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Author: Shelley

  • Puppy Tips: Tips to Have a Well-Behaved Dog

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    Getting a puppy can be an exciting time for most people. They can’t wait to add a fur ball to their life. They think of all the fun and love that a new puppy can bring into their lives.

    That being said, it can also be stressful. Puppies can’t be left alone because they can get into such trouble in a short period of time. They need to learn what they can and can’t do. Potty training can be pretty overwhelming for everyone involved (including the puppy).

    Struggling with your puppy? Here are some tips to help you raise a good dog.

    When you first get your puppy, you don’t want to overwhelm him or her. 

    Give your new puppy time to get used to you and your family, as well as his or her new home. Though socializing is essential, you don’t need to have everyone come over and visit right away. You also don’t want to take him or her to the dog park or pet stores until he or she is fully protected with vaccines. Then, do it slowly.

    If your pet looks overwhelmed or uncomfortable, it is time to go back home. Don’t push, or you may not be happy with your puppy’s behavior. They may become anxious in new situations and may lash out when feeling this way.

    It helps to get into a routine. 

    You should put your puppy to bed at the same time every day, and get him or her up at a regular time. If you feed your puppy at the same time every day, he or she will end up going to the bathroom at regular intervals, which will help immensely when it comes to potty training.

    With potty training, you need to listen to your puppy. 

    You may want to keep your puppy on a short leash so that you can watch them closely. This will also keep them from sneaking off to go to the bathroom in the house.

    It also helps to take your pet to the same spot outside, so that he or she knows that is where it is safe to go to the bathroom. If you take your puppy out and nothing happens, put them in the crate and try again in a few minutes.

    You need to get your puppy used to going to the veterinarian. 

    Puppies who go to the vets regularly aren’t scared of them. It may even help to take them a few times when they don’t have an appointment, to get them used to walking in the building and meeting the staff and other animals. If they learn early that the vet can be a good place where they get treats, they will be less likely to get scared as they get older.

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    Make sure that you get them used to being handled. 

    Sometimes, the vet isn’t the problem. It may be the restraint, or your puppy may not like his or her feet touched. You should touch their feet regularly, along with their ears, and all over their body, so that you will be able to do this easily when they get older.

    When you are playing with your new puppy, you need to consider what you are teaching them carefully. 

    It might be cute when your five-pound puppy jumps up at you, but once he or she is full-sized, you may get hurt by this action.

    The same goes for play biting. You don’t want to teach your puppy that it is ok for him or her to bite you. You could seriously get injured when he or she is one hundred pounds!

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    Getting a puppy can really change your home, though once you get him or her settled into a routine, you will just be able to enjoy your new bundle of joy. This is also the time to socialize your puppy. Make sure that going to the vet is a good thing, even if you take your new puppy to hang out and visit at the vet. You also want to get them used to being handled, including their ears and feet.

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    Please note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Even though I am a veterinary professional, this blog is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately. 

  • Lost in the Litter Aisle? Let’s Break It Down

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    Now that you have chosen the perfect litter box, it is time to think about the litter that you put in the box!

    Raise your hand if you’ve ever stood in the pet store staring at a wall of cat litter, totally overwhelmed. Clumping, non-clumping, clay, crystal, pine, tofu (yes, tofu!)—who knew cat litter could be so complicated?

    I’ve tried more types than I care to admit, and here’s what I’ve figured out: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It really comes down to your cat’s preferences, your cleaning habits, and maybe your tolerance for smells (or dust).

    Here’s a quick rundown of the most common types to help you make sense of it all:

    Clumping Clay Litter
    Clumping litter is the classic. It forms solid clumps when wet, which makes scooping a breeze. Great for controlling odor, but it can be dusty—and heavier than other types.

    Product Available on Amazon

    Non-Clumping Clay
    This litter is less expensive, but you’ll need to change the whole box more often. Not ideal if you want easy daily maintenance, but it can work in a pinch.

    Product Available on Amazon

    Crystal (Silica) Litter
     These little beads absorb moisture and odors really well and last longer between changes. They’re low-dust and low-maintenance, though some cats don’t love the texture.

