Monday 24 February 2014

Success Story - Tufty and Tigger

You may remember two of our oldies Tufty and her sister Tigger who came into Axhayes almost a year ago. They spent a few months at the centre before finding their perfect home in July 2013. Their owner has been in contact with us, we thought we’d update you on how they are getting on six months later…

Tigger now renamed Shuka and Tufty renamed Malaika have both settled in well and are being spoilt rotten. Shuka is a funny little thing and does strange odd things at times like break into my neighbours catflap and sleep in her wardrobe! She talks ALOT! Her owner says that she has never come across such a vocal cat in her life.
 
 

Malaika is so sweet, she loves the warmth and lives by the fire at the moment. She was quite ill a few weeks ago with her renal problem and had to go into hospital, but thankfully she's ok at the moment. She loves her other neighbour and if her owner is working away for the day, she pops upstairs for a cuddle there! 
She says she is very lucky that her neighbours think they are incredibly entertaining cats and adore them. They are being absolutely ruined with love and attention.
 
We would like to thank their owner for the lovely emails and photos over the past few months. We are pleased these two lovely ladies are very happy and loved in their new home.

Thursday 6 February 2014

Keep your cats safe if there's a flood.

We are hoping everyone is keeping safe in this dreadful weather we've been having over the past few weeks in the South-west. We thought we would share some useful information if you have been or might be affected by the recent floods. Here is some advice courtesy of The Blue Cross.... 

 Keep your cats safe if there’s actually a flood warning….
-          Keep your cat carriers to hand and check you have enough food and medication to last 
-          Keep familiar toys dry with their smells of home on it, this will help reduce stress
-          Think about taking your cat(s) to a family member of friend who lives away from the flood risk area until the danger has passed.
-          Put all documents such as vaccination records, your vet’s details and your pet’s microchip number in a sealed bag with any other important documents.
-          Keep up to date with the latest information, local radio, TV or call Floodline 0845 988 1188.  


If disaster strikes…
-          If at all possible, don’t leave your pets behind, even if you think that you’ve created a safe place for them – it could be several days before you can make it back home.
-          If you have no choice but to leave your pets behind, shut them inside an upstairs room with plenty of food and water
-          Leave notices outside your home to alert RSPCA or your local flood warden that there are pets inside
-          Put cats into suitable carrier with a warm blanket.
-          Remember to take your cat’s food, water, bowls, medication and bedding with you.
(Courtesy of The Blue Cross Flood advice)  

Tuesday 4 February 2014

The Life of Brian... at Axhayes

Before coming to our centre, poor Brian was living as a stray in the city. When he arrived at Axhayes he was in a poor state. His once long fluffy ginger and white hair was really badly matted and scabby. It must have been very uncomfortable, maybe even painful for him. Even though his fur would have been causing him much discomfort, he has been an absolute delight! He’s been very friendly and affectionate with our girls. He was just grateful for a warm bed away from the cold winter weather, some food and of course cuddles from our CCAs.  

Brian - the day he came to Axhayes


The next day he went to see our vet to be neutered and needed a de-matt. His fur was so badly matted it took our vet and veterinary nurse an hour and a half of careful shaving to remove the fur. As you can see from the photos, it was so badly matted; the fur came off in one large piece. It looked like a fur coat once it was removed.



Brian during his dematt operation
 
Close up on his fur


Brian's fur

Once he came around from the anaesthetic, he was of course very hungry from missing breakfast and he was much more comfortable. He could finally groom himself once again. Our deputy manager found a woollen jumper for him to help keep him warm. He quickly decided red wasn’t his colour and soon took it off. Our girls gave him a heat pad and extra blankets to keep him warm instead. The next day one of our CCAs found him a funky black and Burberry style jacket, he didn’t mind running around in.      
 
Brian day after operation
 
Brian in his funky jacket
 
It’s been a couple of weeks since he was treated by our vet; his fur is beginning to slowly grow back. It won’t be long until his fur fully grows back and he will be handsome once again. He is now ready to find a loving home where he will be spoilt rotten. We are hoping someone will take him home with them very soon.