Wild Cats Feline Behaviour

23/04/2024

Please go and check out this article I’ve written for Pet and Vet Magzine!

Are your cats not getting on? Here are some tips to help you create a more harmonious household...

22/03/2024

Any vets or nurses - this one is for you!

Get your practice to join the vet advocate scheme. Receive 12 hours CPD for the whole team and know that you’re making a difference in the world of animal behaviour.

Schemes like this are helping to ensure ethical and science based methods are recommended and in an unregulated profession this is so so important!

🐾

16/03/2024

Check out the latest article I’ve written for Tippaws

😻Next up in our “Getting To Know... “ series by our in-house vet nurse Francesca Lees Wild Cats Feline Behaviour , we’re shining the spotlight on Russian Blues!💙
One of the most popular cat breeds in the UK, Russian Blues are known for their sliver-blue coat and vivid green eyes.
Read this week’s blog to find out more about their origins, personalities and which owners they best suit.

https://www.tippaws.com/blogs/news/getting-to-know-your-russian-blue?_kx=

07/03/2024

Great new magazine coming out!

Written by Vets. For Pet Owners. Subscribe to Pet & Vet mag today! Learn the latest about pets, animal care and how vet practices work. Stay up to date with our ever-growing archive of pet news, case studies, veterinary advice and exclusive competitions.

22/02/2024

Feline behaviour consultations 🐱🐈‍⬛🐈🐾

I can conduct feline behaviour consultations to anywhere in the UK as I do these remotely! These work really well for cats and I have a lot of clients who have found remote consults work really well for them.

If you have a feline behaviour case at work and you’d like to refer a cat to me you can do this via my website.

As I am a full member of the CFBA clients can claim for my fees using their pet insurance (if their policy covers behaviour issues). Most of the main pet insurance providers now cover this!

Please contact me if you would like more info or please do not hesitate to refer a case to me

20/02/2024

Has your vet gone above and beyond for your cat? You can now nominate them for an award with Cats Protection! This is amazing! So many vets are going through a hard time right now with so much vet bashing online… why not show your vet how much you appreciate them!

Nominate your vet

19/02/2024

Please check out the first article in this new series I’m writing for Tippaws! 🐾🐆

🐈Introducing our new series Getting To Know Your...
Over the next few weeks Francesca Lees Wild Cats Feline Behaviour , our in-house cat behaviourist and vet-nurse, will be shining a light on some of the most popular breeds of cats, sharing information on their origins and explaining any specific care, dietary or habitat requirements they have. This week… Bengals! 😻

https://www.tippaws.com/blogs/news/getting-to-know-your-bengal-cat

19/02/2024

Anyone want a photo of their kitty in this fantastic new magazine? Send your photos now!

**** INTRODUCING... THE WALL OF PETS! ****

The first issue of Pet&Vet is just a few weeks away, and we want to feature as many readers' pets as possible.

All you need to do to get your furry friends (or birds, fish, reptiles, even goats – all pets welcome!) on the Wall of Pets is:
• send your name and your pet or pets' names
• attach some decent photos (no blurry shots please – and no text)
• put Wall of Pets in the subject line, and
• email to [email protected]

*By doing so, you agree to have your pet featured on the Wall in per-pet-uity! [We reserve the right to refuse anything we deem obscene, fake, or otherwise inappropriate]

Help us build an ever-growing gallery of cute, funny, lovable photos :-)

And to start it off, here's Howie, one of the Pet&Vet cats 😀

16/02/2024

With the release of the new Argylle movie, you might have noticed headlines about its biggest star – a Scottish Fold cat. 🐈 We’ve joined forces with other animal welfare organisations to voice our concerns about the impact using this breed in a Hollywood movie will have on increasing their popularity with cat owners.

So, what’s the issue? 🤔

All Scottish Folds carry a genetic mutation that causes abnormal cartilage development, which is why their ears fold forward. This mutation affects all of the cartilage in their bodies, leading to the development of severe and painful arthritis in their joints, even from a young age. This is such a serious health and welfare concern that breeding them is banned in some countries.

