Lost Cats Advice

You’re probably used to your cat’s comings and goings but what happens when suddenly the usual friendly greeting you receive when you arrive home isn’t there?

Don’t panic!

Even if your cat does have a routine like clockwork, cats will often go ‘missing’ only to arrive home later that evening, the next morning or even a week later looking very pleased with themselves and showing no concern about their poor, worried and often fraught owners. So, if the worst happens and puss doesn’t show up what should you do?

Step 1 – Have an action plan!

First things first – check your home and garden. Cats can be crafty little things and can hide themselves in all sorts of places. If you have checked every nook and cranny and are positive he is not at home then start to check the garden. Check sheds and shady places especially if the weather is hot as they will often try and find a nice cool spot to sit and relax. Still no luck? Take a walk around the neighbourhood and call their name. Sometimes the sound of a familiar voice will be enough to bring them running back home.

Next, make all of the neighbours aware and ask them to also check their sheds and garages. If you are able, make some flyers up. When preparing a flyer make sure to include a good description of your cat, the gender, age, colour, colour of the cat’s eye, breed and any distinguishing features they may have. A photo is a big help. A contact telephone is necessary but for your safety do not give your address. It’s also worth asking the local postman or milkman to keep their eyes peeled.

 

Step two

Once all of this has been done then it’s time to make some telephone calls:

• Notify your local Cats Protection. To find out your local branch please call 03000 12 12 12
• If your cat is microchipped, call Petlog: 0844 4633 999 so that they can register your cat missing, and also to check any ‘found cat’ reports in your area – lines are open 365 days a year 24/7
• Register the details of your cat at www.animalsearchuk.co.uk
• Contact the RSPCA helpline on 0300 1234 999
• Call all local vet practices in your area – not just your own vet
• Most local councils’ Environmental Health Departments will keep a record of cats found killed on the roads. Although not an easy call to make it is worth giving them a quick call to help rule this out
• Get in touch with any other local animal rescue organisations in the area

 

Step three

Take your flyers to local shops, vets, local notice boards and put them anywhere where it is legal to do so.

The internet and social media sites can be a great tool to help track down a lost animal. If you have a Facebook and Twitter page make sure you put the details on there and notify all of your friends. Ask your friends to notify their friends. Post it on your local animal charities’ Facebook pages too. Get in contact with your local radio station, police station and fire station.

Hopefully by this time puss will have sauntered back in as if nothing has happened but if not now is the time to intensify the search. Use a few tricks and put them into action:

• If your cat has a favourite toy, try leaving it in your garden

• A cat’s main sense is smell so if it has a regular blanket or bedding it usually sleeps on leave it out in a dry spot to try and entice it out of hiding

• Cats may be more active at night, especially in the hot weather, so go out with a friend or relative when it is dark and call for it by name

• Leave a bowl of water out and some food. Food may attract other animals but it’s still worth putting something out to help lure puss out of his hiding spot

If you do get any calls claiming to have found your cat don’t build your hopes up too soon. Be prepared for the disappointment that it may not be yours.

For safety reasons, make sure you take a friend or relative with you if you do follow up on any calls. Hopefully your cat will soon be safely back home but you can help to ensure this doesn’t happen again by following two steps:

• Keep your cat in at night

• Make sure your cat is microchipped

Cats get themselves into all sorts of mischief, especially at night. A cat’s natural instinct is to hunt so by keeping him in between dawn and dusk you’re helping to keep him safe and also helping other wildlife that is active at night.

Cats Protection believes that all owned cats should be identified in order to trace their owner should they become lost or injured. The preferred method of identification is an implanted microchip as this is permanent and safe. If an owner also chooses to fit a collar with their contact details attached, CP advises the use of a quick-release or snap-opening collar in preference to an elasticated one. This means that the cat is less likely to be trapped should the collar become caught or tangled.

