Here are a few fun ways to celebrate International Cat Day (and maybe earn a few extra headbutts in return).

1. Add a New Perch or Hideout

Cats love vertical space. Climbing, perching, and observing their surroundings from up high helps cats feel safe and in control. Consider adding a new window perch, cat tree, or even a DIY cat shelf to give your kitty more room to climb around and nap in style. 

2. Make Time to Play

A feather wand, a crinkly ball, or even a cardboard box can be all it takes to get your cat moving. Playtime isn’t just entertainment—it’s exercise, mental stimulation, and bonding all rolled into one. Try out a new toy or switch up your usual routine to keep things interesting.

Bonus: Try clicker training or puzzle feeders to challenge your cat in a new way!

3. Plan an Outdoor Adventure

Is your cat craving a little fresh air? Some cats really enjoy outdoor time, as long as it’s safe and supervised. Consider setting up a secure catio, going for a stroller walk, or even trying leash training. 

4. Offer a Special Treat

Whether it’s freeze-dried fish, a sprinkle of catnip, or a lickable snack, your cat deserves something a little fancy today. Just be mindful of portion sizes, and maybe save the bribery for getting their nails trimmed. 

5. Adopt a Cat

Thinking about adding a cat to the family? International Cat Day is the perfect excuse to visit a local rescue or shelter and see who’s waiting to find their forever home.

6. Give Back with Adoption Kits

If you’re not ready to adopt, consider volunteering at a local cat rescue or making a donation. From litter boxes and scratching posts to comfy beds and food, it’s worth putting together a few things for the cats that are still waiting for a home. You might even consider putting together adoption kits for families who adopt a new cat! 

Give Your Cat a Day Worth Purring About

International Cat Day is the perfect reason to show your cat a little extra appreciation. Whether you’re celebrating with a new toy or just a quiet cuddle on the couch, what matters most is spending time together.

It’s also a good reason to schedule your cat’s next checkup! Veterinary care will help you keep your cat healthy, happy, and purring for many International Cat Days to come. Our team at Anasazi Animal Clinic is here with personalized care for every cat and expert advice for their owners.

Photo by Pet foto on Pexels used with permission under the creative commons license for commercial use 7/17/2025

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25 Reasons to Adopt a Pet

1. Save a life.

   When you adopt a pet from a shelter or rescue organization, you’re literally saving their life. Maricopa County shelters have a very high intake-to-adoption rate, but in other places, many homeless pets are euthanized.

2. Support a good cause.

   Your adoption fees go toward feeding and sheltering other animals and helping them find good homes.

3. Prevent pet overpopulation.

   Most pets at shelters have already been neutered by the time they’re ready for adoption. This saves you the expense of an operation, and prevents the birth of puppies or kittens that might not be wanted.

4. Adopt at any age.

   Breeders typically only sell puppies and kittens, but when you adopt from a shelter you can choose from pets of all ages. If you’re not ready to house-train a puppy, adopting an older dog is a great idea.

5. Promote kindness to animals.

   Giving a cat or dog a fur-ever home is one of the kindest things you can do, and adopting from a shelter or rescue is a great way to support the welfare of other animals. 

6. Find companionship.

   When you adopt a pet, they become your best friend for life. They’ll sleep on your bed and follow you to the bathroom. As long as they’re around, you’ll never be lonely. 

7. Get emotional support and affection.

   Though it might seem like they’re only in it for the treats, your pets love you unconditionally. They show their love in lots of ways—like a wagging tail or a head bump—and they always miss you when you’re gone. 

8. Enjoy more snuggles.

   Speaking of affection, there’s hardly anyone who couldn’t use more cuddles. Just imagine a warm little cat purring on your lap, or a dog curled up next to you while you watch tv.

9. Make new friends.

   People love talking about their pets, and now you get to join the club! Make new friends at the dog park or bond over cute cat photos with your coworkers.

