Thursday 31 December 2009

Terry's diabetes

For as long as I've been looking after him, Terry the cat has always been rather large - he'll agree, he won't mind me saying that. A gentle giant really, very friendly and soppy, always ready with a paw to tap you on the leg if you let up from stroking him for even a few seconds.

Doesn't say much, but he has his own ways of communicating. Especially when he wants food - which used to be always. Whatever I'd put down it would be gone in a couple of minutes, no matter what it was. He has a sister, Belinda, who's less forward, and always waits for him to finish eating. Even though he's gentle, if he sees she has food, he'll nudge her out of the way. So I always made sure that she was fed upstairs, separately from him.

He would always drink loads too - and I mean LOADS!!! Whenever I turned up his water was all gone, as was the water in the second bowl I left out for them. I know it was him, because whenever I refilled the bowls he just couldn't get enough. And if it had been raining, he'd be in the garden drinking water out of the various pots lying around.

So, it was a fair bet he might be diabetic, but whenever his mum took him to the vet to be tested, there was no sign. Until recently...........

So, over this Christmas and New Year things have been a little different for him (and me). My sister's dog has also recently been diagnosed, and I spent a few days looking after her, so understand the issues around food and insulin injections. Daily visits had to be increased to twice daily (which they loved!), and I had to make sure he ate before he had his insulin.

Now, I never imagined that this would be a problem, as he's always loved his food. But there have been some changes in him - his coat is in much better condition, and he's lost a bit of weight. The one change I didn't anticipate though is how difficult it might now be to get him to eat!!! So we've tried everything. I've even been bringing some of Bella's food from home to see whether I can tempt him, and worked out that either regular tinned tuna or Sheba trays are what it takes.

The tuna was a desperate measure really, as one day he wasn't eating anything I gave him, then remembered I had some emergency tuna in the car. Lapped it up!! But this is only good now and again as cats need the taurine that's derived from meat, and the right amounts are contained in the food products created specifically for cats.

He's also eating more slowly too now (which is good for him), but it means that my half hour visits are mostly stretching to nearly an hour each time. Great for him, but not cost effective for me!!

And when he comes to his injection he doesn't object at all. In fact he just thinks he's getting more strokes, and purrs all the louder. Soppy, soppy, soppy..........

Tuesday 29 December 2009

Polly's Acrobatics

Polly is a lovely girl, not so young these days, but still loves to go out wandering. Most of the times I've gone to look after her she'll race out the front door in the morning, and no amount of coaxing in for food will work. But she's happy to sit outside all day, waiting for my evening visit when she scoots indoors again, very hungry.

I was looking after her for a few days over the recent Christmas period. Her mum told me that as it's been so cold and snowy of late, she'd taken to staying indoors, so not to worry if she didn't want to go out. That's fine by me, as she lives near a main road, and I have to say I do get a little concerned when she's out all day. I'm always very relieved to see her again in the evening. But then she's lived there for a number of years and is probably very street wise, and likely doesn't venture too near the road anyway. Still, I can't help but be so pleased to see her again in the evening..........

The first Christmas visit, she was asleep on the sofa, and snuggled up to me for a cuddle. She then came downstairs for a look at her food, but no inclination to go anywhere near the front door. Then straight back up again to settle in her warm spot.

The next day though, she wanted to go and sniff the air. Didn't stay out long though, and I wasn't surprised. Until she was itching to go out again!! So, I opened the door again, and out she trotted. This time she was her normal self - nothing (not even food) could coax her in. It was very cold, but I know that cats don't feel the cold the way that we do. Still, I wasn't happy for her to be out until I was able to get back again later in the day - that was too long.

I shut the door to keep the warm in, and went upstairs to fill her water glass (and how many cats do I know who like to drink out of a glass? - loads!). Next thing there was a noise at the front door, so I came down to see what it was. The top half of this front door is glazed with 9 frosted panels - and there was a cat clinging on to the beading in between. Completely spread-eagled against the window, just like a cartoon cat!!! It was hilarious!

Now, this is a lady in late middle age, but just goes to show how agile cats can be well into their dotage. Quite how she actually launches herself at the window I have no idea. And how long she'd have been able to stay there if I hadn't let her in is also a mystery!

I've heard of cats that find ways to let their families know they want to come in again, but never come across this before. Her mum told me that she does it when she's desperate to come in - and it always frightens the life out of her!!

Monday 28 December 2009

Christmas Tales - to come.....

Can't believe it's been 2 whole weeks since my last post!!! Longest ever....... Sorry to all those of you who like to keep up with my comings and goings.

Hope you've all managed to have a lovely Christmas and perhaps a little rest and recuperation too. Not too mention far too much to eat and drink!!

I've been rather busy taking care of lots of cats over Christmas, so not much time for writing. Most of it has been lovely, but the downside was the awful road conditions on Boxing Day.

Anyway, will be updating you soon, just wanted to let you know I hadn't forgotten!!

Monday 14 December 2009

Rescuing Roland



I've been going to take care of Jenny for a couple of years, and more so since she lost her sister last year. The changes in her are remarkable, both through finally having the house to herself, and the Reiki help I've been giving to her. She's much more friendly, confident and vocal – and now very good at bossing us all around. I wrote about Jenny's story in August – have a look at "Introducing Mrs Dolittle".

But this story isn't about her. In recent months, while I've been visiting her, every now and again a rather sad looking cat comes to the door. He's rather skinny, not very clean, has scratches all over his face, and has something wrong with his eyes. Jenny's mum has also noticed him from time to time, so has been leaving a food bowl out in the front garden. If either of us see him we run inside to get some food, and he wolfs it down! Clearly doesn't get to eat that regularly. Alison didn't know if he had a home and family, but our guess was that he didn't. Or, if he did, he wasn't well looked after. Given that we don't see him a lot, he probably has a fairly wide territory that he roams, and goes where he knows where he might get some food from time to time.

There was one time he came out from under a car just as I was arriving, and followed me up the garden path. I fed him, but was so tempted to scoop him up, and take him to Animals in Distress. Even if he did have a home, he was clearly in need of some urgent medical attention and a few good meals!! Alison and I often talked about what we should do; but we were reluctant as we really didn't know anything about him.

The day came though, when we decided that we should do something. Alison had asked around her neighbours, and nobody seemed to know where he lived, so it was a fair bet that he didn't have a home. So, one day when I was doing a long visit with Jenny, I arranged for Animals in Distress to bring the cat trap to see if we could tempt him in. I brought some tuna to encourage things even more – although he would have eaten anything. As visits were few and far between, we really didn't know how long it would take. But within about half an hour I heard the door spring closed and rushed out to see him inside!! He wasn't happy, yowling and crying, and I could understand that. But I felt certain that once he'd had some medical care and we got him to Animals in Distress he'd be much happier. Just image – living outside in the cold and wet (by now November), always looking over your shoulder to be certain there were no other cats around, only eating from time to time, nowhere soft, warm and safe to sleep.

I called Brian from Animals in Distress again, and we arranged to meet half way where I'd hand him over – and he had him booked in at the vet for a check up. I called Brian later to see how he was, and he said the vet had been surprised that his physical condition wasn't as bad as I'd suggested it would be. In fact, the vet said he was a fairly strong, healthy cat, albeit rather old. Well, both Alison and her neighbour had been feeding him for a while, so perhaps this had helped his condition a little. I called Alison to let her know of our success later on, then went to visit him the next day at Animals in Distress. He was fairly quiet and shy, sitting up on his shelf, but accepted some head scratches from me, and a little food. Had to admit he did look better than I'd remembered him last (was hard to tell how he looked while in the cat trap as I couldn't see him properly). We decided to call him Roland.

