DENVER/July 28, 2022 – Morris Animal Foundation announced today it is accepting research proposals to advance the field of feline oncology, with a preference for innovations likely to lead to significant advances in diagnosis or therapy.
This request for proposals is funded by Blue Buffalo, a Morris Animal Foundation donor since 2006, and Canadian company Pet Valu through the Foundation’s Donor-Inspired Study program. Blue Buffalo has provided more than $6 million in funding for scientific research to improve the lives of cats and dogs.
“Cancer is a leading cause of death in cats, with one in five cats diagnosed with cancer in their lifetimes,” said Dr. Janet Patterson-Kane, Morris Animal Foundation Chief Scientific Officer. “Unfortunately, we don’t see as much research dedicated to feline cancer as we do to canine cancer. The Foundation is working to address this imbalance and improve care for our feline companions.”
Common cancers in cats include lymphoma, squamous cell carcinoma, fibrosarcoma, injection-site sarcomas and mammary tumors. Outcomes for cats diagnosed vary with cancer type and stage at diagnosis, but more research is essential to advance diagnostic tools, treatment options, pain management and even cures.
“Blue Buffalo was founded on a promise made to a lovable Airedale named Blue who struggled with cancer, a leading cause of death in pets,” said Denise DeVeer, Canada National Accounts Manager, Blue Buffalo. “Delivering on that promise to end pet cancer continues to be at the heart of what we do every day as we make the best pet food possible for dogs and cats with high-quality, natural ingredients and support important research to help end the devastating effects of pet cancer.”
Free picture (Cat Medicine Veterinary) from https://torange.biz/fx/cat-medicine-veterinary-182816
“Pet Valu understands the deep connection devoted pet lovers have with their pets and how difficult it is when a pet develops a serious illness,” says Tanbir Grover, Chief Digital and Marketing Officer, Pet Valu. “We are so thankful to the devoted pet lovers who helped us raise funds to support research that may advance diagnoses and enhance therapies for pet cancers in the future.”
Only investigators from Canadian institutions are eligible to apply to this RFP, and the research must be conducted in Canada. Research studies focused on other species or from other geographic regions will not be considered. The maximum project duration is 24 months, and the maximum study budget is $50,000 CAD. Applications will be reviewed and rated, based on impact and scientific rigor, by a scientific advisory board made up of subject matter experts. Interested researchers can find additional information, including award types and funding levels at Morris Animal Foundation Apply for a Grant.
About Morris Animal Foundation
Headquartered in Denver, and founded in 1948, Morris Animal Foundation is one of the largest nonprofit animal health research organizations in the world, funding more than $142 million in critical studies across a broad range of species. Learn more at morrisanimalfoundation.org.
About Blue Buffalo
Blue Buffalo, the country’s #1 wholesome, natural pet food, was founded on a promise to a lovable Airdale named Blue who struggled with cancer. The brand’s mission to“Love them like family. Feed them like family.”has evolved into a whole new way of feeding pets. Since its founding in 2003, Blue Buffalo has upheld its True BLUE Promise to dog and cat pet parents – real meat as the first ingredient with NO chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, NO corn, wheat or soy, and NO artificial flavors or preservatives. The result is a portfolio of high-quality, natural food and treats that both dogs and cats love.
About Pet Valu
Pet Valu is Canada’s leading retailer of pet food and pet-related supplies with over 700 corporate-owned or franchised locations across the country. For more than 40 years, Pet Valu has earned the trust and loyalty of pet parents by offering knowledgeable customer service, a premium product offering and engaging in-store services. Pet Valu’s neighbourhood stores offer more than 7,000 competitively-priced products, including a broad assortment of premium, super premium, holistic and award-winning proprietary brands. To learn more, please visit: www.petvalu.ca.
Today we are doing a slightly different post from our usual ones.
On one of our trips to Japan, we came across these cute little Sushi Cats in one of Japan’s capsule machines! And we of course couldn’t resist putting in a few hundred yen to collect them.
