Barbara George cat behaviourist

18/09/2024

𝙒𝙀𝙀𝙆𝙇𝙔 𝙒𝙀𝘿𝙉𝙀𝙎𝘿𝘼𝙔 𝙒𝙃𝙄𝙎𝙆𝙀𝙍𝙎 𝙒𝙄𝙎𝘿𝙊𝙈

We get a lot of enquiries regarding manything 😉 and everything cat related, so we decided to put together a 𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘬𝘭𝘺 𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘰 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵 on cat and kitten related topics.

Over the past thirteen plus years, we have experienced and learned a lot about cat behaviour and feline medical information and we wish to share this with you from a Raise 'n Rescue viewpoint.

We wish to thank our vets and cat behaviourist and guru, Barbara George for assisting us with putting together these info sheets. Although all our 𝙒𝙒𝙒𝙒 posts are based on factual, verified information as well as experience, we still learn every day and we are grateful to add to our knowledge.

Some info sheets contain a huge amount of information, but it all relates to the topic and is handy to keep for reference. Should you wish to discuss any of these topics or info provided with us, kindly email 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨@𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐞.𝐜𝐨.𝐳𝐚.

INFO POST 10
So often we see and hear of kittens kneading and sucking on a toy, blankie or even arm of adopters. Here's why.

03/09/2024

Always a good idea to see and hear what other rescue organisations are doing right - or wrong!

Right now, we are facing possibly the greatest challenge to cat welfare due to overpopulation that we have seen in decades.

31/08/2024

So much trauma, pain, suffering and death can be prevented by sterilisation of ALL cats. Females may produce kittens, Males make them happen.

28/08/2024

𝙒𝙀𝙀𝙆𝙇𝙔 𝙒𝙀𝘿𝙉𝙀𝙎𝘿𝘼𝙔 𝙒𝙃𝙄𝙎𝙆𝙀𝙍𝙎 𝙒𝙄𝙎𝘿𝙊𝙈

We get a lot of enquiries regarding manything 😉 and everything cat related, so we decided to put together a 𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘬𝘭𝘺 𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘰 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵 on cat and kitten related topics.

Over the past thirteen plus years, we have experienced and learned a lot about cat behaviour and feline medical information and we wish to share this with you from a Raise 'n Rescue viewpoint.

We wish to thank our vets and cat behaviourist and guru, Barbara George for assisting us with putting together these info sheets. Although all our 𝙒𝙒𝙒𝙒 posts are based on factual, verified information as well as experience, we still learn every day and we are grateful to add to our knowledge.

Some info sheets contain a huge amount of information, but it all relates to the topic and is handy to keep for reference. Should you wish to discuss any of these topics or info provided with us, kindly email 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨@𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐞.𝐜𝐨.𝐳𝐚.

INFO POST 7
Fever coat

We often get kittens with fever coats and it is very pretty, but not a sustainable colour. Please see the reasons for this.

27/08/2024

Play is important to cats for stimulation as well as for positively interacting with us.

https://www.fearfreehappyhomes.com/cat-play-the-right-way-7-mistakes-to-avoid/?

Reading Time: 5 minutes Share onNature designed cats to be efficient little predators and to hunt even when they’re not hungry (because who knows when the next meal will scamper by?). Play is the indoor cat’s version of hunting. It’s an expression of a host of hardwired feline behaviors. Cats ...

15/08/2024

𝙒𝙀𝙀𝙆𝙇𝙔 𝙒𝙀𝘿𝙉𝙀𝙎𝘿𝘼𝙔 𝙒𝙃𝙄𝙎𝙆𝙀𝙍𝙎 𝙒𝙄𝙎𝘿𝙊𝙈

We get a lot of enquiries regarding manything 😉 and everything cat related, so we decided to put together a 𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘬𝘭𝘺 𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘰 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵 on cat and kitten related topics.

Over the past thirteen plus years, we have experienced and learned a lot about cat behaviour and feline medical information and we wish to share this with you from a Raise 'n Rescue viewpoint.

We wish to thank our vets and cat behaviourist and guru, Barbara George for assisting us with putting together these info sheets. Although all our 𝙒𝙒𝙒𝙒 posts are based on factual, verified information as well as experience, we still learn every day and we are grateful to add to our knowledge.

