Ahh, YouTube, the provider of an endless bounty of funny, silly, informative, and just plain weird videos, available to us any time we need a break from work, childcare, cooking, cleaning, shopping… you get the point. An estimated 300 hours of video are uploaded to YouTube’s website every minute, and by almost a third of internet users worldwide.

Say what you will about YouTube, its inception a mere 11 years ago has changed the lives of animal lovers everywhere. It provides us with endless opportunities to laugh, smile, and even shed a tear at the adorable and heartwarming antics of the nation’s pets.

Here at West Park Animal Hospital, we are not ashamed to admit we love pet videos too! As a follow-up to our famous Instagram pets, we’re delighted to share with you our picks for the best pet videos of 2016. Enjoy!

The Best Pet Videos of 2016

Pets Having A Holiday Feast – What could possibly be better than this video of 13 dogs and one cat (complete with clothes, accessories, and, of course, human hands) enjoying a typical semi-dysfunctional holiday meal together?

Cats vs. Cucumbers – Although the videos of cats being startled, shocked, and horrified by strategically positioned cucumbers first appeared in 2015, it continues to shock the nation to this day. Don’t try this at home!

Dogs Hugging – Having a bad day? This sweet video of two doggie “BFFs” will put a smile on any face and is sure to melt even the coldest heart.

Dog and Owner Reunited – If you’ve ever doubted the memory and loyalty of the family dog, take a look at this heartwarming reunion between a man and his dog who had been separated for two years.

Hungry Dog – You will marvel at (and watch over and over) this perfectly timed, hilarious video of an owner “teasing” his dog about all the food in the refrigerator.

We’re grateful that so many pet owners take the time to film their adorable pets and share them with the public, and we hope you’ve enjoyed our list of best pet videos.

Now get back to work!

Wishing you, your family, and your pet a happy and healthy holiday season, from all of us at West Park Animal Hospital.

The post West Park Animal Hospital Presents: The Best Pet Videos of 2016 appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

It’s that time of year again, and you likely want to get special gifts to celebrate your loved ones this holiday season. If you have any animal lovers on your gift giving list (and we know you do), look no further.

West Park Animal Hospital has put together the ultimate list of our favorite gifts for pet lovers to help you get your holiday shopping done in a jiffy.

A Special Something: Gifts for Pet Lovers

You can never have enough cute animal stuff, right? Check out some of these amazing animal-themed items that your gift recipient will enjoy throughout the year:

• The cat mug
• A tote for the dogs
• A special piece of jewelry
• A high quality pet collar
• A seat cover to protect against animal hair and dirt
• A cute leash hook
• Kitschy kitty items

You can certainly have a lot of fun browsing for animal-related items. There are so many cute and beautiful ideas out there and, if you don’t procrastinate, many can be personalized for an individual.

The Experience Gift

We are all about experience based gifts for pet lovers. The sky’s the limit when it comes to this type of present, but here are a few of our favorite ideas.

Boxes – Subscription boxes, such as Barkbox or PawPack, are a fun way to celebrate the animal lover in your life all year.

Dog park membership – If your giftee has a dog who might enjoy a romp at a local dog park, a gift membership may be just the thing.

Grooming – Who wouldn’t enjoy a day of pampering? Gift the recipient with a professional pet grooming session!

The Gift of Giving

Sometimes the best gift is one that helps those in need. If your animal lover is a generous soul, a donation made in his or her honor to a deserving animal charity may just be the thing. There are many worthy organizations out there, including:

• The ASPCA
• Cleveland Animal Protective League
• Old Dog Haven
• PAWS Ohio

A donation, no matter how big or how small, can really make the difference this holiday season and can be a great way to celebrate a love of animals.

With a little help from us, giving to the animal lovers on your gift list should be a snap this year. And, if you are anything like us, there probably aren’t too many people on your holiday list that don’t fall into that category.

The post 2016’s Best Gifts for Pet Lovers appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

From cat videos to cute dog memes, social media has made it possible for animal lovers and pet owners to share their cutest pet pics with the world. In fact, many famous pets far surpass most people in terms of followers on social media like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

All of this is understandable when you consider just how much our pets mean to us. Pet lovers go gaga over Instagram pets, and this trend is unlikely to change. Many of these pets even have their own product lines, like Grumpy Cat t-shirts and coffee mugs.

