Adopt a Senior “Kittizen"

With kitten season here, it’s easy to overlook our “Senior Kittizens” in favour of a younger cat. Yes, kittens are wonderful bundles of fluff but adopting a golden oldie has its advantages and can be a wonderfully rewarding experience!

What you see is what you get!
Older cats have already developed their personality so there will be no surprise personality traits in the future to deal with.

Older cats are much less destructive!
Kittens and younger cats are more likely to run round your house, knocking things over, chewing things up and scratching your furniture; they are also more likely to have toilet mishaps for you to clean up! Older cats have got over the excitement of youth and are much happier to sit and enjoy your company and a good fuss.

Older cats have more common sense!
Kittens are much more likely to get into trouble, ingest toxic substances, to fall from window ledges and to wander off and get lost. Older cats have learned the lessons of youth and are a better choice for busy families who don’t want the hassle of supervising a young cat for long hours. Older cats are also likely to be much more used to younger children and will be less likely to get injured by them as they will know when it’s time to run and get out of the way!

Cats are living longer!
With advances in veterinary care and more protective and informed owners cats can expect to live way into their teens quite happily, so taking on an older cat doesn’t mean you will have to say your goodbyes too soon; you could have many, many happy years of love and fuss ahead for both of you!

But the most important reason to adopt an older cat is: It might be their last chance to have a forever home.

Used cats aren't like used cars. They aren't at a shelter because they are defective or worn out. They may have simply outlived their former owners or been unable to join them at a hospital, nursing home, or new apartment. Some cats get lost and end up at a shelter. Many are brought to a shelter after a family member develops allergies, or an aversion to the family cat. Why not offer one of our Golden Oldies the retirement home they deserve? Come to Exeter Axhayes and meet our oldies, here are just some of them......

 

Casper - 13 year old male black and white cat

 

 

Casper is a loving, sweet-natured gentleman who loves being made a fuss of and having his tummy tickled. He's like his namesake the friendly ghost and just loves people. If you feel that he is the cat for you, don't let your thoughts haunt you. Please come in and spirit him away!

 

Blackie - 15 year old male black cat

 

 

He arrived at the centre with 2 others, they had been living outside since October when their owner went into care and then sadly died. Their home was put up for sale and the cats were left to fend for themselves. Poor Blackie did not fare well and was extremely underweight and dishevelled on arrival. After our love and care he is now more presentable!! He does need medication daily but is a brilliant old chap who will just eat it in his food. He is a loving and affectionate cat who will be fabulous company for someone who needs a special someone in their life. So consider opening your heart to this deserving cat. Please ask for info on him and we will give our full support to securing a final home for this wonderful and deserving cat.

 

Cracker - 15 year old male white and black cat

 

It’s a cracker! This lovely senior cat is looking for a quiet retirement home. His previous owner had to go into a nursing home and could not take him with her. He’s very sweet and affectionate and deserves a future where he can relax in the sun. In his previous home he lived with two little dogs but was not keen on them and preferred to keep out of their way so he didn’t get to experience the joys of a garden. He was fine with the other male cat in the home and could live with older children. Do you have room in your life for this gentle chap?

 

Misty  - 12 year old female grey cat

 

Misty is a beautiful lady who came to us after a marriage breakdown. She is a lovely cat who likes to be around the home, although having come from an area with a busy road, she is streetwise. Misty was always a family cat, getting on with children and ignoring a dog! She would make a great addition to your home, please ask about her today!

Megan - 13 year old female black and white cat

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?

 

Midge -  14 year old female black cat

Midge has a sad story to tell as her previous owner could not afford to keep her. This lovely mature female has been kept indoors so hasn’t experienced the sights and sounds of a garden. She really deserves a loving retirement home with a small safe garden. Please don’t overlook this affectionate black cat with bright green eyes if you’re looking for a companion on your sofa.

 

For more information about our adoption process, please visit our website at www.axhayes.cats.org.uk.

Keep your cat cool this summer!

With all of the hot weather we've been having recently, we thought we'd share some advice on how to keep your cats safe this summer....

Most cats love to bask in the sun and being very clever they will limit their activity to suit the environmental conditions. If it’s very hot they will only carry out necessary activities.

To help keep your cat as comfy and cool as possible there are various things you could consider doing to help:

• Try keeping him indoors during the hottest part of the day

• Make sure your cat has plenty of places he can choose to go that are shaded from the sun

• Plant shrubs and trees in your garden so he can sit in the shade and have a cool patch.