Learn more about the problems this breed faces 👉 https://icatcare.org/advice/scottish-fold-disease-osteochondrodysplasia/

Read our press statement on the Argylle movie here 👉 https://icatcare.org/argylle-movie/

14/02/2024

Check out Chincha from our local zoo enjoying his Valentines Day treat!! ❤️🌹

07/02/2024

I had such a wonderful appointment today, visiting some old clients that I used to help at the vets when I was a veterinary nurse. Over the years they brought their cats to the vets we became very friendly and so, when I left they’ve kept in touch with me! 🐾🐈🐈‍⬛

They recently got in touch to ask for my help with moving to a new house and how to best do this to ensure the cats are happy and as stress free as possible. They also wanted advice on where to put litter trays, food and water bowls, scratch posts etc to ensure the cats are as happy as possible in their new home.

They are the most amazing cat owners and have thought ahead to make sure everything is in place before they move into the new house, to minimise stress for their special girls. These cats came over from Israel with the couple so they’ve gone through some
big changes already!

The house has lots of rooms and loads of space and a beautiful garden too, so it was a pleasure to be there today and help with with their layout plan for the cats. I took these beautiful photos from the upstairs master bedroom window 😍

21/01/2024

I’ve heard many people say “my cats overweight - she’s got a flabby belly”

This isn’t flab or fat! This is their primordial pouch and it’s got a very handy feature

Read on for more info…..

Happy Sunday from Kittysitty Cat Behaviorist and today we are talking swinging tummies !!!

Does your cat have a pouch to be proud of ??

Ever noticed your Bengal rocking a cute belly flap?
Don’t worry; it’s not from too many treats!

Meet the primordial pouch – that sway you see when your cat struts is all about feline anatomy.

This nifty pouch isn’t just a fashion statement; it’s a built-in feature providing extra protection during kitty scuffles and helping with that classic “bunny kicking.” It’s like a natural armor for their tummy. Plus, it doubles as a food storage space, crucial for the feral cousins who might miss a meal or two.

Contrary to a popular myth, the primordial pouch isn’t a result of spaying or neutering.
Every cat, big or small, male or female, sports this skin flap – from domestic kitties to lions and tigers.

Even if a cat sheds some pounds, that adorable belly flap stays put, ensuring they’re always ready for a sprint or a high-flying jump.

🐾
”

21/01/2024

Unsure why your cat is eating more but losing weight?

Have a read of this post - it could be hyperthyroidism

Generally this condition affects older cats

The good news is that this is a treatable condition! Just get an appointment booked with your vet and after a blood test they can tell you if your cat has or hasn’t got hyperthyroidism

🐱🐈‍⬛🐾

20/01/2024

Cat shelving wall - providing multi dimensional space for cats.

I have just completed a cat friendly climbing wall for my own cat, Aurora.

I’m very pleased with it so thought I’d share some photos!

Creating levels and multi dimensional space within the home is really beneficial for cats as it helps them to feel safe and in control when they’re up high, from a vantage point.

As you can see, we have a dog, so Aurora now has a nice safe and high up place to go where she can keep an eye on the dog and she can sit happily with peace of mind the dog is far below her (where she believes dogs belong!)

Also I’ve provided a wall mounted scratching post, next to the door. Cats particularly like having scratching posts near doorways as they like to mark and leave scent deposits near entries and exits

16/01/2024

Behaviour consult! 🐈🐈‍⬛🐱

Today I had a lovely feline behaviour consult with this beautiful gang! (There’s also 2 more kitties who didn’t want to join in for the photo!)

I went to a lovely home where the 6 cats are all living pretty well together however one particular pair have recently started fighting, particularly in the evenings!

We went through lots of things like making sure all cats have enough resources and have space between them all so they don’t feel on top of each other and also ways to help reduce the fighting.

They’ve also been spraying in some areas too so we discussed why this may be and things we can put in place to reduce the spraying too!

All in all a really positive consultation and a very on board owner! (Oh and unbelievably beautiful cats!) 👏👏👏👏🐈🐈‍⬛🐾

31/12/2023

BVNA & ABTC Learning Pathway in Behaviour - Now accepting registrations for our January 2024 cohort!

This exciting course is made up of a series of webinars, reflective activities, MCQs, interactive tasks and a final assessment.

