Maz and Sid’s afternoon out!

Sid and Maz are the most affectionate and sociable kittens we have on our rehoming kitten corridor at the moment! Sid and Maz were very poorly when they came to us, after weeks of TLC they were nursed back to full health. They have been up for rehoming for a month now; they are still waiting for someone to choose them. Last week their siblings Harvey and Bianca moved in next door. Harvey was mentioned in our previous blog post, he needs a special home as he is partially sighted. Harvey and his sister Bianca are just as friendly and sweet as Maz and Sid.

This afternoon Sid and his sister Maz went out in to our outdoor playpen for the first time ever. We wanted to give them some much needed exercise. They are typical lively kittens who are full of beans! It’s also a good chance for them to experience what a garden is like and they can get some fresh air and sunshine too. When they were let out of their basket, Maz and Sid wasted no time and quickly ran around exploring their new surroundings.

 Maz started to run around in the grass and while Sid found a tunnel to explore. She soon thought it would be fun to chase Sid around the pen and hide in the tunnel or under the chair and pounce on Sid. Both kittens were chasing each other and playing hide and seek for ages. Sid may only have one eye, it does bother him, he still loves to play games and enjoys running about. After half an hour of playing, they had a quick break and stretched out on the grass in the sun. Maz soon decided she had enough of relaxing and decided on pounce on a sleepy Sid. They started running around the pen, chasing each other, hiding in the grass or tunnel and pouncing on each other.   

Maz and Sid loved their afternoon in our outdoor playpen. These kittens are truly wonderful, affectionate and very playful, they will make any house a home. They love each other so much, they would need to stay together. They would need a home in a safe place away from busy roads and traffic, so they can safely explore the world around them. 

If you would like to adopt Maz and Sid, please contact us on 01395 232377 or please visit our website at www.axhayes.cats.org.uk for more information about our homing policy. Please visit our Facebook page too :-)

Blind cats - Special Appeal Ganesh and Harvey

Depending on the cause, blindness can be partial or complete and can be reversible or permanent. If your cat is blind he will adapt very well to the loss of sight and can live a perfectly happy, healthy life. Blind cats compensate for their lack of sight by using their other senses more.

What causes blindness?

Some of the most common causes of blindness include:

-          Cataracts (when the eye lens becomes opaque) as a result of an injury to the eye, diabetes or an inherited problem

-          Glaucoma or increased pressure in the eye – as a consequence of an injury, tumour or inherited disease

-          High blood pressure resulting in detachment of the retina – often caused by an overactive thyroid gland or kidney disease

-          Degeneration of the retina – can be caused by dietary problems, toxins, infection or inherited disease

-          Dry eye, as a consequence of feline herpes virus, or an eye injury

-          Tumours in one or both eyes

-          Injury

If your cat is suffering from one or more of these conditions, he will usually require regular check-ups with your vet.

 What are the signs that my cat is going blind?

The first signs you will usually notice if your cat is going or has gone blind include:

-          Bumping into things, particularly furniture that has been moved – this may be more apparent at night or in low light

-          Disorientation or change in normal behaviour

-          If blind in one eye, a cat may be startled by sudden movements on their blind side

-          A change in appearance of the eye – it may become enlarged, cloudy or change colour

-          Swelling or discharge from the eye

-          Pain in the eye – your cat may resent being stroked on the head or face or may squint and try to keep the eye closed

How do I help my blind cat adapt?

A blind cat can become disorientated easily. Certain precautions will help ensure that your cat adapts to the blindness as smoothly as possible. Here are a few tips:

Going outside

Cats Protection recommends that you do not let blind cats roam for their own safety. Keep your cat indoors unless he has access to a safely-fenced garden or run. Your cat may enjoy walking in the garden using a harness and lead, but make sure he is wearing a properly-fitted collar with a safety catch stating his address and disability in case he escapes.

Finding his bearings

A blind/partially sighted cat can become disorientated easily. Try to encourage your cat to walk around on his own as carrying him may cause him to become disorientated. Cats have scent glands on their paws that allow them to leave a trail of scent to follow – this is even more important for blind cats. If you do have to carry him, always put him back down somewhere familiar.

Approaching your cat

It’s important to talk to your cat as you approach him to avoid startling him. If your cat is blind is on eye, try to approach him for the side he has sight in.

