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Learn how to make your home more cat-friendly with simple tips for climbing, scratching, play, enrichment, relaxation, and overall well-being.

How to Make Your Home More Cat-Friendly

How often should cats see a veterinarian? Learn about cat wellness exams, vaccine schedules, preventive care, and vet visits at every life stage.

How Often Should Cats See a Veterinarian? A Guide to Wellness Exams and Vaccines

Learn why pet vaccines are an important part of preventive care, how core and non-core vaccines work, and why staying current helps protect dogs and cats.

Pet Immunization Awareness Month: Why Vaccines Matter

Learn how cats change as they age, common senior cat health concerns, signs to watch for, and how regular veterinary care can support healthy aging.

Caring for Senior Cats: What Changes With Age?

Learn what AAHA accreditation means, why it matters for your pet's care, and how accredited veterinary hospitals maintain high standards in companion animal medicine.

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Dr. Roy Madigan, D.V.M., is not just a veterinarian. He is one of the leading experts in canine Chagas disease in the United States.
<br><br>
• Founder of Vida Pharmacal, focused on breakthrough parasitic disease treatments
<br>• Filed the first veterinary drug patent for anti-T. cruzi activity in dogs
<br>• Principal scientist for the U.S. military working dog Chagas treatment study
<br>• Veterinary lead for the Texas Chagas Task Force alongside the CDC and UT Health
<br>• Pioneer in developing diagnostic and treatment protocols for infected dogs
<br><br>
Your pet is being treated by the same expert helping shape how Chagas disease is understood nationwide.

Get In Touch

Chagas disease progresses in stages. The earlier it is identified:
<br><br>
<br>• The more treatment options are available
<br>• The better heart damage can be managed
<br>• The higher the chance of improving quality of life
<br><br>
Waiting can mean irreversible cardiac damage.

<b>Early Detection. Advanced Treatment. Led by One of the Nation’s Top Experts.</b>

<b>Do not wait for symptoms to appear.</b>

Chagas disease is often silent early on, but warning signs may include:
<br>
<br>• Lethargy or decreased activity
<br>• Fainting or collapse
<br>• Irregular heartbeat
<br>• Difficulty breathing
<br>• Unexplained weight loss
<br><br>
If your dog spends time outdoors, lives in Central Texas, or has been exposed to insects, they may be at risk even without symptoms.

If your dog may have been exposed to kissing bugs, do not wait. Chagas disease can silently damage the heart before symptoms appear. Early diagnosis can make the difference.

At Central Texas Vet, we go beyond standard testing.
Dr. Madigan is actively developing advanced serologic testing methods to improve detection accuracy.
<br><br>
Your dog’s evaluation may include:
<br>
<br>• Comprehensive physical exam
<br>• Cardiac screening
<br>• Specialized blood testing for T. cruzi
<br>• Advanced diagnostics when needed
<br><br>
Early detection allows for better management and improved outcomes.

Chagas disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, transmitted by “kissing bugs” commonly found in Texas.
Once infected, dogs may appear normal while the parasite attacks the heart and other organs.
<br><br>
Without intervention, Chagas can lead to:
<br>
<br>• Heart disease
<br>• Arrhythmias
<br>• Sudden death

Questions? We Have Answers

If your dog may be at risk, schedule an evaluation today and get answers from one of the leading experts in the field.

chagas-disease

<p dir="auto">At The Animal Hospital of Smithson Valley, we go beyond standard testing.</p><p dir="auto">Dr. Madigan is actively developing advanced serologic testing methods to improve detection accuracy.</p><p dir="auto">Your dog’s evaluation may include:</p><ul><li><p dir="auto">Comprehensive physical exam</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Cardiac screening</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Specialized blood testing for T. cruzi</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Advanced diagnostics when needed</p></li></ul><p dir="auto">Early detection allows for better management and improved outcomes.</p>