10. Get to know your neighbors.

    Whether you’re taking a walk around the block with your dog or chilling with your cat on the front porch, pets are a great way to meet your neighbors. And if your neighbors like pets, too, they might even be willing to pet-sit once in a while.

11. Get more exercise.

    If one of your new year’s resolutions is to start jogging or going for walks every day, getting a dog will keep you on track. 

12. Try new hobbies.

    Whether you take up hiking and try out some of our local dog-friendly trails, or get your thumbs greener growing a catnip garden, pets can inspire lots of new activities.

13. Laugh more often.

    Pets always bring more laughter into our lives. The antics they get up to and the funny faces they make when they get into silly predicaments are priceless. 

14. Reduce stress.

    Whether it’s the laughter, the cuddles, or the cuteness, we’re not sure. But studies show that people with pets have lower cortisol levels and even handle stressful situations better when their pets are near.

15. Experience less anxiety.

    Being around your pet stimulates the release of oxytocin, an endorphin that makes you feel calmer and more relaxed. Having a pet also gives you a better place to focus your attention—playing with them will help relieve some of your worries and fears.

16. Wake up earlier.

    You can’t oversleep when you have a pet—it’s impossible. They know your schedule, and when breakfast is late, they’ll let you know.

17. Build a stable routine.

    When you have a pet, your days are going to be measured by meal times and walks. Pets need stability, and they’ll hold you to a regular schedule.
    

18. Have better mental health.

    When you add up the facts that pets make you happier, less stressed, and less anxious—as well as bringing more stability to your life—it’s easy to see how their steady companionship can lift your spirits.

19. Improve your heart health.

    Pets are good for your heart in more ways than one. Besides all the love they give you, having a pet could also help lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

20. Strengthen your relationships.

    Couples that have pets tend to spend more time together. Plus, you always have at least one thing to talk about—your beloved pet!

21. Feel more secure.

    If you live alone, having a pet can make you feel safer at home. Dogs will bark a warning to any strangers, and cats are always on the alert for intruders.

22. Prompt personal growth.

    People have often reported a sense of self improvement after adopting a pet. Whether they became more compassionate, more patient, or more disciplined, they say that adopting a pet made them a better person.

23. Teach—or learn—responsibility.

    When you have a pet depending on you, their welfare is in your hands. Caring for a pet is a great way to teach kids the importance of taking responsibility for daily chores like scooping the litter box or washing food and water bowls. 

24. Find a sense of purpose.

    For many people, their pet is the reason they get up in the morning. And it’s not just because their pet wants breakfast. Having someone to care for can help you find meaning in life every single day.

25. Give happiness.

    As happy as our pets make us, we know that the time we spend together makes them even happier. The littlest things—like a treat, some grooming, or a spontaneous game of fetch—will make your pet happier than you might realize.

Local Vet in Gilbert, Arizona

If you decide to adopt a pet this year, congratulations! We are certain that you won’t regret it, and if you need any help along the way, we’re here for you. Anasazi Animal Clinic is fully equipped to provide the veterinary services you’ll need to keep your cat, kitten, dog, or puppy in good health. We’ll give your pet a thorough checkup and set some time aside to answer all of your questions about pet care.

Contact us to schedule an appointment today—we always look forward to meeting new pets! 

Photo by Yogendra Singh on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons License for commercial use 12/30/24.

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Cat Years vs. Human Years

Cats mature quite quickly. When a cat is one year old, they’re physically a teenager—about 15 years old—and by their second birthday, they’re already an adult of 24. After that, cats continue to age about four years for every calendar year. If they live for 21 years, they’ll be the equivalent of 100 years old in cat years.

If you want to figure out your cat’s age, try this cat years to human years calculator. 

Cats can live a long time! The average lifespan for an indoor cat is about 15-17 years, but many cats will live for twenty years or more. Unfortunately, the same is not true for outdoor cats. Because of the dangers they face from vehicles, predators, and diseases, they usually only survive for two to three years.