The three little cats immediatly gave us the idea that once back home we should try and make our own Sushi! After we got our hands on it the Sushi Cats got to sit around our own homemade Sushi. ;D
Fast forward a few year and we actually managed to get our hand on blind boxes that contain keyring versions of EXACTLY the cats that we brought back from Japan!
Cat vaccines can feel like a big topic to wrap your head around. But it’s important for us fur-moms and fur-dads to be up to speed when it comes to our kitties’ health, ensuring we are doing everything we can to be proactive in protecting their wellbeing. Especially when it comes to dealing with cat vaccine side effects.
Cat vaccinations are one of the most important medical treatments we will all encounter during our fur-friends’ lifetime.
Yet when it comes to vaccines, the majority of us rely on our veterinarians’ guidance on which ones our cats should receive and how often.
With all the medical lingo and high emotional stakes, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. Especially when faced with questions concerning feline leukemia or FVRCP vaccine side effects (or other cat cancers).
Which is precisely why we’ve written this article…to help empower the cat community to better understand cat vaccines and how to deal with any side effects, including feline injection site sarcomas (FISS) and if your cat is sick after vaccines.
Ultimate Guide to Cat Vaccine Side Effects
Here’s a summary of what you can expect from this article.
Key takeaways on cat vaccine side effects:
Vaccines work by stimulating cat’s immune system to recognize and fight particular microorganism
The majority of vaccines are administered by injection
Only 1-10 out of every 10,000 cats experience a serious side effect from vaccines
FISS are malignant skin tumors, with many studies indicating that FISS appear most frequently at vaccination sites
If you’re concerned about a lump on your kitty, then refer to the 3-2-1 rule
Brittany, Paul, and the Fluffy Kitty team are not veterinarians. This article is based on facts, research, and personal experiences. We provide you with the best information we can but it is the reader’s prerogative as to what consequential action or inaction they may take. Paul and Brittany (and Yoda) shall in no event be held liable for any loss or other damages including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or any other damages.
Now that’s all cleared up, let’s dive in!
The Most Common Types of Cat Vaccines
Vaccines are medically and scientifically proven to help prevent insidious diseases in our fluffy kitties, supporting their overall health and life longevity. Which is why it’s so important that we know what vaccines they’re having, and why.
The most common feline vaccines outlined by the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) are:
Kittens typically first get their vaccinations when they are 6 to 8 weeks old, with a second booster set when they’re 3 months old. From here, booster shots are generally administered a year later.
Adult cats usually have booster shots every year or every 3 years, depending on the specific vaccine used or based on the assessed lifestyle risk.
How Cat Vaccines Work
Without getting too caught up in the medical lingo, cat vaccinations work by stimulating a cat’s immune system to recognize and fight particular microorganisms — such as an infectious organism, virus or bacteria.
The desired outcome from a vaccine is essentially protection from infectious diseases, as the body has been primed to protect against future infections.
The most common types of vaccines are:
Modified live vaccines: contain live organisms (weakened or genetically modified) that won’t produce the disease but will multiply in the cat’s body. These vaccines typically induce a longer-lasting immunity
Inactivated vaccines: also known as ‘killed’ vaccines, here the organisms have been killed through various processes. Killed vaccines may also have an adjuvant (added ingredient) to help boost the immunity
Subunit vaccines: also known as ‘recombinant-DNA’ vaccines, here only certain parts of an infectious organism are included in the vaccine
The majority of vaccines are administered by injection, with the most common injection sites being the shoulder, lower back and hind limb, however some vaccines can be intranasal (administered via drops in the nose).
What Are the Common Cat Vaccination Side Effects?
It is completely understandable that you might be worried about your cat vomiting after a vaccine, for example, or the side effects of the rabies vaccine in cats.
However, research does indicate that most cats will not demonstrate any side effects from a vaccine.