All this made sense when Alison called that evening and said she'd had the shock of her life – she'd just got home from work, and who should follow her up the garden path? So, even if we'd only ever seen one black and white cat, there were actually two!! The one we'd called Roland was in better health, but as with our friend, had more white than black on him, and the black bits were peppered with grey hairs. At first we were both so worried that we'd taken a cat that had a perfectly nice home of his own, and perhaps his family were now getting worried about him. But then, he was in the best place he could be, warm and safe with lots of lovely food to eat. So, Alison and I created some posters and flyers and distributed them all around the area, to see if anyone came forward.

I'd sensed that Roland was also a stray, but just one that wasn't ill, and was perhaps better at finding food. I had a go at tuning into him, to see if I could have a conversation, and see how he felt. Despite my conviction that he was a stray, I worried that I'd pick up on feelings of upset and missing his family. But all I got were happy feelings. As far as he was concerned he'd really fallen on his feet, had his own little place to sleep in, and plenty of food to eat. People would come and see him and talk to him all through the day. He was loving it!! That was reinforced when I went back to Animals in Distress a couple of days later. The staff said that he was now coming to the front of his cage to greet people, and he seemed to be really happy. He was a gentle soul, but friendly all the same.

So, we got the wrong cat, but maybe we got the cat we were supposed to???

Alison has still seen the original cat (we really should give him a name) from time to time, but he's still rather elusive and shy around people. I'm hoping that we can rescue him one day, but I'm not so sure we will. Alison's reluctant to use the cat trap again as it really needed to go in the back yard, rather than the front garden – but that was starting to upset Jenny. The back yard is her territory, and although she's doing really well these days, we don't want to set her back again.

Meantime Alison's continued to talk to neighbours, and has now learnt a little more. It seems that there were two white and black cats living with a family who moved away and left them behind, and have been straying ever since. So, hopefully we can find a nice new home for Roland one day soon, and eventually rescue his brother........ I'll keep you updated.

By the way, the cat in the picture isn't Roland, but looks a lot like him. I'll try to take one of him and post it for you to see.

Thursday 10 December 2009

Such a “Pritti” cat



A few months ago, the staff at Animals in Distress were told about a feral cat living in fields nearby who'd recently given birth to a litter of kittens. It was decided to try to get them into Animals in Distress, to give them the best start in life. Catching cats can sometimes be quite difficult, especially if they're feral, so this is done with a humane cat trap. If you've not seen one, it looks like a rather long cat carrier, and food it placed in one end, with the door at the other end secured in an open position. When the cat enters the trap and moves to the other end where the food is, they step on a plate that releases the door so that it shuts, with the cat inside. Then the cat can be transported in the trap to the sanctuary.

The staff were told that there were possibly 6 kittens, although when they're so small and snuggled together it can be quite difficult to count accurately. Bit by bit mother and 5 of the kittens were brought in – perhaps there were only 5 – as well as a rather straggly male cat who was also nearby. It was supposed that he was the father.

Now, there's a difference between ferals and strays, although the lines can sometimes be a little blurred. Generally feral cats have always lived in the wild and have not been used to human company, or living in a house with people. Strays have usually been pets at one time, but for a variety of reasons are now living rough, scrounging what they can from kind people and whatever they catch. Because strays have been used to human company some can be very adept at "adopting" a number of people locally to leave food out for them. Some of them actually prefer this lifestyle, and choose to live this way. Others very clearly are desperate to come and live in a house with people again. For these reasons strays can usually be adopted with few problems, although those who've chosen to be strays might just decide to wander off again at some point.

Because ferals aren't used to human company they are usually rather fearful of people. Some live in colonies where kind locals deliver food to them on a regular basis, but even in this circumstance, they'll keep their distance while the human is around, and only approach the food when the coast is clear. If you've ever been near a feral cat, you'll be familiar with the typical behaviour if a human is around – ears flattened on the head, the body kept low to the ground, and lots of hissing and spitting. Get too close and you might even be attacked.

You normally wouldn't attempt to find a home for an adult feral cat. Because they've never had close contact with a human (which would have shown them how lovely the relationship could be for them) they've learnt to distrust and fear us. As such it's almost impossible to domesticate an adult feral. And why would you want to anyway? They don't know any different to the way they've lived their life, so don't know that they're missing anything. It's how they've learnt to be, how they are. It's tempting to want to, if only to ensure that they receive medical treatment when they need it, and give them a chance of living longer and more healthily. But it really wouldn't be right, too much of a shock and change for them.

So, when the mum was brought in, it was tricky. Because Animals in Distress is a rescue centre, all animals are taken to the vet first for a check up, no matter what. Then any treatment can be given. In the case of the mum, the first thing was to neuter her so that she wouldn't be having any more kittens that would find it difficult to survive in the wild – there are already far too many. An overall health check discovered that she had some broken toes, so she was prescribed lots of cage rest until she was better.

Feral kittens, on the other hand, if caught early enough can make lovely pets. At first these ones were very hissy and spitty too, although the extent of this varied. Some were more outgoing and curious, coming to the front of the cage if a person came into the cattery, whereas others would cower in a corner or the cage, or high on the shelf. However, at first, all would be the same when the door was opened – ears down, eyes narrowed and yes, lots of hissing and spitting. The key to winning over ferals is by getting them used to people through lots of visits, handling and socialising. But it's important to take it at the right pace, and not force them. When I spend time giving Reiki to ferals I don't even open the cage door for the first few visits. I stay on the outside and send them lots of loving Reiki, to help them to settle and be at ease. When you can pick up a feral for the first time, they will still hiss, as this behaviour has been learnt – but by now most will allow contact. Sometimes you just have to give light, gentle strokes (and if you've got a couple of treats to give as a reward, they soon learn!). But eventually most will learn to enjoy human contact and for many it's not long before they come looking for a cuddle. All the kittens found good homes very quickly.

Dad was in a cage on his own, and it was apparent that he had been used to human contact. He was a lovely old boy who'd obviously been straying for a while, and found his way to this feral colony. He was so friendly, with a gentle nature. With the help of some expert vet treatment, good quality food, lots of safe sleep and some lovely healing Reiki, he was soon looking pretty good. He had a new home very quickly.

So, back to mum. There she was in her cage, obviously finding the whole experience rather strange. When she wasn't hissing, you could see that she had such a lovely little face, despite the ravages that her hard life had wrought upon her. All the animals are given names, and finding enough names is always a challenge. Because she was so pretty I thought that the Indian name Pritti would suit her very well. Names carry meaning and vibrations, and I felt it was important that she was made to feel loved and cared for, so choosing the right name was essential. It was impossible to call her by her name and not feel the meaning of what you were saying (in English terms, that is).

She wouldn't tolerate anyone going into her cage, understandably so. Staff had to be especially careful when feeding and cleaning up around her. Whenever I went to see her I'd just sit very quietly outside the cage, and let her take however much Reiki she needed. At first, it was clear she found the feeling of the energy rather daunting, so I'd let her just soak up the energy I was sending to the others cats there. Eventually though she'd let me sit there, and would start to enjoy the energy. It wasn't particularly easy tuning into her feelings and thoughts as she was still putting barriers up. But in her more relaxed moments, when her guard was down, I picked up that she was quite happy in her own way. She knew she was there because she was being taken care of, and liked the feeling of not having to look over her shoulder all the time. Her food was hers and no-one else's and it came regularly. She never really developed a big appetite, and would generally only eat when no-one was around. She was warm and safe, and although she missed the sounds and smells of her normal environment, she did appreciate the care she was receiving – even if she struggled to show it.