<p dir="auto">Dr. Roy Madigan, D.V.M., is not just a veterinarian. He is one of the leading experts in canine Chagas disease in the United States.</p><ul><li><p dir="auto">Founder of Vida Pharmacal, focused on breakthrough parasitic disease treatments</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Filed the first veterinary drug patent for anti-T. cruzi activity in dogs</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Principal scientist for the U.S. military working dog Chagas treatment study</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Veterinary lead for the Texas Chagas Task Force alongside the CDC and UT Health</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Pioneer in developing diagnostic and treatment protocols for infected dogs</p></li></ul><p dir="auto">Your pet is being treated by the same expert helping shape how Chagas disease is understood nationwide.</p>

<p dir="auto">Chagas disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, transmitted by “kissing bugs” commonly found in Texas.</p><p dir="auto">Once infected, dogs may appear normal while the parasite attacks the heart and other organs.</p><p dir="auto">Without intervention, Chagas can lead to:</p><ul><li><p dir="auto">Sudden death</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Heart disease</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Arrhythmias</p></li></ul><p dir="auto"></p>

<p dir="auto">Chagas disease progresses in stages. The earlier it is identified:</p><ul><li><p dir="auto">The more treatment options are available</p></li><li><p dir="auto">The better heart damage can be managed</p></li><li><p dir="auto">The higher the chance of improving quality of life</p></li></ul><p dir="auto">Waiting can mean irreversible cardiac damage.</p>

<p dir="auto">Chagas disease is often silent early on, but warning signs may include:</p><ul><li><p dir="auto">Lethargy or decreased activity</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Fainting or collapse</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Irregular heartbeat</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Difficulty breathing</p></li><li><p dir="auto">Unexplained weight loss</p></li></ul><p dir="auto">If your dog spends time outdoors, lives in Central Texas, or has been exposed to insects, they may be at risk even without symptoms.</p>

chagas-disease-ahsv

Chagas disease progresses in stages. The earlier it is identified:
<br><br>
<br>• The more treatment options are available
<br>• The better heart damage can be managed
<br>• The higher the chance of improving quality of&nbsp; life
<br><br>
Waiting can mean irreversible cardiac damage.<div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>

Chagas disease is often silent early on, but warning signs may include:
<br>
<br>• Lethargy or decreased activity
<br>• Fainting or collapse
<br>• Irregular heartbeat
<br>• Difficulty breathing
<br>• Unexplained weight loss
<br><br>
If your dog spends time outdoors, lives in Central Texas, or has been exposed to insects, they may be at risk even without symptoms.<div><br></div><div><br></div>

chagas-disease-ctv

contact-us

Chagas disease progresses in stages. The earlier it is identified:
<br><br>
<br>• The more treatment options are available
<br>• The better heart damage can be managed
<br>• The higher the chance of improving quality of life
<br><br>
Waiting can mean irreversible cardiac damage.<div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>

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Androscoggin Animal Hospital has a curated hub for pet owners in Topsham, Brunswick, Bath and surrounding areas. It includes helpful links for financial aid like CareCredit, pet insurance plans, training & boarding facilities, general pet health & safety info, microchipping, adoption resources and local dog parks. Easily access trusted external resources and local services in one place.