Dog Years vs. Human Years

Like kittens, puppies also grow up quickly. By the time they’re six months old, they’re the same age as a 12-year-old human. And by their second birthday, they’re about 25. After that, they age about five years for every birthday. Your dog will be the equivalent of 50 years old at the age of seven.

Try out this calculator to learn your dog’s age in human years.

Lifespans for dogs vary greatly by size and by breed. For example, mixed-breed dogs tend to live longer than purebred dogs, and small to medium sized dogs live longer than large or giant dogs. So the number of dog years to human years is slightly different for every pup.

Caring for Your Pets As They Age

Puppies and kittens need different types of care than dogs and cats, and older pets often need special care as well. You may need to make changes to your pet’s diet, find gentler forms of exercise, or help them cope with aches and pains. As pets age, they also need frequent veterinary exams to check for signs of illness and disease. The sooner sick pets can get treatment, the longer their lives will be.

Veterinary Care for Pets of All Ages in Gilbert, Arizona

At Anasazi Animal Clinic, we want to help your pet live the healthiest, happiest life possible. We know pets don’t live forever, but we’ll do everything we can to make sure your pet gets the long life they deserve. Whether your cat or dog is still a teenager or “getting up there” in human years, we provide a full range of medical services for pets of all ages. Contact us to make an appointment for a wellness exam today.

Photo by Pawtography Perth on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 12/14/24.

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Halloween Treats You Can Make for Your Pet

Making these treats isn’t tricky at all, and your pets will love them. With just a few ingredients and a little time, you’ll have pet treats for days. And if you buy a few Halloween-themed cookie cutters, you can make your pet treats even more festive! 

Two Easy Recipes for Homemade Cat Treats

Carrot and Catnip Kitty Cat Treats

Do you have a cat that goes crazy for catnip? Surprise them with these nutritious carrot-catnip treats. With only five ingredients, they’re easy to make, and your kitty will love them.

Hairball Control Cat Treats

Does your cat cough up a lot of hairballs? This recipe includes ingredients like pumpkin and ground flaxseed to help ease hair through the digestive system.

Two Easy Recipes for Homemade Dog Treats

Pumpkin Oat Dog Treats

Are these treats the doggy version of a pumpkin spice latte? They might be! With only three ingredients, these seasonally-appropriate cookies are super easy to make. 

Peanut Butter Banana Dog Treats

Here’s another easy recipe with only three ingredients: fresh ground peanut butter, bananas, and oatmeal. If your dog is crazy about peanut butter, they’ll love these treats. 

Halloween Safety Tips for Pets

We can’t let you go without our annual reminder that pet safety is even more important at Halloween. Spooky season is a lot of fun, but pets don’t appreciate the “tricks” as much as they do the treats. Follow these tips to keep your pets safe this Halloween.

• Keep candy out of reach of pets, especially chocolate. You don’t have to worry as much about this with cats, but as you know, dogs will eat anything. Keep a close eye on your dog when you’re out for walks—they’ve been known to swallow discarded candy wrappers, which can be very dangerous.
• Don’t make your pet wear a costume or go trick-or-treating if they don’t want to. If they resist getting dressed up, or seem scared by all the strangers in costume, please respect their feelings. Frightened pets can bolt and get lost or hurt, and Halloween is a dangerous night for pets to be on their own outside.
• Avoid costumes with small pieces or dangling threads that could be swallowed by pets if they fall off. Foreign objects can cause life-threatening intestinal blockage. And avoid dangerous accessories like glow sticks. The liquid inside them is poisonous to pets, so if you’re trick-or-treating after dark, use flashlights or headlamps instead. 

Happy Halloween to Our Neighbors in Gilbert and Chandler!

The team at Anasazi Animal Clinic is dedicated to helping you keep your pets happy and healthy. If your pet ever needs care, we’re here for you. We also love seeings cute pets in cute costumes! If your dog or cat lets you dress them up this year, don’t forget to show us the pictures next time you visit. Give us a call at 480-497-0505 or send us a message to schedule an exam. 