Her broken toes took a while to mend, and in this time we developed a good-ish relationship. She knew what I was doing, and got into the habit of falling asleep while she was soaking up the energy. The first time I managed to sit with her with her ears up, and purring away, I was thrilled to bits! I'd talk to her and tell her what was happening, that her kittens all had lovely homes and people to take care of them, so she didn't need to worry. I also told her that the staff were looking for a different option for her. Clearly she couldn't go and live with people in their home, and where she and her kitts had been found wasn't the best place to return her to.

Eventually a place was found for her on a feral colony that lived on an allotment, where they were all allowed to wander, but were all safe as they stayed within the confines of the allotments. There was plenty of space, and best of all she would be fed every day in a warm, dry shed. So finally, Pritti went to her new home. I've tuned into her again since then, and having spent so long at Animals in Distress she did feel a little strange and uncomfortable at first. But since then when I've talk to her, she's a happy cat who knows she's been very lucky.

Tuesday 8 December 2009

Great - Fresh Litter!!




I've just come back from seeing one of my favourite cats (well, you know, they all are really) - Archie. I wrote about him back in July - one of the amazing cats I know with only 3 legs. Still racing around the flat, chasing after treats - brilliant eyesight! - and even took a running jump onto the sofa, then to the armchair, and finally up to the window sill where I was looking out for a moment!

Well, this time I needed to change his litter, and as I was doing this he was standing by, supervising operations. Just in case I got it wrong, obviously. The minute I'd refreshed it, and it was all brand new again, what do you know - straight in it to christen it!!

And that reminded me how many cats I look after do that. No sooner is it all nice and clean and fresh again, then it's all soiled. I won't go into too many details, after all, you might be eating your lunch right now.... But luckily this time it was just wet, and not very much, so I left it. But there are times when I've got to start all over again!!

And other times when, just as I've emptied it, the cats decide to use the tray before it's refilled - especially a naughty little girl (no names though, don't want to embarass her), who managed to spray all up the bathroom wall as the lid wasn't on!

It's clearly a marking territory sort of thing, this. I'm sure they've not been standing with crossed legs for hours, waiting for me to come and change their litter. But it happens more than it doesn't, and makes me chuckle. Love them all!!

Saturday 5 December 2009

Honi’s New Brother



A little while ago, I wrote about the dilemma some people have when they have cats and babies.


Honi has lived with Sarah and Thom for some years now, and then Darcy came to live with them. Darcy is a boy cat, with lots of big boy energy, and it was becoming obvious that living in a small apartment, where he couldn't go out, was getting difficult for him. He'd spend hours just staring outside, begging Sarah with his eyes and miaows to be allowed to go out. But when Sarah became pregnant, it seemed to act as a bit of a catalyst in making her decision for Darcy. It was a very difficult decision, and she was so sorry to see him go, but they just couldn't give him the life he wanted. With a small baby around, he'd be getting even less attention. Happily, a friend of Sarah's took Darcy in. She has a large house with lots of land, and lots of cats. He felt a little lost at first, but has settled in nicely now, and just loves his new home, running around all over the place, and playing with his new cat family.

Honi seemed to blossom again once Darcy had gone. I didn't know her before Darcy came, but she'd always been quite quiet and withdrawn whenever I went to look after them. What a difference though, the first time I visited her once she was on her own again!! I didn't realise before how much confidence she'd lost, but it became quite apparent when I met this new talkative, lively, friendly cat!

We were all a little concerned then as to how she'd react to a new baby in the house, having had a few months to get used to being focus of attention again. Well, we needn't have worried. She's lovely with Archie, not at all threatened, and not acting with any jealousy at all. She goes to smell him, and she can spend ages just watching him, completely spellbound. It's just when his crying reaches crescendo pitch that she decides she needs to go somewhere quieter. But she's still as talkative and confident as ever, and I think she's just waiting until he grows a bit and she can get to know him better.

How lovely!

PS – the picture above is of Honi doing her favourite thing – rolling around on the floor wearing bags that have had the ends and handles cut off!

Friday 4 December 2009

Cat Wisdom


Those of us who have cats as part of our lives appreciate the depths of their souls. They seem to be such wise creatures who have been around for a long time. In terms of character they vary so much – very different to the often touted and easily accepted view that all cats are aloof and selfish. We know there's so much more to them than that.

It's been that way for a long time. Originally revered as gods, to becoming seen as evil in the middle ages, they're now very popular as pets and part of the family. True, there are those who just don't get cats, and some are still fearful and wary of them. But they've carved a niche in our psyches all through the ages, and many famous, and not so famous people have had plenty to say. I got interested in searching out wisdoms related to cats, and thought you'd enjoy reading them. Some are fun and will make you laugh, others will make you think.....

I love cats because I love my home, and little by little, they become its visible soul. Jean Cocteau

Of all animals, the cat alone attains to the contemplative life. He regards the wheel of existence from without, like the Buddha. Andrew Lang

In the beginning, God created man, but seeing him so feeble, He gave him the cat. Warren Eckstein

Some people say that cats are sneaky, evil and cruel. True, but they have many other fine qualities as well. Missy Dizick

The purity of a person's heart can be measured by how they regard cats. Anonymous

Cats are the ultimate narcissists. You can tell this by the amount of time they spend on personal grooming. Dogs aren't like this. A dog's idea of grooming is to roll in a dead fish. James Gorman

When you come upon your cat, deep in meditation, staring thoughtfully at something you can't see, just remember that your cat is, in fact, running the universe. Bonni Elizabeth Hall

Loneliness is comforted by the closeness and touch of fur to fur, skin to skin – or skin to fur. Paul Gallico

Cats are a mysterious kind of folk. There is more passing in their minds than we are aware of. Sir Walter Scott

Thousands of years ago cats were worshipped as gods. Cats have never forgotten this. Unknown

In order to keep a true perspective of one's importance, everyone should have a dog that will worship him and a cat that will ignore him. Dereke Rita

After scolding one's cat, one looks into its face and is seized by the ugly suspicion that it understood every word. And has filed it for reference. Charlotte Gray

The ideal of calm exists in a sitting cat. Jules Reynard

May the great galactic kitten always purr you to sleep. Anonymous

What greater gift than the love of a cat? Charles Dickens

Time spent with cats is never wasted. Collette

Everything a cat is and does physically, is to me beautiful, lovely, stimulating, soothing, attractive and an enchantment. Paul Gallico

You can't own a cat. The best you can do is be partners. Sir Harry Swanson

If you have some of your own favourites, please share them with us all.....

Thursday 3 December 2009

Kora - Fingers Crossed!!


By now regular readers will feel they know Kora personally. I've written about her a couple of times now - the last time when sadly her new home didn't work out. But thankfully that was nothing to do with her!! She'd settled in very well, but her new carer was taken ill suddenly, and had to go into hospital. (I have no news as to how the lady is, but wish her well.)

So, I was back to visiting her again at Animals in Distress, and bless her - she coped very well. Clearly it's a familiar environment, where she knows everyone, and is taken good care of. But it's not home, and obviously doesn't compare with a warm bed by the radiator!!

