Brick City Cat Hospital

02/19/2026

Dr. Miller spent a week with the Hill’s Pet Nutrition team out in Topeka, Kansas earlier this February!

“I had the great opportunity to spend a few days at the Hill’s Pet Nutrition center in Kansas. Myself and several other new veterinarians were able to tour the first manufacturing plant for the company, learn the science and studies behind feline nutrition, and learned how much science goes behind each diet type development prior to its release to commercial markets. I’m super excited to share what I’ve learned with each patient and owner I see at Brick City!

For cats especially, there is so much research that goes behind each can or bag of cat food that the public will never see. Every inch of the product is tested by the research cats for palatability, texture, smell/auroma, and so much more. Cats are known for their selectivity when eating, so the science dives into testing shapes, sizes and textures of the kibbles. And don’t worry, the research cats are living their best lives with tons of enrichment, love and care at the Pet Nutrition Center!”

02/18/2026

02/17/2026

🐱 Cats have blood types and it REALLY matters 🩸

Unlike people, cats mainly have three blood types: A, B, and AB. About 95 percent of cats are type A, type B makes up roughly 1 to 10 percent depending on breed and region, and type AB is very rare, usually less than 1 percent.

Breed matters more than many people realize when it comes to blood type. Type B is seen more commonly in breeds like British Shorthairs, Devon Rex, Cornish Rex, Persians, Exotic Shorthairs, Scottish Folds, Birmans, and Turkish Vans. Type AB has been reported most often in breeds such as Ragdolls, Birmans, Devon Rex, and some domestic shorthairs, but it remains uncommon overall.

Why do we care? Cats naturally have antibodies against other blood types. That means giving the wrong blood during a transfusion can be fatal, even the first time. Blood type also matters for breeding. A type B mom nursing type A or AB kittens can cause neonatal isoerythrolysis, a preventable but life threatening condition in newborn kittens.

Junie, our newest clinic cat, had a blood transfusion that saved her life when she was only 4 weeks old. Despite her domestic short hair breed, she has type B blood, which made it difficult for us to initially find a donor. Dr. Miller recently typed her domestic medium hair cat just for fun, and he tested as type B also!

Knowing a cat’s blood type saves lives. Whether it’s transfusions, blood donors, or breeding decisions, this tiny detail makes a huge difference. Be sure to ask Dr. Salpeter and Dr. Miller about blood typing if you're interested in learning more or getting your cat tested! 🐾🩺

02/16/2026

Dental disease is one of the most common—and most overlooked—pain sources in cats. Bad breath, tartar, drooling, picky eating, or chewing on one side can all point to a mouth that hurts. During Pet Dental Health Month, consider scheduling a dental evaluation so we can assess your cat’s teeth and gums and discuss whether a COHAT (professional dental cleaning with full oral exam) is the best next step for comfort and long-term health. Book now at brickcitycat.com, or call our front desk at 352-732-7877.
https://brickcitycat.com/dentals

02/10/2026

Attention: Cat Lovers

SNR services will not be available in at MCAS this week. Please close cat traps intended for use with our program. We will resume normal operations on 18th & 19th.

To learn more about this program, please visit http://bit.ly/4bIvrul.

02/10/2026

My name is Junie B. Jones. The B stands for Bug. Except I don't like Bug. I like B, and that's all.

Everyone give your happiest purr, chirps and pets to our newest member of the Brick City clinic cat family, Junie!

Junie was brought in initially as a very sick little kitten when she was only 4 weeks old. She was severely anemic and dehydrated from fighting off a parasite that affects your red blood cells. She desperately needed a blood transfusion; however, we soon discovered she has an uncommon blood type which complicated options for donors. After several days of hospitalization, antibiotics, and supportive care, we were able to find a donor for her and provided her with the lifesaving blood transfusion.

Junie's struggles with life were far from over, even after she recovered from the blood-borne parasite. After fighting off intestinal parasites, oral ulcerations, ringworm and then several upper respiratory tract infections later, June Bug is now officially healthy enough to make her debut as our newest clinic cat. Thanks to her rare blood type, we hope she will be able to give back by offering life-saving blood transfusions to other cats in need.

If you see this little girl running around the hospital, be sure to say hi! Over the past few months, she has adjusted well to life with her sister Betty at her new home here at BCCH. We are excited for many more years to come with Junie on our team!

02/09/2026

Cats are experts at hiding discomfort, so by the time signs are obvious, a problem may already be advanced. Subtle clues like less jumping, changes in appetite, hiding more, irritability, or bad breath can be your cat’s quiet way of asking for help. This February, let’s be proactive with a wellness exam and any recommended screening so we can spot concerns early and keep your cat feeling their best. Book now at brickcitycat.com, or call our front desk at 352-732-7877.