Photo by Adam Gonzales on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 9/5/24.

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Five Valentine’s Day “Pet Date” Ideas

1: Day Spa Date

Pay a visit to the spa—or to the groomer, in your pet’s case. They’ll come out smelling fresh and looking gorgeous, all trimmed, detangled, and fabulous. Or, give your pet a little luxury spa treatment at home with a full-body brushing session, a nail trim, and maybe even a bath.

2: Matching Accessories

If your pet likes to dress up, festive outfits always make fun photos. You could wear matching red sweaters, heart-patterned bandanas, cute pink bows, or Valentine-themed bow ties. 

3: Valentine’s Treats

Since a box of chocolates is out of the question, bring home a fresh bag of your pet’s favorite treats instead. Or, if you like to bake, your dog would love a special batch of heart-shaped doggy biscuits. And instead of flowers, your cat might appreciate a bouquet of wheatgrass to chomp on.

4: Candlelight Dinner

Feeling fancy? Light some pet-safe candles (or turn on some LED candles) and enjoy a glass of fine wine and hors d’oeuvres while your cat enjoys some Fancy Feast in a crystal bowl. Or, make a home-cooked meal for your dog and feed them tidbits while you make your own dinner. 

5: Movie Date

Curl up and cuddle on the couch together while you watch your favorite movies. Pop some popcorn, grab a bag of pet treats, turn on the tv and get cozy. Whether it’s a romantic comedy or an action adventure or a classic black-and-white film, it’s the time spent together that’s important.

Loving Vets in Gilbert

Every member of the Anasazi Animal Clinic team has pets that they love a lot! So when you bring your pet to us, you can rest assured that they will be getting the most loving, compassionate care available. We offer a wide range of veterinary services, from checkups to vaccinations and everything in between. We’re also here for you if there’s ever an emergency. 

If you’re looking for vets with big hearts, you’ve come to the right place! Give us a call or send us a message online to make an appointment today. 

Photo by Nils on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 2/08/2024.

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Five Halloween Pet Safety Tips

1: Keep Candy Away from Pets

Most people know that chocolate is toxic to pets, but it’s not the only kind of candy that can be dangerous. Candy with raisins, nuts, or xylitol can be poisonous, too. Keep all candy out of reach of pets, and make sure that pets can’t get into the trash. When you’re walking your dog after Halloween, keep a close eye out for discarded candy or wrappers. If a dog swallows a candy wrapper, it could cause a life-threatening intestinal blockage.

2: Choose Safe Costumes

Halloween costumes are fun, but they aren’t always very well made. Bits and bobs and dangly things can easily fall off—or get chewed off—and swallowed by pets. Loose threads or wig hairs can cause all sorts of problems, so choose your costume carefully. The same goes for pet costumes, too. And while we’re on the subject, never force your pet to wear a costume. No matter how adorable those Instagram photos would turn out, it’s not worth causing your pet anxiety. 

3: Stay Alert If You Take Your Pet Out

If you plan to take your dog trick-or-treating with you, play it safe. Make sure they’re on a leash and under your control. You’ll have to watch out for dropped candy, dashing children, cars on the road, moving Halloween decorations, and more. If you’re going out after dark, we recommend wearing a headlamp to keep your hands free. And if your dog seems reluctant to continue walking, or if they get startled by a sudden scream or a dancing skeleton, it’s best to head back home. 

4: No Glow Sticks!

Steer clear of glow sticks, especially if you have a pet that likes to chew. The liquid inside of glow sticks and glow jewelry is poisonous to pets. Ingesting it could cause retching, vomiting, and gagging. The liquid can also irritate a pet’s skin, mouth, and eyes. And it’s not just dogs that you have to watch out for—if a glow stick leaks and gets on a cat’s fur, they’ll try to groom themselves and end up swallowing it.