Anyway, this time it didn't take long before someone else took a shine to her - I was so excited for her again, but resisted the urge to tell you all the good news until she'd been in her new home for a few weeks. She has a lovely new family now, and reports are good, once again. She appears to be happy and enjoying her newest home - so let's all hope that this is now her forever home. She certainly deserves it.

Animals in Distress Open Day and Christmas Fair


Just wanted to let everyone know that Animals in Distress are holding an Open Day and Christmas Fair at their sanctuary in Irlam this coming Sunday (6th December) - between 10am - 4pm.

If you've got some time to spare, please come down to support this charity who depend on every penny they receive. At the same time, if you've anything that can be used as bedding for the animals (old blankets, towels, duvets, pillows, etc), please bring it along. Likewise, if your pet has turned fussy and you have food he won't now eat, or any toys the cats and dogs can play with - it's all very welcome!!


I know I keep banging on about it, but they are a small, local, independent charity that works incredibly hard to provide a good life for the animals in their care. They don't have access to the sort of publicity, and therefore the donations that the larger charities are able to elicit. They really do depend on the goodwill and generosity of the local public, and that never stops.

Looking forward to seeing you there (and praying for decent weather!!).








Sunday 29 November 2009

Bella's Bird


Bella and I will happily spend hours sitting side by side looking out of the patio doors into the garden at the birds. I love to watch them flying around, playing with each other and feeding. For such a small garden, and close to the city centre, I get so many different types of birds, and at different times.

Bella watches for different reasons. I've always been aware that there's a communication that goes on between them. They know she's there, and they keep each other warned. Sometimes they play with her and tease her. She knows she'd like to catch one, but she also knows that, quick as she is, they're quicker - mostly........

Until Friday, that is. It was one of those days where she wanted to go out but didn't. The weather wasn't that enticing, so she sat in the kitchen by the open door. I was in the lounge and could see her when I looked up from what I was doing. She'd fallen asleep, but when I looked around again, she'd gone. Good, I thought. She needs to get some fresh air and exercise.

Then I heard the magpies squawking, but this often happens if Bella's in the garden when they are. They're just all warning each other, and trying to scare her off. She'll often sit there shouting back. So I just went back to what I was doing. Next thing, I'm aware of her energy coming into the room, and it doesn't feel right. Difficult to put my finger on it, but it felt low and quiet. She normally comes running in all excited, telling me what she's been getting up to. But this time I felt her energy before I saw her.

When I looked at her, she was walking into the room, hunched low with a young starling in her jaws. She'd obviously stunned it, but didn't realise that when she put her quarry down it would try to escape. I'm as certain as I can be that this is the first bird she's ever caught - she's never brought one in the house before, and whenever I've been in the garden with her, never got close to catching one when she's been stalking. So, she just didn't know what would happen. All she's ever brought in before is worms - and when she drops them on the rug they just wriggle.

So, the bird flew off in a panic, and managed to get behind the bookcase. Great, I thought. We'll never get you out from there. Bella and I went to look, and I figured that I could get it out safely without having to take off all the books, photos, etc and moving it away from the wall. But not with Bella there. I'm really pleased with myself for being so calm about the whole thing. I went into the kitchen to put on some rubber gloves - the bird was pooing everywhere, and there was some blood.

Then I came back to pick Bella up, and shut her in the kitchen - not a happy cat! I took all the items from the bottom shelf, and could see the little bird there. I figured I could reach it, but it kept on scuttling away. I was trying so hard not to frighten it any more than it was already, and was sending it lots of love and calming Reiki.

Eventually I managed to get a gentle but firm hold of the bird, but not without prising it's little feet off the speaker wire it had been clinging on to. I spent a few seconds just holding it gently and letting Reiki flow into it. It seemed to get a little calmer, although that may just have been more fear again. I told it what had happened, and what I was going to do. Although it was clearly injured - there was blood on my marigolds - it didn't seem too damaged, so hoped it might make a recovery if I was able to get it outside again, and could go somewhere safe to recover. I know that there's no point in trying to nurse a bird in the house - they do just die. Its best chance of survival was to be let free.

So I opened the front door and looked around. Where to put it? Suddenly I heard something - Bella had realised what was happening and had gone out through the back door and jumped over the fence at the side of the house. So I had to put the bird somewhere Bella wouldn't just grab it again. She had a rather keen expression on her face!

I remembered that it was gripping well onto the wires, so thought if I put it in the tree in the front garden, it would be able to grip a branch. But the minute I'd done that it flew down under a bush, then under my car, where Bella raced towards it. Next thing it's flying across the road, with Bella in tow. But I'm fairly sure it managed to get away safely.

I left Bella outside to calm down for a little while, then got her indoors. She was shouting at me, clearly not happy that I'd taken her fun away. So we sat down and had a few quiet words. I told her that I know she's a cat and respect that she does cat things, which might include chasing and catching birds. But next time she's not to bring it indoors. And she should also respect that I'm not a cat and have a concern and love for all wildlife, so will always do what I can do to liberate and make them safe. She stopped shouting, but did sulk for a bit. But she understood.

And in respecting her cat-ness, part of me is actually quite proud that she has proved she's a good little hunter. But of course I'm torn, as I also love the birds that come into my garden. I still believe that on balance cats and birds can and do co-exist quite happily - they both know where they stand with each other. The vast, vast majority of the time no harm is done. But nature is nature, and the cats and birds know this only too well.

Everything got back to normal very quickly - the animal world is good at moving on. Birds are still using my gardens as a social club, restaurant and gym, and Bella still spends ages watching them.

Monday 23 November 2009

A Stormy Night.....




They were together in the house.

Just the two of them.
It was a cold, dark, stormy night. The storm had come quickly.

Each time the thunder boomed, he watched her jump.

She looked across the room and admired his strong appearance....... and wished that he would take her in his arms, comfort her, and protect her from the storm.

Suddenly, with a pop, the power went out... She screamed...

He raced to the sofa where she was cowering.

He didn't hesitate to pull her into his arms. He knew this was a forbidden union and expected her to pull back.

He was surprised when she didn't resist but instead clung to him.

The storm raged on.......

They knew it was wrong. Their families would never understand. So consumed were they in their fear that they heard no opening of doors.......

Just the faint click of the camera.......








No, I didn't write this, but received it in an email. Thought it would make you chuckle on a wet and miserable Monday morning!!

Friday 20 November 2009

My Dream


I have a dream. We all need dreams, something big to aim for, that make our lives so much richer. As you'd probably imagine, mine is to do with animals.

I was reading about the new RSPCA Centre that's just opened in Sheffield, and it looks fantastic! Lots of bright, warm, sparkling, cosy cubicles for the cats, and lovely for all the carers too. The RSPCA are well known, and although fund-raising is a never ending activity they depend on, I'm sure that they do better than some of the smaller independent sanctuaries.

Animals in Distress isn't the smartest place, and they desperately need bigger, newer, fresher facilities for all the animals they take care of. In particular, it would be great to have a purpose-built facility for all those animals that take longer to find new homes. Somewhere they can get out and about, and roam a little, see the birds, smell the air, bask in the sun, climb, run and jump (can you tell I know how it feels to be a cat?).

This is my dream. I'm still waiting for my premium bonds to come up, or my lotto win - so Universe, are you listening? I don't need a lot for myself, but I've got some great ideas for a fantastic sanctuary. I spend idle hours lost in creating fabulous designs, so much that it all feels so real. That's the downside to dreams though, isn't it? You wake up and find that it's not happened - yet. I am an ever positive person, and firmly believe that my dream will come true one day.