To brighten your day, West Park Animal Hospital took the time to find out which Instagram pets reign supreme and share them with our friends and fellow pet lovers.

Five Instagram Pets Who Melt Our Hearts

1. Grumpy Cat – We’d be shocked if there was anyone out there who doesn’t recognize Grumpy Cat. From her ubiquitous frowny face to the many memes online, Grumpy is the original famous pet. Grumpy Cat, who is actually called Tardar Sauce, earned her namesake due to an underbite and feline dwarfism. But she isn’t really grumpy in real life! Some sources claim Grumpy Cat has cashed in over $20 million in products, appearances, films, and endorsements. That’s one famous cat!
2. Boo – If you love fluffy dogs, then you likely LOVE Boo the dog. Boo is a famous Pomeranian with a short haircut that makes her resemble the cutest teddy bear you’d ever find. With over 5 million followers and counting, Boo is the star of her own book and has been the model for numerous lookalike plush toys. She’s also an aspiring philanthropist, helping to raise money for Project Smile, a nonprofit dedicated to helping children in need of cleft lip or cleft palate surgery.
3. Menswear Dog – If fashion is your passion, then look no further than stylish Menswear Dog, who’s the best dressed pup in town. Donning hats, sunglasses, suits, and other popular menswear, the appeal of this famous dog (aka Bodhi) is his ability to showcase the latest styles in a way that combines canine cuteness with trendy men’s fashion. He also has his own book, so you’ll never have to second-guess your sense of fashion again.
4. Mr. Bagel the Chinchilla – Let’s not forget our exotic pet pals! Mr. Bagel is a 7 year old chinchilla who resides in the Bay Area and is an anti-fur advocate. Whether he’s wearing cute hats, shopping at his favorite store, or napping, this adorable guy wants to raise awareness about the cruelty of fur farms and put an end to this industry on behalf of other furry friends. We applaud Mr. Bagel and love seeing him in all those tiny hats!
5. Kooty the Owl Cat – Newer to the social media scene, Kooty is a wide-eyed Persian mix with beautiful golden eyes that resemble those of an owl. Because black cats are often less likely to be adopted, we want to champion this lovely onyx kitty, sure to be a hit with anyone who loves cats (and owls)!

We hope you’ve enjoyed these fabulously famous furballs. Who are some of your favorite famous pets? Share your thoughts with us on Facebook!

The post Say Cheese! Our Favorite Famous Instagram Pets appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

Like much of the United States, we enjoy four distinct seasons here in Cleveland; rainy springs, warm summers, crisp autumns, and snowy winters. While we are fortunate to not experience a lot of the extreme weather dangers typically seen in other parts of the country, Cleveland residents (and their pets) must contend with a longer-than-average winter, typically November-April.

With a colder and snowier winter already forecasted for Northeast Ohio, it’s time to start making plans to keep you and your pet active and engaged during the coldest months. West Park Animal Hospital has put together a guide aimed at helping you and your pets not only survive but also thrive this winter in Cleveland.

 

1. Winter in Cleveland Can Be Fun!

It’s a rare dog who doesn’t love to play in the snow, so don’t be afraid to bundle up your pooch for a snowy walk around the lake or romp in the yard. Social dogs will be happy to learn that many of Cleveland’s dog parks remain open year-round. This means canine friends can still get together to play, even when the white fluffy stuff is on the ground!

2. Winter in Cleveland Can Be Cold!

Playing outside is fun and necessary, but keeping winter pet safety in mind is a must in our cold climate:

Know the signs of hypothermia, and keep pets protected with a coat or sweater while outdoors.

Your pet’s paws are especially vulnerable to winter wear and tear from snow, ice, and toxic road salt. Wash and dry your pet’s paws each time he or she comes indoors, and consider purchasing a set of booties for added protection.

Keeping your pet leashed when out and about will help keep him or her away from winter hazards, such as antifreeze and partially frozen lakes, ponds, and rivers.

3. Good News for Outdoor Pets

Cold weather brings with it an increase in animal neglect situations here in Cleveland, and many outdoor pets suffer needlessly each year. City ordinance 603.091, effective December 2014, clearly spells out the definitions of adequate shelter and provisions for outdoor pets. Pet owners in violation of the ordinance face hefty fines and even jail time.

