Happy Paws & Claws

16/12/2024

Winnie, the cheeky, charming, maniacal, BEAUTIFUL bundle of absolute joy!🩷

16/12/2024

Known this special girl for ten years now. Still as stunning as ever. Steals my heart every time I’m with her.❤️❤️❤️

16/12/2024

Not everyone wanted to come and say hello. 3 out of 4 will have to do, but I’ll work my magic next time! 🪄❤️

16/12/2024

Had a fab couple of weekends with this gorgeous pair!🩷💙

05/11/2024

Simba, Diesel & Shelby. ALWAYS a pleasure! See you next time babies.💙🩷💙

05/11/2024

Awwwwwwww!! After I don’t know HOW many visits, this beautiful boy finally came out of hiding!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

05/11/2024

How handsome is this boy?? Can’t wait til next time.💙💙💙

05/11/2024

Always a pleasure to look after this beautiful girl! See you again soon Queen Leela!😻❤️

26/09/2024

24/09/2024

Gorgeous Girlies.💕

23/09/2024

Well that’s just rude!!!🤦🏼‍♀️🤣🤣

10/09/2024

Great tips as always from Carole.🐾❤️🐾

It is well known that cats receive far less veterinary attention throughout their lives than dogs, and are likely to be taken to the vets in a more advanced state of illness than their canine counterparts.

One reason cited for this is that cats are masters of hiding illness and another being “my cat hates going to the vets”. Given that we are all responsible for seeking prompt veterinary attention for our pets if we suspect they are unwell, and my previous posts advising we should always be using regular wellness checks to pick up problems before they are advanced, this is a big problem.

So why is it such an issue for cats? Cats are naturally routine lovers and independent, they hate having their choices restricted so picture the following scene:

I was having a lovely nap and then I got picked up a bit roughly and put in that horrible carrier, it has a slippy floor I can’t grip and a big window so I can’t hide away.
Then they put me in the car, I was on a seat and it tipped and wobbled when they went round the corners and I was sliding around inside, I tried to grip but I just had to tense all my muscles which really hurt my arthritic hip/poorly toe/sore back.
I was so stressed out, even though I yowled to be let out no one listened, so I lost control of my bowels and had to sit in my own urine and faeces until we got there.
When we got to the place, I had to sit in a bright waiting area with dogs barking and everyone looking in through my carrier door until we were seen.
Then I got lifted into another, smaller bright room where I was dragged out and everyone told me off for making a mess, and I got cleaned up which hurt my arthritic hip/poorly toe/sore back again and when I tried to make them go away they wrapped me up in a towel so I was trapped and then they started poking me and gave me an injection before I had to make the horrible journey home again.

When seen through this poor cat’s eyes, is it any wonder they may hate the experience? But there is, as they say, “another way”. Here are my top tips for making things less stressful for your poor cat next time they need a vet visit:
🐱Purchase a roomy but secure cat carrier and place a towel or other soft surface inside - great recommendations are here: https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/getting-a-cat/how-to-choose-and-use-a-cat-carrier

🐱Feed your cats treats inside the carrier and use a calming spray such as PetRemedy or Feliway to get your cat used to it before you need to transport them

🐱Ensure your cat gets their regular vaccination/health checks so they are not only having to make the journey when they are unwell

🐱Take some of their favourite treats (the infamous Dreamies or Lickilix often go down well) to serve as a pleasant distraction during the veterinary examination

🐱Seek out a Cat Friendly Clinic, which will have special measures in place such as cat-only waiting areas and fear-free handling training for veterinary staff to ensure your cat has the least stressful experience possible during their visit.

All this will help to ensure a minimal-stress visit for your cat and encourage you not to put off any vet visits in future. The amazing International Cat Care charity also has a great download which covers more of the above in detail:

https://icatcare.org/app/uploads/2022/10/ISFM-guide-for-cat-carers-%E2%80%93-%E2%80%98Taking-your-cat-to-the-veterinary-clinic.pdf

10/09/2024

What a fabulous post. Many people aren’t aware of how important this is, or may never have even heard of canine enrichment, and you don’t need to spend money on special equipment or toys either. Simple games of hide and seek with a toy or food, hiding treats in a rolled up towel, stringing up pieces of carrot and apple between two chairs, using old loo paper tubes to hide things in. The possibilities are endless (and great fun!!)❤️🐾❤️🐾

What is Canine Enrichment?

As opposed to decades ago when pet dogs were allowed to roam the streets all day (anyone old enough to remember Jonny Briggs?!) or were chained up in a yard, these days they are an integral part of family life. We eat with them, sleep with them, take them on the school run, day trips and holidays (see how dog-friendly cafes, pubs and events are everywhere).

Dogs are intrinsically social, active and intelligent beings so most of them adapt well to a human lifestyle, HOWEVER….it is important to remember that dogs are NOT humans and they do have different needs which may not be met in this desire for including our pets in every aspect of our lives. For example, dogs need to nap, sniff, chew, and dig and may not be given those opportunities (or worse, may be punished for doing these activities in the home!) If the family are having a duvet day or glued to the Olympics for 2 weeks, a dog could well become bored and frustrated.

So what is enrichment?

According to the Dog’s Trust website*: “Enrichment enables dogs to explore and use their natural instincts. Enrichment activities can prevent boredom, build confidence, and teach a variety of skills such as problem-solving, searching and agility. It allows them to sniff and chew appropriately. Plus, it’s the ideal way to manage their energy, encouraging calmer behaviour and helping them to learn good habits.”

Being creative with toys, feeding time or training can really help stimulate our dog’s emotional and mental health as well as their physical health, preventing the frustration that often leads to ‘behaviour problems’.

Get some tips on enrichment from the following resources:

https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/dog-advice/life-with-your-dog/enrichment/enrichment-activities-for-dogs

https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/training-dogs-not-to-chew

https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/clicker-training

https://www.apbc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/APBC-Dog-Enrichment-Article.pdf

(Photo by Niels Baars on Unsplash)

01/09/2024

I’ve had a FABULOUS fortnight with these two superstars, and what an EXTREMELY generous thank you gift! Not at all necessary, but MAHOOSIVELY appreciated.❤️❤️❤️

23/08/2024

Millie why do you love my shoes so much?!?! At least I always know where to find them!🤣