5: Don’t Let Your Pet Get Loose

Keep pets safe in their crates or behind closed doors if you’re expecting trick-or-treaters. Children are unpredictable, and a strange costume or loud noise could frighten even the calmest pet. If a pet gets spooked and runs out the door, they might not be able to find their way back home. To stay on the safe side, make sure your pet has identification on their collar as well as a microchip ID.

Happy Halloween to Our Neighbors in Gilbert and Chandler!

The team at Anasazi Animal Clinic is here for you if your pet gets into any trouble this Halloween. But we also love seeing pictures of cute pets and cute pet costumes! If your dog or cat lets you dress them up this year, don’t forget to show us the pictures next time you visit. Just give us a call at 480-497-0505 or send us a message to schedule a wellness exam for your pet.

Photo by Paige Cody on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 10/09/2023.

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Ten Fun Facts About Cats and Dogs

1: Pets Live in Two-Thirds of Homes in the United States

As of 2023, nearly 87 million American homes have at least one pet. Millennials currently have the most pets—if you were born between 1981 and 1996, there’s a one in three chance that you have a four-legged (or feathered) housemate.

2: Cats Have Been Living with Humans for Almost 10,000 Years

The earliest record of a domesticated cat was found at an archaeological dig in Cyprus. They uncovered the skeleton of a cat that was buried with its owner around 9,500 years ago. But even though cats have been living in our homes for such a long time, litter boxes were only invented in the 1940s.

3: Every Dog Has a Unique Nose Print

For dogs, a nose print is like a fingerprint—each one is unique! So if you have more than one dog in your family, see if you can tell whose nose print is whose the next time you’re cleaning the windows.

4: Cats Can Run As Fast As 30 MPH

When cats get the zoomies, they can really get going. The average house cat can reach top speeds of 20 miles per hour. But the fastest cat breed is the Abyssinian—these athletic cats can run as fast as 30 mph, and Bengals aren’t too far behind. 

5: Dogs Can Hear Sounds a Mile Away

Dogs can hear sounds that are four or five times farther away than sounds that humans can hear. In fact, their sense of hearing is so acute that extremely loud sounds like fireworks can literally hurt their ears.

6: Cats Can Jump Up to Five Times Their Body Length

Climbing, perching, pouncing, jumping—cats are expert acrobats. It’s what makes them such good hunters. So make sure to give your cat some jumping exercise, whether it’s playing with a feather toy or chasing a bouncy ball. And don’t be surprised if they suddenly jump up onto your desk from the floor or you find them perched on top of the refrigerator one day.  

7: The Average Dog Knows 165 Different Words

Your dog might understand what you’re saying more than they let on. In fact, most dogs know  just about as many words as a two-year-old. Some dogs can even learn 200 words or more! So even though it seems like your dog only knows “walk” and “treat” they actually have a pretty good idea what you’re talking about most of the time.

8: Cats Are Related to Tigers, But They Descended from an African Wildcat

Even though cats share 96% of their genes with tigers, they are actually more closely related to Felis sylvestris lybica, a small wildcat that lives in Africa. It looks a lot like a sandy-colored tabby cat, and hunts rodents at night on the savanna.

9: Dogs May Be Related to Wolves, But They Shouldn’t Eat Like Them

All domestic dogs have descended from wolves, but when they started living with humans, their diets changed. While some people claim that feeding your dog a raw food diet is healthier and more natural, it’s actually quite dangerous. Raw food—especially raw meat—can easily get contaminated and expose your dog to intestinal parasites or dangerous bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella.

10: Dogs Have 42 Teeth, But Cats Only Have 30

Due to their omnivorous diets, dogs have a lot more molars than cats—they need them for gnawing and chewing. Since cats are carnivores, they don’t need as many molars. However, both dogs and cats can get cavities, so brushing your pet’s teeth should be part of your daily routine.

All Pets Need Dental Care

One of the most important reasons to bring your pet in for a veterinary exam every year is to check up on their dental health. Cats and dogs can both suffer from painful tooth infections and gum disease, and can even lose their teeth if they don’t get treatment. 