Our tip: If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your pets. Bring them inside when temperatures fall below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

4. Indoor Activities for Cleveland Pets

Winter weight gain is a big concern for pets, but sometimes it’s simply too cold to go outside for exercise. Fortunately, Cleveland boasts numerous indoor dog facilities, such as Thank Dog Bootcamp, where your dog can exercise and play with you and other dogs.

Signing your dog up for a training or agility class is another great way to burn off steam indoors. North Coast Dogs and The Dog Class offer a variety of fun and challenging programs for dogs of all abilities.

5. Getting Out of Town

If you’re planning on traveling with your pet this season, make sure to pack with his or her winter safety needs in mind. Load up on extra blankets, fresh water, your dog’s sweater or coat, and a towel to wipe off paws after a romp in the snow. And, don’t forget your pet first aid kit!

As always, if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s health and safety this winter, or want to make sure he or she is up-to-date on vaccines and parasite preventatives, don’t hesitate to contact the team at West Park Animal Hospital.

The post 5 Things Pet Owners Should Know about Winter in Cleveland appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

Although the subject of behavioral enrichment, or mental enrichment, is often focused on the needs of our canine companions, it’s also vital to feline health and well-being. From obesity to unwanted “marking” and scratching, there are many problems that can develop in cats when mental and physical opportunities are limited.

The Secret Lives of Cats

While it seems like a cat snoozing in the sun couldn’t possibly want anything more than to lay around all day, you may be surprised. Cats are complex creatures who require outlets to express normal feline behaviors, such as stalking and pouncing.

As you may have witnessed with your own fur friend, cats are born to move. In fact, their bodies are designed to leap up to 5-7 times their height, and they can reach speeds of more than 30 miles per hour.

In the wild, the ability to move quickly and to contort their bodies are why cats reign as one of nature’s top predators. So while Mr. Fuzzbottom seems a far cry from a cougar, he does still retain the need for speed, precision, and stealth.

Domestic cats express these instincts by way of hunting catnip mice and leaping across the room after an imaginary bird. Since they also have superb low-light vision, you’ll likely notice your cat’s knack for expressing these wild behaviors around one o’clock in the morning.

Feline Environmental Enrichment

Because felines aren’t as demonstrative of boredom and stress as dogs (when was the last time your cat chewed up a pair of shoes?), they often get neglected in the enrichment department.

Since we hope our kitties remain safe and healthy, it’s understandable that we want to keep them mostly indoors. However, indoor cats are often subject to understimulation, boredom, and a more sedentary lifestyle.

This lack of space and environmental enrichment can sometimes result in numerous problems, such as:

• Weight issues (loss or gain) and obesity
• Muscle loss
• Over-grooming (bald spots, skin irritation)
• Chronic yowling or vocalization
• Increased scratching or biting
• Aggression between pets
• Marking and other litter box woes
• Lethargy and depression
• Attempts to escape

It’s also important to have your pet examined if his or her behavior changes, as this can be indicative of an underlying health problem. When in doubt, simply schedule an appointment with the team at West Park Animal Hospital.

Enrichment Opportunities for Feline Health

The great news is that there’s no need for your cat to be bored. There are many ways to add enriching items and activities for your curious indoor kitty, including:

• If your cat is socialized but currently an only pet child, consider adopting a buddy.
• Add ramps, cat trees, cat posts, or window perches to provide opportunities for jumping, climbing, and bird-watching.
• Stock up on new and interesting toys, such as an assortment of small catnip mice, self-entertaining toys (while you’re at work), and toys you can use to get your cat moving (like the Cat Dancer).
• Spend at least 20-30 minutes playing and interacting with your cat each day.
• Provide places for your cat to hide – like a cat cube or a small area in the closet.
• If your cat is often alone, consider hiring a pet sitter to come by and play with your fur friend during the day.

Promoting feline health means supporting your cat’s need for mental and physical enrichment. We hope you find these tips helpful to keep your whiskered friend happy and healthy. For more recommendations, please give us a call!

The post Why Environmental Enrichment is Important for Feline Health appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

The countdown has officially begun! We’re just weeks away from Thanksgiving and Christmas. Whether you’re hosting a big gathering or leaving town to visit family, your pet is probably wondering, “What about me?”

