Enjoy countless stories by Drs. Foster and Smith employees as we share our expertise and passion for pets. Post your helpful comments and share your own stories with fellow pet owners that share your enthusiasm for all things pet related.

{ Comments on this entry are closed }

Ritter the Ocicat kittenWhen we introduced our newest kitten, Ritter, into the family, I became curious about cat body language. I am very familiar with dog body language, but cats are new to me so I started researching their body language, to see what it all means. Here’s a few common cues I’ve seen our cats doing:

Head-butting and rubbing against each other or us:
This is actually the cat depositing his scent around, and “marking their territory.”  This is a good sign – if your cat rubs up against you that means you are “his.”

Rolling Over On Back:
Both Cirrhi & Ritter are commonly found rolling over on their backs or sides when in a “lull” of playing, or if getting some quality petting time. I was very curious to figure out what this meant. Turns out it means they trust you, and are being submissive and welcoming. However, it is a little different when they do this when playing. While it means they are welcoming to play, it also means business because this is the best position to use the back legs for extra clawing if attacked.
read full post

{ 0 comments }

Thumbnail image for Could your pet have high blood pressure?

Could your pet have high blood pressure?

by Katharine Hillestad, DVM March 8, 2010

Would it surprise you to learn that blood pressure can be checked in cats and dogs, too? Actually, a blood pressure reading can be an important part of monitoring your pet’s overall health.

0 comments Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for The Long, Arduous Road to Finding My Perfect Puppy

The Long, Arduous Road to Finding My Perfect Puppy

by Barb S. March 5, 2010

Finding the perfect new puppy for me did not happen overnight. Research was key in deciding on the best breed for me.

3 comments Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Rabbit Bonding

Rabbit Bonding

by Tina C. March 4, 2010

Pets can form great friendships with other pets. It is fun to watch and can keep your pets happier! Did you know rabbits can bond with other pets, not just other rabbits?

1 comment Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Feline Inappropriate Elimination

Feline Inappropriate Elimination

by Scott A. McKay, DVM March 3, 2010

Why would a cat decide to not use the litter box anymore? Read several possible reasons, plus tips to help with litter box issues.

2 comments Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Does Your Dog Need Boots?

Does Your Dog Need Boots?

by Keri K. March 2, 2010

Here’s my (and my Chinese Crested, Mojito’s) experience with dog boots and Wisconsin winters.

2 comments Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Customer Service Snapshot

Customer Service Snapshot

by Laura A. March 1, 2010

Read about our customer service area, and see where we take your calls and answer your questions!

3 comments Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Odd Dog Behaviors: Instinctive or Learned?

Odd Dog Behaviors: Instinctive or Learned?

by Ellen B. February 26, 2010

Why do dogs dig? Why do dogs sniff – A LOT? Learn about these and other dog behaviors that we find a bit odd or humorous.

1 comment Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Chicken and the Egg, Part 2

Chicken and the Egg, Part 2

by Keith G. February 25, 2010

Chicken, a 7-year-old female green-cheeked conure had been laying eggs until she became egg-bound with her ninth egg. The vet’s prognosis for Chicken was not good: unless that egg came out soon, Chicken could die. Find out what happened:

3 comments Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Introducing Our Newest Addition: Ritter the Ocicat

Introducing Our Newest Addition: Ritter the Ocicat

by Melissa R. February 24, 2010

Learn new-pet socialization tips and tricks from Melissa who added a new Ocicat kitten to her multi-cat family. What started as hissing turned into friendship.

0 comments Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Meet Mojito – Our New Dog

Meet Mojito – Our New Dog

by Keri K. February 23, 2010

Meet Mo, my adopted Chinese Crested.

2 comments Read the full article →