The collar must be fitted correctly; two fingers should fit snugly underneath it when the cat is wearing it. A cat’s leg or jaw may become caught in an elasticated or ill-fitting collar and this can result in serious injury. Above all, don’t give up hope. We hear so many tales of cats being found and reunited with their owners, sometimes years after they have gone missing (Source: Cats Protection - The Cat Magazine)

Success Story - Erin

We have been posting blogs about a special little cat called Erin. She was found living rough in the woods before being brought into our care. She was very thin, very hungry and dehydrated. Our CCAs and vet helped her to gradually build up her weight. Of course our volunteer cat cuddlers and CCAs to give her lots of attention and helped her settle in to centre life.

We are pleased to announce Erin was adopted last week and we have already received an email from her new owners. They have called her Bonny, and she made herself at home on her favourite sofa in just 24 hours! They said she is happy, healthy and very affectionate. They are very pleased with her.

She will continue to flourish in her new home. We would like to thank her owners for getting in touch with us so soon.

Update - Erin (Our poor little cat lost in the woods)

We thought we would give you an update on Erin. This poor little girl was found living rough in the woods before being rescued and brought into the centre. She was very lucky to be rescued in time as she weighed only 1.25kg and very dehydrated. She has been in our care for over a month now. She’s having regular meals and seeing our vet. She has doubled in weight; she is still quite frail so she still has a little way to go. She is doing really well, as you can see from her latest photo.

 

She’s a lovely little girl who is friendly, affectionate and playful, she deserves a home with a family who will love and cherish her forever. Her new owner will need to continue building her up to a healthy weight and of course to spoilt her.   

If you would like to give her a home, you live in the Exeter, Devon, UK area, please contact us on 01395 232377 or via our website www.axhayes.cats.org.uk, thank you.

You find a cat that is looking thin and bedraggled, what do you do?

Approach the cat cautiously and carefully. He may be frightened or even sick and injured. As such he may lash out. Remember that your own safety and that of the cat are of great importance. If you do have concerns about his health and cannot approach him, this is the time to call the RSPCA on its emergency number 0300 1234 999.

If the cat is friendly, speak calmly and reassuringly, perhaps entice him to you with a bit of food. Once you’ve got him, it is time to check whether he already has an owner. If possible, take the cat to your nearest veterinary surgery. They should be able to scan for a microchip for free and will try to make contact with the registered owners. If there is no microchip, you can give our National Helpline a call on 03000 12 12 12 for details of your local Cats Protection branch which will keep a lost and found register. The Helpline will also be able to send you some paper collars and some missing cat posters. On the paper collar put a note saying ‘Please call this number if this is your cat…’.

If the cat seems friendly, fitting a paper collar shouldn’t be too much of a problem. If the cat is nervous, please do not risk being bitten or scratched. If someone calls, it will hopefully end the mystery for you and also make the owner aware of how far their cat has gone astray. If possible, take a picture of the cat and put it on the poster with details of where and when the cat was found. The posters could be put up places such as your local vets, shops and wherever you can get permission to display them.

If you are unable to take the cat home with you, you may want to provide it with a temporary shelter. You could use a sturdy cardboard box and put a blanket or some straw inside. A piece of waterproof sheeting secured over the top will help keep the rain out. Make sure it’s properly and safely weighted down to stop it being blown away by the wind.

If possible, do try and provide the cat with food and clean water. Cow’s milk is not advisable as many cats are lactose intolerant. Ask around the local neighbourhood to see if anyone recognises the cat while keeping an eye out for any ‘missing cat’ posters. Have a word with the postman and milkman to see if they know of any missing pets on their rounds. It is also worth checking the local newspaper to see if anyone has placed a ‘lost ad’ that could describe the cat. You may wish to take out an ad of your own in the ‘found’ section.

It is also worth contacting the following organisations with information about the found cat:

• RSPCA www.rspca.org.uk/whatwedo/yourlocal

• SSPCA 03000 999 999

• USPCA 028 3025 1000

• www.animalsearchuk.co.uk

• www.nationalpetregister.org

• Local radio stations

• Schools

 

We all hope for a happy ending when it comes to missing or lost cats. In 2010 alone, Cats Protection helped reunite 3,132 cats with their owners and increased the chances of those who become lost in the future by microchipping a further 43,729.