Some info sheets contain a huge amount of information, but it all relates to the topic and is handy to keep for reference. Should you wish to discuss any of these topics or info provided with us, kindly email 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨@𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐞.𝐜𝐨.𝐳𝐚.

INFO POST 5
Litter box training of kittens.

We get many questions about this topic, here is some handy info that we hope helps.

12/08/2024

The behaviour of the remaining cat can change even if the cats were not well-bonded; the changes in behaviour reflect the change in the home, accessibility to extra resources (including caregivers) and any change in routine.

A recently published questionnaire- based study looked at how cats respond to the death of a feline or canine companion. They found cats that had closer relationships with their deceased companion, were reported to have reacted strongly to their death 💔😿

412 cat caregivers were questioned about their relationship with the remaining cat and the relationship between the remaining and deceased pet.

Caregivers were asked about any immediate and long-term behavioural changes to the remaining cat after their companion had died.

Factors such as the length of time engaging in activities together, positive relationships between the two animals and the longer the cat lived with their companion seemed to affect the remaining cat’s behaviour.

✍️Caregivers reported cats showing grief-like behaviours, such as a decrease in sleeping, eating and playing. Increases in attention -seeking behaviours and fearfulness were also reported 😿

Higher levels of caregiver attachment seemed to be linked with an increase in attention seeking behaviours, suggesting that caregivers may have been projecting their grief onto the remaining cat 🫂

Caregivers who experienced greater grief were more likely to report their cat was sleeping or hiding more, whereas those with avoidant attachment to the deceased animal reported less grief-like behaviours in the remaining cat, indicating that those without a strong attachment are less likely to believe animals grieve.

🔎This is an interesting study, as it shows that cats might respond to the loss of a companion by displaying certain grief-like behavioural changes. However, the study also highlighted that caregivers may be biased when reporting changes in their cat’s behaviour because they are grieving themselves. Furthermore, a grieving caregiver could also alter their behaviour towards the remaining cat, thus influencing their behaviour.

The study can be accessed here 👇
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S016815912400203X

🐈Do you think cats grieve when they lose a companion?

📖Reference:

Greene, B. and Vonk, J. (2024) 'Is companion animal loss cat-astrophic? Responses of domestic cats to the loss of another companion animal,' Applied Animal Behaviour Science, p. 106355. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2024.106355.

03/08/2024

For everyone working with unowned cats, anywhere

SAVE THE DATE! 🗓️😻 Be a part of THE event for the global unowned cat community.

We’ve got an exciting FREE virtual event planned on 13 - 14 November 2024 for anyone working with unowned cats, from volunteers, to foster carers, homing centres and community cat caregivers. Featuring our very own iCatCare experts, plus a fantastic lineup of special guests!

Registration opens on 3 September. More information coming soon! 👀

Sign up for our Cat Friendly Solutions for Unowned Cats newsletter for the latest updates 👉 https://confirmsubscription.com/h/i/CE09DF999249AE68



Supported by

31/07/2024

Wise words from a very informed and dedicated kitten rescue

𝙒𝙀𝙀𝙆𝙇𝙔 𝙒𝙀𝘿𝙉𝙀𝙎𝘿𝘼𝙔 𝙒𝙃𝙄𝙎𝙆𝙀𝙍𝙎 𝙒𝙄𝙎𝘿𝙊𝙈

We get a lot of enquiries regarding manything 😉 and everything cat related, so we decided to put together a 𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘬𝘭𝘺 𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘰 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵 on cat and kitten related topics.

Over the past thirteen plus years, we have experienced and learned a lot about cat behaviour and feline medical information and we wish to share this with you from a Raise 'n Rescue viewpoint.

We wish to thank our vets and cat behaviourist and guru, Barbara George for assisting us with putting together these info sheets. Although all our 𝙒𝙒𝙒𝙒 posts are based on factual, verified information as well as experience, we still learn every day and we are grateful to add to our knowledge.

Some info sheets contain a huge amount of information, but it all relates to the topic and is handy to keep for reference. Should you wish to discuss any of these topics or info provided with us, kindly email 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨@𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐞.𝐜𝐨.𝐳𝐚.

