Taking Your Pet for an Annual Check-up

Seasonal Threats: Three Things Spring Holds For Your Cat

by Camila Holmes

Spring has sprung, and chances are your cat is more than eager to go outside and soak up the sunshine. It might seem like a good time to be a cat, but spring brings lots of problems for cats with it. To be fully prepared for this warm season, read this guide to protect your cat from these threats.

Weeds

When spring hits, everything starts growing again, including the weeds. Weeds are a serious problem for cats. They come off and stick to your cat's fur when your kitty rubs up against the plants. Unfortunately, these weeds can cause fur clumps that can pull on your cat's fur, which can ultimately cause fur loss. Your cat may also consume some of them accidentally while cleaning their fur, and some plants are toxic to cats. Lastly, certain types of weeds, in particular, are dangerous, like foxtails. These weeds have been shown to cause serious damage to all kinds of pets and can even get lodged in a cat's lungs.

Allergies

Cats are born to roam the great outdoors, but that doesn't mean that they're immune to everything the spring has to offer. Your cat could have allergies, just like many humans do when springtime hits.

Cats often experience allergic reactions to pollen and plants. Since your cat walks through plants and is on the level of many flowers, they often come face-to-face with pollen. This can leave your cat with typical allergy symptoms, like sneezing, coughing, and even skin rashes or swelling.

Allergies can be easily treated and prevented with certain medications courtesy of a veterinarian. If you think your cat is having allergies, seek medical attention.

Territorial Battles

Lastly, spring is the season of new beginnings - kittens and other small baby animals. That's right: if your cat isn't fixed, they'll probably be seeking a mate soon. If they are fixed, they could still potentially be in danger from other territorial cats who are fighting over turf, food, and potential mates.

The best way to protect your cat in this instance is to get them fixed. If you hear cat fights in your neighborhood, keep your kitty indoors. Chances are males are currently fighting over a female and it's best to keep your cat away from the fights.

Spring can be a joy for your cat, or a serious problem. To protect your cat from all these problems, visit a veterinarian, such as at Acequia Animal Hospital . They can examine your cat and provide advice and medication for all their needs, grooming if they need it, and spaying or neutering surgery.

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