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Potential Toxins
The ASPCA Poison Control hotline is (888) 426-4435. They are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. A $65 consultation fee may be applied to your credit card.
Common household hazards to avoid.
Toxic plants; a searchable list provided by The ASPCA.
People foods that you should never feed your pet.
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Adopt a cat - save a life and fill your home with love
For a list of rescues that have cats or kittens available, search http://www.petfinder.com
Independent Animal Rescue is one of the largest rescue groups in the area with many cats, dogs, puppies and kittens ready for adoption at any time.
Safe Haven for Cats, Raleigh’s no-kill shelter. It serves Durham, Wake, Orange and Franklin counties.
Cat Angels Pet Adoptions is an area rescue that has cats and kittens.
Alley Cats and Angels of North Carolina is an area rescue with cats and kittens.
Sparkle Cat Rescue is an area rescue that has cats and kittens looking for homes.
Animal Protection Society (APS) of Durham is a not for profit organization that manages the Durham County Animal Shelter.
Orange County Animal Shelter always has a selection of pets available for adoption.
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Cats and the Outdoors
There are many differing opinions on whether cats should go outside or not. There are fewer risks and dangers indoor. However, some cats are not happy being indoors only. If you are going to let your cat outside, please make sure to have current information on a collar and a microchip.
Also, check with your veterinarian to make sure your cat has all of the necessary vaccines to keep the cat protected. You cat will need to be on flea and heartworm prevention year around as well. You may want to consider oudoor options that are proctected such as screened outdoor perches and tunnels for cats.
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End of Life Care and Grief Resources
The loss of a pet is often an extremely emotional experience. We’ve provided a few links that may be helpful in supporting you through this difficult time. If we can ever be of assistance, please do contact us.
Faithful Friends Pet Cremation provides our cremation and burial services. Their website provides links to local grief services.
SPCA of Wake County has Pet Loss Support meetings once a month.
Defining Quality of Life gives ways to evaluate your cat.
End of Life Care from the ASPCA. They have a grief hotline as well. 1-877-474-3310
Quality of Life Scale to help determine how your cat is doing.
When to consider Euthanasia has helpful suggestions on palliative care and tough decisions.
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Trusted Sources for Information
You can find a lot of inaccurate or misleading information available on the internet. Here are a few websites that we recommend.
- The Cornell Feline Health Center has many resources for both general information and specific health concerns.
- CatVets.com is managed by the American Association of Feline Practioners and has lots of information.
- Healthy Cats for Life is a site managed by the American Association of Feline Practitioners and Boehringer Ingelheim.
- American Veterinary Medical Association
- The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) provides valuable resources.
- North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association
- Online Merck Veterinary Manual for Veterinary Professionals
- www.healthypet.com is managed by the Americal Animal Hospital Association.
- The veterinarians and other experts from The Veterinay Information Network manage VeterinaryPartner.com
- My Cat Has Diabetes is an incredibly well-designed reference site with a lot of valuable information regarding treating diabetes in cats.
- Cat stuck in a tree. Look here for help.
- Petfinder has tips on behavior, litter boxes, activities, etc. You can also find pets looking for homes here
- Feline Hyperthyroidism lots of links and helpful information
- Feline Diabetes great information
- Off to a great start with your new cat or kitten
- Happy Indoor Cat has pointers on keeping you and your cat happy indoors
- Keeping Indoors Cats Happy and Safe
- Enriching Indoor Cat’s Life
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Rabies and your cat
North Carolina rabies law requires that all owned dogs, cats and ferrets must be vaccinated against rabies by 4 months of age. This vaccination must be kept current. Your cat is supposed to wear the rabies tag on the collar.
Any pet not currently vaccinated that is exposed is at risk for quarantine or euthanasia. The quarantine is ten days to six months at the owner’s expense. The decision is made by the local health director.
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Microchipping Services
We highly recommend microchipping your cat. Cats lose collars and tags easily. Having a microchip, which can’t be lost, gives your cat a better chance at being reunited with you if they should become lost.
We recommend and use HomeAgain microchips. We will implant the microchip for you and take care of your registration as well. The procedure is quick, virtually painless, and could bring your lost pet home.
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Disaster Preparedness
Below are links that provide disaster preparedness information for you and your pet:
[ASPCA Pointers](http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/animal_rescue/tips/pets-disaster.html?referrer=http://yourlocalsecurity.com/resources/protect-pets)
[[American Red Cross](http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/disaster-preparedness)](http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/animal_rescue/tips/pets-disaster.html?referrer=http://yourlocalsecurity.com/resources/protect-pets)
[[[Red Rover](http://www.redcross.org/prepare/location/home-family/pets)](http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/disaster-preparedness)](http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/animal_rescue/tips/pets-disaster.html?referrer=http://yourlocalsecurity.com/resources/protect-pets)
[[[[Alley Cat Allies](https://redrover.org/disaster-supplies-dogs)](http://www.redcross.org/prepare/location/home-family/pets)](http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/disaster-preparedness)](http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/animal_rescue/tips/pets-disaster.html?referrer=http://yourlocalsecurity.com/resources/protect-pets)
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Local Animal Control Services
- Durham County Animal Services officers are available weekdays from 8am - 10pm. After-hours, animal-related emergencies are handled by a deputy sherriff or on-call animal control officer. They can be reached at 919-560-0630.
- Orange County Animal Services is responsible for both animal control and the animal shelter in Orange County. Their phone number is 919-942-PETS (7387).
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Payment Options
Payment is expected when services are rendered. In order to focus on our patients’ needs, customer service and minimizing costs, we do not bill.
We accept most major credit cards including, Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Discover. Also, we accept cash and checks. Care credit is also accepted if you have already been approved.
We do not offer payment plans. Any special arrangements must be pre-approved by the hospital director.
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Pet Insurance
A pet insurance plan may be a valuable option in that it can provide assistance in times of unexpected accidents or illnesses. There are many pet insurance companies. To learn more about pet health insurance and insurance companies, you can go to the American Veterinary Medical Association’s web site at http://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/pet-insurance.aspx. You can also go to the Consumer Review page at https://www.consumeraffairs.com/pets/pet-insurance/
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Fireworks frighten cats!
The loud sounds of fireworks frightens cats. Make sure your cat is securely indoors prior to the fireworks. Close all doors, windows and curtains to reduce the sound. Put your cat in a quiet room and let your cat find his own place to hide or sleep. Do not try to hold or restrain a scared cat. Play soft, soothing music or the television on low. Try products like Feliway, Comfort Zone or Thundershirt. Stay calm and speak softly to your cat. Bring food, water, litter box and treats to the cat. Have identification on your cat.
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Affiliated Organizations
- We are a proud member of the American Association of Feline Practitioners. We have also gone through the extra step to be considered a Cat-Friendly Practice which means we have met or exceeded certain criteria and strive to make each cat’s visit as pleasant as possible.
- Sustain A Bull; a non-profit alliance of local, independently-owned businesses in Durham.
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