fur Babies: Unleash the Power of Vaccinations to Protect Them!

Shield Your Beloved Fur Babies: Unleash the Power of Vaccinations to Protect Them!

Are you worried about the health and well-being of your beloved pets?

Do you want to spare them from the pain and suffering caused by preventable diseases?

Look no further because we have the solution you’ve been searching for – vaccinations for your dogs and cats!

As a responsible pet owner, you already know that your furry companions are integral to your family.

You love them unconditionally and would do anything to keep them safe and healthy.

That’s why protecting them from the dangers lurking in the environment is crucial.

Why vaccinations matter

By vaccinating your pets, you’re taking a proactive step towards safeguarding their lives.

Imagine the distress your pet could face if they contract a preventable disease.

The agony they would endure, the discomfort they would feel – it’s heart-wrenching even to think about.

By ensuring your furry friends get the necessary vaccinations, you’re sparing them from suffering and granting yourself peace of mind.

But it’s not just about their well-being; it’s about your wallet too.

Treating a sick pet can be financially draining, and the costs can quickly pile up.

Veterinary bills, medications, and potential hospital stays can take a toll on your finances.

By investing in vaccinations, you’re making a smart and cost-effective choice.

To read more on the types of vaccines, check out the article here: Pet Vaccination: Is It necessary?

Prevention is always better than cure, and vaccinating your pets saves you from hefty medical expenses and tons of headaches.

When it comes to the health of your pets, trust is essential.

You Can Trust Makati Dog and Cat Hospital

Our team of experienced veterinarians and experts understands the significance of vaccinations in preventing diseases.

We have the expertise and knowledge to guide you through the vaccination process, ensuring the best care for your furry companions.

Please don’t wait until it’s too late.

Act now and protect your pets from unnecessary suffering.

Choose vaccinations, the reliable and proven method of defense against diseases.

Join countless responsible pet owners who have taken the leap.

Let’s create a healthier and happier future for your pets together.

Remember, love, knows no bounds when it comes to your pets. Show your love by vaccinating them today!

Learn more about the Dog Vaccination Schedule.

Would you please message us at makatidogandcathospital@gmail.com or at (Viber)

0908-896-7113 (Viber too!) or landline 8896-6386 / 8896-2860

Set an appointment and have your furry family members protected!

Follow us on our Facebook or Instagram.

Enjoy peace of mind,

Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM, MS
Pet Happiness Expert
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital

Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC

0 Prevention is Better Than Cure for Dog Vaccine: Why Do We Vaccinate Our Dogs For Rabies?

Prevention is Better Than Cure: Why Do We Vaccinate our Dogs for Rabies?
by Maria Catherina “Catey” Carlos, Makati Dog and Cat Hospital

An important Dog Vaccine is the Anti-Rabies Vaccine.

Just as how we humans vaccinate for flu yearly, dogs must vaccinate for rabies every 1-3 years.

As a pet owner, you’ve probably heard the word “rabies” several times, either when talking to fellow pet owners, or to vets. Most of you would know that this disease is in fact, very dangerous. You might also know that this disease is transmitted through an animal bite.

However, there is a lot more to rabies than one might think. What many might not know is that rabies is categorized as a “fatal” disease.

Learn About Rabies

• How does rabies work?

Once bitten, the rabies virus travels through the nerves, then to the spinal cord. Through the spinal cord, it reaches the brain. In the brain, it multiplies and then infects the nerve cells. This eventually leads to death.

Additionally, rabies is not only transferred through an animal bite. The rabies virus is contained in the saliva of the affected animal. If that saliva happens to land on broken skin, or mucous membranes (which are found on your nose and mouth!), then one can get infected.

What are the vaccines that your dog needs? Check the Dog Vaccination Schedule.

• Preventable, but not treatable

Another reason why rabies is so devastating is because there is currently no treatment. It has a 99% mortality rate. Once the symptoms show up, it’s over. What makes it worse is that rabies symptoms can take weeks, or even months to show up.

However, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Rabies is one of the most easily preventable diseases.  The rabies vaccine is highly effective, which makes the virus have a 100% prevention rate. It’s even possible to fully eliminate rabies. In fact, the U.S. state of Hawaii is successful in doing this

If you, a responsible pet owner do the proper medical care which is:

• Vaccinate cat or dog every 1-3 years
• If bitten, get vaccinated for rabies immediately

Then it is likely that you or your pet will not get infected with the virus

By vaccinating your pets from rabies, you are not only saving your own life, but you are also saving the lives of many other people, animals, and of course, your pet.

Is your pet not vaccinated? Contact Makati Dog & Cat Hospital here: (Viber) 09088967113 or makatidogandcathospital@gmail.com

Message us on our Facebook or Instagram.

0 Forever Love: Neuter For Their Future!

Pet Neuter: Every Pet Owners Should Consider This

Taking care of pets takes a lot of responsibility.

You should be sure they are healthy and happy.

You should also be sure not to add to the number of stray pets.

As you know, there are A LOT of stray dogs and cats worldwide.

As pet owners, we should all help in controlling pet overpopulation. 

Have you seen unwanted pets in the streets? Unloved and uncared for?

Heartbreaking!

It’s nice to see your pets give birth to the next generation.

Having puppies and kittens is a fun thing!

They’re so cute and adorable!

But…

You have to make sure that you can take care of them.

You have to be able to get them the proper food, medications, and shelter they deserve.

If you can’t, you have to look for new fur parents for them.

First, you may get attached to the new addition to your family.

You may not have the heart to give them away.

Secondly, it takes some effort to look for fur parents who will love them as much as you do!

Have you ever felt what it’s like worrying if the new parents will love them as much as you do?

You will never know for sure.

What should be done?

The responsible thing to do is to have your pets neutered!

This is a common and relatively safe procedure that can be performed by a veterinarian to keep your fur babies from giving birth.

Pet Neuter Benefits

Besides helping in the control of pet overpopulation, there are some other benefits, such as:

1) Prevention of diseases like testicular cancer and pyometra.

2) Reduces roaming and aggression.

3) Neutered animals tend to live longer.

Let’s all do our part.

Let’s have our pets neutered.

Message us at (Viber) 09088967113 or makatidogandcathospital@gmail.com.

Ask for an appointment. We’ll schedule your pet’s procedure.

Know What To Do Before Your Pet’s Neutering Schedule

Let’s all help in lessening the suffering of pets worldwide!

Follow us on our Facebook or Instagram.

Enjoy peace of mind,

Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM, MS
Pet Happiness Expert
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital

Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC

0 Protect Your Furry Friends: Why Microchipping is a Must for Every Dog and Cat Owner!

Pet Microchipping: One of the most important things you must do is protect your furry friends!

As responsible pet parents, we want to do everything for our fur babies.

One of these is having our loved ones microchipped.

What for?

Is this even a necessary thing to do?

Know the Hidden Dangers of Ticks and Fleas

Wouldn’t microchipping be an extra expense and hassle for us?

While it may cost a bit extra, you have to think about many things.

You have to consider the benefits it gives you:

1) Pet identification in case they get lost for whatsoever reason.

2) Deters theft because your pet can be easily identified if ownership is contested.

3) Easy medical information retrieval.

4) Microchipping gives pet owners peace of mind, especially for pets that tend to wander around.

5) Many places require microchipping pets for easy identification. 

All of the above are reasons for having your pets microchipped.

It is an easy process but, admittedly, a slightly uncomfortable procedure.

Something that your fur baby can easily tolerate.

It’s just like getting a shot of medicine.

Besides, it is just a one-time thing that will keep your pet protected for a long while and you, as a pet owner, be at peace.

So what are you waiting for?

Call Makati Dog and Cat Hospital to schedule your pet’s microchip appointment.

0908-896-7113
8896-6386 / 8896-2860

We’ll make microchipping as comfortable as possible for your fur baby!

Follow us on our Facebook or Instagram.

Pet Microchipping: Remember:

Microchipping your pets is a responsible and proactive step to ensure their safety.  

It increases the chance of your fur baby’s return if lost. 

It provides you with peace of mind as a caring pet owner!

Enjoy peace of mind,

Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM, MS
Pet Happiness Expert
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital

Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC