Springtime means planting
Wednesday, 24 April 2013 16:14 | 
Written by Dr. Smith | 
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If you're like me and a lot of other people around here, one of the big joys of spring is enjoying the shopping trips to Lowe's and the nurseries of the area to buy and plant new flowers, veggies, etc. Here is a list of poisonous plants for cats to consider as you plant your gardens, flower beds, or add a new houseplant. This link is to the ASPCA's toxic and nontoxic plant lists. Enjoy!
Last Updated (Wednesday, 24 April 2013 16:25)
Dr. Smith will be running in the 1st Annual Medoc Spring RacesWednesday, 10 April 2013 19:25 | Written by Dr. Smith | | |
Don't get too excited, I stand zero chances of winning. My goals will be to 1) finish 2) not get hurt, and 3) try not to place last! Hopefully the weather will cooperate with camping plans. The Medoc Mountain park is beautiful and I have plans to run again in the 10 miler in the fall as well. If you have any interest in the race, more information is available here. The clinic will be open for business, and I have Dr. Morrow scheduled to come in and work for me on Friday the 19th, so our appointment schedule will go on as usual. Wish me luck, and I'll hopefully be able to walk on Monday! Spring has sprungThursday, 14 March 2013 17:22 | Written by Dr. Smith | | |
It is "that" time of year. The days are getting longer, and if your cat (or the stray that has been hanging out at your house) isn't spayed yet, she is probably already in heat or pregnant. She will do it again in the fall. Please be responsible and prevent another season of "littering". Onslow County Animal Services alone is forced to euthanize literally thousands of unwanted cats and dogs every year due to pet overpopulation, and that is just THIS county. Adoption rates are far worse for cats. Even if the cat is just a stray that hangs out, see the article below about how we at Coastal Cat are doing what we can to help curb pet overpopulation in the city/county. Though we would prefer to spay a pet before pregnancy, if needed, we will also spay a pet during pregnancy given that the alternative is more unwanted, homeless pets. Every pet spayed and neutered is that many fewer that will be exponentially adding to the problem in the future. Just do it! (But call for an appointment first) :) |
As Easter nears, beware accidental cat poisoningsFriday, 22 March 2013 17:59 | Written by Dr. Smith | | |
Everyone love the beautiful lilies we get at Easter time. Not everyone realized how deadly toxic they are for cats. All parts of the plant are toxic. Even just a few leaves or the water from the bottom of the pot can be enough to completely destroy a cat's kidneys (aka dead cat). Be aware of this danger and keep them out of the house if you own pets and please pass this on to your pet-owning friends so that they can avoid tragedy as well. You can read more here in an article by a full-time poison control DVM.
In other news, we will be closed April 1 to celebrate Easter Monday with our families. We will be open our regular hours the rest of the week. Last Updated (Friday, 22 March 2013 18:05) Did you know that Coastal Cat works with ferals and strays in our community?Wednesday, 30 January 2013 16:36 | Written by Dr. Smith | | |
Coastal Cat Clinic is one of very few veterinarians in this county who is willing to work with feral cats and neighborhood strays. "Feral" cats are un-socialized to people, usually untouchable, and usually spotted from a distance only. Stray cats are "homeless" cats but are not afraid of people. Strays usually have had an owner but have become lost or abandoned. We offer discounted surgeries to spay and neuter them, but we do REQUIRE an ear tip that goes along with the discounted procedure. In doing this, we are trying to help people do the right thing, help with pet overpopulation (a HUGE problem in this county), and to participate in the trap-neuter-return programs advocated by Alley Cat Allies and other similar programs. The left ear will be tipped, and we will give a rabies vaccine with the package price. If you are trying to catch a stray/feral cat, DO NOT simply show up on our doorstep with a cat in a trap. You are likely to be disappointed (and we really don't like to disappoint people). Please call in advance and let us know that you are trying to catch a cat. We will then put you on our schedule and hold a spot for you in case you catch your cat. If you do not, WE UNDERSTAND, but we will be sure to have time reserved to spay/neuter, and will be sure to have an extra spay pack sterilized and ready for your kitty if it ends up being a female. For more information on this program, you can click here to take you directly to the page on this site, or you can call us at (910) 938-4515 and talk to one of our receptionists for pricing, scheduling, and even some helpful hints on catching your cat. |