🩺 16 hours of CPD (plus reflective activities), which you will have 3 months to complete

🐾 4 modules - Explaining Animal Learning, Physiology, Emotion and Behaviour, Avoiding Behaviour Problems and In-Practice Aspects of Animal Behaviour

Find out more and book here; https://members.bvna.org.uk/events/653bb09e5bd30a00094e74fd/description?ticket=653bb09e5bd30a00094e74fe

14/12/2023

My research has been published! 🐈‍⬛🐾👩🏻‍🎓

Congratulations to BSc (Hons) Applied Animal Behaviour Alumni, Francesca Lees who has had their research published in the Veterinary Nursing Journal! 👏

'The potential barriers to the treatment and management of feline behaviour problems, particularly cognitive dysfunction syndrome, in ageing domestic cats' can be found on page 14 of the latest issue. 🐈📰

Read more here: https://bvna.org.uk/veterinary-nursing-journal-vnj/

05/12/2023

This Christmas I have donated to Dartmoor Zoological Society and purchased a light to go in their memorial garden, which opens on Friday as part of their Zooluminate event.

The light was purchased in memory of my beautiful cat Kiki, who was sadly taken from me last year at only 10 years old.

I miss you every day Kiki 🤍

I’m looking forward to visiting on Friday to see Kiki’s light shining ✨🕯️🐾🐈‍⬛

05/12/2023

Really looking forward to this! My 3 year old will love it 🐈‍⬛

The star of Magic Light Pictures’ heartwarming Christmas animation for the BBC this year, Tabby McTat, is helping launch our new Little Paws Club!
The much loved picture book character, created by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, will feature in a special edition festive mini-magazine this December, which will also include an exclusive interview with Julia Donaldson herself. Sign up by Friday 1 December to grab your special edition pack: http://spr.ly/LittlePawsClub

Image description: An animated image of a city in the snow with a grey tabby cat and a bearded man playing a guitar.

15/11/2023

Vets and vet nurses this one is for you!

Around 70% of pet cat litters are unplanned, so why isn’t neutering cats before they can become pregnant the norm in practice?

Neutering cats at four months of age has a significant impact on the number of unplanned litters and is critical to reducing the population of unwanted cats in the UK.

Join a lineup of experts in feline shelter medicine as they debunk the myths and discuss ‘Neutering kittens at four months: Why the next generation of vets need to lead the way’ to improve the welfare of cats everywhere:

🔸 David Yates (Head Vet Bolton RSPCA)
🔸 Jenni McDonald (Cats Protection)
🔸 Ian Futter (Scottish SPCA)

🗓 22 November 2023 at 8 pm (UK)

Sign up now for free to join us live or be notified when it’s available to watch on-demand ➡️ https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ST72rpQiT0mAAaNm0xzYIQ

This webinar has been created with vet students and new graduates in mind and will feature an interview and step-by-step breakdown of the prepubertal spay procedure with a current vet student – plus a panel discussion where you can ask the experts your questions. So, please share this post with your fellow students and colleagues!

30/10/2023

Nurses!!! Sign up now!!! Behaviour is the best thing I ever branched into as a VN!!! 🐾🧠

BVNA & ABTC Learning Pathway in Behaviour - Now accepting registrations for our January 2024 cohort!

This exciting course is made up of a series of webinars, reflective activities, MCQs, interactive tasks and a final assessment.

🩺 16 hours of CPD (plus reflective activities), which you will have 3 months to complete

🐾 4 modules - Explaining Animal Learning, Physiology, Emotion and Behaviour, Avoiding Behaviour Problems and In-Practice Aspects of Animal Behaviour

Find out more and book here; https://members.bvna.org.uk/events/653bb09e5bd30a00094e74fd/description?ticket=653bb09e5bd30a00094e74fe

26/10/2023

This looks amazing! Nurses and vets get signed up!

Join this brilliant session on Companion Animal Behaviour First Aid (suitable for the whole practice team).

Vet and Certified Clinical Animal Behaviourist, Clare Wilson:

⭐covers behavioural principles and learning processes;
⭐ helps you better understand patients in the surgery;
⭐ explains body language and communication; and
⭐ highlights common behaviour problems.

👉 Thursday 23 November (7.30-10pm)
👉 Holiday Inn, Leamington Spa
👉 https://ow.ly/rC3350PZq0L

23/10/2023

Check out this article I’ve written for Tippaws 🐈‍⬛

When it comes to feeding our cats we are all very conscious of what we are feeding them, but how often do you think about HOW you are feeding them?