    Product available on Amazon

    Natural Litter (Pine, Corn, Wheat, etc.)
    These types of litter are made from plants and biodegradable materials. They are great if you want something eco-friendly. Some clump, some don’t, and they often have a natural scent (which your cat may or may not appreciate).

    Product Available on Amazon

    Tofu Litter
     Yup, it’s a thing—and surprisingly good. It’s biodegradable, clumps well, and has low dust. Plus, it’s flushable in small amounts (check your plumbing first!).

    Product Available on Amazon

    So, which one’s the best? Honestly—it depends! Some cats are super picky about texture or scent, so you might need to experiment a little. I always recommend starting with what works best for you (scooping schedule, budget, etc.), then adjusting based on your cat’s feedback.

    Trying to find your perfect litter match? Don’t be afraid to test a few out. Your cat will have strong opinions—and probably let you know pretty quickly.

    ***

    Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

    ***

    You should also note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

  • How to Calm a Stressed Cat Without Medication

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    If your usually sweet cat has suddenly turned into a couch-destroying, fight-picking, shadow-hiding ball of nerves… you’re not alone. Cats are notoriously sensitive to change. Something as small as rearranging furniture, switching up your schedule, or adding a new pet (or person) to the mix can throw their world off balance.

    While some cats adjust quickly, others express their stress in ways that aren’t so subtle—scratching furniture, spraying, hiding, or even swatting at other pets. It’s frustrating to deal with, but they are just trying to tell you something.

    That’s where Feliway can make a big difference.

    Product Available on Amazon

    Feliway is a calming product made just for cats. It mimics the natural pheromones that cats release when they feel safe, secure, and content. These pheromones are kind of like invisible “comfort signals” that help them relax. When your cat rubs their cheeks on you or their favorite spot? That’s them spreading those feel-good vibes.

    Feliway comes in a plug-in diffuser or spray, so it’s super easy to use. Just plug it into the room where your cat spends the most time, or spray their favorite nap zone, carrier, or scratching post. It’s scentless to humans, but your cat picks up the calming message—and most start to feel more relaxed in just a few days.

    One of the best parts? It’s drug-free. No sedatives, no pills to sneak into treats, no worrying about side effects. Feliway works with your cat’s natural behavior to create a more peaceful environment. Many vets recommend it for stress-related issues like:

    • Hiding or isolating
    • Inter-cat aggression
    • Over-grooming
    • Scratching or spraying
    • Changes in routine, visitors, or moving house

    While Feliway isn’t a magic fix for every behavior issue, it can be a game-changer for stressed-out cats who need help feeling safe again. You might not see results overnight, but with consistent use, many pet parents report happier, calmer cats and less drama at home.

    So if your cat has been acting a little “off” lately, or if you’re dealing with a stressful transition, Feliway could be the low-effort solution that brings a little more harmony back into your home—and keeps your couch scratch-free, too.

    ***

    Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

    ***

    You should also note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately. 

  • Tips to Keep Your Pets Safe in the Snow

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    As the forecast changes regularly, bringing with it more cold and winter weather, it is important to ensure everyone’s safety. This includes yourself, your family, and your pets! Everyone deserves to be warm and comfortable, no matter the weather. 

    Here are some tips to keep your pets safe in the snow. 

    Keep your pets inside as much as possible. 

    Just like you don’t want to be outside, your pets won’t want to be, either. Keep them inside except to use the bathroom and maybe play for a few minutes. Don’t overdo it.

    You may want to get a coat or sweater for your pet. 

    If your pet has really short hair and shivers as soon as he or she goes outside, you may want to bundle him or her up in a coat or sweater.

    Amazon has a lot of coats, like this one, that would keep your beloved dog warm all winter long!

    Product Available on Amazon

    Dog boots can also be helpful. 

    Not only can the snow be harsh on your dog’s feet, but salt and other chemicals that are used to melt ice and snow can be hard on them, too! You should wipe your dog’s feet off as soon as they come in. Another option is to buy dog boots.

    Amazon has a lot of dog booties, like these, that would keep your beloved dog’s feet warm all winter long!

    Product Available on Amazon

    If you have outdoor dogs and cats, make sure that they have shelter. 