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<h1 dir="auto">How to Make Your Home More Cat-Friendly</h1><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">Cats may spend much of their day napping, but they also need an environment that supports their natural instincts to climb, scratch, explore, hunt, and rest. A thoughtfully designed home can help reduce stress, encourage healthy activity, and improve your cat's overall quality of life.</p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">Whether you've recently adopted a kitten or are looking to enhance your longtime companion's environment, a few simple changes can make your home more comfortable and enriching for your feline friend.</p><h2 dir="auto">Create Vertical Spaces</h2><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">Cats naturally enjoy observing their surroundings from elevated locations. Climbing and perching help them feel safe while allowing them to survey their environment.</p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">Cat trees, shelves designed for climbing, sturdy window perches, and other elevated resting spots provide opportunities for exercise and exploration. Offering multiple levels throughout your home can be especially helpful in households with more than one cat, giving each pet a place to retreat when they want some quiet time.</p><h2 dir="auto">Provide Plenty of Scratching Opportunities</h2><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">Scratching is a normal and healthy behavior for cats. It helps maintain their claws, stretch their muscles, and mark territory.</p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">Instead of trying to discourage scratching altogether, provide appropriate places where your cat can scratch. Many cats enjoy a variety of surfaces, including vertical scratching posts, horizontal scratchers, and cardboard scratch pads.</p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">Placing scratching surfaces near favorite sleeping areas or entryways encourages your cat to use them regularly.</p><h2 dir="auto">Make Time for Daily Play</h2><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">Interactive play helps satisfy your cat's natural hunting instincts while providing valuable physical exercise and mental stimulation.</p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">Toy wands, balls, puzzle toys, and small toys that mimic prey can encourage movement and keep indoor cats active. Even two or three short play sessions each day can help reduce boredom and support a healthy weight.</p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">Rotating toys every few weeks can also help keep playtime interesting.</p><h2 dir="auto">Give Your Cat a Quiet Place to Relax</h2><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">Every cat benefits from having a safe space where they can rest without interruption.</p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">Soft beds, cozy blankets, covered cat beds, or quiet rooms can provide a sense of security, particularly during busy times or when guests are visiting.</p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">Senior cats may especially appreciate easily accessible resting areas that don't require climbing or jumping.</p><h2 dir="auto">Keep the Litter Box Clean and Accessible</h2><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">A clean litter box is essential for both your cat's comfort and overall health.</p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">Most cats prefer a quiet location that is easy to reach and away from food and water bowls. Scooping the litter box daily and cleaning it regularly encourages consistent use.</p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">If you have more than one cat, providing multiple litter boxes throughout the home can help reduce stress and minimize conflicts.</p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">Changes in litter box habits should never be ignored, as they can sometimes indicate an underlying medical or behavioral concern.</p><h2 dir="auto">Offer Fresh Water in Multiple Locations</h2><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">Cats don't always drink as much water as they should, making hydration an important part of their daily care.</p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">Providing fresh water in several locations throughout your home may encourage your cat to drink more frequently. Some cats also prefer drinking from pet water fountains because of the continuously moving water.</p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">If your cat primarily eats dry food, increasing water intake can be especially beneficial.</p><h2 dir="auto">Create a Safe Indoor Environment</h2><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">Keeping cats indoors helps protect them from many potential dangers, including traffic, wildlife, parasites, and contagious diseases.</p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">Even indoor cats should have opportunities to enjoy nature safely. Window perches allow cats to watch birds and other outdoor activity, while secure enclosed patios or supervised outdoor time can provide additional enrichment when appropriate.</p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">It's also important to keep potentially harmful items, such as toxic plants, medications, cleaning products, and small objects, safely out of reach.</p><h2 dir="auto">Keep Their Mind Active</h2><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">Mental enrichment is just as important as physical exercise.</p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">Puzzle feeders, treat-dispensing toys, training sessions, and introducing new toys or scents can help stimulate your cat's curiosity. Simple activities like hiding treats or creating cardboard box "forts" encourage natural exploration and problem-solving.</p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">Providing new experiences in a safe, predictable way helps prevent boredom and supports emotional well-being.</p><h2 dir="auto">Don't Forget Preventive Healthcare</h2><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">Even in the most cat-friendly home, routine veterinary care remains essential.</p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">Cats are skilled at hiding signs of illness, and many health conditions develop gradually. Regular wellness exams allow your veterinarian to monitor your cat's health, recommend preventive care, and detect subtle changes before they become more serious.</p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">A healthy environment and preventive veterinary care work together to help your cat enjoy the best possible quality of life.</p><h2 dir="auto">A Happy Home Starts with Understanding Your Cat</h2><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">Every cat has their own personality and preferences, but all cats benefit from an environment that allows them to express their natural behaviors safely and comfortably.</p><p dir="auto"></p><p dir="auto">By providing opportunities to climb, play, scratch, explore, and rest, you're creating a home that supports both your cat's physical health and emotional well-being. Combined with regular veterinary care, these simple changes can help your feline companion thrive for years to come.</p><p dir="auto"></p>