INFO POST 3
'Fluffy kittens'

All kittens are lucky packets - we never know what they will look like and how they will be when they are fully grown. We don't have a kittenlogue where fluffiness can be chosen and we acknowledge that all our rescues are unique and equally special.

27/06/2024

21/06/2024

Support this for Christmas parcels for rescue animals

18/06/2024

Do you ever wonder what your animal friend is thinking? Perhaps you have an inkling, but have doubts or may not feel confident enough to trust your instincts. This is natural – our default upbringing largely negates the sentience of the natural world, including our animal companions.


Through this journey of learning Animal Communication, you will feel more confident with understanding your animal friends messages, which naturally forges a deeper connection with them. And will also feel more in-tune and connected with your surroundings.

Through the 5-week online series, you have the ideal opportunity to learn the language of the animals and build your confidence to hear their messages. Statistics say that it takes 3 weeks to create a habit – imagine what 5 weeks can do!


For more info, pop Anthea a message, or follow the link in the BIO. Spaces are filling up, so grab yours today!

27/05/2024

This amazing cat is still a kitten herself.

RAISE 'n LIGHT

Ampurr - Bellville

Some kittens and cats are popular based on what they look like and the more a kitties display breed similar aesthetics, the higher demand for them. Every homeless cat has a home waiting somewhere and sometimes we just have to work a bit harder at finding it.

We have always had huge success getting homes for ALL our kitties, due to our kind supporters who help to share them. We will do a Raise 'n Light post for some of our rescues from time to time and we ask you to please share so we can help them find their forever happiness too.

Ampurr is a young girl of between 1 and 2 years old. She is doing a remarkable job raising her 4 beautiful, fat-cheeked, gorgeous fluff balls. She craves attention, when we clean their room, she comes for cuddles and chats loud as if she wants to tel you the story. She is sweet, affectionate, playful and talkative, even her long whiskers agree. She will adjust well in any home where she can get some attention and the odd normal conversation.

For more information about adoption, please email [email protected] or Whatsapp 072 836 9606.

24/05/2024

Useful information for those going away on holiday

Reading Time: 3 minutes Share onWhat information does your pet sitter need to efficiently care for your home and pets? After 25 years as a pet sitter, I find it falls into two categories: pet care and “all that other stuff.” Here’s how to ensure that your pet sitter knows the most important de...

24/05/2024

A microchip can save your cat's life; if he is found and identified he can receive appropriate treatment if needed and be re-united with you.

Reading Time: 3 minutes Share onMy childhood cat, Pretzel Popcorn Reeder, once disappeared after a massive earthquake shook Southern California. Happily, a few days later, she reappeared in our backyard. Because of that experience with Pretzel, I always microchip my pets for “just in case” scena...

19/05/2024

Train your cat the correct way. Cats are very smart and they're easy to train but be sure you use positive techniques that help strengthen the human-cat bond.

05/05/2024

Everyone needs a Spot of cat!

After all this time, please ... pick Spot🐱

I adopted your cat today,
The one you left at the pound,
The one you had for 10 years,
And no longer wanted around.

I adopted your cat today ...
Did you know that he's lost weight?
Did you know he's scared, and depressed,
And has slowly lost all faith?

I adopted your cat today,
He had fleas and a little cold,
I guess you don't care what shape he's in,
You abandoned him, I'm told.

I adopted your cat today,
Were you having a baby or moving away?
Did you suddenly develop allergies?
Or was there just NO reason he couldn't stay?

I adopted your cat today,
He doesn't want to play, or even eat much,
I guess he's very sad inside,
And it will take time for him to trust.

I adopted your cat today,
And here is where he's going to stay,
With me he's found his forever home,
And a warm bed in which to lay.

I adopted your cat today,
And will give him all he will ever need,
Patience, love and security,
He will never have to leave.

Spot has been with CAAA for a very long time in foster care, and really needs to be placed into his forever safe place. He has been through a lot and needs a quiet home without dogs or kiddos, and a human who understands how special and deserving the "spots of the world" are.