Unfortunately, there are many cases where the cat has been abandoned and no owner will come forward. If this happens please phone your local Cats Protection branch or adoption centre where our volunteers and staff will do their best to try and find a loving home for the cat.(Source: Cats Protection - The Cat Magazine)

Not yet over the hill, but often overlooked

 

 As your cat enters his golden years, he’ll need some extra understanding for his changing lifestyle. Cats are generally considered geriatric from around 12 years of age and there are lots of simple steps you can take to ensure the later years of your cat’s life are comfortable and happy. You will be rewarded with a content pet, who is often happy to spend much time quietly at home as a wonderful companion.

 

We will continue to cover the cost of veterinary treatment for pre-existing health issues, and also it is always nice to know that regardless of a cat’s age, we have a special agreement with pet plan, which means that you can continue their insurance cover for the rest of their lives. This means that ongoing veterinary costs will never be a problem.

 

These are our lovely senior cats available for adoption right now

 

 

 

The boys

 




Augustus age 12

Say "Hello" to Augustus! He came to us as a stray, but he must have had a home at some time as he is such a little dear. At his time of life, all Augustus wants is a loving forever home where he can relax and enjoy life. Could you take this handsome gent home?
 

 

Oscar age 14 

A lovely chatty boy who needs a new home as quickly as possible as he is approaching his twilight years and really misses the comfort and love of a real home. He is sweet and affectionate. If you have a cosy chair or an empty lap, Oscar would love to be the one to fill them. Can you offer him a nice quiet home where he can be the light of your life?

 

 

 

Tigger age 10

Tigger is a wonderful boy who is looking for a loving retirement home. His elderly owner went into a care home and sadly Tigger couldn’t go with her. He has lived on Dartmoor his whole life and has enjoyed going out on adventures so he would need a home with a nice garden. He is a sweet boy who is friendly and affectionate. Are you looking for a lovely companion cat?

 

The pairs
 

Blackie & Felix age 9 years

 Blackie and Felix are two sweet boys who are looking for a retirement home together. They are friendly and love strokes and a fuss once they get to know you. They need a quiet home with someone who has the time and patience to help them settle in and a nice garden where they can enjoy some fresh air. They are homely cats, so they won’t wander far. Can you give them the loving forever home they deserve?

 

 

Jasper & Alfie age 11

 When Jasper & Alfie's owner lost his job and his home, sadly they did too. Both of them are friendly, affectionate and love sitting on your lap. They have previously lived with children so they could fit into a family well. A nice garden to go in and enjoy the great outdoors would be great. Are these affectionate homely boys the cats for you?

 

The girls

 

Mandy age 14

Mandy is a quiet elderly lady who came to us when her owner was diagnosed with a terminal illness. All Mandy would like is to find a quiet and comfortable home to relax into retirement time. Do you have the space and time for this sweet female to grow old with you?

Lizzie age 14

Lizzie is a sweet elderly lady who came to us when her owner was diagnosed with a terminal illness. Lizzie is looking for somewhere quiet, where she will be loved and spoilt rotten. She is friendly and affectionate, so she will make a lovely companion. She would love a garden where she can relax and enjoy some sunshine. She has lived with another cat; she could fit into your home if you have an existing cat. Can you offer this sweet lady a loving retirement home?

 

 

Megan age 13

Megan has come to us as her owner has gone into care and could not take her with them. She has been living with her previous owners since she was a kitten and was a much loved pet, so they were sad to be saying goodbye to her. She is an independent girl who likes a stroke and a lap to sit in occasionally. Megan is looking for her own quiet retirement home where she can be pampered and spend her days enjoying the garden and the home comforts she has been used to. Can you offer her a happy future?

 

Cat-friendly homes for elderly felines

 
There are a number of small changes that can be made to your home which will have a big impact on the quality of your cat’s life. While a number of older cats appear to be ‘as young as they feel’ with many still showing kitten-like behaviours, others can benefit from a few home tweaks that ensure that all their resources are within easy reach.

 

Beds Allow your cat to reach favourite places to rest by strategically placing boxes or items of furniture for him to climb. Make sure he has a variety of cosy, well-padded beds in safe warm places that can be readily accessed. Your cat may enjoy the hammock style radiator beds as they are very warm.