The other folk at Animals in Distress have similar dreams too - understandably. From time to time we all sit there and share our ideas and hopes........

Animals in Distress work extremely hard raising funds - but these really only go towards keeping things going (and only just, at that). A lovely group of people from BUPA volunteered last year and came along with paint brushes and paint, and brightened it up - which was just so lovely. But they do depend so much on the kindness and generosity of some wonderful people.

They need so much more. And while it's lovely to see the bright, shiny new centre for the RSPCA, and be really happy for all the cats and other animals who'll be looked after there, I really feel for Animals in Distress.

It will happen..... one day!
Picture: from Feline Advisory Bureau website. www.fabcats.org

Wednesday 18 November 2009

Cats and Babies

This is a touchy subject - one that I find tends to divide opinion. Would be good to have all your views......

In recent months I've been contacted by people 3 times to see if I can find a new home for their cats because they (the humans) have a baby on the way. In each situation, the decision has been so difficult, and the people wracked with guilt and worry that it is the right choice. None of these decisions has been arrived at lightly, and each time it's been because it's what they feel is right for the cat. They have wanted the cats to have the best possible life, and hard as it is, they've believed that this is the best course of action.

They contact me because they know that I love cats and know loads more people who do too. Trouble is most of the cat lovers I know already have cats. But then cat lovers know other cat lovers, so you never know......... And I ask everyone I can think of. But one time I had a response that really surprised me. This person was really very outraged - and felt it to be dreadful that they were prepared to re-home their cats just because they (the humans) were having a baby.

This made me think for a bit, but knowing all 3 people and their situations, I have to say that these decisions were made with the best end in mind. There's no way I'd feel it was right to judge their intentions. It was love (as well sometimes as housing situation, hormones, other cats, etc) that was driving the difficult decisions.

Then I thought about all those people I know who have babies and cats, and that it's worked for them. There have been issues along the way, but these have pretty much been resolved to everyone's needs.

So, a difficult one then. I guess the right decision is the right decision for each person, and each decision will be different.




And right now, we're looking for a home for little Peeps, who I've looked after a number of times. She's around 8 years old and a little darling. She's fairly quiet, but when she gets to know you, is so affectionate. This is her picture - isn't she adorable? If you know anyone who you feel she would be perfect with, do let me know, and I'll be happy to let you have more details. Just one thing - she's always been the only cat in the household, and it would probably be best for that situation to continue.

Finally, do please let me have your opinions on this thorny issue!!

Sunday 15 November 2009

Cute Picture Alert!!


Was looking around for pictures and found this one - just had to share it with you. The website it comes from is http://www.thecutereport.com/ and they have lots of others just as lovely!!

Thursday 12 November 2009

Big Thanks to Dig Food




Dig Food is a small local business run by Alan and Beth. They run an organic veg box scheme, and source as much of it as locally as possible. I get a delivery every couple of weeks and always look forward to seeing what I get each week. Even though they publish what's in the boxes on their website, I prefer to have a surprise.

Their service is excellent, Alan's very friendly, and the produce is always of the best quality.

They also bring me any fruit or veg that are past their best, and any offcuts of greens, which I take to Animals in Distress. The rabbits, guinea pigs, degus and tortoises love their fresh veg - there's a new family of guinea pigs, and they get so excited by the greens especially, that this week they've been fighting with their mum for the food!!

If you're interested, their website is http://www.digfood.co.uk/.

Healing Sally and Rachel




In some of my Blog posts, I've touched on the subject of our animals' behaviour. Now, I should say that I've no formal qualifications in animal behaviour. But it's a subject I've studied for many years, and have read a variety of books by acknowledged experts, and perhaps less obviously, texts written by other animal healers. It's impossible to become an animal healer without learning about their behaviour. I've also studied with animal behaviour and communication experts.

This has been complemented and built on by my own first hand experience in caring for animals - and there have been many. Observation is a great teacher, as long as you approach with a very open mind, with no pre-conceived ideas. Additionally, I've learnt directly from the animals themselves - when I'm communicating with them they tell me all sorts of things about our relationship with them.

I've talked previously about healing animals through the use of Reiki and with Bach Flower Remedies. I've introduced you to the idea of communicating with animals, but now I'm going to go one step further and explain how understanding your pets' behaviour can also help to heal.

Unless there's some obvious physical manifestation, often the only way we know that something is wrong with our pets is through changes in their behaviour. As loving carers we should take time to get the know the "normal" behaviours of our animals in order that we can recognise when things aren't right. You will also be quite intuitive about how your animals are feeling - how many times do you know that something's not right, but can't quite explain why? Well, what you're doing here is intuitively communicating with your animal by picking up on their messages to you. But perhaps what you don't realise is that you're also giving them messages through your own behaviour - which they very often mirror. So sometimes when we see emotional and/or behavioural problems, the problem might actually be ours.

To explain what I mean, I'm going to tell you about Sally - a lovely 2 year old labrador - and her family, Rachel and Martin. When she'd come to live with them as a pup all was fine - typical pup, into everything, fearless and loads of fun. Rachel contacted me a couple of years ago for help as she'd turned into a very sad animal, who'd become quite fearful of people, especially children. She didn't know what had happened to change her, and couldn't put her finger on anything in particular.

Rachel sent me a picture, and I could feel a huge heaviness about Sally. She had the weight of the world on her shoulders and seemed to be worrying about everything. She wouldn't tell me anything more as she was afraid of letting me in. When I got to Rachel's house I learnt a little more - both in what she told me and in the way she was with Sally. She'd taught her to bark when someone came to the door, in order to protect Rachel in the house. However, Sally had carried this too far, and thought that everyone who came in was a threat. Rachel was naturally very worried.

After talking to Rachel for a while we decided we'd start with Reiki. Reiki doesn't change the essential nature of a being, but Sally had once been a happy and carefree dog, so she could become that again. I expected though, that this might take a few visits. As she was rather anxious, the only way I could treat her was with Rachel cuddling her on her lap. This was my second clue. Intuitively I picked up from both of them that Rachel was over-worrying about Sally. As a dog, Sally felt a huge responsibility for her "mum", and was reflecting this worry back to her. They were caught in a vicious cycle.

Rachel was almost role-modelling the behaviour she wanted by encouraging dependence on her, and Sally thought that this was what Rachel wanted, so this is what she was giving her. The more that Rachel acted in a worried and over-caring way, the more that Sally mirrored this back to her.

I could see that the key to healing Sally was through Rachel, but how to approach this? So often it's the case that animal behaviour problems have their root in the behaviour of the carer. I knew I'd have to take it carefully, introduce the idea of Rachel needing to take responsibility for Sally's improvement thoughtfully and slowly. If I worried her even more, imagine what might happen! I've also spent years professionally coaching and counselling people, so I was confident that I could help in the right way.

At the end of the first session I told Rachel that I'd tune in to Sally again from home, and have a conversation with her. I felt sure that now we'd met she'd be much more open to talking to me. I also asked Rachel to send a list of questions she wanted me to ask Sally - which in themselves were very telling. At the same time Rachel told me that Sally seemed much happier and calmer after the initial Reiki session, and she couldn't believe she'd sat still for so long! One other little thing - by treating Sally while she was on Rachel's lap meant that I was delivering healing Reiki to both of them. I hoped that Rachel would also benefit.

