Greenlane Veterinary Centre and Cattery

27/06/2025

18/06/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/1BpED3yn9M/?mibextid=wwXIfr

This beautiful mural is in the city of Palmerston North, on New Zealand's North Island. It depicts an actual cat called Squishee, originally a stray but eventually, when her trust was earned, given a home.

By SWIFTMANTIS in Papaioea, New Zealand.

“This is a portrait of a local alley cat called Squishee. We found her living under our old brick studio just a few blocks away from where this mural is painted. She had half an ear missing, a short tail, and wouldn’t let us get close. But she kept hanging around till we eventually earned her trust. She moved from the junkyard to the doorway, then inside the building itself till we finally gave her a real home with us.

Been a whole year since I painted our little alley cat Squishee, i really poured my heart, soul, blood, sweat, and tears in to this mural, even cut my head open at the end tryna finish in the pouring rain!

But seeing people’s reaction was a beautiful thing, its definitely inspired me to pursue more stray stories with my work…and I’ve got some really cool cats, I’m excited to share with you guys very soon!

Much love to for giving me the opportunity to share her story with the world! And all the other Artists who contributed to the beautification of my home town Papaioea, Palmerston North!”

26/04/2025

A helpful tip for a safe rehoming....

Hundreds of cats are lost each week across NZ due moving house.

But if they are new both to
owner & location... the risk of loss greatly increases.

Important to note... When a cat is moved to a new location... they panic.

This panic is expressed as the need to BOTH HIDE behind furniture ... & ESCAPE.

The more they hide, fear escalates. ...And the new owner will have a hard time interacting with the cat to try & calm him or form a relationship with him.

In a new home, cats 'seek out' sources of fresh air ... & 'work' any door or window till they're free. Fear gives them great strength.

They can't be kept in a room without airflow, because that would only increase stress & the urge to escape.

However any window left even fractionally open will be targeted & forced open till it's just wide enough to permit escape.

Initial containment in a 1.2m pet crate 'centres' them ... & blocks all efforts to hide & escape. The cat has no option but to sit quietly in his bed. Panic is quelled. The new owner can interact with the cat & form a bond.

In contrast if crates are not used... & the cat is simply locked in a small room ... he is a high escape risk for the first 4 weeks.

RECOMMENDED METHOD...

Start cat off in a 1.2m collapsible crate in the new home (or better still into 2 linked back-to-back crates to produce a low stress 'run').

The new owner needs to keep the cat in the crate whenever they are out of the room... predominantly for the first 2 weeks (till the initial urge to escape has passed).

While inside the crate the cat gets used to their new surroundings SAFELY.

During the first 2 weeks the crate is opened for cuddles frequently when the person is home ..... & to explore 1 locked room IN THEIR PRESENCE.

If they leave the room... the cat needs to be returned to the crate.

From week 3 to 8..
Allow the cat to freely explore the house, leaving the crate in position with the gate permanently open. (The crate becomes their important safe space & 'bedroom' in the new home till they are fully confident.

In that further 4-6 weeks (while still inside the house) if the owner needs to leave windows open .. or open the door (eg while briefly bringing in groceries) .. the cat should be returned to the crate till the house is secured.

Also ... create a temporary chicken wire screen(s) STRONGLY SECURED to 1-2 open windows to bring in fresh air. This keeps the cat safe from escape while they are out of the cage from week 3 exploring the house.

If this method is used, it is impossible for the cat to be lost from his new home & owner.

Caring wishes xx
Shared with permission from Katrina Easdon

24/03/2025

UPDATE!!!
It is with much joy that we announce that Biscuit has been found and has been reunited with his family. Thank you to all the beautiful people that helped bring him home 🏡 🩷

Please help us bring Biscuit home: he went missing near Great South Road this morning.

21/03/2025

We have been going through a difficult period, having had to say goodbye to a number of beloved patients. This affects us all. We are thinking of the families who have lost their cherished pets and send our sincerest condolences and thanks for the love and care you provided. We recognize that having to make the decision to let them go is one of the hardest choices you will ever have to make 🐾 ❤️‍🩹

16/03/2025

UPDATE !!!💗REUNITED with owner💗
Thank you to the lovely, caring couple who brought her into the clinic

Beautiful female cat found in Ferguson Avenue, Greenlane hanging around for 7 days. Not microchipped. She looks like a kitten, but has no teeth. Very friendly. Please contact Greenlane Veterinary Centre on 095246415

08/12/2024

They exist simply to love, and love is what they do best.. 🐾🧡🐾

Our pets are exceptionally special.
They have a natural ability to make us feel at home, to make us feel unconditionally loved—while never asking for anything in return.
We can be ourselves around our pets, wholeheartedly and unapologetically, while receiving the kind of love we all dream about—the kind of love that we don’t always receive from our parents, partners, or friends. This is because pets are far more than just animals. They are our family, our best friends, and sometimes, our soulmates.
Our pets never judge us, offer unsolicited advice, break promises, or let us down.
They exist simply to love, and love is what they do best..
Justine Biondi
Artist Credit: Lucy Almey Bird

02/11/2024

Whilst you maybe enjoying firework season, please let's not forget about our furry friends. Fireworks can be distressing for pets, so it's important to take precautions to keep them safe and calm. Here are some tips for pet safety during firework season:

1. Create a Safe Space
- Designate a quiet area in your home where your pet can retreat. Use familiar blankets and toys to make it comfortable.

2. Keep Pets Indoors
- Keep doors and windows closed to prevent pets from escaping. Consider using curtains or shades to block out the noise and light.

3. Use Calming Aids
- Consider calming products such as anxiety wraps, pheromone diffusers, or calming treats. You may contact us for recommendations.

4. Provide Distractions
- Engage your pet with toys, treats, or interactive games to keep their mind off the fireworks.

5. Exercise Before Events
- Take your pet for a long walk or play session earlier in the day to help burn off excess energy.

6. Microchip and ID Tags
- Ensure your pet is microchipped and wearing a collar with an ID tag. This can help reunite you if they escape.

7. Stay Calm
- Your pets can sense your anxiety. Try to remain calm and reassuring during fireworks.

8. Avoid Outdoor Exposure
- Do not take your pet to firework displays. The noise and crowd can be overwhelming and frightening.

9. Consult Your Veterinarian
- If your pet has a history of anxiety or panic during fireworks, discuss options with us in advance.

10. Monitor Behaviour
- Keep an eye on your pet’s behaviour during the firework displays. If they show extreme signs of distress, contact your vet.

By taking these precautions, you can help ensure a safe and stress-free firework season for your pets.

31/10/2024

Happy Halloween 🎃 🐈‍⬛🕸✨️

We have loved being able to use our Halloween this month! How cute is this little one?! 😍

We hope you all have lots of treats and no tricks tonight 👻

24/10/2024

🎃 Competition time 👻

Want to be in with a chance to win a Bravecto hamper?!

All you need to do is buy Bravecto in clinic before October 31st or send in your fur-friends fang-tastically/spookiest Halloween photo 📸 All entry's will be put into a draw that will be announced on the 31st of October.

We can't wait to see them all 🥰🐕🐈‍⬛

18/10/2024

Meet Mishi! 🐕
This lady came in after having a bit too much fun and getting into some trouble. She was brought in due to vomiting with specks of blood, and her owner suspected she might have a bone stuck. We performed x-rays under sedation, which revealed an object lodged in her stomach that needed removal. Mishi underwent an emergency surgery called an exploratory laparotomy.

To everyone’s surprise, she had ingested a rock.

She is now five days post-surgery and is back to her usual bright, energetic self, with her owner needing to remind her that she has just had a big abdominal surgery. 😂 She needs to remain settled for the remainder of her recovery and medication. 💊

08/10/2024

Veterinary Nurse Awareness Week 🩺🐕

Today, we want to take a moment to recognise the incredible work of veterinary nurses, assistants, and students.

Your dedication, compassion, and expertise are essential to the well-being of our beloved pets. You are the heart of the veterinary team, providing not just medical care but comfort and support to animals and their owners alike.

Thank you for your long hours, your tireless commitment, and the countless ways you go above and beyond. Your hard work does not go unnoticed, and we are truly grateful for everything you do. You make a difference every day, and our furry friends are lucky to have you in their lives!

Let’s show our appreciation for these unsung heroes!