Posts Tagged ‘cats’

The Seasonal Holiday (aka Christmas) is an exciting time for most people, but it always pays to take some extra precautions with your pets. There are many dangers around at this time of year, below are some suggestions on how to ensure your cat stays safe during the Seasonal Holiday (aka Christmas) period.

OUR BIGGEST & BEST TIP IS….  Keep your cat inside the home !

Were you aware that it is illegal within the Gold Coast region to allow cats to have unrestricted access to the outdoors especially anytime after sunset and before sunrise.  Cats found outside of your property are classed as “strays”.  If you really MUST allow your cat unrestrained and mostly unsupervised access to the outside, please ensure the cat is registered and microchipped (and the microchip details are correct).   If your cat dislikes wearing a collar (Marnie is one unfortunately), this is even more reason to keep your cat inside your home.

click here for a great article: Make Your Outdoor Cat An Indoor Cat

Still want to allow your cat unrestrained and mostly unsupervised outside access?  Then please take heed of the following to ensure the safety of your cat:

Traffic / Cars:

In some neighbourhoods, this means an increase in traffic with more people coming and going visiting family, friends and other celebrations.  This is also one of the ways for cats to go missing (or die) through no fault of their own as they can sometimes curl up within an engine or the car interior itself to have a nap.  I speak from personal experience thus the reason why Marnie is an indoor cat (and so was her predecessor) as I’ve had cats go missing as well as be killed (one right in front of my eyes – not something I would wish upon any person who cares for their cat).

Ticks:

Need I say more ?  Ticks can and do kill.  Ticks are attracted to cats just as much as dogs.  The downside is that if you do not inspect your outdoor cat regularly for ticks there really is nothing more you can do to ensure their safety because a lot of the tick medications are only suitable for dogs.  Cats can find the tick medication (aka “monthly spot on treatments”) fatally toxic.    The Gold Coast region is always plauged by ticks due to our weather.

Snakes:

Snake bite poisoning is a very serious danger to cats, especially in the warmer months.  Click here for more information on first aid for cats bitten by snake bites.

Heat Stroke:

Another medical emergency is heat stroke (also known as hyperthermia). If you suspect your cat has heat stroke, seek veterinary attention immediately.  This applies for both inside and outdoor cats:  for indoor cats, ensure there is plenty of air and cool areas for your cat to enjoy; for outdoor cats, ensure there are areas where there is shade for most of the day as well as access to cool areas for your cat to enjoy.

Whilst indoor/inside cats will be a lot more safer over this period than outdoor cats – there are still many dangers to minimise or eliminate to ensure the safety of your feline family member:

Christmas Tree/Decorations

The only fool proof way to keep your cat away from your Christmas tree  is to put the tree in a room the cat can’t access. Unfortunately, this is often not practical. So the next best solution is to make the tree as safe as possible.  Real Christmas trees are more dangerous to cats than fake plastic ones. Pine needles can puncture internal organs if eaten, they are also toxic to cats. If you do have a real tree, make sure the drink stand has plenty of water to prevent the tree drying out & losing needles. It is important that your cat isn’t able to get to this water & drink it as it could result in poisoning. Ensure the tree has a good solid base so it won’t easily be knocked over by your cat. Try not to have the tree near furniture & or shelves which the cats could use to jump onto the tree.

Be careful with tinsel, if you must have it on your tree, place it at the top of the tree where the cat is less likely to be able to get at it. Tinsel can be caught around the base or move down to the intestines & stomach & cause a blockage, which will result in emergency (and costly) surgery to remove it.   A safer alternative are the strands of beads. Ornaments should be securely attached to the tree to prevent them being knocked off. Also place delicate ornaments up high where they’re less likely to be knocked off & broken. When there is nobody around, unplug Christmas lights, you may want to try applying a cat repellent  such as bitter apple to the lights to deter your cat from chewing the wires, obviously if this was to happen it could cause a fatal electric shock.

Artificial snow is toxic to cats, so is best avoided.

Candles are especially popular over the Seasonal Holiday period, be careful to make sure your cat can’t get close to lit candles.

Please note, your cat isn’t a novelty item & it’s dangerous to try & decorate your cat with ribbons etc.

Plants

Holly, mistletoe, poinsettias are all popular plants to have in the home at Christmas, especially in the northern hemisphere. These plants are toxic to cats so should be placed where your cat can’t get to them.

Food/Sweets/Chocolate

Many cat owners enjoy giving their cat the occasional treat of “human” food & generally this doesn’t harm the cat.  However, it is important to remember that some foods which are fine for humans to eat can be toxic to cats. The odd sliver of chicken or turkey (off the bone) is fine, however it really isn’t a good idea to give them large quantities of such food as this can lead to gastrointestinal problems.  Never give your cat cooked chicken or turkey bones, these bones can splinter & can become lodged in your cat’s throat or puncture the intestines & stomach. Chocolate is toxic to cats, the darker the chocolate, the more toxic. Chocolate contains both caffeine & theobromine, which are both toxic. If you suspect your cat has eaten chocolate watch for signs of restlessness & vomiting, if in doubt, see your vet.

Cats will often scavenge for food in the garbage so be aware that if you’ve covered your turkey with foil & thrown it in the bin, your cat may drag it out & chew on it which could make the cat sick. Cooked turkey bones will also attract your cat. Be aware of this & if possible, take your food scraps etc., to your outside bin.

Xmas ribbons/wrap

Rbbons etc., pose the same problem as tinsel, if eaten, it may lead to intestinal blockages. It’s important to ensure all ribbons/wrap etc., are safely disposed of.

The last danger during the Holiday Season is having someone who is without Pet CPR & First Aid skills “in charge” of the welfare of your beloved felines !

You may save a couple of dollars using friends, family or the person who is doing pet sitting for $10 per visit (generally speaking, most professional pet carers charge $20 minimum for cat sitting visits) however when presented with any pet emergency …. will they cost the cat its life due to their lack of skills ?  This situation is easily solved through having whomever is “in charge” of the care of your felines do a Pet Tech Pet CPR, First Aid and Care class which are held regularly on the Gold Coast.

I have not personally verified if this story and thus if the pictures are true. If you can verify the story and/or pictures are true or false please contact me via the comments below.  Even better if you know who is the original author ?  None-the-less, it’s a great story no matter if it is true or not and that’s all that matters in my opinion. ~~ Vanessa xox

The story begins with the rescuers finding this poor little guy they named Ralphie. Someone had already taken him under their wing but they weren't equipped to adopt.

Ralphie, scared and starved, joined his rescuers..

I wouldn't think anything could live thru this.... but we were wrong.

This little lady also survived that wreckage.

Here she is just placed in the car - scared, but safe.

and then..they are no longer alone!

Instant friends, they comforted each other while in the car.

Add two more beagles found after that... the more, the merrier!

Oh boy, a new traveler to add to the mix... (Note: the cat coming over the seat needing shelter...) Now just how is this going to work? (and remember they are all strange to one another )

It's going to work just fine, thank you very much!

Wow! The things we learn from our animal friends... If only all of mankind could learn such valuable lessons as this. Lessons of instant friendship. Of peace and harmony by way of respect for one another -- no matter one's color or creed. These animals tell you... "It's just good to be alive and with others." Yes, it surely is. So... Live, love, laugh.

Life’s a Gift … Unwrap It !

Did you enjoy this story ?  Please share with others as I have shared with you.

Related articles

• Tell-tale Signs Your Dog May Have Arthritis (dogfyi.wordpress.com)
• Dietary Supplements for Arthritis Pain (everydayhealth.com)

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

by Karen Clouston

Use and share this poem with those who have to ever make the heart-wrenching decision to help our animal companions transition from this life…  I’ll fore-warn you now: GET SOME TISSUES!  This made me cry in memory of Bibs and Puddy (my most recent feline animal companions whom I had to help transition).

You’re giving me a special gift,
So sorrowfully endowed,
And through these last few cherished days,
Your courage makes me proud

But really, love is knowing
When your best friend is in pain,
And understanding earthly acts
Will only be in vain.

So looking deep into your eyes,
Beyond, into your soul,
I see in you the magic, that will
Once more make me whole

The strength that you possess,
Is why I look to you today,
To do this thing that must be done,
For it’s the only way.

That strength is why I’ve followed you,
And chose you as my friend,
And why I’ve loved you all these years…
My partner ’til the end.

Please, understand just what this gift,
You’re giving, means to me,
It gives me back the strength I’ve lost,
And all my dignity.

You take a stand on my behalf,
For that is what friends do.
And know that what you do is right,
For I believe it too.

So one last time, I breathe your scent,
And through your hand I feel,
The courage that’s within you,
To now grant me this appeal.

Cut the leash that holds me here,
Dear friend, and let me run,
Once more a strong and steady dog,
My pain and struggle done.

And don’t despair my passing,
For I won’t be far away,
Forever here, within your heart,
And memory I’ll stay.

I’ll be there watching over you,
Your ever faithful friend,
And in your memories I’ll run,
…a strong dog once again.

Playful Pets

All pet owners enjoy watching the playful antics of their pets. In fact, most pet owners consider this one of the most enjoyable aspects of pet ownership. If you’ve ever wondered why pets play, what you can do to encourage your pet to play or what makes a good toy for your pet, read on.

Why do pets like to play?

We have bred our pets to have juvenile personalities all their lives. So while puppies and kittens especially love to play, even adult animals will play given the chance. Mature aged pets can also be encouraged to partake in a little gentle play. When young, play is practice for life. Kittens stalking and pouncing on toy mice are learning to hunt. We have now replaced hunting and retrieving prey with games and bonding time.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE AT http://www.purina.com.au/all-about-pets/cat/living-together/best-behaviour/Training-Your-Cat.aspx

Image via Wikipedia

Related articles

• Shout It Saturday – Pet News ! (goldcoastpets.com.au)
• Qld government collars dog breeders (news.theage.com.au)
• Fireworks fans urged to consider animals (money.marksandspencer.com)
• Take care of dogs during summer | dog sitting gold coast (goldcoastpets.com.au)
• 2011 Million Paws Walk RSPCA – Miami Gold Coast (goldcoastpets.com.au)
• FREE Pet Tips & Advice (Tip Giving Tuesday) (goldcoastpets.com.au)

Image via Wikipedia

Every Tuesday over at the Gold Coast Pets facebook community and twitter —  TIP GIVING TUESDAY — Time for YOU to Shine ! Share YOUR PET CARE TIPS !  Here is one of the featured tips …

From Sarah Ellis

Trust your instincts – if you think your pet is out of sorts, you are the one to know first – and that could be the difference between life and death!

Related articles

• Confused.com top 10 tips for preventing pet damage to your home (confused.com)
• TIP GIVING TUESDAY ! Try these tips ….. (goldcoastpets.com.au)
• The “QLD itch” – SOLUTION ! | pet minding gold coast (goldcoastpets.com.au)
• FREE PET ADVICE | Pet Care Tips ( Tip Giving Tuesday ) (goldcoastpets.com.au)

Please phone 0420 355 887 or contact Network of Professional Pet Carers Gold Coast if you would like to be referred to a professional pet sitter in your area.  As Founder of the Network of Professional Pet Carers Gold Coast I know who is available for what service, where and type of animals.

Gold Coast Pet Sitting’s “Holiday Schedule”

Friday December 24 – We have available vacancies for pet sitting or dog walking within Chirn Park, Labrador, Arundel, Helensvale, Pacific Pines, Mermaid Beach (and surrounding area), Burleigh, Palm Beach.  Live In House Sitting and Overnight Stays are booked out.

Saturday December 25 – BOOKED OUT

Sunday December 26 – We have available vacancies for pet sitting or dog walking within Chirn Park, Labrador, Arundel, Helensvale, Pacific Pines, Mermaid Beach (and surrounding area), Burleigh, Palm Beach.  Live In House Sitting and Overnight Stays are booked out.

Monday December 27 – We have available vacancies for pet sitting or dog walking within Chirn Park, Labrador, Arundel, Helensvale, Pacific Pines, Mermaid Beach (and surrounding area), Burleigh, Palm Beach.  Live In House Sitting and Overnight Stays are booked out.

Tuesday December 28 – We have available vacancies for pet sitting or dog walking within Chirn Park, Labrador, Arundel, Helensvale, Pacific Pines.  Pet Sitting and Dog Walking is unavailable to any suburbs situated in South Gold Coast for this date.  Live In House Sitting and Overnight Stays are booked out.

Wednesday December 29 - We have available vacancies for pet sitting or dog walking within Chirn Park, Labrador, Arundel, Paradise Point , Hollywell, Coombabah (and surrounding suburbs).  Pet Sitting and Dog Walking is unavailable to any suburbs situated in South Gold Coast for this date.  Live In House Sitting and Overnight Stays are booked out.

Thursday December 30 – We have available vacancies for pet sitting or dog walking within Chirn Park, Labrador, Arundel, Paradise Point , Hollywell, Coombabah (and surrounding suburbs).  Pet Sitting and Dog Walking is unavailable to any suburbs situated in South Gold Coast for this date.  Live In House Sitting and Overnight Stays are booked out.

Friday December 31st - New Years Eve (Day) – We have available vacancies for pet sitting or dog walking within Chirn Park, Labrador, Arundel, Paradise Point , Hollywell, Coombabah (and surrounding suburbs).  Pet Sitting and Dog Walking is unavailable to any suburbs situated in South Gold Coast for this date.  Live In House Sitting and Overnight Stays are booked out.

Saturday January 1st - New Years Day – We have available vacancies for pet sitting or dog walking within Chirn Park, Labrador, Arundel, Paradise Point , Hollywell, Coombabah (and surrounding suburbs).  Pet Sitting and Dog Walking is unavailable to any suburbs situated in South Gold Coast for this date.  Live In House Sitting and Overnight Stays are booked out.

Sunday January 2nd – We have available vacancies for pet sitting or dog walking within Chirn Park, Labrador, Arundel, Paradise Point , Hollywell, Coombabah (and surrounding suburbs).  Pet Sitting and Dog Walking is unavailable to any suburbs situated in South Gold Coast for this date.  Live In House Sitting and Overnight Stays are booked out.

Monday January 3rd – We have available vacancies for pet sitting or dog walking within Chirn Park, Labrador, Arundel, Paradise Point , Hollywell, Coombabah (and surrounding suburbs).  Pet Sitting and Dog Walking is unavailable to any suburbs situated in South Gold Coast for this date.  Live In House Sitting and Overnight Stays are booked out.

Tuesday January 4th onwards we are open and available all Gold Coast. Only Aunty Francy is available for Live In House Sitting and Overnight Stays from January 4th onwards (Aunty Vanessa is booked out until 12th January).

by dr joanne righetti