 

Somewhere to perch up high Older cats can find it difficult to make accurate calculations when jumping and are not as agile as they used to be, especially if they are stiff, in pain or have arthritis. Provide easy ways for cats to access their favourite areas, such as using a ramp or small foot stool to give them access to high surfaces. Make sure it is wide enough and you could also cover it in carpet to give extra grip. It is a good idea to fashion some sort of crash mat underneath the ramp, in case the cat falls. Cushions under windowsills act as crash mats for uncoordinated or wobbly cats.

Litter trays and toileting Provide several litter trays in the house at all times, even if your cat has toileted outside all of his life. There are many occasions when an older cat will need an indoor litter tray, such as when it’s raining outside, if the normal toileting site has frozen over and is hard to dig, or if he feels intimidated by other neighbouring cats. Place the litter trays in quiet, safe areas of the home.Providing a large tray gives the cat plenty of space to move around inside. Make sure the tray has a low side so he can get in and out more easily. Some litter types that were acceptable as an adult may be too coarse for older cats. Don’t make any sudden changes, but provide additional trays with 3cm of soft, fine litter that he will find more comfortable under his paws. Older cats are less able to defend themselves or a territory and as a result may become more anxious or dependant on their owners. Some cats will feel reassurance from owners that accompany them outside so they are protected against the neighbouring cats. If your cat still prefers to toilet outside, provide a newly dug over border as close to the house as possible and maintain it regularly.

 

Water and food bowls Place water and food bowls in a variety of easily accessible locations around the house, both upstairs and downstairs so they are easy to find and he doesn’t have to walk up and down stairs just to get food and water. Speak to your vet about the most appropriate diet for your older cat.

Playtime Older cats still like to play, but they need more gentle, brief games than when they were younger. Use toys that are unlikely to intimidate them, such as a feather attached to string that is slowly moved past him. Experiment with different toys to see what captures your cat’s attention. Even if he only watches or slowly swipes the toy with a paw, it is still important beneficial mental stimulation.

Regular grooming As older cats may struggle to look after their coats, additional help and gentle grooming will help to keep your cat’s skin healthy and gives you some valuable bonding time with your cat. Stroking a cat is a great de-stressor and may lower an owner’s blood pressure.

Scratching posts Cats may still want to scratch but can find it difficult as they age. You could provide a horizontal scratching post or one with a lower gradient and softer material such as carpet, which he may find easier. Remember to check his claws regularly.

 

Routines Cats are creatures of habit and this characteristic becomes more pronounced as they age. They prefer a familiar, regular routine to provide predictability. Where possible, avoid moving furniture so that your cat’s environment is familiar and he can easily find his way around your home.

Veterinary care Seek veterinary advice early if you are worried. Remember, many of the disorders that affect older cats can be treated and managed to allow your cat a happy and content life, particularly when treatment is sought early. However, inevitably there may come a time when your cat is in continual pain, discomfort or distress, and the most loving and courageous way you can show him how much you care is to end his suffering. See Cats Protection’s Essential Guide: When to let go- for further information.

Your elderly cat and you Caring for an older cat in his twilight years brings a tremendous joy and many owners actively decide to adopt an older cat because of the endearing qualities he can offer. With their wandering days behind them, older cats tend to stay closer to home and appreciate gentle affection. Owners often comment on the special relationship they have with their older pet, enhanced by some simple measures and an understanding of his needs.

 

Please come and visit our older cats at the centre as they really love attention and need to be adopted as soon as possible as they get fed up in a pen. We look forward to meeting you and introducing you to our Golden oldies!

 

Success Story - Mary

You may remember Mary who came into us back in October 2014. She turned up at the centre unexpectedly with her siblings Emily and Wynn. We were told that they were stray farm cats. They were quite thin and none of them had any teeth. They were all very sweet and needed a special someone to offer them loving homes. Wynn and Emily had both found homes earlier in the year; poor Mary was left waiting until someone had finally adopted her.

 

Her owner has been touch with us via email and shared some lovely photos of her. Mary has been renamed Berry, she is very happy and settled in with her new family. She’s loving and very playful, has started going outside in the garden. We are very pleased Mary has settled in so well and would like to thank her owners for contacting us. We always love hearing about how our ex-Axhayes cats and kittens are doing. You can contact us via facebook or our email. Thank you.