 

 

Exposure to the sun can be a trigger factor for a type of cancer that is more commonly seen in cats with unpigmented white ears or noses so it is certainly a good idea to try to offer some protection. There are sunblocks available that have been manufactured specifically for use on animals, some of which have been designed to be lick proof. Your vet should be able to recommend one or source one for you. It is very important that it is suitable for cats, as they can be more sensitive than some other animals to the chemicals included. Please check with your vet before using anything intended for human use on your cat.

Keeping the curtains closed to stop the sun from shining in will help to keep kitty cool when inside. This will provide a welcome break from the heat for the humans of the household too! You could also provide some fans to help circulate the air around the room.

Make sure fresh water is available at all times. If you can, provide a few places where he can access the water and make sure it doesn’t get hot as this may prevent him from drinking it. Cats prefer not to put their heads over the top of or in the bowl so keep the water topped up at all times. Try offering a water fountain as cats favour moving water.

Cats need to be able to access their water without having to pass objects that they perceive to be frightening, such as other felines, so ensure the water bowl is sited in a location acceptable to the cat.

Few tips from to keep your cat safe outdoors this summer -

Keep the doors of sheds and greenhouses shut – Be careful not to accidentally trap cats inside outbuildings during hot weather.

Read the label on pest control products - Slug pellets which contain metaldehyde can prove fatal to cats, so make sure any pest control products are safe for felines.

Take care with barbecues - If you are planning to enjoy some al fresco dining during the summer, make sure barbecue coals are properly cooled with water as your cat can suffer nasty burns if he or she jumps onto them once you are finished.

Check your plants and flowers are feline friendly - Certain plants and flowers can be toxic to cats, particularly lilies. Avoid buying lilies, both for outdoor and indoor arrangements, and if you think your cat has eaten or come into contact with any part of a lily, then get him to a vet as soon as possible. For a full list of potentially dangerous plants, visit the International Cat Care website on http://www.icatcare.org/advice/poisonous-plants

Keep the doors of sheds and greenhouses shut – Be careful not to accidentally trap cats inside outbuildings during hot weather.

Ensure your cat has appropriate flea treatment - Fleas thrive in hot weather, so make sure your cat is protected against them. Your vet will be able to advise on what treatment is most suitable for your pet.

Switch to dry food during the daytime - If your cat eats wet food, don't leave this down during hot weather as it will attract flies. Many owners switch to a dry food in the summer because it won't dry out or attract flies.

Car journeys — try to avoid cat carriers that attract the sun and choose one with plenty of ventilation. Never leave a cat unattended in a hot car, like dogs they can quickly overheat. (Source: The Cat Magazine and Cats Protection Camberley and District Branch)

 

Welcoming your new cat home

When you first adopt a cat or kitten, you will need to help him gently settle in to his new home. A change of environment is always stressful for a cat, so it will often take a few weeks for him to feel relaxed in his new abode. Following the advice here will help him to successfully adapt to his new surroundings.

Bringing your new cat home

The first few hours after bringing your cat home can really affect how well he accepts his new life. First and foremost, be prepared to be patient and never attempt to rush your cat into doing things he may not be ready for.
It is important to provide him with a quiet place with everything he needs, so set aside a dedicated, secure room before you collect him, This room should include:

-       Separate areas for food and water

-       At least one little tray placed in a private, accessible location which is as far away as possible from his food and water.

-       Somewhere to hide such as a box

-       Access to a high spot where he can view his surroundings

-       A suitable place to sleep, ideally, a choice of them

-       A scratching post

-       A few cat toys and space for him to play

The significance of scent

Cats rely heavily on their sense of smell and will settle quicker if their new home smells familiar. To help your cat get used to your scent, take an item of clothing or a blanket from your home and leave it with the cat for a few days before you bring him home. Make sure you bring the same item back – ideally it will fit comfortably in his carrier with him and then it can be placed in his room.

You could also use a synthetic form of feline facial pheromones such as Feliway. These come as a plug-in diffuser or a spray. The scent helps to create a reassuring environment and may help to reduce stress.

Travelling home

Being territorial and a creature of habit, a cat becomes very attached to his familiar environment and finds travelling very stressful. To help your cat stay calm during journeys, use a strong, secure and easily cleanable carrier, with a familiar smelling blanket inside and cover the carrier with another light blanket. You may wish to spray the inside of the carrier with a pheromone spray at least 15 minutes before putting your cat inside, to allow the alcohol to evaporate. The pheromone can help to create a feeling of familiarity and security.

The first steps…

When you arrive home, leave your cat alone to explore his room for an hour or so before introducing yourself, although some cats may need longer. When you go in to see him, get down to his level, put out your hand and call his name softly, let him come to you.

