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.......

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!!

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.

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.

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.

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!!

Kitten Om Nom Nom

Someone sent me this YouTube clip and it made me smile.

Kitten Om Nom Nom

You're my favourites!

It's amazing that to people who don't really know cats, they all seem the same. Of course, when you have cats, know lots of cats, or work with them the reality is that they're all very different. For me, that's one of the wonders of cats. They are such interesting and fascinating animals, all with extremely different characters.

Whenever I'm with any of the cats I look after, at the time I'm with them, they're my favourites. Then I get up, drive to the next house, and they're my favourites too! And so my day goes on........

Olly and Frank are brothers and are very gentle boys. They are extremely affectionate to each other, and to me, and when I'm there they like nothing better than to be sitting on my lap or snuggled in right beside me. Being continually stroked, of course! They're definitely my favourites.

Then there's Rex and Sammy, two more brothers, this time ginger boys. They have a cat flap, so go in and out as they wish, but when I get there, no matter what time it is, Sammy is usually sitting outside waiting for me - as long as it's not pouring with rain; otherwise, he's sleeping on the back of the armchair in the front window and sees me coming through the gate. The minute I'm there he races me to the kitchen, jumps on the table and nuzzles into my hand and face. Then starts shouting at me for food! Once he's got his food, he tends to be less bothered about getting a fuss from me.

Rex takes a little longer - he's either asleep upstairs, or wandering further around the neighbours' gardens. He's less bothered about his food, and usually waits for Sammy to stop eating before he sees what's left for him. His face is often covered in scratches, and he's known locally for being a bit of a bruiser, fighting with other cats. But he's so gentle and loving with me, and while I'm there, once he's found me, he doesn't leave me. If it's a nice, warm sunny day, I'll sit in the garden with them while they sunbathe on their backs in the middle of the lawn.

When it's time to leave, as long as it's not raining, Sammy usually comes to see me off. With a look that says "I can't believe you're leaving me!"....... They're definitely my favourites.

More favourites on another day.

Wendy and Holly

I used to look after Wendy and Holly quite frequently. Sam and Jayne were from Ireland and often popped back to see their families, and used to like the odd holiday too!! Sadly I don't see them any more because they all moved back to Ireland, but I get little updates and photos every so often, which is so lovely.

When I first met them they lived in an apartment, and the cats had a room all to themselves. They had a bed all of their own to sleep on (although mostly preferred to sleep under it), and plenty of space for their litter boxes. However, although the room had a window, it looked out onto a brick wall - not good for cats who love to be able to watch what's going on.

There was a small problem though.... Holly had a problem of using the floor as a toilet. Sam was becoming frustrated and couldn't understand the problem - he was scrupulous about making sure that the litter boxes were always kept fresh and clean. I suggested that Reiki might help. Reiki doesn't cure behavioural problems as such, but if there's an energy blockage causing emotional issues this could be at the root of the problem, so clearing that can be effective. Almost immediately after the treatment there was a marked improvement, but still not completely resolved. She definitely seemed much happier and more relaxed, and was using the litter box a lot more, but from time to time she'd still use the floor.

Since the problem started, Sam had been putting newspaper down in the cats' room to try to protect the floor, and had even tried puppy pads. It occurred to me that this might actually be a part of the problem. We'd resolved the emotional issues but I was starting to think that Holly actually thought that she was supposed to be using the paper. If you think about it from a cat's perspective, why not?

So, I asked Sam if he was prepared to take a risk and take the paper and puppy pads away. I had a quiet word with Holly to explain what we were planning to do and why. And guess what? No more problem!!

Shortly after, the family moved to another apartment. I could tell that the cats were much happier there - there were lots of windows to look out of, and loads to watch. They had a bit more room to roam around, and their own room was much nicer. However, there was still a little issue.....

Whenever Sam and Jayne were away the cats were confined to this one room and the hallway. They'd been litter mates and were mostly very friendly and affectionate with one another. But of course, even the closest cats need space away from each other, and a couple of days into the holiday I noticed how they'd get very cross with each other if they got too close. There was really nowhere for either of them to go to be on their own. They'd snap at each other for almost no apparent reason, and were desperate to be allowed into the lounge. One day I arrived and there was a glass bedside lamp in bits all over the floor - I can guess how that happened! Luckily neither of them were injured in any way; I cleared up the mess and all was fine.

But this really got me thinking that I needed a serious word with Sam. It's difficult, because when you look after peoples' animals you do what they ask - but at the same time, you also have the animals' welfare in mind. So sometimes I need to find a way to give some feedback and make practical suggestions.

Happily, Sam completely understood what I was saying and appreciated the fact that I raised the issue. Turns out that the cats had been his for a long time (they were about 12 when I was looking after them), and had come with him when he and Jayne got together. Jayne wasn't really a cat person, and although she tolerated them, she wasn't always so open to their needs. They were renting the apartment furnished, and she was concerned that they might scratch the brand new furniture - as they loved to scratch, and this was a big issue. So, I could see it from her perspective too.