Once I tuned into Sally again, the answers I got were amazing! This time she was very open with me, and was prepared to tell me anything. First, she admitted she was very confused by Rachel's expectations of her. She really did feel that she was supposed to be this worried, fearful little dog as that seemed to please Rachel - she'd cuddle her more and say lovely, comforting things. She also told me a lot about dogs and how they are with people. I probably learnt more from her about the dog/human relationship than anyone, and I'm very grateful to her for being to helpful. Above everything else they are such dutiful creatures and feel a huge burden of responsibility for their human carers. Even little Sally was prepared to go to the ends of the earth, and do whatever she thought Rachel and Martin expected of her.

I also learnt a lot more, most of which it's not appropriate to share here. Suffice to say that Sally did her dutiful best to raise some important issues which were far better out in the open.

Improvements did come, albeit gradually. I spent some more time talking intuitively to Sally, letting her know that Rachel was realising that her own behaviour was giving very mixed messages, but that above all Rachel wanted her to go back to the happy little dog she'd been before. In the end it seems that Sally actually helped to heal Rachel, and being a dutiful dog, that made her very happy.

Friday 6 November 2009

More than one cat?


When Bella came to live with me, I’d really wanted to take on more than one cat, but she was on her own, and there weren’t any other suitable cats at Animals in Distress. In the three and a half years she’s lived with me she’s come to regard me as hers, and I know that she wouldn’t be happy to share me with another cat. That’s a shame, because she’s a cat who likes company. She’s not a quiet cat. Unless she’s sleeping she never stops talking and wants constant interaction, attention and company.

I’ve often thought she’d be so much happier with another cat to keep her company, and have been very tempted more than once. While I’m at Animals in Distress I find myself thinking “would you and Bella get on?” But the answer I always get is a big “No”. Shame.

Trouble is, I get to see it from the other side. At Animals in Distress there are cats that people have brought in for rehoming because they don’t get on with their other cats. Or people have homed cats only to bring them back a couple of weeks later, because they’re fighting with their existing cats.

Cats aren’t like dogs, they’re not pack animals, although they can be sociable - not the same thing though. In the wild they are very territorial, and don’t share their lives and space with other cats. It’s not as marked with domesticated cats, but they can, and do, get stressed if another cat lives too close to its space. Jealousy can also creep in if the humans spend more time with one than another. Having said that, there are breeds that are a little more sociable, and on the whole it tends to work if you have cats from the same litter. They’ve always lived together and have always known the other one to be close by. Even then though, that’s not always the case.

Many of the cats I go to look after while their families are away are in households with more than one cat. I’m always keen to understand how they get along, especially if they’ve come to live together at different times. It does vary. Some are actually quite friendly with each other, although they might have a little scrap from time to time. With others you can see that they’ve learnt to tolerate each other, but aren’t so happy about it, and then those where it’s out and out war.

It’s clearly not an exact science then. The most difficult situation I find is where they appear on the surface to get along - but watch out for behaviour. This can be a big clue as to whether things are as right as they seem. You’ll know the original cat well, so be very aware to how they might be changing, any bad habits developing. This is a manifestation of stress, and even though there might be no fighting going on, there is clearly still a problem. It’s always more difficult to tell with the new cat as you don’t know them so well, but still keep an eye on their behaviour, as the better you get to know them, the more you’ll pick up signals that things aren’t so good.

If you do decide to take on another cat, realise that it will take some time for them all to come to terms with each other and the change in the home. Don’t force introductions, and give them plenty of space. It’s a good idea to keep the new cat in its own room at the beginning, introducing him to your existing cat gradually, and make sure that both have separate places and boltholes they can call their own, away from each other. Don’t expect them to fall head over heels in love with each other; in some cases the best you can hope for is a grudging tolerance of the other.

If it’s not going to plan I’d say don’t give up too quickly – there are things that can be done. The answer isn’t always to take him back to the rescue centre or breeder; although in some circumstances ultimately that might be the right thing to do. First, get some help. Talk to your vet and ask to be referred to a cat behaviourist. Also, see if I can help too. I can tune in to animals to find out what’s going on, and perhaps it’s just a small matter of me talking to them to sort things out. Additionally Reiki can help to take the stress out of a situation and restore calmness. Once you know what the issue is, don’t forget that Bach Flower Remedies can help with a whole variety of emotionally based situations.

I’d still love for Bella to have a cat friend; however, I’ve resisted as I think there’s too much opportunity for it to be a problem for both of them. I work from home a lot so she probably gets to see me more than some cats see their families – but sometimes even that isn’t enough for her!! If you’re thinking about homing two cats from different families, or adding another to your brood, please think long and hard first. Be patient and realise it takes a lot of time; monitor behaviour and look out for signs that things aren’t right. Talk and listen to experts. And prepare for what you will do if things don’t quite work out.

Time to say goodbye - Kat's story


A little while ago, I posted a Blog called “When it’s time to go”, and talked about how I make use of Reiki and intuitive communication to help animals and their carers to prepare for moving on. I mentioned that in just one week period, I found myself helping in three such situations. Now I’m going to tell you a little more about one of these.

My sister had a cat – called Kat – who was 21 years old. She’d been showing signs of age for a while, in the form of some deafness and sight problems, but otherwise was fairly well. But then I heard that Kat had been starting to have kidney problems, usual issues with not being able to control the bladder, etc. My sister was starting to fear that this might all be signalling the end of her life, and asked me to send some Reiki to help her. When we next spoke, Kat had perked up a little, and seemed to be much better. I’ve found this to be a common occurrence, where the animal will seem to recover - for a little while.

I received a text from my sister a couple of weeks later. Reading between the lines of the text I could tell all wasn’t well, so called my sister and had a long conversation. Friends had tried to tell her that it was time for her to take Kat to the vet for the last time, but Louise wasn’t ready for this. She wasn’t convinced that it was quite time yet, although she did realise that it probably wasn’t far away. Because of the strong bond I knew they had, I knew that Kat was hanging on for Louise’s sake, and also that Louise would know when it was time to take her. And this is what I told her.

She seemed to take heart at this, almost as if it was giving her permission to keep caring for her a little longer. Often people just need time to come to terms with what they know deep down is inevitable. They need to enjoy what time is left, and say their goodbyes in the right way.

I continued to send Reiki whenever I had some quiet time, both to Kat to help her with any pain or discomfort she might be feeling, and to Louise, to support her emotionally. Numerous phone calls followed over the next couple of days. During the Reiki with Kat, she let me know (her signal was quite weak, but the Reiki was helping it to come through more strongly) that she loved Louise so much that she didn’t want to leave her, but she did know it was time to go.

The week before this started to happen, Louise had a rather nasty virus and had been signed off work for a couple of weeks. We were now in the middle weekend, and Louise still had another week off. She felt that this was a gift – that she had a week with just her and Kat, and that they could both enjoy this time. By now she’d come to terms with saying goodbye. The weather that week was wonderful, and Louise spent most of her time outdoors, with Kat always nearby. Louise noticed that Kat was revisiting some of the places in the garden she used to like being in, almost as though she were saying her final farewells to them all.

Kat was now very weak, and on the Friday morning Louise called to say that she had an appointment to take Kat to the vet at 4.00 that afternoon. I tuned into Kat one last time, and she knew what was happening, and was very ready for it. She told me she’d had a lovely final week with Louise, and would be forever grateful for that opportunity, and for all the love and compassion Louise had shared with her then, and over the years. Kat’s still with Louise now - every time she thinks about her it brings her near.

Sunday 1 November 2009

Fear on Fireworks Night


Today is 1st November, and fireworks have been going off for a number of evenings already. 5th November is this coming Friday, so we can expect loud fireworks all over the weekend.