Feline Asthma - Please help Emma find a special home.

Emma was found living rough after being abandoned by her owners. Luckily a kind cat loving couple were looking out for her and brought her here back in January. Unfortunately we have no history about her; while she’s been with us she’s been a sweet friendly girl who enjoys a fuss. She has lost her tail in the past; it doesn’t seem to worry her. During her stay here at the centre, she has been diagnosed with feline asthma by our vet. She’s been using her inhaler twice a day and she’s very good with it. We are looking for a quiet home for Emma with someone who will love her forever and doesn’t mind treating her asthma on a daily basis. She would prefer a home with no children and she’s ok with other cats. We’ve shared some information about Feline Asthma below, if you would like to give Emma a home, please get in touch with us.

Feline asthma is a term used to describe a number of conditions generally affecting the airways in the lungs. It is also known as feline chronic small airway disease, feline bronchitis and allergic airway disease. It occurs when the smooth muscle in the airways contracts, leading to increased production of mucus and inflammation of the airway tissue. As a result, the airways become narrowed and the cat develops difficulty with breathing. It can affect cats of all types and ages but Siamese cats tend to be more commonly affected.

 

What causes feline asthma?

The exact cause of feline asthma is not completely understood. In some cases it may be an allergic response to an irritant but in others no allergic cause can be found. Possible irritants include pollens, dust, cigarette smoke and some household sprays.

 

What are the signs?

The signs can vary and include:

 • an on-going cough

• wheezing

• laboured breathing or respiratory distress occurring suddenly and without warning

• increased rate and effort of breathing

Signs can be mild and on-going and may not be noticed by owners for some time – they often come and go.

How is it diagnosed?

Other conditions which may cause similar signs – such as bacterial infections, lungworm or heart disease – should be ruled out before making a diagnosis of asthma. If these are ruled out, further examination will be required. As part of the examination your cat may need to be sedated or anaesthetised. This will allow your vet to take x-rays to look for changes in the airways.

Not all cats show changes so your vet may also suggest passing a tiny camera –called a bronchoscope – down your cat’s windpipe and/or collecting a fluid sample from the airways. These techniques allow your vet to inspect the airways and retrieve fluid to examine under the microscope. This provides useful information on the type and number of inflammatory cells present, which will indicate whether asthma is a likely diagnosis. The fluid collected can also be cultured for bacteria to identify any possible infection.

How is it treated?

Most cats diagnosed with asthma will require treatment to control their coughing and wheezing and prevent permanent, harmful changes occurring within their lungs. If you are aware of an irritant that triggers your cat’s asthma, this should be avoided or attempts made to reduce your cat’s exposure to it. For example, if pollen triggers the asthma, outside access could be limited while pollen levels are at their height. Avoid subjecting the cat to cigarette smoke, household sprays and dusty cat litter where possible.

Treatment may include:

• anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of steroids. These can be given in tablet form, by injection or by use of an inhaler. Inhalers that are specifically designed for cats are available and most cats tolerate them well – this may be easier than giving tablets in the long term. Anti-inflammatory drugs help to reduce the inflammation within the airways and help to dissolve mucus

• bronchodilators that open up narrowed airways can be used alongside anti-inflammatory drugs. They too can be in the form of tablets, injection or inhalers.

• mucolytics can be added to your cat’s food as a powder. They help to break up the mucus which is produced in the airways

 

What does the future hold?

In the majority of cases feline asthma can be well controlled with appropriate medication and the affected cat will lead a normal healthy life. However, it is important that treatment is started as soon as possible as an on-going, untreated condition may permanently damage and scar the airways and sudden asthma attacks can prove fatal.

Emma is currently having her inhaler twice a day but it is hoped that can be reduced to just once a day soon. She is happy to sit in her bed and be given it and seems to be coping well with her new treatment. It is very easy to learn how to give it and if you are interested in adopting her, we can show you in a few minutes how easy it is to do.

We really hope Emma can find a new owner shortly as she really deserves a loving home after her prolonged stay in the centre.