Certainly, pets make the holidays more memorable, but sometimes, it’s just not practical (or in their best interests) to spend every moment together. That’s why West Park Animal Hospital offers holiday pet boarding!

Don’t Wait!

Boarding your pet with us is a terrific option for the following reasons:

• Our facility – Cats and pocket pets remain safe in our clean, warm, cozy kennel area. Our canine guests stay in roomy suites located toward the back of the building to accommodate access to our outdoor walking area.
• Professional care – Our kennel attendants are not only adept at meeting the needs of our animal guests, they also try to anticipate what would make a pet feel more at home. Guests are monitored throughout the day to ensure overall health and happiness. This high level of care is particularly helpful if you have a pet with special needs.
• Medical attention – If your pet requires a technician or veterinarian while you’re away, you can rest assured they’ll get the help they need. Doctors are always on-site between 8 a.m. and 1 a.m. Plus, if your pet is already a patient of ours, we’ll have easy access to all his or her medical history and will already be familiar with personality quirks and preferences.

Worry-Free Holiday Pet Boarding

Once you know your pet cannot stay with you at home or accompany you on your travels, we recommend making a reservation. While all pets are welcome, space in our kennel is limited. Likewise, getting a jumpstart on your own preparations list will help enormously toward getting everything right.

Getting Closer

Boarding your pet – or getting ready to travel together – is a breeze, provided the following are taken into consideration:

• Vaccinations are critical before boarding your pet or visiting a new state or country (schedule a wellness visit to update your pet’s shots).
• Prescription medications must be filled and carefully labeled in their original containers.
• We offer our guests meals, but if your pet has a food preference or special diet, we’re happy to accommodate this need.
• A health certificate must be issued by a veterinarian if you and your pet are crossing state lines. You should also arrange to have full access to your pet’s records in case you need them while travelling.

Being Apart

We understand that holiday pet boarding can be difficult and stressful for both owners and their pets. You may find it helpful to bring your companion into our boarding area prior to your departure. This will allow your pet to meet some of our friendly staff and become familiar with our facility beforehand.

Our team is in the business of supporting your pet’s wellness. Please let us know if we can answer any questions about pet boarding or ease any of your concerns about traveling together.

The post Room at the Inn: Holiday Pet Boarding appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

Although you may want to groan when someone mentions the word “winter,” the cold and snow will soon be upon us. As with any season, winter brings with it special considerations for our furriest of friends.

Although you may have already stashed your antifreeze in a locked cabinet (great job!), we have a few more tips for pet winter safety to keep your best pal safe and sound this time of year.

Skin and Paw Protection

Winter can take a toll on your pet’s skin and paws. Not only is it cold and dry, but there are many chemicals used on walkways and roadways that can lead to dry, cracked, or bleeding paw pads.

Keep in mind, short-coated breeds and senior pets are more sensitive to the cold. To help your pet stay warm and dry, we recommend the following:

• Invest in quality foot protection, like fitted booties, along with a winter coat, sweaters, and rain gear for inclement weather.
• After wintery walks, gently clean your pet’s feet with a warm washcloth to ensure the removal of chemicals and salts.
• Kitties who spend time outdoors are at risk for car-related injuries. To be safe, encourage them to stay inside, and inspect your car each morning for a napping cat on your engine.
• Balms made specifically for pet noses and paw pads can be incredibly soothing and help prevent dryness.
• Avoid frozen lakes or rivers, as they can easily present an emergency situation if the ice breaks.

Because colder temps impact our little family members more than we think, it’s important to always monitor your pet when outside.

Limit the amount of time on colder mornings or in wet weather, and know the signs of hypothermia:

• Weakness
• Paleness
• Shivering
• Lack of coordination
• Shallow breathing
• Slowed heart rate

If not treated, hypothermia can lead to collapse and death. If you suspect your pet is hypothermic, seek shelter and warmth, and contact us immediately for instructions.

Let’s Talk About Toxins

Our tips for pet winter safety wouldn’t be complete without discussing the risks of pet poisoning. When the ice and snow pile up, many chemicals come out. These include:

• Antifreeze
• Road salts
• Deicers
• Lawn/garden chemicals

Your best bet to avoid an emergency is to observe your pet at all times outdoors. Thoroughly clean-up your own garage and driveway, stashing away any and all toxic substances.

