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Blackhawk Veterinary Service

5548 Route 72 East

Byron, IL 61010 US

815-234-5424

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      • Dr. Julia Sugden, MRCVS
      • Dr. Kallie Kapitanek, DVM
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  • Home >
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  • Choosing Your Pet >
  • Cats

cat getting petted

Working couples and retirees, as well as other families and singles, have discovered that cats are wonderful companions. Their entertaining antics and affectionate behaviors have endeared these animals to millions of owners. Cats come in all colors and with all kinds of coats--short, long, or curly. Some cats are quiet and appear somewhat independent, but all cats need and want attention. Also, most cats can adapt to a variety of environments.

A cat's air of independence does not mean that it can take care of all its own needs. Cat owners have important responsibilities such as providing food and water, social interaction, and changing the litter box regularly. Remember, cats have only one life, not nine! To prevent life-threatening diseases and enjoy a healthy life, your cat will require regular veterinary medical checkups and vaccinations as well. Ask your veterinarian about the common signs of feline illness.

As with dogs, are purebreds and mixed breed cats. Find more information about what breed might suit you best, continue reading below.

  • Breed Characteristics
    Category: Choosing Your Pet, Cats

    Each cat breed has certain characteristics. Although every cat is unique, certain breeds tend to be more inquisitive, lively, placid, vocal, or gentle than others. Veterinarians, cat-fancy clubs, pet stores, and cat shows are good sources of information about the personalities of various breeds. When

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  • 1
  • Pet Health
    • Chronic Conditions
    • Digestive and Oral Health
    • Diseases and Viruses
    • Pests and Parasites
    • Orthopedics
  • Today's Veterinarian
  • Choosing Your Pet
    • Finding Your Pet
    • Cats
    • Dogs
    • Exotics
      • Amphibians
      • Birds
      • Reptiles
        • Lizards
        • Turtles
    • Small Mammals
      • Ferrets
      • Rabbits
      • Domesticated Animals
        • Prairie Dogs
      • Pocket Pets
        • Chinchillas
        • Guinea Pigs
        • Hamsters
        • Hedgehogs
        • Rats
    • Livestock
      • Cows
      • Donkeys, Horses & Mules
      • Goats
      • Pigs
      • Poultry
      • Sheep
  • Living With Your Pet
    • Bringing Your Pet Home
    • Children and Pets
    • Providing Care
    • Travel
    • Saying Goodbye
  • Newsletter Library
    • Tips for Pet Owners
    • Behavior & Training
    • Fleas & Parasites
    • Keeping Pets Healthy
    • Cats
    • Recognizing Illness
    • Nutrition & Food
    • Pet Dangers
    • Seasonal Topics
    • Visiting the Vet
    • Equine
    • Newsletter Archive
      • Fun with Pets
      • Unbelievable Pets
  • Video Newsroom
    • Health Topics
    • Technology and Science
    • Other Interests
  • Client Survey
  • Pets4Kids

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Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Byron Office Hours

Monday:

7:00 AM

5:00 PM

Tuesday:

7:00 AM

5:00 PM

Wednesday:

7:00 AM

5:00 pm

Thursday:

7:00 am

5:00 pm

Friday:

7:00 am

5:00 PM

Saturday:

7:30 am

Noon

Sunday:

Closed

Closed

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Testimonial

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "We value our clients' experience at Blackhawk Veterinary Service. If your pet or animal is currently a patient, please feel free to complete the following Client Experience Questionnaire. The Questionnaire is in Adobe Acrobat format and requires the free Acrobat Reader to view."
    Dr. Julia Dr. Kevin Sugden

Featured Articles

Read about interesting topics

  • September Newsletter: The Importance of Core Vaccines for Dogs

    Could core vaccines help your dog avoid serious illness or death? ...

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  • September Newsletter: Dry Food vs. Wet Food: Which is Better for Your Cat?

    Should you buy dry food for your cat or is wet food better? ...

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  • Does Your Cat Have a Grooming Problem?

    Noticed a sudden change in your cat's grooming habits? Over- or under-grooming can be a sign of trouble. ...

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  • August Newsletter: How Spaying or Neutering Your Pet Can Prevent Health Problems

    Do you know how spaying and neutering can protect your pet's health? ...

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  • August Newsletter: How Your Veterinarian Can Help with Pet Separation Anxiety

    Does your pet hate being alone? A visit to the veterinarian could help. ...

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  • July Newsletter: The Benefits of Daycare Services for Your Pet

    Is daycare right for your pet? ...

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  • July Newsletter: Do Pocket Pets Need Regular Exams?

    How often should you take your pocket pet to the veterinarian? ...

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  • June Newsletter: How X-Rays Can Help Detect Early Stages of Dental Diseases

    Could X-rays protect your pet oral health? ...

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  • June Newsletter: How Often Should Cats Be Vaccinated?

    Do you know how often your cat needs to visit the veterinarian for vaccinations? ...

    Read More
  • May Newsletter: How to Keep Your Cat at a Healthy Weight

    Do you know how to help you cat maintain the ideal weight? ...

    Read More

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