(But it’s equally important to note that mild symptoms won’t always be reported by cat owners, which makes it difficult to categorically state that all cats won’t experience side effects.)
Possible cat vaccine side effects
Lethargy
Slight fever
Lumps/bumps or swelling/redness around injection site
Loss of appetite
Sneezing (especially if intranasal)
Vomiting
Facial swelling
Itching
Diarrhea
Hives
In terms of the window in which these side effects can typically manifest, it can either happen quickly or up to 48 hours after the vaccination. These symptoms should generally last one or two days.
Cat vaccination side effects like lethargy are more frequent. Whereas cat diarrhea after vaccination, vomiting, facial swelling, itching and hives are more severe side effects, and these symptoms would be best to closely monitor.
So if you’re wondering whether ‘my cat is vomiting after vaccination’ is something to be worried about…our advice is that if this symptom or any symptoms worsen, or breathing difficulties arise, contact a local vet for advice.
It’s also important to note that unusual reactions can also occur up to 3 days later.
Unusual cat vaccine side effects
Respiratory difficulty
Polyarthritis (i.e. lameness)
Allergic anaphylactic reaction
And in extreme cases…
Rare cat vaccine side effects
Cancer formation (including FISS, the cancer that led to Yoda’s amputation)
Collapse
Death
Most resources do suggest that these instances are in the minority and highly uncommon.
As we mentioned before, if you’re at all concerned about a cat reaction to the vaccine, then call a trusted veterinarian who’ll be able to provide more personalized advice on how to treat any side effects.
Signs to look out for
Cat still isn’t back ‘to their usual self’ after a couple of days
Lumps growing bigger or showing signs of inflammation, oozing or infection
Lumps that are painful and/or haven’t gone away after a week
Any symptoms becoming more severe
In extreme circumstances, an emergency veterinarian should be contacted.
If your kitty does ever experience any symptoms after a vaccine, even if they’re incredibly mild, it would be useful to make a note in your cat’s very own medical passport. That way, you can mention it to your vet on your next visit for future awareness.
Feline Injection Site Sarcoma — What Is It?
As we mentioned above, one of the possible side effects of cat injections is feline injection site sarcomas (FISS) with the most common injection site sarcoma being fibrosarcoma.
FISS are malignant skin tumors of mesenchymal origin, with many studies indicating that FISS appear most frequently at vaccination sites. This is because where injections induce tissue inflammation, this leads to neoplastic transformation.
FISS is also suggested to be more common when Adjuvanted vaccines are used, and especially where FeLV and rabies vaccines are administered.
(Research does suggest that other factors may be involved in FISS — such as pre-existing genetic and medical conditions. So it is again difficult to categorically state that FISS is solely caused by specific injections or vaccines, although there is an evident correlation.)
The time between an injection/vaccination and the tumor developing is stated to be between 3 months to 4 years, but can be as late as 10 years post-vaccination.
Treatment for FISS generally involves surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Left untreated, cats are sadly likely to die due to complications associated with the tumor.
If you or someone you know is going through a similar experience, please send them our guide to coping with feline cancer.
If you’re concerned about a lump on your kitty, then referring to the 3-2-1 rule may be useful – as this typically guides when you should continue to monitor the lump at home versus when a biopsy may be warranted.
The 3-2-1 Rule
If the lump persists for 3 months or more after injection
If the lump is more than 2cm in diameter
If the lump continues to grow in size 1 month after injection/vaccine is given
When our own Fluffy Yoda was diagnosed with FISS, and we were considering the different treatment avenues, several factors we personally had to consider were:
Yoda’s quality of life if left untreated vs his quality of life if he had surgery
The associated costs of Yoda’s treatment
The physical requirements of traveling to Yoda’s numerous medical appointments
This was a majorly emotional time for us. But ultimately, we made the decision to commit to surgery where Yoda’s hind leg would be removed,followed by intensive post-operative treatment.