Senior Pet Winter Safety

Winter takes a terrible toll on senior pets – especially those with health or mobility issues. Pay special attention to your aging companion’s comfort level. Either keep the home a little warmer than usual or add a heated, orthopedic bed to your pet’s Christmas list. Sweaters and extra blankets can also make a big difference, as well as bringing your pet in for a winter wellness care exam.

Winter can be a lovely time of year full of fireside snuggles and happy holidays with friends and family. Make the season even more special by preparing for your pet’s unique cold weather needs.

The post Pet Winter Safety: Preparing for the Big Brrr! appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

Who doesn’t want to save a few bucks? When it comes to do-it-yourself at home pet remedies, there is no shortage of suggestions. But, how do you separate the good advice from the mythical, or even downright dangerous?

Join us at West Park Animal Hospital as we put some ineffective DIY pet remedies to rest.

Taking on Pet Skin Woes

A common and often frustrating woe for many a pet parent, skin trouble is the focus of several DIY pet remedies. Many of these suggestions, however, are less than effective and a few may cause more harm than good. Take for example:

Changing your pet’s food – Dogs and cats can certainly have food allergies, although they are not as common as the pet-owning public might believe. For pets with food allergies, simply switching store brands is not a good idea for a few reasons. Over-the-counter diets are not manufactured in the same manner prescription diets are, leaving your food trial to be inconclusive. Also, exposing your pet to a variety of novel proteins, such as lamb, fish, or venison, can limit our options when conducting a true food trial.

Battling fleas with garlic – While garlic is touted all over the internet as a natural way to repel fleas, there simply isn’t any scientific evidence that this is true. In high doses garlic can also be toxic to pets. With the number of safe and effective options for flea preventatives available to us, there simply isn’t any reason to chance it.

At home concoctions for treating ear trouble – It may be tempting to use a homemade solution to clean your pet’s ears, but sometimes these are not all they are cracked up to be. In particular, the rubbing alcohol in many of these solutions can be drying and burn irritated ears. The bubbling action of hydrogen peroxide can startle may pets, making handling the ears more difficult down the road.

DIY Pet Remedies for Tummy Trouble

Pets also tend to experience their fair share of tummy troubles. Think twice before trying at home remedies for an upset stomach.

Offering milk – For some reason people like to think that offering a dish of milk is good for an upset stomach. Animals are lactose intolerant, though, and milk (other than that of their mothers) is liable to cause stomach issues rather than help them.

Inducing vomiting – There are times when administering hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting is recommended. It is important to always do so under the guidance of a veterinarian, however, as there are some objects and substances that should not be vomited. Hydrogen peroxide can also cause bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract and, depending on the situation, it is usually safer for the pet to come to the hospital to have vomiting induced in a safer manner.

Giving the pink stuff – Pepto Bismol used to be a go-to for pet owners with animals who had queasy stomachs. The formulation now contains salicylates, however, which are aspirin derivatives that may result in serious side-effects.

Trying to troubleshoot pet problems yourself may be tempting, but many times they just aren’t worth the trouble. DIY pet remedies rarely result in a fix, and often just delays your pet receiving the proper care.

In the case of some itchy skin, besides your pet needlessly being uncomfortable, there may be no harm done. In other situations, though, such as a foreign object being stuck in the digestive tract, trying to fix things at home wastes valuable time and may result in a poor prognosis.

We want your pet to be at his or her best and are always happy to help you achieve that goal. Give us a call if you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s care and for advice about any DIY pet remedies you may be tempted to try.

The post DIY Pet Remedies: Separating the Fact from the Fiction appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

Pet costumes have become all the rage in recent years. They are always fun (provided the animal thinks so, too), but they are even more delightful when paired with an owner’s unique holiday threads. Wondering what you and your pet can pull off this Halloween? Look no further than West Park Animal Hospital’s 5 best pet costumes that you can share in, too!