    They are going to need a dry place to hide from the weather, so make sure that they have a dry, draft-free shelter to spend time in. It is even better if the house is big enough for them to move around in, yet small enough to keep the heat in!

    Make sure that your pets have enough food and water to stay warm in the cold weather. 

    Your outside pets may need some extra food to help them get through the winter. Water is also important, so make sure that you change the water regularly so they get enough fresh water that is not frozen.

    Antifreeze can kill animals. 

    If you notice that your car is leaking anything, get it taken care of right away.

    You also need to check your vehicles before leaving. Many cats and small animals will seek the warmth of your car. You could easily start your car, drive away, and kill the animal before you get too far!

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    Just like you get cold when you go outside, your pets do too. They don’t want to be out in the weather any more than you do. For this reason, you need to keep your outside time limited. You may want to buy a sweater and boots to keep your pets safe when they are outside. For animals that live outside, make sure that they have a draft-free shelter and plenty of food and water!

    ***

    Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

    ***

    It is also important that you understand that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Even though I am a veterinary professional, this blog is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately. 

  • Two Cordless Pet Vacuums Go Head-to-Head: Dyson vs. Shark

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    If you’re a pet parent, you already know the fur struggle is real. It shows up on your rugs, your furniture, your clothes—and if you’re not vacuuming daily, it feels like the dog or cat is winning. When you’re ready to ditch the cord but still want top-tier cleaning power, two big names usually top the list: the Dyson Gen5detect and the Shark Stratos Cordless with Clean Sense IQ.

    Both are sleek, powerful, and made with pet owners in mind—but they each take a different approach to the same hairy problem.

    The Dyson Gen5detect is Dyson’s most advanced cordless vacuum, and it shows. With up to 70 minutes of run time, this machine is loaded with high-tech features like a laser that illuminates hidden dust and an LCD screen that tells you exactly what you’re picking up (yep, it counts particles).

    Product Available on Amazon

    It also comes with a HEPA filter that traps allergens and pet dander, making it great for allergy-prone homes. It’s lightweight, incredibly easy to maneuver, and adapts power depending on the floor type—hardwood, tile, carpet, it handles them all without needing to switch attachments constantly. Bonus: the digital motorbar head is designed to prevent pet hair tangles.

    On the other hand, the Shark Stratos Cordless packs serious power into a slightly more budget-friendly price point—though it still belongs in the high-end category. It uses Clean Sense IQ to automatically boost suction when it detects messier areas (like your dog’s favorite nap spot), and the anti-odor technology helps neutralize pet smells while you vacuum.

    Product Available on Amazon

    The dual brush roll is designed for hair pickup and works great on both hard floors and carpets, and Shark’s signature anti-wrap technology means fewer tangled messes to cut out. It’s slightly heavier than the Dyson but holds its own in suction and battery life.

    So, which one’s better for you? Go for the Dyson Gen5detect if you want cutting-edge design, a long-lasting battery, and extra features like dust-detecting lasers and hyper-detailed feedback while you clean. It’s especially great if you have mixed flooring or suffer from pet allergies.

    But if you’re looking for a slightly more affordable alternative that still offers excellent suction, odor control, and hair-handling power, the Shark Stratos Cordless is a seriously solid choice.

    Either way, you’ll be making pet cleanup way easier—and maybe even (dare we say it?) a little bit satisfying.

    ***

    Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

    ***

    You should also note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately. 

  • Why Should I Get a Puppy As a Gift For Christmas? Why Shouldn’t I?

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    There is nothing more exciting than getting a puppy for Christmas. They make great gifts, but only if you and your whole family are ready. I should know. When I was a kid, I remember coming out on Christmas morning, only to hear a noisy box that we just had to open first!

    Because this isn’t always the best idea, I thought that I would ask my other veterinary technician friends to see what their thoughts were on the subject, and as you can imagine, there were not many reasons why it is a good idea, but there are plenty of reasons why you should hold off.

    Here are some reasons why you may want to give a puppy as a gift for Christmas.

    If you and your family are ready for a puppy, this can be a great surprise. 

    As I mentioned above, I will never forget the Christmas when we got a puppy when I was a kid.

    It can also be a romantic and thoughtful gift from someone you love.