In this week’s blog Francesca Lees Wild Cats Feline Behaviour looks at look at how the wild ancestors of our domestic cats (Felis Silvestris) behave in terms of hunting and eating, as well as how we can replicate some of these more natural feeding behaviours in our own homes with our domestic cats. Doing so can help prevent behaviour issues, stop your cat from becoming bored and it can help prevent obesity.

Read it here: https://www.tippaws.com/blogs/news/food-enrichment-ideas-for-cats-and-how-to-replicate-their-natural-feeding-behaviours

18/10/2023

If you’re struggling with your cats behaviour and are wondering who to turn to then please consider my behaviour services
🐾🐈‍⬛

I do behaviour consultations either over zoom or in your own home (Devon/Cornwall only)

I have helped lots of families with their cats behaviour over the last year and would love to help more!

Please check out my behaviour packages on my website!

All packages are currently half price too 🐈‍⬛🐈🤩⭐️

11/10/2023

Well this looks amazing but dread to think how much if all costs 🎃💀👻

07/10/2023

I’ve been busy this weekend!!

Many thanks to Frankie Wild Cats Feline Behaviour
for helping Trustee Chris out on the ABTC stand at BVNA (The British Veterinary Nursing Association) Congress today. Frankie is a Registered Veterinary Nurse, working towards ABTC-CAB through our Practitioner Organisation Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors - APBC

21/09/2023

Though cats with folded ears or flat faces may look adorable, these unique features often come with serious health problems, such as difficulty breathing or painful arthritis. Unfortunately, their popularity as pets is only increasing - influenced by their use in advertising and on social media.

iCatCare and our veterinary division International Society of Feline Medicine have created a letter in partnership with European veterinary associations FECAVA - Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Associations , Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE) and UEVP, which urges all companies that feature cats in their marketing materials to pledge to avoid using flat-faced cats and other breeds with extreme features (such as folded ears) in advertisements.

At the end of the day, we all want to see healthy and happy cats, so if you spot a company promoting a breed with extreme features, please encourage them to change their standards by sending them our template letter available here: https://icatcare.org/catbreedsinadvertising/ ‎

You can also learn more about the health and welfare issues in pedigree cats at https://icatcare.org/our-campaigns/first-do-no-harm-breeding-of-pedigree-cats/

19/09/2023

Check out my latest blog article for Tippaws!

On the blog this week Francesca Lees aka Wild Cats Feline Behaviour shares the top 5 common behavioural issues cat owners come to her with.

Francesca says: “If you own a cat, then you may know they're quite complex little creatures. We know that, aside from being cute and fluffy and sleeping a lot they are very closely linked to their wild cat ancestors and their behaviour reflects this.

Because cats are so similar to their wild counterparts, they exhibit behaviours which to us as humans can be problematic. Many cat owners experience behaviour issues with their cats and this is due to cats having very specific needs.”

🔗 Link below read this super helpful article by Francesca, especially if you’re seeing behavioural issues with your cats and aren’t sure how to address them 🐈

https://www.tippaws.com/blogs/news/5-common-cat-behaviour-problems

30/08/2023

If any nurses follow this page - I highly recommend this course if you’re thinking of learning more about how to support our feline friends in practice!
This was the first CPD course I ever did and it was the eye opener that led me to where I am now!

“It's already had such a positive impact in my practice”. 😻 Charlotte loved our ‘ISFM Certificate in Feline Nursing’ course so much she has gone on to study our ‘ISFM Advanced Feline Behaviour for Veterinary Professionals’ course! 📖

Become more cat friendly like Charlotte by enrolling on our ‘ISFM Certificate in Feline Nursing’ course 👉 https://portal.icatcare.org/courses/available/1b385caa-4085-4dca-8505-9ae8c8b3c477

🗓 Starting Thursday 7 September 2023

⏳ Be quick! There's only a week left to sign up! ⏳

30/08/2023

Really interesting if you didn’t know this!
All cats have this but in some cats it’s more pronounced than others!

The primordial pouch is a loose flap of skin which runs along the length of the cat’s belly, but is most pronounced towards the rear. It can often be seen swaying from side to side when the cat walks or trots.
Pet owners often attribute the primordial pouch to weight gain, but it is common on cats of all shapes and sizes, even slim ones.
The primordial pouch acts as a protection to the internal organs during a fight or attack. If you have ever seen cats in a fight, you may have noticed that they often kick each other with their hind legs and their sharp claws, which could potentially damage these vital organs.