Thinking Outside The Box

Pet costumes can be very simple, a fact that pleases many pets. From simple embellishments on the collar to easy on/easy off tube type shirts, there really is something for everyone. If your pet is game to play dress-up with you, we recommend these five amazing combinations:

1. Who wouldn’t want to play Daenerys Targaryen and her dragon? You can make a set of simple dragon wings for your pet, while you don the most fashionable long blond locks in the seven kingdoms. Win-win!
2. Andy Warhol, Marilyn Monroe, and a can of Campbell’s Tomato Soup This combo obviously needs a third participant, but we guarantee that all of you will have a blast entertaining each other and those around you. Get ready to pose for all the flash photography!
3. This twist on the two most lovable kid’s cartoon characters are sure to win any costume contest, as will the more traditional approach to Scooby Doo and Shaggy.
4. We really like the idea of a pet playing Popeye or Olive Oyl. These pet costumes are so darn cute, you might have to adopt another “Pupeye” to keep Olive Oyl company (that means you get to play Brutus)!
5. Why couldn’t both you and your pet dress up like Where’s Waldo? The costumes are easy enough and comfortable, to boot. Slam dunk!

Halloween Pet Costumes

There is so much to love about this unique fall holiday, but only if Halloween pet safety measures are observed and enforced. Keep Halloween treats out of reach, and remember to increase your pet’s nighttime visibility with reflective tape or light up collars.

Please watch your pet for any signs of irritability, anxiety, or stress, and do not force him or her to wear the costume. Be aware that your pet may try to remove the costume, and could end up in a tangled mess. Likewise, certain components can come off pet costumes or become loose; do not allow your pet to chew or eat.

Keep Us In Mind

Whether you choose from our top five list, or decide to dress up as the Big Bad Wolf and Little Red Riding Hood (or Scuba Diver and Jacque Cousteau or Cleopatra and her Pharaoh), we hope you’ll avoid a pet emergency this fall. Please let us know if we can help, and have a safe, happy Halloween!

The post Top 5 Best Pet Costumes That Also Appeal To Pet Owners appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

While crate training any animal can be a formidable task, it’s never an insurmountable one. This is especially true with cats. An effort to crate train your cat may feel a bit like climbing the steepest mountain without the right technique.

Cats are as wonderful as they are mysterious. They can be collectively dismissive about anything that’s not their idea, but that doesn’t mean they’re untrainable. If only your pet’s crate resembled a box! No matter; with practice, dedication, and patience, your cat will be good to go.

The Logic Behind It

It may seem like an investment with few returns, but crate training your cat is very beneficial. Part of the reason why cats don’t receive regular wellness care is due to crate fear, but when the crate becomes a happy, relaxing place, traveling with your cat becomes a breeze.

Likewise, an emergency situation like a fire or flood in your home may result in a quick evacuation. When you crate train your cat, you never have to look far to know he or she is safe from harm – and ready to go with you.

Getting Beyond the Fear and Doubt

Your cat may have reasonable (or completely irrational) fears of the car, strange animal encounters, or even medical experiences that overshadow your efforts. But, when you are able to introduce the crate as an enjoyable place, he or she can begin to make positive associations that soothe any worries.

Crate Train Your Cat with the Right Crate

All crates are not equal, and your cat would appreciate the following attributes:

• Big enough inside to stand up and turn around without restriction
• Cozy blankets or pillows that inspire security and snoozes
• Equipped with a toy or treat (or two of each!)

Placement of the crate is also important. Find a nice sunny spot where your kit typically rests, away from heavy foot traffic, yet still centrally located.

Going Further

Your cat may not be convinced right away. In that case:

• Detach the top part of the crate and the door.
• Encourage your cat to visit the bottom clam shell with a preferred treat or toy. This may take several days of placing trails of food toward the crate. Spraying Feliway on and around the crate bottom can calm nerves.
• Once you notice the sure-fire sign of a relaxed kitty – that is, kneading –  praise and reward your cat.
• Install the top half of the crate only after your cat has claimed the space.
• Leave the door off until you feel your cat is ready to travel in his or her portable place of refuge.

If All Else Fails

If crate training your cat proves more difficult than expected:

• Move the crate to a different location, and offer your cat’s meals nearby or next to it. If the new location is on a higher surface, make sure it is secured and safely weighted down.
• Never force your cat into the crate.
• Don’t disturb your cat when he or she finds it a comfortable place to rest or observe the household.

Once you’ve had a certain level of success, try to lift the crate with your cat inside it and walk around the house. Over time, walk to and from your car or down the street. Later, secure your pet’s crate inside your vehicle, start the engine, and take a short drive.

If our staff members can assist you with crate training your cat, we invite you to contact us. Good luck!

The post A Portable Place of Refuge: Why You Should Crate Train Your Cat appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.