Please choose Spot if you can make him a part of your family ... or give him a share and so he can find his happy ending ... finally.

Please contact Sura on 072 068 0884.

With love,
Sura, Spot and the CAAA Team

30/11/2023

13/10/2023

The best way to feed your cat- mental and physical stimulation with a reward that comes from getting it right, not as a handout.
This can be tricky with multiple cats, cats on special diets, elderly cats that have been waited on for years, however well worth the effort.

12/10/2023

A new initiative from Hill's to help cat (and dog) owners and carers better understand their pets

Created by independent experts

22/09/2023

Not only flat faces or folded ears, oversized and short legs have issues too.

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/

21/09/2023

Uncover the captivating world of cat eye colors with insights into genetics, unique variations, and essential eye care tips. Separate fact from fiction, and celebrate the beauty and diversity of cats' eyes. FAQs answered and expert quotes included.

18/09/2023

Really good ideas to keep cats happy

Thinking of new ways to enrich the lives of our cats is a fun part of being a cat owner. Enrichment is also good for our cats.

14/09/2023

Donate or share - every little bit helps a kitten in need

KITTEN MILK - PLEASE SHARE

The season barely started or most kitten rescues are inundated with baby kittens. We always try and prepare before the season, but just as you think you are sort of organised, someone throws away 4 newborn kittens on a dump site.

This morning we got these 4 kittens, barely a few hours old, rescued by a kind lady who picked them up in a dumpster. We so wish people can just ask for help sooner, as mom's milk is really the best for these kittens. Poor mommy cat will probably go on heat again soon and just have more kittens and the circle continues despite all the efforts of so many organisations.

Please consider helping us with a Rand or three to buy more milk. We cannot use other milk as this is the best for kittens and a tin cost over R300 already. Any amount, even R20 snapscanned helps.

Also our banking details are
Acc: Raise 'n Rescue
Standard bank, Tyger Manor
Acc 073091855
Ref your name/kitten milk

Please if you do make a donation, let us know so we can thank you? We really appreciate all the help and we will continue to help sterilise cats so that this does not happen. In the meantime, welcome to Raise 'n Rescue Eeny, Meeny, Miny and Mo.

07/08/2023

Take this opportunity to learn how to communicate with animals, it can help make your relationship with your pets so much better

21/07/2023

Trimming claws can be a challenge.

Nail trims are an important part of grooming your cat. Here's how to do it safely and comfortably for both of you.

12/07/2023

A chance to really understand your pets and other animals

27/06/2023

It’s true - Your cat can talk! Anthea can tell you what your cat is thinking and how he feels about his life

We just past the halfway mark for the year. Wow!

In celebration we offering you a mid-year special of 50% off on a 45 minute online Animal Communication Consultation.

Pop a message for more details. Quote UHB50 to book this offer.

This is a super way to hear more about your animal friend, answer any questions or concerns you may have and literally “hear the answers from the horses mouth (or do or cat)”.

Perhaps you missing a special animal who crossed over. An animal consultation can help with the grieving process and answer any questions that you may have.

Or if you just want to hear what your animal friend has to say.

27/05/2023

Cats really are good to have in the home.

25/05/2023

A marvellous opportunity to see different breeds of cats, update your cat supplies and keep out of the rain.

The following trade/vendor tables will be at the show on Saturday 27th May at Bothasig Hall, Link Road

Bespoke Brats
Comfortable & stylish cat beds (dog products also available)

Betagroom South Africa
June de Wet – grooming products and more

Cats Best Litter - Western Cape
Stuart Seaton – will be making a delivery on Saturday – please contact him directly on 083 651 8327 for orders

ZEBRA.art / Cat's Nest
Jann Brown – scratchers and loungers of various sizes

Feline Fun Factory
Charlene du Toit – variety of cat toys

Ginger & Pepper – cat themed items

Hannon – Cecil Viviers - Pet grooming products

Hotzshop – Mel Hotz – blankets, donuts, beds

Jen’ Jewels – cat-themed & other jewellery

Purr-fect Tofu Cat Litter – Christelle Rossouw – tofu cat liter

The CAT POST
Annamarie – sturdy cat scratch posts

Louise van Wyk Art - local artist