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androscogginanimalhospital

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<p>Here at Androscoggin Animal Hospital, we accept many different payment options, including cash, checks, CareCredit, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express.</p>

<p>To help us provide the best care possible, payment is required at the time of service. We accept cash and all major credit cards, and we are happy to offer a deferred interest payment plan through CareCredit.</p>

<p>Get the care you need today, and pay for treatment costs overtime with a Scratch plan.</p>

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Permanent ID for Peace of Mind. A collar can come off. A tag can get lost. But a microchip is a permanent, tamper-proof way to make sure your pet always has a way home. At (), we offer safe and simple microchip implantation, so your pet stays connected to you, no matter what.

Pet Microchipping

Get expert pet care from home with virtual vet telemedicine at (). Our licensed vets provide secure, convenient video visits for minor issues, follow-ups, and wellness advice, perfect for anxious pets or busy owners. Book your virtual vet appointment today.

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Laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses light to stimulate healing and reduce pain in animals.

Laser Therapy

Ensure your pet travels safely with veterinary health certificates and travel documentation support. Our veterinarians provide exams, guidance, and required paperwork to help prepare your pet for travel based on your destination and specific requirements.

Pet Health Certificates

Saying goodbye is the hardest part of loving a pet. When that time comes, you deserve clarity, comfort, and the space to make decisions with peace of mind.

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When your pet needs medication, trust and convenience matter. At (), we prescribe and dispense medications directly from the team whos seen your pet, knows their health history, and understands their specific needs.
No guessing, no delays, and no unnecessary confusion.


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Skin issues are one of the most common reasons pets end up at the vet, and they're also some of the most frustrating. Allergies, infections, or even food sensitivities can all cause your pet discomfort.

Dermatology & Allergy Care

When pets act out, there's almost always a reason. Anxiety, fear, medical conditions, or past trauma can show up as barking, biting, hiding, or destruction. Our job is to uncover the cause and help your pet feel safe again.

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A sudden limp. A skipped meal. A look that says something's off. When your pet isn't feeling right, same-day answers make all the difference. 

Urgent Care

When your pet isn't acting like themselves, diagnostic testing helps us find the reason. From bloodwork, urine testing, and fecal exams to x-rays, these tests give us a window into what's happening inside, so we can take action before things get worse.

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Your pet can't tell you when something's wrong. That's why regular wellness exams are so important. These visits give us the chance to catch health issues early, before they become painful or costly.  

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Comprehensive surgical services, from routine procedures to complex operations, all are performed with expert care.

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Bad breath isn't just annoying - it's often a sign of deeper health issues. Dental disease in pets can lead to oral pain, local or systemic infection, tooth loss, and even heart, liver, or kidney complications. 

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Fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms are not just a nuisance, they are dangerous. These tiny pests can cause serious health issues like Lyme disease, heartworm disease, and tapeworms. 

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When pets get sick or injured, you want answers fast. Advanced imaging gives us a deeper look, without invasive procedures.


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Vaccines are one of the most important tools we have to protect pets from serious, often deadly diseases. Whether you have a rambunctious or a relaxed pet, vaccinations help your pet build strong immunity and avoid preventable illness.

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Simplify pet care with affordable wellness packages at (). Our customized plans cover exams, vaccines, parasite prevention, and diagnostics for every life stage, puppy, adult, or senior. Enjoy predictable pricing, peace of mind, and healthier pets with routine, proactive care.

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Discover hidden dental issues before they cause pain with pet dental radiology at (). Our veterinary dental X-rays reveal infections, bone loss, and tooth damage beneath the gum line, ensuring safer, more effective treatment. Non-invasive and included in every comprehensive dental cleaning, dental radiographs for pets help protect your pet's health, comfort, and smile for years to come.


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Spaying or neutering your pet is one of the most important decisions you can make for their long-term health. It helps prevent certain cancers and infections, curbs unwanted behaviors, and reduces the number of orphaned pets in shelters.

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How to Make Your Home More Cat-Friendly

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