    The memories will last a lifetime!

    Here are some reasons why you should not give a puppy as a gift for Christmas.

    Many puppy mills and backyard breeders bank on people buying puppies for Christmas. 

    When you choose to buy a puppy right around the holidays, you are just supporting their businesses. They will continue breeding as much as possible, in order to supply puppies for Christmas and all throughout the year, without any thought for the parents.

    Money is often tight during the holidays, so your budget may not be able to afford a puppy. 

    Puppies need to go to the veterinarian every three to four weeks until they are sixteen weeks old to receive full vaccinations. They also need to be dewormed. Flea, tick, and heartworm prevention also costs money. If the cost of the puppy is too much, you need to think about all the other costs associated with a puppy.

    What if there is an emergency? 

    Puppies also like to eat things. Christmas morning is often a mess of wrapping paper, tissue paper, and new toys. There are plenty of things that a puppy can eat that they shouldn’t.

    Not to mention all the extra food that is available during the holidays. Puppies and dogs can’t handle a lot of the food that could be dropped during holiday meals. This can lead to expensive emergency visits.

    If you are having a party, you may have a lot of people coming and going. 

    Your puppy (who doesn’t really know where home is yet) could get out and run away. You may never find your precious puppy again. Even worse, your puppy could be hit by a car.

    The holidays are also one of the top reasons for dog bites. 

    With lots of people in and out of your home, along with strange dogs, your new puppy may be very overwhelmed. He or she could bite (or get bitten by another dog) in the confusion of the holidays.

    Because of the confusion of the holidays, routines go out the window. 

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    New puppies thrive on routines in order to settle in. They need to know when they should eat, when they should go to bed, and when it is playtime. Not to mention potty training. It can be tough to potty-train a puppy that doesn’t eat at the same time every day!

    Even worse, you may have the puppy for a month or so until things settle down, and you can get into a routine. This is really important time for a puppy to adjust to his or her new home.

    Your children may go to school bragging about how Santa brought them a puppy. 

    Other children may not understand why they can’t get one from Santa! If your children still believe in Santa, it can be hard to explain why one family gets a puppy from Santa when all they got were a few small things!

    Because of this, too many puppies and dogs find themselves in shelters right after the holidays. 

    If you ask anyone who works in a shelter, they will tell you that shelters fill up right after the holidays because of inadequate planning. Whether you bought someone a dog that didn’t fit their lifestyle or they simply didn’t really want a puppy, many puppies and dogs find themselves homeless after the fun of a new puppy wears off!

    So, what can you do if you want to give someone a puppy for the holidays?

    Another veterinary technician recommended getting a gift certificate to a shelter so that your loved one can choose the perfect pet for their lifestyle.

    Too many people buy puppies or dogs without considering their lifestyle. Though the puppy may be cute, your loved one may not have the energy that a herding dog needs. He or she may be better off getting a lap puppy! They may not want a long-haired dog that requires daily brushing. They may not have the money for the groomer every six to eight weeks.

    He or she could even wait until things settle down after the holidays, when it would be a better time to get a new puppy or dog. There might even be more of a selection as Christmas gifts end up in the shelter!

    By allowing him or her to pick out his or her new dog, which is just what the family needs, the gift will continue to be a blessing instead of becoming a hassle that the person was not ready for.

    ***

    Please note, the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Even though I am a veterinary professional, this blog is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately. 

  • Tips to Introduce Your Cat to A New One! 

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    There may come a time when you want to add another cat to your household. Whether you found a tiny kitten that you want to bring home or you found one that you couldn’t resist at the shelter, the truth is that the real work begins now!

    How do you introduce your cat to another cat? Here are some tips to help.

    It is essential to proceed slowly during this process. 

    If you go too fast and try to hurry the steps, you may have to start all over again!

    Choose the right cats. 

    It is essential to choose a cat that is similar to your own. This will make the whole transition easier!

    If you want to read more, you can check out another article of mine, Will My Cat Get Along with Another? You can read it right here.

    Give each cat its own space. 

    You need to start by keeping your cats separated. Each cat should have their own food, water, and litter box. You should give each cat a few days to learn where their own space is before you let them out together.

    It may also help to give them each something that smells like the other. 

