Cat Sitting in Sevenoaks

Attention owners of pale cats... Too much sun can be bad for your cat too!

During the warm summer months don't forget your cat can suffer from sunburn too!

Susceptible cats are those with white or pale-coloured ears and faces.
 
If they are exposed to prolonged periods of sunlight they will get sore, scaly skin, particularly on the ear tips. This can lead to ulceration, referred to as solar dermatitis, and eventually to skin cancer in severe cases so it's not to be taken lightly.

Prevention is better than cure so a little waterproof sunscreen on your cat's ears before going out may be helpful, although cats usually groom this off fairly quickly!

Check with your vet for a recommendation of the appropriate sun block to use. However, the only really effective measure, once symptoms are seen, is confinement indoors during the  daytime.

Don't Be Tempted To Give

Your Cat Chocolate!

Some cats show a keen interest in chocolate, probably due to the fat content but don't be tempted to allow your cat to share any of yours! Chocolate contains an alkaloid called theobromine, found in the cacao bean. In sufficient quantities it can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle spasms and seizures.

Theobromine is present in higher concentrations in the dark and bitter chocolates (and dogs are at greater risk than cats due to the amounts they tend to consume) but why take the chance?

So if your cat shows interest in any of your chocolate, just say NO!

Fitting a Cat Collar

Surprisingly, a collar should be fitted ‘snugly’. You should be able to push two fingers through between the collar and your cat’s neck. When you first fit the collar you will find that your cat may tense his neck muscles. You will push two fingers under, think you have fitted it correctly and then when your cat relaxes it will look like a dangly necklace. Always re-check the fit after he’s got used to the collar because you will probably have to adjust it.

There is often a degree of protest when the collar is first introduced, including walking or running backwards, hanging the head down, scratching furiously and trying to grab it with his mouth. If you fit the collar just before mealtime or before his favourite game, it may distract him sufficiently to make the whole experience far less traumatic.

(extract from 'The Complete Cat' by Vicky Halls)

Taking Your Cat to the Vet?

Take a towel with you to the vet that your cat has slept on and smells reassuringly of home. You can then use this to cover the cat carrier in the waiting room if he gets distressed and the vet can use it to aid handling if necessary.

Introducing Your Cat to New Resources

If you buy something new for your cat such as a scratching post or bed, put it in an appropriate place and then walk away! Your cat won’t be impressed by any ‘hard sell’ tactics!

Got a Fluffy Cat That Can’t Clean

Her Rear End?

Try getting a big-toothed comb and placing this carefully behind the poo, then cut over the top of the teeth. Alternatively, you could ask your vet to trim your cat’s ‘trousers' which the vet will do using quiet cat trimmers.

NB. Never put scissors near your cat if she is a wriggler or if you haven’t got a comb through the fur, positioned over the skin to protect it. It’s very easy to cut your cat under these circumstances.