I'm getting a friend to do it.......

Lots of us have friends, neighbours and family members close by who can take care of our animals when we go away. Some of them even like animals!! That's great if they are reliable and can give them lots of love and affection, and don't mind dealing with the litter.

But so many times, when a new client contacts me, I'm told it's because they've used friends and family in the past and been let down. I've heard all sorts of awful stories - like how the friend just forgot and the poor cats were on their own for 4 days with no food or water!! Unsurprisingly, people feel much happier entering into a proper agreement with someone who they've paid to take care of their animals - and don't mind paying for a professional service, knowing they can go away and have complete peace of mind.

I recently came across this problem myself, and it really hit home how much I appreciate my own cat sitter. I was going away for a short weekend, and asked her if she was available. It was one of those rare times that she wasn't, so thought I'd ask the boys next door. They'd only moved in recently, but were very friendly and loved cats. I thought it would be ok, and they were delighted to have been asked.

The plan was that I would be off mid morning, do my own cat visits, then be on my way. They were due to come in on the Saturday evening, then the Sunday morning. I set off for home again on the Sunday morning with the plan to visit cats on the way, but decided I'd stop off at home for a few minutes first. As I opened my door, next door's opened too, and out stepped a very sleepy Scott holding my keys. He'd had a lie in and had just woken up, completely forgetting to come and feed my guys!!

When I got into the kitchen I could see they'd not been fed the evening before - the food I'd left out hadn't been opened!! I had left very clear instructions, so no idea quite what happened there. Just as well I got home when I did.

But I reminded myself that they had agreed to do this as a favour to me. There was no contract to provide any services, no payment was being made, so difficult for me to be too cross. And that's the problem. So, I don't think I'll be asking them again!! I'd rather pay someone - and what I pay brings me so much value in terms of peace and mind, and knowing that they'll get lots of love and cuddles, and my instructions will be followed. I know that's what my own clients value so much too - they tell me all the time.

Cat Friendly Homes

When we bring cats into our homes, it's important that we do all we can to ensure they are suitable places for them. Even if our cats go outdoors (and I'll cover the indoor vs outdoor cat debate in another post), they will all spend at least some time in the house with us. So it helps to learn to think like a cat, in order to make sure that your home is as cat friendly as it can be.

In particular, they like lots of places they can go and be by themselves, hiding away, but still keeping a good eye on what's going on. We all know how much they like to sleep, and they like to know they have a number of different sleeping places. And they need to stretch and keep their claws sharp and cleaned, so things to scratch on too - we don't want them ruining the furniture. Finally, some things to play with, and for us to play with them with too. They are hunters and this instinct is always with them. It helps to create a very strong bond between us and them, and keeps them very happy.

My house is only small, but as I was thinking about this, I was amazed to realise quite how many "beds" Bella and Dylan have. I think the kitchen is their favourite room. There is the table (long ago taken over by Bella) with her food on, but also a towel and a great place to stretch out when the sun hits it. There are two chairs, both with pillows and rugs on, and this is where they sleep at night - and oftentimes during the day, especially the one beside the radiator. But both again have a great view out into the garden, so dozing is often done with one eye slightly open.......

That's not it though. There are two scratch boxes that are often used as beds, as is the mat by the patio door - again a great place to catch the sun. Then for Bella - as Dylan doesn't jump or climb, so she has two special places of her own where he can't get her. There's a warm rug on top of the fridge freezer (again a great view into the garden), and then she adopted a basket right on top of the kitchen cupboards that I used to store spare pouches in. That now has a towel in it for her to feel comfy and warm on. If I don't see her anywhere, that's where she is.

Into the lounge, and there are two sofas. They are great at taking one each. There's the pouffe in the corner, although that's been out of favour for a while now, and Dylan is quite happy to stretch out on the rug in the middle of the floor. The top of the fish tank was always Bella's favourite place, as it was warm and vibrated gently. But now taken over by Dylan.

Upstairs - actually not quite yet, as many of the stairs make great beds too. Dylan will happily lie on the landing floor, and likes the bit in the doorway to my bedroom. The pipes run underneath and it's a warm spot. There are two bedrooms, each with a bed, and of course, these also work well as cat beds. More Dylan than Bella these days, as he won't give her any peace if they're on the same bed. That's why she spends most of her time in the kitchen where he can't get her. But when Bella does sleep on a bed, she's always at the top by the pillows, yet Dylan always lies at the foot. No idea why. Will have to ask.