Anyway, Sam had an idea! He bought some blankets and brought them round to me, and asked if I'd cover the furniture on my first visit, and uncover and take them away with me on my final visit, the next time they went away. That way they'd have to stay in the room and hallway when Sam and Jayne left, but once I turned up, they could have the run of the apartment. Sam didn't want Jayne to know - he said she wouldn't have agreed - and although I'd have preferred it if he could have told her, I had to go along with it.

This was really successful. Very happy cats, loved to snuggle onto the blankets and sleep on the sofas - one each - and no more fighting. Did make a bit more work for me though on my last visit, as I also had to clear up any telltale fur lying around. But they could spread themselves around and be as free as they needed to be.

Not long after that though, I received a card from Sam telling me they were returning to Ireland, but at least they've gone back to a house where Wendy and Holly can run around outside again. The blankets were taken to Animals in Distress and put to very good use!

Sticky Cats - Kora's Story

I paid a visit to Animals in Distress yesterday, to take along some towels and food that a very kind customer had given to me (and also spent some time with Suzie who was recovering from an operation on her leg).

While there I had some great news!! Kora, who had been there for ages and ages now had a lovely home. Kora came to the sanctuary last year and was fairly quickly re-homed. However a few weeks later she was returned as she was biting. Well, she'd not bitten any of the staff or volunteers before she was homed, but cats do have teeth, so that can happen. Lots of things can make them bite, and there could be any number of triggers. They had idea what happened there, but it meant that they had to let anyone who was interested in taking her home with them know about that. That always makes it difficult to find a new home.

Also, she'd put on a lot of weight, so she was put on a strict diet, and in time (and it took a long time!) her weight reduced. Lots of people came to see her, and as she lost weight she regained her very pretty looks. But she had become rather feisty. She'd be quite happy to have people stroke her - but only until she'd had enough, and that might sometimes be only a couple of strokes - then she'd take a swipe with her paw or attempt to bite. But for all that, she really was a lovely cat.

She'd been back for months and was starting to get institutionalised. She had days where she was clearly a little depressed, but mostly she seemed to feel at home. I'd sit with her for ages, and let her come to me. She'd rub her face against my hand, but I'd take care not to stroke her. This was the way she was happy to receive human contact and affection. She was still an affectionate cat, but only on her terms. To be honest, that's very typical of many cats - just to different degrees. She had things to climb on, toys, other cats to see come and go, and plenty of the right sort of attention from staff and volunteers. It was almost as though she was the queen of the cattery.

In the end, she'd been back for over a year, and I think we were all starting to wonder whether she'd ever find a new home. Of course we all continued to hope, but sometimes it was difficult. It's fairly typical that people want to take a cat that will be affectionate, and allow stroking - it's always harder to find people who just want to take a cat and give it a good home, purely for that reason only. I'd often said I'd have been happy to take her, but there's no way Bella would ever allow another cat in this house!!

The staff have heard from her new carer since she left - she's now very affectionate, sleeps under the bed, and is settling in very well. Perhaps she was just waiting for the right person.....

Can you help to find Noodle?

My good friend Naomi has 5 very loved cats. One of them - Noodle - went missing on Tuesday evening 29th September. She is quite old for a cat -18/19 years - and is fairly blind and deaf, and also depends on daily medication. It's unusual for her to be wandering very far. As I'm sure you can imagine her family are very worried for her.

She lives in Prestwich, so please pass this on to anyone you know who might live in the area. Naomi has put together a website: http://www.findnoodle.co.uk/ with lots more information about her, as well as contact details should she be found.

Have a cat safe garden

Many of us have cats who like to be outside, and wander around a little - it's part of the cat nature. But we also worry about what can happen while they're out and about. Because of this concern, some people keep their cats indoors, in order to be safe. This is absolutely fine if yours is an indoor cat and very happy to be (and I've met some cats who are positively fearful of the outdoors), but such a shame to restrict a cat who'd really love to be outside.

I can't imagine ever keeping Bella indoors. She doesn't always want to go out, but when she does there's nothing stopping her. Even when it's a miserable, wet, cold evening, and all she wants to do is to sit under the car for 2 hours!!

But mostly cats like to be outdoors to smell all those exciting smells (the most important sense to a cat), watch the birds, listen to everything, and feel the breeze and sun on their fur. They like to stalk bugs and whatever else they imagine they can see, chew grass, and wander around their territory to see which other cats have been around. Bella can spend hours sitting at the foot of a fence having a loud argument with a magpie or a squirrel who's sat on top!!

She's a climber so although the garden is fairly well contained, she's often up and over the fences - sometimes into neighbour's gardens, but other times into the front. I try not to worry, as what's that going to do, but sometimes when she's been out for longer than usual I do get a little concerned.

I live in a quiet cul-de-sac, so don't have the problems that living on a main road can cause. I can totally appreciate that if you live on a main road you're less likely to let your cat out if it's possible for them to get to the road. And the statistics show quite strongly that cats who go outdoors tend to have shorter lives than those who don't - but mostly if they live close to main roads.