If your pet is due for a checkup, bring them to Anasazi Animal Clinic. We love meeting all the pets that live in Gilbert, Chandler, and our neighboring communities here in Arizona. Give us a call at 480-497-0505 or request an appointment online today. 

Photo by Andrew S on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 9/27/2023.

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What is the most popular dog breed right now?  

The American Kennel Club (AKC) recently announced its list of the most desired breeds of dogs in 2021. Coming in at number one is the proverbial family favorite—the Labrador Retriever. 

In fact, this is the 31st time the Labrador Retriever has topped the AKC’s annual list. As any lab owner will tell you, this dog’s even temperament, intelligence, playfulness, and gentle disposition make labs a great pick for anyone. They’re great for families with kids, and for singles and couples as well. 

The top 10 dog breeds for 2021 include: 

1. Labrador Retriever
2. French Bulldog
3. Golden Retriever
4. German Shepherd
5. Poodle
6. Bulldog
7. Beagle
8. Rottweiler
9. German Shorthaired Pointer
10. Dachshund

What dog breeds do people like the most?

As we mentioned above, the Labrador Retriever has remained the top sought-after dog breed in the United States since 1991. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t lots of other dog breeds people love!

If you’re looking for an extremely affectionate dog, some top picks include the Great Dane, Pug, Boxer, and the lesser-known Alaskan Klee Kai. Some of the friendliest dog breeds include the Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Boston Terrier, Irish Setter, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. 

Looking for a four-legged friend for your morning run? Some of the best dog breeds for runners include the Weimaraner, German Shorthaired Pointer, Vizsla, and Greyhound. And if you need a dog that’s great with kids, look for a Brussels Griffon, Newfoundland, Collie, or French Bulldog. 

Most Popular Dog Breeds in Gilbert, Arizona

We know the number of dog breeds out there can be a bit mind-boggling. While the list of the ten most popular dog breeds of 2021 is a great way to start narrowing down your options, the most important factor to consider is the connection you and your family will make with your new canine friend. 

No matter what breed of dog you choose to adopt—purebred or mixed breed—Anasazi Animal Clinic is here to make sure your dog gets the best care possible. We’ll help you keep your dog up-to-date on their vaccinations and give you all the advice you need to ensure your new pet lives their best life. Call us today at 480-497-0505 to make an appointment.   

Photo by mali maeder on Pexels

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There is something elegant and mysterious about black cats. Their dark, sleek black coats hide them in the shadows so it’s almost as if they appear next to you like magic. And their black fur makes their eyes brighter and their little white teeth shinier. They’re just amazing to behold!

We hope our Gilbert and Chandler clients join us this year in celebrating National Black Cat Day on October 27th. For today’s post, we’re taking a look at National Black Cat Day history, and sharing some interesting facts about black cats you might not know. 

National Black Cat Day History

Cat Protection, a cat welfare charity based in the United Kingdom, started National Black Cat Day in 2011. The organization noticed that black cats were not being adopted as quickly or frequently as cats of other colors. Research shows that black cats are 50 percent less likely to be adopted than tabby cats and about 75 percent less likely to be adopted than white cats. 

In an effort to change those statistics, Cat Protection launched National Black Cat Day to celebrate the positive attributes of black cats, because they deserve love and affection just as much as any other cats. Since then, the power of social media has helped the campaign flourish, with thousands posting pictures of their favorite house panther with #BlackCatDay to show their support. 

Black Cat Facts

Fact 1: Black Cats Are Not Bad Luck

For centuries, people considered black cats to be bad luck or evil. A black cat crossing a person’s path foretold bad fortune coming their way. This is one of the reasons why black cats became associated with witchcraft and Halloween. 

However, many cultures view black cats as good luck. Citizens of Japan, France, and Scotland view black cats as forebearers of prosperity and good fortune, while British sailors believed that black cats would help ensure a safe voyage at sea. For the ancient Egyptians, black cats represented the goddess Bastet, half cat and half woman. 