    Many people do this when they bring home a new baby, but it also works on cats. Give each other a towel or blanket with a new smell, so they can get used to it.

    Then, you can let each cat explore the other cat’s space (without them in it). 

    You should put each cat in the other’s space for a while. You may do this for a few hours or an entire day.

    Then, you can let the cats meet through the door or a baby gate. 

    This will introduce them to each other safely. They will be able to smell each other and gauge their feelings for one another. If you notice that your cat is stressed, you may want to take a step back or two.

    When you don’t notice any signs of stress between the cats when they have a door in between them, it is time to move on to the next step. 

    It’s time to let your cats meet each other. It is normal to experience some hissing or growling initially. Then, they should settle down as they start to get used to each other.

    Photo Courtesy of Canva

    You may allow your cats to see each other for a few minutes at a time, several times a day. This is NOT the time to let them together for hours at a time.

    Then, it is time to open the door! 

    Once your cats can stand a few minutes of interaction, it’s time to see how well they will do when there’s nothing between them.

    During this time, you should be there and watch their body language. If you notice that your cats look stressed or wound up, it may not be the right time to introduce your cats. You may want to try again tomorrow.

    Once your cats can spend short periods of time together, you can start to increase the time. 

    After a certain amount of time, you may be able to leave them alone together, without having to worry.

    When introducing new cats, you must go slowly. You may also need to take a step back if one of your cats seems to get upset. That being said, you also need to wait until both cats are doing well before you go to the next step.

    You may also want to try Feliway, a drug-free solution for stressed cats. It is a diffuser that emits pheromones to help calm your cat. It is available on Amazon.

    ***

    Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

    ***

    You should also note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately. 

  • Tired of Dog Breath? Try This Simple Powder That Works

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    If you’ve ever leaned in for a doggy kiss only to be hit with a wave of truly awful breath, you’re not alone. Dog breath is one of those small-but-annoying problems that nearly every pet parent deals with at some point. Even if your dog’s mouth is healthy, plaque and tartar buildup can cause seriously stinky breath over time.

    And while we all know that we should be brushing our dogs’ teeth every day, hardly anyone is doing that. Most of us either forget or don’t make it a habit. Others can’t, because their dog is simply too wiggly. So, what can you do if you want fresher breath without the daily toothbrush battle?

    That’s where Proden PlaqueOff Powder for Dogs really shines.

    Product Available on Amazon

    This easy-to-use dental supplement is made from natural seaweed and works from the inside out. You simply sprinkle it onto your dog’s food once a day—and that’s it. No chasing your dog around with a toothbrush, no flavored gels, and no struggling with finger brushes. It helps reduce plaque and tartar buildup over time and tackles bad breath right at the source.

    What’s especially nice is that Proden PlaqueOff doesn’t just mask odors—it supports better dental health overall. As your dog eats, the seaweed ingredients help soften plaque so it’s easier to break down naturally through chewing or regular eating. Most dogs don’t even notice it’s there, so you can feel good knowing you’re giving them something that’s both helpful and stress-free.

    Of course, every dog is different, and results can take a few weeks to kick in. But plenty of pet parents (and their noses!) swear by it as a gentle, effective way to keep dog breath in check—especially when brushing just isn’t happening.

    So if you’re dodging kisses or gagging during cuddle time, it might be time to give Proden PlaqueOff a try. Your dog gets healthier teeth and gums—and you get back to enjoying close-up snuggles without holding your breath.

    We have seen many patients in our practice who come in with less tartar after starting this food additive. It really helps!

    ***

    Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

    ***

    You should also note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately. 

  • Avoiding Pet Emergencies Over the Holidays

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    The holidays can be a wonderful time of the year. Many people love to decorate their homes, both inside and outside, as well as bake wonderful treats, and spend extra time with family.

    Even better, you can enjoy this time with your beloved pets by your side. However, this can also be a dangerous time for them, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips to help you avoid any emergencies over the holiday season.

    You must be careful with your Christmas tree. 

    Though your tree might be the centerpiece of your decorating, the truth is that they aren’t always the best for your pets.