We knew that Yoda’s sarcoma would reduce his overall lifespan, but we felt that treatment was the best option to ensure our boy was as happy and healthy for as long as possible.
If you would like to read more about our experience with treating Yoda’s FISS, and to learn more about feline cancer, then you may want to check out these articles:
Remember, any medical procedure does carry the risk of negative side effects — for humans and felines alike! Yet when it comes to the question of whether you should still vaccinate your cat…the resounding answer from experts is ‘yes’.
Of course, the decision is ultimately yours, but we should always take steps to offer our kitties the best quality of care and life possible.
Likewise, asking your veterinarian the following questions about a specific vaccine can offer peace of mind, whilst helping to prevent FISS too:
Is the vaccination necessary? Consider the area you live in, your cat’s lifestyle, their age and breed. You may want to check out these vaccination guidelines
Is the vaccine live? Avoiding vaccines that use Adjuvants may be more beneficial in preventing FISS
Is the vaccine being administered in a standardized area? This will help your veterinarian to track whether a type of vaccine impacts a specific area of your cat’s body, whilst also preventing inflammation from multiple injections to a single site. Vaccines to lower limbs and the tail may also be more beneficial, so that if a tumor does develop and amputation is required — this won’t impact the central body
Overall, most professionals maintain that the benefits of vaccination greatly outweigh the potential risks.
For example, the rabies and FVRCP distemper vaccines are considered necessary core vaccines, whether your cat is indoor or outdoor.
You should also read up on local laws in your area, as some cat vaccinations are required by law in certain states.
Final Thoughts on Cat Vaccine Side Effects
There you have it — an overview of potential cat vaccine side effects, including FISS and what to do if you’re ever concerned about your kitty’s health following a vaccination.
Has your cat ever experienced any of these side effects? We’d love to hear your story, so make sure to reach out.
P.S. If you’d love to catch-up on how Yoda is doing as a tripod cat, then check out our Instagram here.
It’s no secret that my fluffy boy Yoda is the center of my world, and I know that — like me — many cat lovers are excited to seek out new ways of showing our kitties just how much they mean to us. Enter cat massage therapy!
The ultimate at-home spa experience to shower our whiskery friends with the extra affection they deserve.
If you’ve never considered massaging a cat, you’re not alone. It’s understandably an odd mental image at first! But a cat massage can actually offer our furry buddies heaps of surprising (and practical) benefits.
Which is why in this ultimate how-to guide, we’re going to share with you exactly how taking the time to relax and connect with your cat through gentle massage can benefit both of you physically, mentally and emotionally too!
Here’s a snapshot of what you’re going to discover today:
The different areas of the cat’s body you can massage
The various cat massage techniques
When *not* to massage your cat
Examples of times when it’s better to find a qualified cat masseuse
How Do You Massage a Cat?
So now you know exactly how massage can be wonderful for your kitty…what are the steps to massage a cat?
There’s a variety of different cat massage techniques you can try, however here’s the best way to introduce your kitty to the wonderful world of massage:
Step One: Create a calm environment
Choose a space which is relaxed
Remove any noise or distractions
Ensure your cat is in a laid back mood* (i.e. not grooming themselves/eating/sleeping/otherwise occupied)
Choose a comfortable place to begin the massage (e.g. a yoga mat, towel or a dedicated cat massage blanket)
*It’s best not to grab or force your cat to come closer to you either. Instead, wait for them to come to you
Step Two: Start slowly
Pay attention to your cat’s body language
Start with gentle, soft strokes around the head
Shift to the ears – rotating fingers slowly around each ear
Continue this for a minute or two
Step Three: Move along the body
Move your touch along their body, continuing with gentle, soft strokes
Introduce a second hand to stroke along their body
Try singing or speaking softly to your cat, making soothing sounds
Step Four: Finish the massage
Conclude the massage with a few firm pats along the body
With slightly firmer pressure, stroke your cat from head to tail
If they enjoy it, plant a final kiss on their forehead
For a first massage, try limiting the session between five to ten minutes. Remember you don’t always need to wait until your kitty is lying down either, as it might even be easier if they’re sitting or standing to reach different parts of their body.