Ever since Dylan had his Christmas Day scare with the bag and hid for the rest of the day under the spare bed, he realised that that space also made a great bed. He's a bit of a scaredy cat where people are concerned, and tends to make a run for it if someone comes to the door. Used to lie on the landing until they'd gone, but now will make for the under-bed area. He'll often be lying on the bed while I'm working, but can often be found under the bed, and nothing scary going on at the time - but it's right by the warm radiator.

Talking of warm, another great sunbathing/sleeping spot is on my desk, under the lamp. It gets very hot, too hot for me, but they both love it. Bella's the jumping, climbing one - very nimble - and sometimes jumps from the desk up onto the printer, then onto the top of my bookshelf. Again a high spot that keeps her away from Dylan, but not to be encouraged as when she jumps back down, her first landing spot is the printer!! Can't be doing it any good! Of course the window sill is a great place to watch the world go by and both can spend hours there.

The bathroom is out of bounds. Bella's fine in there, but there's too much fun to be had for Dylan. He thinks he's the Andrex puppy and also likes to get into the sink to pull all the stuff from the shelf above down.

And finally my bedroom. The window sill is Bella's as Dylan can't jump up there himself - but he does like it, so I'll often lift him up onto it. That's south facing, so often catches the sun. And if Louis (neighbour's cat) sneaks in, that's where I'll find him too. Strangely, for the only real dedicated bedroom in the house, it has the fewest cat sleeping places. Just the window sill and the bed.

The Ralph Site

Many of you will know that I've been honoured to work with animals as they approach the end of their days with us. Always a very sad time to say goodbye, and when we bring animals into our homes and lives, that's the one thing we really don't want to be thinking about.

In recent months I've helped many cats with Reiki and intuitive communication at the end, helping both them, and their people to be at peace, and have held some as they've slipped away. I'm always very happy to accompany people to the vet at the end, if that will help.

Last year I became aware of a website that was set up by a vet called Shailen, when he was devastated to lose his cat Ralph. It's a beautiful space, full of practical help and advice that I'd say is essential before that final day. And then a page on which to write a loving memorial after they've gone. Additionally, lots of help and support to help with the grieving process.

Please have a look, and pass the link on to anyone you know who might find this useful or comforting.

http://www.theralphsite.com


This post is dedicated to the memory of TC, Pam, Sidney and Tilly - and many others who made the return journey over the rainbow bridge in the last few months.

Awakening to Animals - Inaugural Conference

I'm delighted to have been asked to be a helper at the inaugural Awakening to Animals Conference that takes place in the Lake District on 17/18 March. This will be an amazing opportunity to connect with other like-minded people who have so much love and respect for the animals with whom we share this planet. And plenty of expert speakers to share their knowledge and wisdom.

More information, and booking form, can be found in this link: http://awakeningtoanimals.com/

Early bird booking discount applies until 17th February. Look forward to seeing you there.

Bruce's Story

Dylan came to live with us in October 2010, and it wasn’t
long after that a stray started visiting. His timing was all wrong – if he’d come a little sooner, I would probably have taken him in. I’d always felt that Bella would struggle with another cat, but she took to Henry (a stray, adopted by a neighbour), and has no problem when Jussi from across the road visits. So, when I met Dylan I knew immediately he’d be right. Although we do still have some challenges – a story for another time…….

So, this black and white cat turns up, and I felt sure he was a stray. He seemed to be around all the time, always hungry, out in all weathers. And he’d not been neutered. It’s usually a sign of a stray or abandoned cat, but I have been coming across some cats who live with people and aren’t neutered. Another post for another time…….

He was very shy. He’d eat the food I’d put out, but would almost be running away from me when I put the bowl down, then returning after I’d gone inside again. This went on for some time, and it really was clear that he didn’t have a home of his own. At one point he must have had a fight with another cat as one day he turned up with a nasty injury under his right eye. I really wanted to get him to the vet to have his eye seen to, to have him neutered, and get his shots. But it was taking a long time to build up any trust and he was still running away, only eating his food once I’d gone inside.

I continued to keep a close eye on him, and as the summer arrived and the weather got a little better, I worried less about him being out in the freezing cold. In time he began to warm to me. I’d put his bowl closer to the back door and stay there while he came back to eat, not moving, not
giving him any cause for concern. I’ve learnt from the many feral and other scared cats I’ve taken care of that it’s got to be on their terms, and very slowly too.

Once he’d got used to me being there, and feeling quite safe with it, I decided I’d see if he’d let me stroke him. Many cats will allow you to do that while they’re eating. It’s mostly to do with association – ie eating is nice, and so I feel nice when you stroke me while I’m eating. Something like that. Things moved quite quickly from then on. He found he loved being stroked, and while he was still a little skittish – a sudden move or noise and he’d be off – he began coming up to me for strokes, rubbing his head in my hand, and even jumping up to my hand. He’d wrap himself around my legs, trailing his tail there too. He began talking too – lovely little chirrups.