If your cat chooses to hide, just sit quietly in the same room and occasionally talk to him gently in low tones – do not force him to come out. Give him plenty of time to adjust and continue to visit him so he can get used to your presence. As long as he is eating and using the litter tray, there should be no cause for alarm. If your cat is very timid, he may not want to come out to eat. In this case, try moving the food bowl closer to his hiding place and leaving the room.

You may want to try offering a small treat or using an interactive toy, such as a fishing rod toy with feathers on the end to tempt your cat from his hiding place. Play is a good bonding tool because it is less intimidating than physical contact, relieves stress, and provides mental stimulation and an outlet for pent-up energy. You may find it is easier to encourage play at dawn and dusk when cats are naturally more active.   

Meeting the family

Once your cat seems confident with you, introduce other (human) family members, one by one. Children are likely to be excited about the new arrival, but it is important to keep them calm. Let the cat come to them and when he does, show the children the correct way to gently stroke and interact with him. Children, particularly young children with little experience of cats, need to learn how to treat cats appropriately. Even the friendliest cat will defend himself if he is pushed or pulled too much so make sure they understand he is not a toy. Avoid picking your cat up in the early stages – wait until he has settled in and knows that your are not a threat. 

Some cats may not have had much contact with people, or may have had bad experiences in the past, so be patient. Bear in mind that not all cats will become lap cats.

Exploring the rest of the house

Once your cat is comfortable in his space and if you have no other pets in the house, you can gradually let him explore more rooms. It may help to gently wipe your cat’s cheeks with a soft cloth – to pick up the facial pheromones – and rub it around points in the house at cat height to make the house smell more familiar. Let your cat come out of his room of him own accord and keep the door open so he can dash back to his refuge if he feels the need. Make sure all external doors and windows are shut so he can’t escape outside.  

The big outdoors

Don’t let your cat go outside until he has fully adjusted to his new home and knows where his food will be coming from – this usually takes between three and four weeks. Kittens should always be supervised when outdoors. When you let your cat out, do it when he’s hungry so that you can tempt him back inside with food, until he is used to coming back to the house freely. (Source: Cats Protection)  

The Cat magazine

Did you know that Cats Protection have a quarterly magazine?

Since 1931, The Cat magazine has been informing and entertaining cat lovers all over the UK. The Cat is a widely-read publication with the distinction of being part of the UK’s largest feline welfare charity, Cats Protection

Some recent editions

To subscribe, phone 0800 9172287 or email  supporterservices@cats.org.uk

you can also apply on the website www.cats.org.uk/thecatmag

or by post to Cats Protection, National Cat Centre, Haywards Heath, RH17 7TT.

Subscribe to The Cat for just £15 a year and you’ll get four issues delivered direct to your door. Want to try before you buy? We also have four samples for you to read on the website

As the official publication of Cats Protection, subscriptions to the magazine help rehome and neuter unwanted and abandoned cats in the UK, while also helping to inform the public on issues surrounding cat welfare. In line with these aims, we are committed to bringing our readers the latest developments from the cat care world so that they and their cats can continue to get the best out of their relationship.

Francesca Watson, Editor


The magazine has lots of very interesting articles that are cat related. The Spring edition has an article about creative ways to feed cats using some of the cat feeding toys you can buy or make your own. It has been written by Nicky Trevorrow who is a behaviour manager. She works in the veterinary department at Cats Protection national cat centre.




 A treat toy made from cardboard rolls

                 


A feeding toy from our Amazon wishlist

Cats Tales is the section dedicated to your cats. You can email or post in a picture and a few words as to why your cat is 'funny, weird or just photogenic'

This is Mighty Mitre one of our very special kittens from last year

There is a great section to win prizes ( all cat related, of course) by just sending in your name and address. Some of the spring edition prizes are: a lovely feline print scarf worth £12, a cute cat cushion worth £29, a surefeed Microchip pet feeder worth £99 and a fabulous designer Ciccia handbag worth £135.  Well worth the price of a stamp or you can enter by email!

You have to be in it to win it!

Surefeed Microchip pet feeder

 

some of the other articles are :

• Kitty Kapow-Amy Rutter looks at the rise in popularity of cats in comics

• Black Magic-national black cat day, our annual campaign has been running for four years

• Ask the vets-CP's team of veterinary experts tackle your feline-related questions

Our very special black cat Panjo

We hope we have inspired you to take a closer look at The Cat Magazine and find another way to support Cats Protection and learn more about our wonderful feline friends.

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.