    Playful puppies and kittens have been known to knock over a perfectly decorated Christmas tree, simply because it is in the way! They can also get caught in the cord of lights, which may make them fall over, too. Some curious cats and dogs will bite the cord, which can lead to burns.

    The decorations themselves can be hard to keep your pets away from. 

    Many cats are drawn to tinsel; you may notice your cat wants to eat it! This can cause an obstruction or perforation, which could lead to emergency surgery. They may also play with dangling ornaments, batting at them until they fall off and break.

    For this reason, you may want to put something around your tree to keep your beloved pets away from it completely!

    Many Christmas and holiday plants are toxic to pets. 

    Many people love to give plants as gifts, which isn’t always a good thing if you own pets. One of the most common plants that are toxic to cats includes lilies. Even if they only eat a small amount, it can send your cat to the emergency room.

    Other plants to avoid would include mistletoe, balsam, pine, holly, and Christmas cacti. Poinsettia plants, while not toxic, can cause drooling and vomiting, so you may want to avoid them also.

    Watch table scraps. 

    Many people seem to eat from Thanksgiving to Christmas, going from party to party. They may also have parties in their home, where some guests may feed their pets without realizing the consequences of their actions.

    Some of the main foods to avoid include chocolate, onions, grapes, raisins, certain nuts, and any foods that contain xylitol. Your pets should also stay away from alcohol and caffeinated drinks.

    Many people want to give their pets a treat over the holidays and may give them some trimming and side dishes. These dishes may contain more fat than your pet is used to, which can lead to some serious conditions, such as pancreatitis.

    If you have a nervous dog and are having a party, you may want to keep him or her locked away from guests. 

    Even the calmest dog and cat can become overwhelmed by a houseful of guests, so it is important that your pet has a way to get away from everyone!

    You may want to set up a space in the back for your pets to relax. Make it special by adding their bed with their favorite blankets. You may want to give them a new toy or a chew bone that will occupy them while everything else is going on. Some even do better if you leave music on, so that they don’t hear everything that is going on outside!

    Photo Courtesy of Canva

    The holidays can be a great time for everyone, including your pets. That being said, you need to use caution with your Christmas tree and the plants you use to decorate it. Lilies are the worst for cats, so they should be avoided at all costs! You also need to keep your pets away from all the food that you may be eating over the holidays. A lot of it is too fatty for their taste, and it could cause some problems. Some parties are also too much for pets, so you may want to set up an area for them to relax and avoid it all!

    ***

    Please note, the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Even though I am a veterinary professional, this blog is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately. 

  • Will My Cat Get Along with Another?

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    When introducing cats to each other, it is essential to consider a few key factors. You can’t simply put two cats together and assume that things are going to work out ok.

    Although that does happen, it works much better if you figure out whether your cat will be a good match for the new one you are bringing into your home.

    Here are some things to consider when deciding whether your cat will get along with another one.

    Age/Energy level. 

    Although you may want to get a kitten as your cat gets older, the truth is that the transition will go much smoother if they are about the same age and have a similar energy level.

    That being said, some kittens can bring out your older cat’s inner kitten. It can be fun to watch an older cat run and play with a new kitten.

    Size. 

    The size of your cat is also something to consider. You don’t want to put a giant cat in with your tiny and dainty female cat. Bigger cats may bully smaller ones simply due to their smaller stature.

    Socialization history. 

    Some cats have been socialized more than others, and you can tell. These cats are usually very friendly and have no problem interacting with other animals, regardless of their size.

    Past interactions. 

    If your cat (or the other cat) has had a bad experience when it came to spending time with another animal, you might have trouble introducing a new cat.

    Fearful cats. 

    Then, there are the fearful cats. These cats are scared of their shadows and are often stressed even in their home environment. These cats will do better on their own.

    If you decide to introduce a new cat to your fearful one, you need to accept that it will take some time for them to get used to each other. Be warned that you may end up dealing with aggressive behaviors, as well as inappropriate urination.

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    When considering bringing another cat into your home, it’s essential to choose carefully. You need to choose one that is most likely to get along with your current cat. You should ensure that they are similar in age and energy levels, and that they are appropriately socialized. If either cat is fearful, it may happen, but it will take some time.

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    Please note, the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately.