Cancel all plans for Thursday! If you don’t, your cat might cancel them for you! International Cat Day is held on 8th August and for 2024 the theme is ‘Celebrating Cats’. The charity International Cat Care, custodians of the annual event, are asking anyone with an appreciation for cats to take some time out this Thursday to celebrate the feline species and the unique bond we have with them.
Click here to find out more about International Cat Day 2024 and to see how International Cat Care celebrate and champion cats worldwide all year round with great advice and support.
Wellcare World specializes in providing the latest advancements in wellness technology, supplementation, and lifestyle changes that improve health and increase the quality of people's lives.To learn more, visit WellcareWorld.com and begin living a better life today.
We very sadly said goodbye to our student nurse Amy Mothershaw on Friday. Amy has been with 387 Vets and The West Midlands Cat Clinic since 2021. We remember carrying out her interview on zoom, back in the days when we weren’t allowed to admit clients into practice. Amy has spent the last three years working on her Level 3 Veterinary Nursing Diploma, spending one day a week at college whilst working at the practice. We have loved watching her skills develop and she has excelled in all her qualification exams to date. Just the final practical exam results to come but we have no doubt that Amy will have aced them! Thank you very much for all your hard work during your apprenticeship with us, Amy. We wish you happiness and success in your new job, and look forward to hearing all about your first position as a Registered Veterinary Nurse!
Wellcare World specializes in providing the latest advancements in wellness technology, supplementation, and lifestyle changes that improve health and increase the quality of people's lives.To learn more, visit WellcareWorld.com and begin living a better life today.
Huge congratulations to our RVN Sharon’s husband Mark who completed a 150 mile circular cycle ride at the weekend in aid of Kats Cradle. Mark cycled from Willenhall to The Horseshoe Pass in Denbighshire with colleagues from The Walsall Roads Cycling Club to help raise money for the Coven based charity. Kats Cradle bring feline strays and re-homes to our practice for general health care and emergency treatment.
Thank you so much Mark for all the training and preparation that went into your fundraising cycle and not least for the event itself. We’re glad the sun shone for you and that the conditions were kind.
Wellcare World specializes in providing the latest advancements in wellness technology, supplementation, and lifestyle changes that improve health and increase the quality of people's lives.To learn more, visit WellcareWorld.com and begin living a better life today.
It aims to help cat owners successfully teach their cats to wear a harness and enjoy outdoor adventures while ensuring their safety and well-being.
Walking cats on a harness is becoming increasingly popular. It provides many health benefits to pet parents and their feline friends. However, not all cats are comfortable wearing a harness for the first time. You can ensure your cat’s comfort with a slow transition into this new routine. Let’s look at how to harness train a cat the easy way!
“A Quick Guide to Harness Training Your Cat” refers to a concise and informative resource that provides step-by-step instructions and tips on how to train your cat to wear a harness. Harness training allows cats to safely explore the outdoors while being under your supervision and control. The guide offers guidance on introducing the harness, positive reinforcement techniques, fitting the harness correctly, gradual progression from indoor training to outdoor walks, and the importance of patience and consistency in the training process. It aims to help cat owners successfully teach their cats to wear a harness and enjoy outdoor adventures while ensuring their safety and well-being.
Find the Right Harness
The Right Fit
Before you begin leash training your cat, you need to choose the right type of harness. Look for an adjustable harness that fits comfortably and isn’t too tight or too loose, especially around the neck. Moreover, don’t purchase a small dog harness—many cats can slip out of these.
The Right Material and Fasteners
Make sure the material is lightweight and breathable so it won’t cause skin problems or make your cat hot or uncomfortable. Check for buckles that are easy to use and secure enough to keep the harness from slipping off. You should know where the leash attaches before putting the harness on your cat.
Take Your Time Introducing the Harness to Your Cat
Take it slow when showing the harness to your cat for the first time. Give your kitten the chance to sniff it and get used to it in a positive way. This includes giving them calming treats or talking in a soothing voice while putting on the harness.
Let your cat get used to wearing the harness around the house before taking them outdoors. In the beginning, let them wear it for a few minutes. During this time, give your cat treats to reward them for being a good sport. You can also play with them to get their mind off their new apparel. As your cat decides they like the harness, you can gradually increase the time they spend wearing it.
Start Small with Short Walks
When you’re ready to take your cat outside for the first time in a harness, don’t swing for the fences. Instead, take your kitten out for a short walk in a familiar place, such as your neighborhood or even just your backyard. As your cat grows more comfortable with the harness and walking outdoors, you can gradually increase the time and distance of your walks.
Don’t Skimp on Rewards!
Rewarding positive behaviors is an important part of teaching your cat to walk with a harness. This applies during the initial training phase and throughout your walking sessions. Providing treats or extra cuddles each time your cat wears the harness indoors or goes for a walk outside is essential. It reinforces the positive association with wearing the harness, especially when going for walks.
Be Patient and Consistent
Remember that most cats learn at their own pace. This means it can take time for them to get comfortable with an unfamiliar harness and leash. Be consistent in your training, but don’t rush the process. Cats are smart and will pick up on cues faster if given the time and attention they need to adjust to a new routine.
Wellcare World specializes in providing the latest advancements in wellness technology, supplementation, and lifestyle changes that improve health and increase the quality of people's lives.To learn more, visit WellcareWorld.com and begin living a better life today.
Many pet owners struggle with the decision of whether to keep their catindoors or whether to allow them to spend some of their time outside. It’s a very personal decision that can only be made by pet owners themselves, but there’s no doubt that indoor cats are exposed to fewer risks and safety hazards than outdoor cats. Outdoor cats are at risk for contracting contagious diseases and pests/parasites, as well as injuries from other cats and wild animals. They’re also at risk for being hit by a car or wandering off and getting lost or stolen. There are a lot of great reasons to keep your cat indoors but without taking steps to enrich your cat’s indoor life, then there is a chance problems can arise. An enriched environment gives cats the opportunity to create their own positive experiences in an enclosed space and the goal is to create “an environment of plenty”. Follow these 10 tips to keep your cat happy indoors!
1. PROVIDE OPTIONS TO ENCOURAGE PROPER SCRATCHING.
Scratching is a natural instinct for cats and an important part of maintaining their physical and mental health. Cats scratch to help sharpen their claws, shed old cuticles, stretch, and to leave their scent behind. It’s important to give your cat plenty of options for scratching so they don’t turn their attention towards your furniture and carpets. There are numerous different types of scratchers available and each cat has different scratching preferences, so you might have to try a few different kinds of scratchers before you find the type your cat likes. There are traditional carpeted post scratchers, sisal scratching posts, cardboard scratchers, and more.
2. FIND THE BEST LITTER BOX FOR YOU CAT AND KEEP IT TIDY.
Ensuring your cat has only positive litter box experiences will help avoid unwanted behavior like urinating outside of the box. There are four important factors to consider when it comes to setting up a litter box: hygiene, litter box type and size, litter substrate type, litter box location and number of litter boxes. Litter box hygiene is crucial to ensuring your cat maintains good litter habits as cats are exceptionally clean creatures. In the wild, cats urinate in new clean spots all the time; if we want them to use the same spot each time, we have to keep it clean! Litter boxes should be scooped at least once a day and the boxes cleaned with mild dish soap once a week. Litter boxes should be large enough for you cat to stand up on all fours and turn around in. Litter boxes should be kept in a quiet place away from anything that could startle the cat or make them feel unsafe and should be easily accessible. The golden rule is one litter box per cat PLUS one.
3. PROVIDE PLENTY OF PERCHES AND HIGH PLACES FOR YOUR KITTY TO EXPLORE.
Cats need places that elevate them from ground level. Cats like to climb and perches provide them with a safe place to take in the action from above. The want to know that it’s safe and when they can see their surroundings in addition to being able to hear and smell them, they’re much more comfortable. Cats often like to seek refuge in a high place and it’s important that these spots permit the cat to feel safe from people, loud noises and other animals. A perch is anything that allows them to lie, sit, sleep or look outside from above. Many cat trees and towers provide perches at varying levels and there are also wall mounted shelving and other fixtures made specifically to give your cat a place to climb, explore, and observe. Some cats may even like to climb on top of refrigerators or cabinets, but it’s up to you to determine if those are safe places for your cat to be in your home. A perch is a must have for all cats.
4. ALLOW YOUR CATS TO ENJOY THE OUTDOORS – SAFELY!
There are several ways in which you can allow your pet to watch or participate in the world outside that keep them safe. One option is to offer your cat plenty of places to watch the outside world from your windows. You can place a couch, chair, table, or cat tree in front of the window so your cats can post up and observe.
5. PROVIDE MULTIPLE RESTING AREAS FOR YOUR CAT TO CURL UP COMFORTABLY.
It may seem like your cat sleeps a lot and that’s because they do! On average, cats sleep between 12 and 16 hours a day and as they get older, that number may even increase. Cats sleep and wake frequently throughout the day and night. It’s important that cats have a quiet, comfortable place to go, especially when they’re spending so much of their day resting . While cats are sleeping, they’re at their most vulnerable, so providing rest areas where they feel safe and secure is very important.
6. MAKE PLAYTIME A ROUTINE PART OF YOUR DAY.
It’s important to keep your cat moving and active every day. Not only is it great for their physical health, it’s also an important part of their mental health as well. Play encourages your cat to be active, helps maintain a healthy body weight and keeps muscles toned and strong. Activities that let your cat express their natural hunting instincts also help keep their mind alert and active. Cat ancestors had to hunt insects, birds, mice and other small animals to survive and while indoor cats today don’t have to do these things, they still possess a natural instinct to hunt and pounce. Each individual cat may have a different preference for the types of toys they enjoy playing with but keeping a variety on hand is recommended.
7. SPEND QUALITY TIME WITH YOUR CAT DOING WHAT THEY LIKE.
The bond between cat and owner is an important one. While pet cats display affection differently than dogs, a recent study shows cats can bond just as strongly to their humans as dogs can. Spending quality time with your cat is an important part of fostering the bond between cat and human. Just by providing your cat a safe and happy home, you’re bonding with your cat. If you take good care of your kitty, keep them nourished and safe, and respect their unique personality you will not only be an excellent cat owner, you’ll also likely become their favorite person.
8. MAKE SURE YOUR CAT HAS ACCESS TO FRESH FOOD AND CLEAN WATER.
Because indoor cats are more sedentary than their ancestors and outdoor counterparts, it’s important to monitor how much a cat is being fed. An indoor cat’s nutrition needs are less and it can be easy to overfeed them. Consider feeding scheduled meals as opposed to free feeding so you can ensure your cat only eats what it should.
9. DON’T MAKE SUDDEN CHANGES.
Change is a part of life, but cats are very sensitive to it and typically don’t like sudden or unexpected change. You can help keep your cat happy by establishing a regular routine and introducing them to new things slowly and carefully.
10. BE AN INFORMED OWNER.
Educate yourself on cats and their behavior – it will help you better understand your cat. Humans (and many other mammals) are pack species but cats are an independent species. For example, we might prefer to go to our cat for play but our cat might prefer to come to us for play or we might prefer longer, less frequent visits while cats prefer shorter, more frequent visits. By being aware of cat behavior and adapting to their needs, you can ensure that your develop the best relationship possible with your cat and can provide them the best environment.
The best indicator of your cat’s health and welfare is regularly seeing these healthy behaviors: -Activity – confidently explores and uses the living space, including climbing and perching. -Interaction – initiates brief, frequent interactions with others in the house. -Food and Water Consumption – indoor-housed cats usually eat small meals and drink over the course of the day -Elimination Behavior – most cats use the litter box 2-4 times a day -Weight Loss or Gain – 10% either way can be important. You can monitor this using regular weighing or body condition scoring -Grooming – normally cats gently groom the entire body 2-3 times a day. -Sleeping Habits – sleeps in view, in favored places -Vocalizing – cats have different voices; you can learn what is normal for your cat so you can notice any changes.
The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine has an excellent resource online called the Indoor Cat Initiative (https://indoorpet.osu.edu/cats/basic-indoor-cat-needs). We highly suggest indoor cat owners check out their website to access great information about how to enrich your indoor cat’s life.
Wellcare World specializes in providing the latest advancements in wellness technology, supplementation, and lifestyle changes that improve health and increase the quality of people's lives.To learn more, visit WellcareWorld.com and begin living a better life today.