Fact 2: There Are 22 Breeds of Black Cats

The Cat Fanciers’ Association recognizes an amazing 22 breeds of black cats. The most recognizable of these breeds is the Bombay, which truly does look like a miniature panther! Cats with completely black coats can also be found in breeds like Scottish Fold, Maine Coon, Persian, and even Sphynx, who are hairless but have black skin. 

Fact 3: Black Cats Have Advanced Immunity

Scientists discovered that the gene that causes a cat’s fur to turn black could also have an impact on its immunities. Research says black cats have stronger immune systems than cats of other colors, including increased resistance to feline immunodeficiency disorder (FIV). Researchers also believe that further mapping of a black cat’s genes could contribute to a cure for HIV in humans.

Hometown Care for All Cats in Gilbert and Chandler 

While black cats are certainly special and deserve their own holiday, here at Anasazi Animal Clinic we love to take care of all cats, regardless of their color or breed. If your cat is overdue for an annual exam, make an appointment today. 

Image by Marcela Lukášíková from Pixabay 

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Cats often have a reputation for being independent and aloof—in fact, this may keep many people from adopting them. While these traits are certainly accurate for some cats (and people too!), at Anasazi Animal Clinic in Gilbert, we want to help change this common misconception. You may be surprised at how social and affectionate some breeds can be. Here is our list of six of the friendliest cat breeds: 

1. Maine Coon

These cats are typically large and have long, thick fur. They are as cute as they are friendly! Maine Coon cats make excellent companions, and they are good pets for families with small children. They are highly affectionate—always up for a good snuggle, and they have a very social personality. Their curiosity will have them following you around everywhere. They require regular brushing to prevent matted fur, but this will give the two of you more time to bond!

2. Siamese

Siamese cats are highly intelligent, mischievous, and very vocal. They will always let you know what they think! Not only are they beautiful cats, they are also very loving. They require a great deal of social interaction in the form of stimulating play and lots of affection, but this will be rewarded with a strong bond. 

3. Ragdoll 

This large cat breed is very docile, sweet, and quiet. Ragdolls are ideal for families with children or for people looking for a loving, low-maintenance pet. Much like a doll, they like to be held, snuggled, and carried wherever you go. Ragdolls follow their humans around the house, greet them at the door, and even like to play fetch—you might almost think you got a dog! These cats need plenty of interactive play to ensure that they get adequate exercise. 

4. American Shorthair

One of the most common pets in North America, this breed is the quintessential “housecat.” American Shorthairs have distinct coats in a wide array of colors. They are extremely adaptable, making them a great choice for families with young kids or people who move a lot. They love attention and snuggling, but don’t demand it. They are content to lay in the sun when you need to focus on something else. 

5. Scottish Fold

This unique breed is known for its ears—a random genetic mutation happened naturally that caused their ears to fold forward. But their ears aren’t the only thing that sets them apart. Scottish Fold cats are exceptionally affectionate and social. They don’t like being left alone, so if you work long days or travel frequently, it may not be a good fit. But if you have time to give her the love and attention this cat needs, she will be a devoted companion.

6. Sphynx 

These completely hairless cats get cold easily so they love a warm, cozy lap. Sphynx cats are very social, active, and devoted to their humans. They love to be the center of attention and are very talkative. Some might think they look moody, but personalities are actually far from that—unless you disturb their slumber. They are friendly with children and other pets—they love snuggling up to a warm, furry friend. 

Cat Care in Gilbert

Is your cat on our list of friendliest cat breeds? Let us know if you think your cat should make the list! At Anasazi Animal Clinic, we love cats of all kinds. Bring yours in for an annual wellness check. For tips on reducing the stress of getting your cat to the vet, check out this blog post. We look forward to seeing your cat, whether she’s friendly or shy! 

Image used under creative commons license – commercial use (12/15/2020)
Photo by Sergey Semin on Unsplash

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