For Cat Owners

Cat Care Information in Canton: Resources and Brochures

Welcome to our resource page designed specifically for cat owners! We recognize that cats are unique in their needs and design amongst our common domestic pets, and recognizing and meeting these unique needs contributes greatly to their health and well-being.

Many cats do not get the necessary preventative care and environmental enrichment they need due to the fact that they are masters at hiding signs of illness and stress. This is compounded by the fact that many of us do not realize the need for cats to have regular veterinary exams and often dread just trying to get our cat to the vet. Thankfully we now have many ways to make travel with our cat less stressful and optimize our homes to meet the special needs of our cat family members.

In order to help you provide your feline friend with the best care and optimal longevity, we have compiled a list of resources that combine the latest in scientific research from trusted resources that are considered experts in feline care. We invite you to browse the topics below. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions and concerns you have.

General Feline Care and Environmental Enrichment

The AAFP website has a wealth of helpful information and videos on all aspects of cat care and behavior. Please visit and explore their website. Visit Cat Friendly.

Cat-Friendly Caregiver: Being a cat friendly caregiver starts with learning about cats’ natural behaviors so that you understand why they act the way they do. Then you need to apply that knowledge when interacting and caring for your cat. Learn how to keep your cat happy, healthy, safe, and calm in and out of your home.

The Ohio State University's Indoor Cat initiative has been one of the leaders in helping us understand the unique needs of our cats and optimize their health and well-being. They are one of the leaders in the importance of environmental enrichment to our cats. Check them out here.

Helpful Brochures

Traveling with Your Cat and Finding the Right Carrier

Normal Scratching Behavior and Declawing

At Riverstone Animal Hospital, in accordance with the guidelines established by the American Association of Feline Practitioners, we recognize that scratching is a normal and necessary behavior for cats that can be directed properly even for strictly indoor cats. We do not perform routine declawing at our animal hospital, but we are trained to provide you with extensive information and tools to help you direct your cat’s behavior properly and avoid damaging of furniture or other valued objects in your home.

Please check out the resources below for more information about cats’ natural scratching behavior, declawing, and how to provide the resources needed for your cat to exhibit proper behavior. Feel free to contact us anytime to further discuss any concerns you have!

Feline Nutrition and the Dangers of Obesity

Cats are solitary predator hunters that are obligate carnivores and originally lived in a water-deprived desert environment. This makes them absolutely unique amongst our domestic pets in their dietary and nutritional needs. Many serious health conditions of cats can be tied to diet and nutrition, such as obesity, urethral obstruction, diabetes, kidney disease, and gastrointestinal diseases. We are making great strides in recognizing our cats’ unique needs and meeting them.

Dr. Lisa Pierson is one of the leaders in feline nutrition. She has a wealth of information compiled on her website, including links to common medical conditions, how to work with your dry food addict cat, and nutritional statistics of common cat foods. Check out her site at catinfo.org!

AAFP’s resource page about obesity

Trying to research cat nutrition on the internet can be extremely frustrating. A lot of wrong and misleading information exists that can confuse even the most informed cat owner. For trustworthy help, check out the Savvy Cat Owner’s Guide to Nutrition on the Internet

Resources on using puzzle feeders in cats

Common Medical Conditions of Cats

Visit the AAFP’s page listing common medical concerns of cats.

Degenerative Joint Disease (Arthritis) in Cats

Heartworms in Cats:
Georgia is one of the highest risk states for heartworms in dogs and cats. Many cat owners are not aware that even indoor cats are at risk for this dangerous parasite, and that there is no effective treatment for cats once they do contract heartworms. Check out the links below for the facts on heartworms in cats:

Helpful Brochures:

Feline Anesthesia

Anesthesia is a necessary protocol for most surgical procedures. It induces unconsciousness and muscle relaxation, and keeps your cat from moving during the procedure. While there are always some risks to anesthesia, every precaution is taken to minimize these, including a thorough preanesthetic exam and any needed testing. Pain medication before and after the surgery also helps to minimize pain and stress for your cat’s recovery. Learn more about anesthetic protocols in AAFP’s helpful resource!

Helpful Brochures:

Feline Anesthesia

Cat Care Information in Canton: Resources and Brochures

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