He was turning into a gorgeous character, a gentle and friendly cat with lots of love to give. By then it was hard not to give him a name. Don’t know where it came from but he became Bruce. He had a good appetite, and some days would eat maybe 5 pouches and some dry food. But of course, living rough, he’d need more food, and I wanted to make sure he kept his strength up and was as fit and well as he could possibly be. I felt that by now he’d be able to go to the vet. I’d been able to pick him up and he had no problem with it. So made an appointment for one day – and of course it was the day he didn’t show!

Being a stray meant that although he lived in my garden much of the time, he did wander around the neighbourhood, and there were some days I didn’t see him – not many but now and again. And this was one of them. Had another couple of goes on other days, but the same thing happened. He knew, of course!!

As Autumn approached I became concerned and didn’t want him to be spending another Winter outside. I had a little shelter in the garden (borrowed from the sanctuary for when I had visiting hedgehogs), which he’d taken to using. It was filled frequently with fresh straw to be as warm as possible, and it was tucked in by the fence in the most sheltered position I could find. It was by no means perfect, but I knew that he knew he had somewhere safe and dry to go, and he did spend a lot of time in there.

The boys next door were talking about perhaps adopting a cat, so I tried to persuade them to take him in. Trouble was, they’re renting the house, so needed to get permission from the owner – and also wanted to wait until after Christmas. It became clear though that this wasn’t going to happen. From time to time I’d contacted local rescues to see if they had space and could take him in, but they always seemed to be full. If he’d not had my garden to live in, and somewhere safe and dry and a ready supply of good quality food I’d have worried more, but he was coping. From time to time I would bring him into the house for a warm, and he’d go and play with Bella and Dylan’s toys. He would also love sitting on the chair by the radiator in the kitchen. But we couldn’t keep him in for long as Bella and Dylan would get visibly and audibly anxious. He was so good with them though, just kept himself to himself, didn’t ever go for them – and they left him alone too.

Now and again I’d toy with the idea that he could live in the house with us, but I knew it was just too small for 3 cats, and Bella and Dylan told me that they wouldn’t be happy. It wouldn’t have been fair to any of them. He seemed to be thriving, doing so well, really coming out of himself, and his fur was really quite shiny!! Of course, in all this time, he’d been receiving Reiki from me, and I know that will have been helping him in so many ways.

One day in January, I was in Facebook – someone had posted that it was such a cold day there were happy their cats were snug in the warm. I echoed those sentiments, but noted that it wasn’t so nice for those cats who didn’t have a warm home and were stuck out in the cold. And I mentioned Bruce. The next thing, a lady responded, wanting to know more about him. The page I’d been on was that of a local cat rescue, and she was one of their fans, and had adopted from them recently – so I knew that she would be absolutely fine. We got to talking and as they say, the rest is history!

I had leafleted in my neighbourhood a couple of times before, but thought I should do so again, just to make absolutely certain that no-one thought he lived with them. Would have been surprised, and rather shocked frankly, if someone had claimed him – they were hardly taking care of him!!

After posters on lampposts and a post on our forum, still no-one had come forward, so we fixed Tuesday as the day I’d take him to his new home. It wasn’t without a little drama, as of course that was another day he chose not to come round. I went to look for him, and did find him, but he ran off a couple of times, so left it thinking that we’d perhaps have to try another day. Got on with my day, did some work, went shopping, and then about 1.30 popped into the kitchen to see him in the garden eating food I’d left out. I opened the door and he hopped inside – a little anxiously I have to say; I’m sure he picked up on my energy. After a few strokes and cuddles to settle us both, I picked him up, put him in the carrier, and we were on our way to his new home in Wales.

It’s so beautiful, lots of fields and hills to wander around in when he goes out again, with geese and chickens outside too! When we got him into his room and let him out of the carrier he was straight up onto the windowsill, and his face was a picture. He was still very friendly with me, and with Claire, his new mum too when she offered him her hand. She is so lovely and I know they will both love each other very much.

I’ve heard how he’s doing a couple of times since Tuesday, and he seems to be settling in very well. He’s had his eye seen to, and is being neutered next week. Was good as gold at the vet. And he’s taken to sleeping on the radiator!! I miss him being around, but that’s completely overridden by my pleasure at the thought that he’s no longer living rough, in the cold, in my garden. He has a warm, cosy, loving new home with a radiator!! And lots of land with geese and chickens!! I’m thrilled to bits for him.