Getting around

As blind cats rely on scent and memory to find their way around, you should avoid moving furniture, food and litter trays. Don’t leave obstacles in unexpected places where your cat could walk into them. If you have stairs, place a barrier across them until your cat knows where they are and learns to use them again.

Play and exercise

Sound is obviously very important to a blind cat so he may enjoy playing with “jingly” toys. It is important to encourage him to exercise so that he does not become overweight

We currently have two adorable kittens who need special homes as they are both partially sighted.

Harvey and Bianca – If you’re looking for two happy-go-lucky kittens, they are the ones for you. Harvey and Bianca are extremely loving, affectionate and playful too. Harvey has limited vision him and Bianca will need to go to a special home with an enclosed garden. Harvey is really playful even though he has limited vision, it doesn’t seem to bother him. He loves to run around, play with toys and play games with his sister Bianca.

Ganesh – Ganesh is a wonderful little kitten who is looking for a very special person to adopt her as she has limited vision. She does not seem to be bothered by this at all in herself and runs about and plays just like any other kitten. Ganesh will need a special home that will be safe enough and maybe someone who can dedicate time to keeping an eye on her. She is a loving little soul who just needs a chance.

These kittens will need a safe home with an enclosed garden. If you would like more information about adopting Ganesh or Harvey and Bianca, please visit our official website at www.axhayes.cats.org.uk or please call us on 01395 232377, thank you.

Harlequin's story

Harlequin is one of our adorable oldies, she has moved to our rehoming corridor this week. She was named after the shopping centre in Exeter where she was found wandering aimlessly and very lost. She would love someone to care for her. She was a little bedraggled on her arrival. After many weeks of seeing the vet and lots of TLC from our cat care assistants; she is feeling and looking much better. Harlequin is 10 years old and she is still very lively and she loves to play games. She loves batting ping pong balls around her pen. 

This afternoon CCA Therese gave Harlequin a box to play in, she loved it! She loves sitting on top of the box and watching the world go by. She enjoyed playing inside the box too. She climbed on to Therese's lap and enjoyed being made a fuss, she loves attention.

Harlequin is looking for a home where she can be loved again. If you would like to adopt her, please contact us on 01395 232377 or please visit our official website at www.axhayes.cats.org.uk thank you.   

Daffyd's story

Daffyd had been at Axhayes for nearly six months now. Sadly Daffyd was left on our door step on St David’s Day, hence his Welsh name to honour this day. He is a very sweet and gentle boy and he has lots of love to give. He is popular with all of the staff and volunteers at the centre.

When Daffyd was abandoned that day, he was in a real state, very poorly and very thin. We knew something was wrong with him; he was quickly taken to our vets. He has been diagnosed with intestinal problems, which we have managed to get under control. He is on a special diet and on medication which may or may not continue. His medication may put some adopters off, however, he is an absolute star taking his medication. This medicine is sprinkled on to his food and he’s easy to pill too. We have managed to build up his weight, he is no longer skin and bone and he is looking much better. His fur is starting to look shiny; he is now a very handsome tabby cat.  

Daffyd has had a few adventures at Axhayes compared to some cats. During his stay on our holding section of the centre, he met thirty school children who came in for a tour of the cattery and had an educational talk. Daffyd was an absolute star with the children, he really liked the children stroking and making a fuss of him. As part of their school work, some of the children wrote stories about Daffyd too.    

During his time he was taught a special party trick by CCAs Anna and Diane, by doing high-fives. He will run over to you, sit in front of you and high-five with his front paws. On a number of occasions has enjoyed playing with catnip balls which have been handmade by our CCA Lynne. He loves to bat them around his pen and roll around on the floor. He’s really playful and full of energy.

Our CCAs are making sure they keep him as happy as they can, he can feel depressed now and again. We need to make sure he gets plenty of attention and doesn’t get too fed up and lonely. Like many of our long stayers, we do our best to give them some time away from their pen. We make sure Daffyd visits our outdoor playpen, so he can enjoy the fresh air and to lay in the sunshine. This has been a bit difficult with our British summer. When we have nice days, we make sure he gets a chance to go outside. He loves to sunbathe in the grass on sunny warm days. He loves visitors to the play pen too, some of our CCAs will sit in the sunshine with him, and he just loves the attention. He loves human company and he can become lonely so we need to make sure we spend lots of time with him. Many of our CCAs and volunteers have a soft spot for him, no one can resist spending quality time with him.