Many of our pets are fearful of fireworks, but we can help them a little. There's all the obvious and oft-repeated advice about keeping animals in, and we understand the sense of this - although I always have a battle with Bella as despite the fireworks going off around she'll stand at the door and demand to be let out! But I have to tell her it's for her own good.......

I've always been terrified of loud bangs, so it's not my favourite time of year. But I knew that when I got Bella as a little kitten I'd have to manage my own fear so that she didn't pick up on it. So, that's the first thing you can do. When fireworks are going off all around, concentrate on how you're feeling and try to find the calmest feelings you can. Then imagine them going out in waves to your animals, wrapping them up in love and caring.

I wrote recently about using Bach Flower Remedies for animals, and they can help here too. Rescue Remedy is the one that's well know for dealing with shocks, so if you have some in the house, this week might be a good time to pop a little in the water bowl. Follow the Bach Foundation guidelines on dosing. In particular Mimulus is one of the individual remedies, and this is indicated for helping with emotions based on fear of known things. If the fear is extreme, then consider Rock Rose (which itself is one of the ingredients of Rescue Remedy). Have a look at the other Remedies to see if there's something that will particularly help your own animal.

Have a great Fireworks night!!

Thursday 29 October 2009

Squirrels and hedgehogs

I live in a house less than a mile from Manchester City Centre, and although I have a garden it's rather small, so you might be forgiven for thinking that I see little wildlife. Well, you'd be wrong!!
For the last 3 years or so I've had a regular squirrel visitor. My sister thought he was just one of loads, but then she lives in a big garden with lots of trees, so probably has loads herself. No, I knew it was just the one. The first time I saw him he had pulled down the bag of nuts I'd left out for the birds, and was busy running around the garden burying them. I'm sure he thought they'd be there for whenever he needed them, but the birds were watching.......

Over the years he's come back again and again, although never buried nuts again. Still took the bag of nuts intended for the birds, but he hid them somewhere else. Bella became fascinated by the squirrel, and they became friends of sorts. When they first met, Bella would sit at the foot of the fence cackling like she does with the birds, and the squirrel would screech back. Mostly she'd just sit and watch, sometimes talking to him, but if he got a bit brave and came out into the middle of the lawn, now and again she couldn't help her cat instincts. Although she can climb, he was smaller, quicker and can climb trees better, so happily she didn't get him.

Sadly he wasn't quick enough to escape a car one day while crossing the road. I'd never have known, except for bumping into the estate caretaker who told me he'd just cleared up the remains of a squirrel who'd just been run over. I knew it was our squirrel, and I knew it would be a long time before we'd see another. That was about 3 weeks ago now, and sure enough, no more squirrels. RIP squirrel, we loved having you around.

Anyway, lunchtime yesterday I was sitting in the lounge, and Bella was outside, with the back door open. I heard her shout - she normally does this as she's running in with something important to tell me - but she didn't come in. A couple of minutes later I thought I'd go into the garden, and immediately saw the cutest little hedgehog right in the middle of the lawn, searching out grubs and insects in the grass roots.

I thought Bella would love to see this, she'd never met one before (as far as I knew). Then I noticed Bella sitting on the side of the garden just a few feet away. She looked odd, staring into space somewhere and seemed to be panting a little. I couldn't understand why she wasn't staring fascinatedly at the hedgehog. I picked her up and she was all floppy. She didn't make a sound (she always says something when I pick her up), and seemed to be somewhere else entirely. I brought her into the kitchen and put her down, but she went outside again. She still didn't look right though......

By the then hedgehog had moved towards the shrubs, and Bella followed - at a safe distance. I was sure that the shout I'd heard was when she'd gone for the hedgehog, and probably found a very unexpected spike. I tempted her in with the promise of Brush, so that I could see how she was. No apparent damage to her mouth or paws, and by then she was pretty much back to her old self. I guessed she'd just had a nasty shock!

Well, hedgehog came back again this morning, and found a couple of Bella's treats that she'd had on the patio and went a bit soggy in the dampness - loved them! Tried a couple of chunks of Felix in Jelly and chomped away very noisily. Hedgehog was really very happy with us - no apparent fear and seemed quite relaxed. Bella was fascinated to watch, but every time he got close to her (and they really do move quite quickly!), she'd run away. Now and again a paw would go up to swipe him if he got too near, but she never quite made contact - I'm sure her encounter yesterday was still very fresh in her mind.

Last I saw he was squeezing through the gaps in the back gate to go into the front garden - and Bella followed a few seconds later. I'm hoping he'll stay safe from cars, although hedgehogs don't have a good track record! I'd like to think they can develop a good friendship.......

Wednesday 28 October 2009

Caring for your pets, your home, and the planet...


I have very high standards in all that I do. Sometimes it drives me mad, but that's the way I am. It means a lot to me to know that I've given the best I possibly can to all the animals I care for.

I like to take time to ensure they're settled and happy when I first arrive, and when I leave. When it's time to feed, I'll always clean food bowls, even if they're eating dry food, before replenishing, and do the same for water bowls. I ensure that the litter area is clean and tidy too. I realise that they probably won't notice, but I do!!

I talk to them, tell them what's happening, and perhaps let them know when their families are due to be back. I'll tell them stories of all the other animals I've been looking after - and they always listen. I look out for signs of anything that's not right with them, both physically and emotionally. And of course, I bring love and healing.

But my care extends to further than the animals I'm looking after. I always ensure that litter is disposed of properly, according to instructions - some of my customers keep the litter tray in the bathroom or cloakroom, and ask me to flush the solids down the toilet. Otherwise, it's all bagged up and put in your outside bin. Sadly, not all pet sitters take this much care. I've been contacted by people looking for a new pet sitter, when their previous one has left the bags containing solids in the house. It might be an oversight, but more care should be taken - the results can be disastrous and very unpleasant when the family returns home.

I always keep a clean and tidy sink area, and sometimes I even do the washing up if it's been left!! I bring my own gloves, feeding spoons and tea towels, so that I don't use any I find in the kitchen - unless they've been specifically left out for pet use. And I always bring my own rubbish bags and cleaning materials. Accidents happen - like the other the other day where I was emptying solids from the litter tray, and while the lid was off the cat decided to step in for a pee, and sprayed all over the wall! It doesn't bother me in the slightest and I always ensure the area is properly cleaned and disinfected, and cleaning materials disposed of in the outside bin.

I'm happy to feed and water plants - if you ask me - and will also see to any outside or greenhouse watering as long as time allows.

Finally, I'm doing what I can to help the planet, although I know I could do a little more...... Tins and foil trays are always washed and recycled, and of course litter solids can be flushed down the toilet (check the type of litter though, they can't all be flushed). The only problem is that I drive to all my customers, which isn't so good for the planet. I've decided to experiment with cycling to visits next Spring when the weather gets better and there's more light again. The traffic in Manchester is so bad sometimes that I'm sure I'd be quicker on 2 wheels!!

Monday 26 October 2009

The Joys of Hibernation


In the last couple of weeks I've noticed that Bella is sleeping a lot more, and less inclined to go outside. She's enjoying being cosy indoors, and it's clear that she's getting into hibernation phase.

This Blog is dedicated to animals, and although I mostly write about cats, others do get a look in too. We're also animals, and in this post I wanted to talk about how similar we are to all the other animals that inhabit this planet - even if we think we're not!