There are some alternatives to consider though........ You could consider creating a safe cat run within your garden, so that your cat can go outdoors, but still be safe. It needs to be enclosed at the top too so that they can't climb out, and should also be quite high, as cats do like to climb. Make sure that there are some nooks and crannies for them to snuggle into, and some high places to climb up onto so that they can watch the world go by and sun themselves. Think of it almost as an outdoor activity centre, and have some fun with it. I've seen some where people have linked it to the back door by means of a corridor, with a door into the run and another into the garden for the humans.

This option can be fairly cheap to construct, as mostly all you'll need is some timber, fixings, and wire netting. Obviously you'll need to ensure it's strong and well built, and of course there's also what you put into it for the cat. Oh, and if you're like me and not particularly handy, someone to erect it for you!

Another option can be to surround your whole garden, and there are companies who specialise in this - so possibly a little more expensive, but very effective, and often not obvious. Fences are built higher, and tend to have an overhang or lip which prevents escapees, and other cats from entering.

The cat magazines such as Your Cat and Cat World regularly run features demonstrating these options, and carrying advertising from suppliers.

One other thing to consider is the plants in your garden. There are a number of plants that are poisonous to cats, and there are plenty of websites where you can find this information. However, in my experience, as long as cats always have a plentiful supply of grass to chew on, they tend not to bother other plants. I've got a lovely Fatsia (Castor Oil Plant) that Bella barely even notices. It's a personal view, but I think you have to strike a sensible balance somewhere. Clearly though, if your cat is outside and has eaten something they shouldn't, or is showing any signs at all of being unwell, always take them immediately to the vet (with a sample of the offending plant if you have it).

Just to finish, going back to indoor cats...... You can always find ways to connect them with the outside. Ensure they have access to windows where they can sit and look out at all the activity, where perhaps a window can be locked in a slightly open position so that they can also get the smells without being tempted to jump out. Make sure there are plenty of hidey-places in the house, and lots of activity. And again, think about the plants you have. Most of us love to have lillies in vases, but these can be extremely toxic to cats. Personally I've not seen a cat bother a vase of lillies (probably because instinctively they know), but they will chew on other plants that may give them upset tummies - so make sure they've always got a tray of cat grass to chew on. This will keep them happy for hours!

Handicapped Pets

At Animals in Distress, as I'm sure you can imagine, from time to time we take in animals that are handicapped in some way. Most recently we've had a few cats with leg injuries so severe that they require amputation in order to save the cat, and provide a fairly good life again. They're amazingly stoical, and before very long learn to scoot around on their 3 legs just as if they still had 4. Sometimes though they still think they have 4, and can be seen trying to scratch with the leg that's no longer there! If you go to my Tale of three 3-Legged Cats, published in July, you'll be able to read more about them.

I've recently come across another blog dedicated to handicapped pets, with all sorts of useful, interesting and fascinating information, Q&As, etc for those who use pet wheelchairs. Please have a look at Handicapped Pets.

Tag your cat

A couple of months a go I shared with you the story of Grant and Harry - Harry had disappeared, never to turn up again. Grant was very upset for a long time, as was their human carer. Yesterday I received an email from a good friend of mine letting me know that one of her cats had gone missing, and she and the other 4 cats are beside themselves with worry.

Cats do wander, and even if they wear collars with ID tags, and are microchipped, these only work if someone finds them and decides to return them to us (or a rescue centre or vet). What's needed is a way to locate your cat in the first place.

I was reading Your Cat magazine the other day, and saw an article about a wonderful pet tagging product. The cat wears a little transmitter on his collar, and you have a little handheld receiver. The handheld device works up to a range of 400 ft (122m), indoors and outdoors, and guides you in the right direction. So if your cat has got himself locked inside a shed, or even in the airing cupboard, now you'll be able to find him.

It's called Loc8tor Pet, and is available on line at http://www.loc8tor.co.uk/, or you can call on 0870 111 7777. Cost is £59.99, but what price peace of mind?

An unashamed plea

Well, it's October and this morning things are feeling decidedly chillier. Time to get woolly jumpers out from where they've been hiding.

That always makes me think about the cats and dogs being cared for by Animals in Distress. Although they do have nice furry coats as standard, and have slightly higher normal temperatures than us, they can still get cold. It's not so cold at the moment, but it's on its way, and won't be too long again when there's frost on the ground.

The animals in their care aren't able to run and jump around as much as our own loved animals, they spend most of their time sitting or sleeping - so less opportunity to warm up naturally. Also no nice cosy warm fires to snuggle up by, or our beds to burrow themselves into.

So, as usual I'm asking you all to see whether there are any old blankets or towels lurking away in the backs of cupboards, that you really don't use any more. Please also ask your friends, family, neighbours, work colleagues, strangers on the bus, anyone at all, to have a search for anything that can be used as soft warm bedding for our lovely residents.

Also, donations of food, food bowls, toys, old newspapers, paper shreddings and even good old cash are always welcome.

Animals in Distress is a charity that depends to a large extent on the generosity of its supporters and general public to be able to care for the lovely animals in its care. If you're not sure whether what you've got in mind is suitable, just give them a call on 0161 775 2221. Then just take it along to 55 Silver Street, Irlam, or if you're one of my lovely customers, let me know and I'll happily collect it from you and deliver it to Animals in Distress on my next visit.

Thanks so much to you all, you're all so lovely!!