Daffyd is good with other cats, dogs and the children he has met at the centre. We are looking for someone to give him a home where he will be loved forever and will keep maintaining his medication. He is very good taking this medication. Daffyd would make a lovely companion and loving family member, if you would like to adopt him, please get in touch with us. Please call us on 01395 232377 or please visit our website for more information.

Special Appeal - Ganesh

We would to introduce you to Ganesh, she is one of our many kittens looking for a new home. She has limited vision and needs a very special home that will be safe enough...

Ganesh is a wonderful little cat who is looking for a very special person to adopt her as she has limited vision. She does not seem to be bothered by this at all in herself and runs about and plays just like any other kitten.
Ganesh will need a very safe environment to explore and maybe someone who can dedicate time to keeping an eye on her. She is a loving little soul who just needs a chance. If you are that special someone please contact us on 01395 232377 for more information about her..

Here are a few tips about how to help blind or partially sighted cats adapt in your home…  

Finding his bearings

A blind/partially sighted cat can become disorientated easily. Try to encourage your cat to walk around on his own as carrying him may cause him to become disorientated. Cats have scent glands on their paws that allow them to leave a trail of scent to follow – this is even more important for blind cats. If you do have to carry him, always put him back down somewhere familiar.

Approaching your cat

It’s important to talk to your cat as you approach him to avoid startling him. If your cat is blind is on eye, try to approach him for the side he has sight in.

Getting around

As blind cats rely on scent and memory to find their way around, you should avoid moving furniture, food and litter trays. Don’t leave obstacles in unexpected places where your cat could walk into them. If you have stairs, place a barrier across them until your cat knows where they are and learns to use them again.

Play and exercise

Sound is obviously very important to a blind cat so he may enjoy playing with “jingly” toys. It is important to encourage him to exercise so that he does not become overweight

Going outside

Cats Protection recommends that you do not let blind cats roam for their own safety. Keep your cat indoors unless he has access to a safely-fenced garden or run. Your cat may enjoy walking in the garden using a harness and lead, but make sure he is wearing a properly-fitted collar with a safety catch stating his address and disability in case he escapes.

Blind and partially sighted cats can adapt and lead remarkably normal lives with a little help. If you would like more information about adopting a Ganesh, please contact us on 01395 232377, thank you. Please visit our official website at www.axhayes.cats.org.uk for more details about our adopting any of our cats and kittens.

Cat Grass/Cocksfoot

Our CCA Michelle has been busy growing pots of cat grass for some of the cats at the centre this summer. Some cats like to chew grass, not only does it help to aid digestion but it helps them regurgitate hairballs that have accumulated in their stomach through grooming.

There is a type of grass that cats particularly like called Cocksfoot. It has long board leaves so it is easy for them to bite. If your cat cannot go outside, for example cats with FIV, Cocksfoot grass (dactylis glomerata) can be grown indoors. Some of our cats who have been with us for a few months now were given pots of cat grass in their pens, which they all liked to chew. You can buy seeds from garden centres, pet shops and from Cats Protection.

How to grow car grass

Cat grass/Cocksfoot can be grown indoors or in the average garden.

-          Fill your pot or container with potting soil, leaving a half-inch of room at the top of the pot. Make sure you use a pot or container with sufficient drainage so any surplus water does not accumulate.

-          Take a small handful of seeds and place them just below the surface of the potting soil. Make sure they are covered, but not planted too deep.

-          Water your pot every day until the grass shoots begin to appear, don’t water too much, just lightly dampen the soil.

-          Place the pots on a window sill or an area where the grass can obtain plenty of sunlight.

-          Allow the shoot to grow to a height of about 3 or 4 inches, and then place the pot where your cat can enjoy the tender shoots.

Allow your cat to graze for a day or two then take the grass away to allow it to grow back.

In the garden...

Cocksfoot grass can also be grown in the average garden. You will need to add a small quantity of complete fertiliser to the soil. Sow the seeds at any time if grown in the house, or during April or early September if in the open grown, providing the soil is not sticky. Cover the seed with fine soil to a depth of no more than a quarter of an inch. Seeds which are sown in the open should be protected by a plastic/glass cover until the grass is an inch high, especially if sown during cold weather. For more advice on growing cat grass/cocksfoot, please contact us.