One of the ways that I think that this really manifests itself is how we also feel at this time of the year. As the days get shorter and the light gets less, we also have a very deep and primeval urge to hibernate. The problem is that mostly we resist. As we have developed and evolved as a species we have gained very busy lives and expect to be as full of energy and productive as we want to be all the time.

The reality is that this isn't possible. Many of us claim to suffer from SAD (seasonal affective disorder), but I have another view on this. I used to think I was also afflicted - I'd find it difficult to get enough energy to do what I wanted, and the darkness would make me feel depressed. Once it was cold and dark, not to mention wet and windy there's no way I'd go out again in the evening once I was home. I didn't really want to do anything. This was so different to the person I was during the spring and summer, when I had so much energy and enthusiasm.

When I thought about it I realised that all I wanted to do was to hibernate, just like other animals do. And that changed things for me. I accepted it, stopped fighting it, and started to learn to enjoy it. I still prefer spring and summer, as that feels much more like me, but I could appreciate time to slow down, gather strength, be quiet and nest.

It doesn't mean doing nothing at all, but it does mean doing less. Unfortunately we still have to go out to work, get the shopping in, do the housework, and so on. But there is so much that we really don't have to do, and during the autumn and winter months, that's exactly the time to let ourselves off the hook. Don't feel guilty about all the things you're not doing - what's the worst that can happen? But if we don't take the opportunity to slow down, sleep more, rest, reflect and nest, that's when we start to get ill. We really can't keep going at 100% all the time. So be kind to yourself, look at what your animals are doing, and follow their example.

Monday 19 October 2009

Bach Flower Remedies and Animals


Most of us have heard of Rescue Remedy - a very effective (it is for me!) and easy to use tincture for when we've experienced some sort of shock or upset. But did you know that the Bach Foundation who make it also have a very wide range of flower remedies to help with any sort of emotion? In fact there are 38 of them, and Rescue Remedy is a combination of 5 of these.

Lots of the animals I care for are experiencing a high level of stressful change in their lives. Those being cared for at Animals in Distress are often disoriented and confused - why are they there?, what's happening?, etc. When I visit cats while their families are away, suddenly all the familiar smells, noise, bustle, routine has stopped - and this can be difficult to cope with. I was keen to learn about other healing media that could help support and strengthen the Reiki I bring to them.

I've used Bach Flower Remedies for myself for many years, and it was logical that they would work equally well for animals. I discovered a great book explaining their use for animals, which has been endorsed by the Bach Foundation, and written by a couple of experts in the use of Bach Flower Remedies - together with a lot of help from animal behaviourists.

Included in the book is a large section on case studies, which helps so much to understand the uses they can be put to in order to help animals. If you're interested in learning more, here's a link to the book on Amazon: Bach Rescue Remedy for Animals.

Also, the Bach Foundation's own website has a wealth of information, as well as a list of all the Remedies and the emotional conditions they can help with - here's the link: The Bach Centre.

One final thing to mention though....... I am not a qualified practitioner in Bach Flower Remedies, and additionally the law on anyone other than vets treating animals is quite strict (and actually rather confused in this instance). The Walnut Remedy is indicated for helping with emotional conditions associated with change and unwanted influences, and can therefore help animals when left on their own, or in other change situations (for example, a new baby arriving, moving house, etc). But, I can't actually give or suggest this for animals that aren't my own (as I'm not a vet).

What I can do though, is, if you've read the book or the information on the website, and you freely purchase your own Remedy for your animal - you can ask me to administer it to your animal while you're away. Just as you would medication that a vet had prescribed.

Saturday 17 October 2009

Kora is so unlucky!


I wrote a couple of weeks ago about how thrilled I was that Kora had at last found a lovely new home - Sticky Cats - Kora's Story - but when I paid a visit to Animals in Distress earlier this week, was so sad to see that she was back.

I feared the worst - that after all she'd been difficult and bitey and her new carer just couldn't deal with her. However, I soon learnt that she'd been good as gold and they'd continued to get on really well. But she'd gone to live with an elderly lady who suddenly became ill and had to be taken into hospital - and of course Kora needed somewhere to go. So back to Animals in Distress it was. Better there than anywhere else really, as it was somewhere very familiar to her.

So I spent a good deal of time with her, just sitting, and telling her what had happened and why. We also played with her favourite ball on a string, which she loves to bat about. She seemed to be in surprisingly good spirits, which I was so pleased about. She still likes to bat your hand away if you stroke her just that little bit too much, but it's part of who she is.

The good news (I think) is that it should be easier to find her a new home again - after all, there's now great evidence that she settled in well into a new home, and got on well with her new carer. Clearly the staff will still need to let prospective adopters know that she did have a reputation for biting at one point, but her more recent history is much better.

I'll keep you all updated on her progress - and of course if anyone knows of someone who'd like to adopt a lovely cat, then just contact Animals in Distress on 0161 775 2221, or pop down to Silver Street in Irlam any day between 10-4, and ask to be introduced to Kora. She's the beautiful black and white girl who's lost loads of weight!!

Also, although I never knew her most recent carer, I wish her all the very best and hope that she makes a good recovery.


Wednesday 14 October 2009

A healing approach to cat sitting


I began pet healing before I moved into pet sitting, so when I'm with animals, no matter what I'm doing, I'm always very aware that I'm bringing them healing - for whatever it is that they need.

When their families go away, generally cats are going to be happier left in their own homes, with all their familiar things and smells, and all their favourite little nooks and crannies. If they're outdoor cats, they can still roam around in their territory.

But that doesn't mean to say that they won't experience some anxiety, confusion or upset. They've become an important part of the family, so if you put yourself in the cat's place, and you find yourself on your own for a few days, you can perhaps start to imagine what emotions the cat might be feeling. Every animal is different and some will experience this in a different way and to a different extent. You know your own animal best.....

Now, what I don't want to be doing is making you even more anxious than you might already be about going away and leaving little Barney all on his own (or him and his brothers and sisters).

But what I did want to talk about is my approach to helping your animals to cope as well as they possibly can while you're away. I work as a healer, and bring healing with me (it's always there, but it's also a state of mind and way of being for me) when I come to look after your animals. The root of the verb "to heal" comes from "to make whole". This reflects the fact that a body will be whole (therefore at his healthiest), when all parts of it are working well. And this doesn't just mean in the physical sense, but emotionally, mentally and spiritually too.

We all know how emotional issues can lead to stress which has a direct effect on the physical health of a body. Well, all these 4 factors are inter-related, and all need to be working effectively for a body to be healthy - and happy. And a cat that is feeling a little unhappy or anxious while their family is away is clearly not whole.

So, when I'm coming to take care of cats while their families are away, the first thing I do is to sit down with them, and give them a cuddle. I'd say that 99% of the cats I look after want love, caring, strokes and a fuss before they think about eating. While I'm sitting with them I'm able to pick up on how they're feeling, and my hands will be able to deliver whatever is needed to ensure that they can be calm, relaxed and happy. It's not essential to physically touch though. I can just sit close by, tune in to them, and send healing energy from my heart to theirs. So once they're eating, I love to sit and watch them, continually sending them love and healing. I'll also tell them what's going on, why people sometimes need to go away, and that they'll be back soon.

I've talked about cats here, because it's mostly cats I look after. But I look after some house bunnies and I do exactly the same for them, as well as the other animals I'm asked to look after from time to time.

I love to do this just for its own sake, it's a truly beautiful place to be with all these animals I look after. But it's also great to hear from their families that once they return they're all very happy pets - and I know that I've really done my job, and helped to heal the humans too!!