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As pet owners, one of our greatest concerns is ensuring our furry friends are happy and healthy. Recognizing signs of pain in pets can sometimes be challenging, as they can't communicate in words like we do. However, animals do have ways of letting us know when something isn't right. Here's a guide from our team, at Copper Basin Veterinary Clinic, to help you understand if your pet might be in pain and what steps you can take to help them feel better.

Is My Pet in Pain? Recognizing the Signs and Taking Action

As our beloved pets age, their health needs evolve, making preventive health screenings more crucial than ever. Senior pets, generally those over seven, are more susceptible to various health issues, and catching these problems early can significantly improve their quality of life. Explore why preventive health screenings are essential and how they can benefit your aging furry friend.

Top 5 Preventive Screenings Every Senior Pet Needs

May is Lyme Disease Prevention Month, making it the perfect time to educate pet owners about this prevalent tick-borne illness. As the weather warms up, ticks become more active, increasing the risk of Lyme disease for pets and humans.

Lyme Disease in Pets: What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know

As the weather warms up and summer kicks in, it's the perfect time to check in on your cat's health and routine. Cats are sensitive to temperature changes and seasonal shifts, so June is ideal for refreshing your feline care practices from hydration and nutrition to grooming and parasite prevention.

Whether you're a new cat parent or a seasoned pro, this guide has everything you need to help your cat thrive all month.

June Cat Care Checklist: Summer Wellness for Your Furry Friend

South Cherokee Veterinary Hospital is offering a free 30-day pet insurance trial through Trupanion - no credit card, no strings attached! Just schedule a quick exam and activate your trial within 24 hours to get 90 percent coverage for unexpected illnesses and injuries.

Free Trial Of Trupanion Pet Insurance

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As a pet owner, you might wonder why cats, unlike dogs and humans, rarely seem to contract Lyme disease. This tick-borne illness, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, can be a serious concern for many animals, but cats are notably less affected. Understanding the reasons behind this can help you better care for your feline friend and appreciate their unique biology and behaviors.Natural Groomers – One of the primary reasons cats are less likely to get Lyme disease is their fastidious grooming habits. Cats spend a significant portion of their day grooming themselves, which includes removing debris and parasites like ticks. This constant grooming often leads to the removal of ticks before they have a chance to transmit the Lyme disease bacterium.Lower Exposure – Cats, particularly indoor cats, are generally less exposed to tick-infested environments compared to dogs. Dogs are more likely to roam in areas where ticks are prevalent, such as tall grasses, wooded areas, and parks. In contrast, cats are more likely to stay closer to home and may have limited access to such environments, reducing their risk of tick bites.Immune System Differences – The feline immune system may also play a role in the lower incidence of Lyme disease. Studies suggest that cats have a different immune response to Borrelia burgdorferi compared to dogs and humans. This difference may help cats fend off the bacterium more effectively, preventing the establishment of the disease.Tick Preferences – Ticks have host preferences, and certain types of ticks are more likely to bite dogs and humans than cats. While cats can still be bitten by ticks, the species that are most efficient at transmitting Lyme disease may not prefer cats as hosts. This preference reduces the likelihood of cats being bitten by ticks that carry Borrelia burgdorferi.Symptoms Often Go Unnoticed – Even when cats are infected with the Lyme disease bacterium, they often do not show symptoms. This asymptomatic nature means that the disease goes unnoticed and unreported more frequently in cats than in dogs or humans. The absence of noticeable symptoms does not mean that cats are immune, but rather that they handle the infection differently.Prevention is Still Key – While the risk of Lyme disease in cats is low, prevention is still important, especially for outdoor cats. Here are some tips to keep your cat safe:1. Tick Prevention Products: Use veterinarian-recommended tick prevention treatments designed for cats. These can include topical treatments, collars, or oral medications.2. Regular Grooming Checks: Regularly check your cat for ticks, particularly after they’ve been outside. Focus on areas like the neck, ears, and between the toes where ticks may hide.3. Environmental Management: Maintain a tick-free yard by keeping grass short and removing leaf litter where ticks thrive. Creating a tick-safe zone can significantly reduce the risk of tick bites.4. Stay Informed: Keep up with regular veterinary check-ups and stay informed about tick prevalence in your area. Your veterinarian can provide the best advice tailored to your cat’s lifestyle and risk factors.Cats’ unique behaviors, biology, and lower exposure to tick habitats contribute to the uncommon occurrence of Lyme disease in felines. Their grooming habits, immune response, and the preferences of ticks themselves all play a role in protecting cats from this tick-borne illness. However, vigilance and preventive measures are still essential to ensure your cat’s health and safety. If you have any concerns or need guidance on tick prevention, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="link" href="https://southcherokee.net/">don’t hesitate to contact us.</a>

Ever wonder why cats rarely get Lyme disease? Learn how feline grooming habits, immunity, and lower exposure reduce risk, plus tips to keep your cat protected from ticks year-round.



Lyme Disease in Cats: Understanding Its Rare Occurrence

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Lyme Disease in Cats: Understanding Its Rare Occurrence

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