Oh, and he’s not Bruce any more – he’s Billy now……….

Cats and tuna

Cats just love their tuna don't they? Well, perhaps not....... It's one of those myths that's developed over the years, much like cats loving their milk. And it's since become so much of a cliche that many people believe it. They might like tuna and milk but their digestive systems often don't!!

Think about it...... cats are originally desert animals; where on earth would they and their digestive systems have learnt to deal with tuna, or any other fish? It certainly appeals to them - their diets tend to be protein rich - but it has to be the right sort of protein.

I even fell into the trap of believing that it would be ok. Bella was never that bothered, but every now and again she'd enjoy a little tuna as a special treat. Then one day she got sick. In fact, 3 days of vomiting and the runs. Poor thing was clearly very distressed, as was I, so I took her to the vet to see if there was anything wrong. They asked me about her diet, and I explained she'd had some tuna over a period of 2-3 days - once I'd opened a tin I'd want to finish it!!

The vet felt that this might be irritating her digestive system - hers is rather sensitive! - and explained to me that the protein in tuna is really the wrong sort of protein for many cats. I cut out all fish products, and also red meat for a few days (also the wrong sort of protein), and pretty much stuck to chicken and bland foods. And very quickly she returned to normal. Since then I've not given her any tuna, and only infrequently give her any cat food that contains fish or red meat products. That was 6 months ago, and the problem hasn't returned.

The other day, I was meeting a new cat and her family for the first time. They explained that she has to have tablets as she's been diagnosed as hyper-thyroid, and to help her, they are giving the tablets wrapped in some tuna. I explained that this tuna might upset her system, and they then said they were wondering why she seemed to have an upset tummy recently. They'd thought it might be the tablets, but are going to try to give the tablets without tuna to see if the problem resolves itself.

I work with so many cats who have very sensitive digestive systems and are on vet diets with bland food. It can seem boring for them, but it means that they are more likely to have happy digestive systems. But there are ways you can make even this diet a little more interesting - so just ask your vet for ideas. We are so used to living with our cats as members of our families that we can sometimes forget that they are built very differently to us. Our digestive systems have evolved very differently to theirs, and can tolerate a much wider range of food than our cat friends can.

Or you could have a cat like Dylan who will and does eat almost everything!!! Even the bread crusts I throw out for the birds!!! But I can always tell if he's eaten something that's not right for him - the next time I check his litter tray!

Brush brush brush!!!

Spring is definitely on its way now, and all the cats I go to visit are shedding hair madly!! Bella has a very thick fluffy coat, so come this time of year, I'm forever sweeping up cat hairs, and now Dylan's joined in.

Now, Bella has always loved her brush, and we're getting Dylan used to it too - although he sees it as more of a plaything, something to be bitten and chewed on!! Through the winter our brushing regime has slackened off a little, but we're now back to daily brushes. And so needed!!!

Brushing is great for so many reasons. First of all, it gathers up all the loose hairs, so that when cats groom they're not having to swallow too many. So fewer fur balls. Secondly, it's great for their skin. It will stimulate the blood vessels under the surface and also encourage production of sebum, which keeps the skin and coat naturally moisturised. Spending winter mostly indoors, in a warm, dry house means that the skin can get very dry. I've noticed that Bella has a lot of dandruff at the moment.

And thirdly - and what I think is the best reason - it's the most lovely way to bond with your cat again. When they love being brushed, they'll love you forever. Just looking at the big smile on Bella's face while I'm brushing her is worth a thousand words.

It's a good idea to get your cat used to being brushed from an early age - that way they get very used to it, and look forward to their regular brushing sessions. But some don't like it - and it's likely to be because of the way a brush has been wielded in their past. If they've been forced, held down, it will have bad feelings for them. Such a shame when this has the potential to be so pleasurable for them.

But even then, I find it's easy to get a cat used to it, and to love being brushed. If any of the cats I look after have brushes, I always give them a good brush when I visit. Some are a little anxious, so it's important it's done on their terms. A good way to do this is just to present the brush to them, put it near their face. Let them sniff it, and come towards it. Chances are that they will then rub their faces in the bristles. You know how cats love the sides of their faces and their ears being rubbed? Well this is the same.

Just keep holding the brush, don't actively brush, just let them get used to this, and build up nice feelings about the brush. It might take a few sessions just doing this, but in time you'll be able to gently brush their body. It's important though that this is still gentle, and if they show signs of being uncomfortable with it, just let them rub their face on it again. With cats patience in most things does pay off, so take this on your cat's terms. Eventually they'll come to love their brush, and may even do what Bella does, and shout at me for her daily brushing!!!