We have lots of adorable cats and kittens looking for homes, we are open every day from 11am until 4pm. Please contact us on 01395 232377 to book a home visit or please visit our official website and facebook page. Thank you.   

Kittens, kittens and more kittens at Axhayes!

The summer is the busiest time of the year at Exeter Axhayes adoption centre with lots of mums and kittens coming into the centre. Half of our rehoming section is full of pairs of kittens looking for homes. They are all looking for loving safe homes to go to as soon as possible, because no-one wants to spend their kittenhood in a pen! They really want to experience their first adventure in a nice garden, to play in the grass and look at all the wonderful things that summer brings.

Here are just some of the kittens we have looking for new homes….

Foxglove and Bluebell

4 month old male black and white kitten and female black kitten  

We are the first kittens to be born at Axhayes this year. We were born on Mother’s Day which was a special day for our proud mum. Our mother has done a great job bringing us up and now we can’t wait to go out and explore the big wide world. We are full of energy, we love to play and we are all very friendly. We are looking for a home in a safe area away from busy roads and traffic. We are good with cats, dogs and children. We would make a wonderful addition to your family, please adopt us today!

Please check out their video "The Life of an Axhayes kitten" on our youtube channel; www.youtube.com/user/catsprotectionexeter

Millie and Baxter
4 month old female black kitten and male ginger kitten

These adorable kittens found themselves at the centre when their mother had no place to call home. They are a wonderful: very friendly, affectionate and playful kitten, who are now looking for a home where they will be loved forever. They need a home with a safe garden so they can play and explore the world around them. We are sure they will make a wonderful addition to your home, please adopt Millie and Baxter today!

Cumari and Mirasol
3 month old male ginger and white kitten

We were born here at Axhayes to a mother who is only a kitten herself. Our mother has done a fantastic job raising us, now we are looking for someone to take us home. We are both very friendly, affectionate and very energetic. We love cuddles and we love to play games. We are looking for a home where we will be loved forever and where we can enjoy our kittenhood to the full. We are looking for a home in a safe place away from busy roads and traffic. We are great with other cats and dogs; we can fit into a family home well. Please adopt us today, we will make your house a home.

Maz and Sid

4 month old female tortoiseshell & white kitten and male black and white kitten

Hi we’re Maz and Sid and we were brought to the centre because our owner had too many cats to cope with. If you’re looking for two happy-go-lucky kittens, we’re the ones for you. I'm the cute & cuddly one that's lucky to have a friend like Sid. He's special because he's only got one eye but that doesn't stop him being any less playful. We do need a home in a safe area as we are not used to traffic. If you watch Home & Away you will recognise our names and like the song goes…. You know we belong together, you and I forever & ever, closer each day, Home & Away.
Please check out their video "An afternoon with Sid and Maz" on our youtube channel; www.youtube.com/user/catsprotectionexeter

Jagger

4 month old male black kitten

Poor Jagger was found wandering the streets with no place to call home. Jagger is a wonderful little chap who loves attention, cuddles and to play games. He is very friendly and energetic. He’s good with dogs, cats and children; he will fit into a family perfectly. He is looking for a home away from busy roads as he is not used to traffic. Jagger will make your house a home, please pick him today!

William and Whiskers

3 month old male black and white kitten and 3 month old female black kitten

My sister and I were bought into the centre after we were born outside in the cold. So after we were bought in here its understandable we are now a little unsure of everything. Don't let this put you off as we can assure you we are two of the sweetest kittens once we gain your trust. We love nothing more than to play and explore so we need a nice safe garden away form traffic as we are not used to this. If you can offer us a little time and patience we need, we will reward you with a life time of love and entertainment.

All of our kittens are neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, treated for fleas and worms, they also come with four weeks of free Petplan insurance. We give our cats and kittens love and cuddles for free...however whilst in our care, veterinary treatment for any one cat could cost £200 or more. With this in mind, we ask for an adoption fee of £60 per cat/kitten, and we are confident that you will appreciate the great benefits and value that this fee represents to you, and how it can in turn help Cats Protection to help more cats and kittens in need.

If you are able to offer some of our kittens a home, give us a call on 01395 232377 or visit our official website and facebook page for more information! Thank you.