You can start at the top and focus first on their head and face, before moving on to their shoulders, back, belly, chest — even their tail, if they enjoy it.
Remember not to touch anywhere your cat is uncomfortable with, as the purpose of this exercise is to help them feel chilled out and relaxed…not stressed out and angry!
Try to repeat massage motions a maximum of six times before moving on to the next area of the body. This will help them to experience the full benefit of the motion.
What Are the Benefits of Massaging Your Cat?
Let’s begin by looking at how massaging a cat can help boost your kitty mind, body and soul…
Just like humans, massaging a cat can create feelings of calm, reducing stress and anxiety, whilst helping to promote a heightened sense of wellbeing in your feline sidekick.
But that’s not all.
Cat massage therapy can also be beneficial for:
Improving circulation
Improving range of motion/flexibility
Promoting healing caused by physical trauma
Preventing future injury
Soothing pain related to arthritis, joint problems and stiffness
Early detection of bumps/injuries or wounds
Improving digestion
Supporting speed of surgery recovery
Improving sleep quality
And it can likewise reduce:
Inflammation
Strain
Toxic compounds in body and organs
Feelings of nervousness or aggression
Another huge benefit is giving you focused quality time with your fluffy kitty, helping your bond to grow even deeper and more loving.
Simply by dedicating some time on a daily or regular basis to show your kitty this form of TLC, this can help strengthen your relationship.
(Just think, massage could be a fantastic thing to do if you’ve adopted a new cat into your family and want to slowly nurture feelings of closeness and trust!)
Amazingly, massaging a cat is reported to even have mental and emotional benefits for us hoomans too —lowering our blood pressure, reducing stress and again promoting a sense of relaxation and calm. In our eyes, that’s a win-win!
The Different Types of Massaging a Cat
You may be interested in cat massage for a number of reasons, whether it’s because your kitty is experiencing some form of discomfort or pain, or you simply want to pamper your pet.
Typically, the following massage techniques can be used on a cat:
Technique
How it Works
Effleurage
Used at the beginning of a massage treatment, helping to familiarize cats with touch, involving a series of light strokes to warm muscle before deep tissue work. A soothing, stroking movement
Passive touch
No movement or pressure from hands. Simply hold hand in place for 30 to 90 seconds to warm tissue and calm the cat
Kneading
Can be superficial or deep, used to increase circulation and flow, and is applied to the muscle but not the bone
Taptoment
May be used all over the body and head, applied three times for a maximum 30 seconds, with light and quick movements and the final movement not finishing on the cat
Stroking
Applied very lightly and slowly, typically to conclude a massage treatment
Passive joint movement
Involves motion physical therapy and focuses on positioning. Special care should be afforded to prevent trauma to the joint and tissue
Here’s a few specific areas of your cat’s body you can massage — and don’t forget that you know your cat best, so you’ll know better as to what type of massage they’ll enjoy most!
Cat face massage
Typically, most kitties prefer to be touched from the neck up, however this might be a sensitive area for some cats. If they’re comfortable, try the following steps:
Gently stroke your cat under the chin
Soothe your fingers across their neck, being careful not to press hard
Move your touch across their forehead, using small circular strokes
Move your touch along the bridge of their nose
Return your fingers to smooth their brow, being careful of the eye area and whiskers
And repeat!
Head massage for cats
Another popular form of massage for kitties, although it can again depend on your cat’s own receptiveness to being touched here. Warning: if they enjoy it, this massage may cause lots of purring, drooling and head nudges!
Use your fingertips to slowly stroke the top of your cat’s head, using a circular motion
Move your touch behind their ears and slowly circle your fingers
Draw your fingers down to the spot where their neck meets their spine
Return to the top of the head, applying gentle pressure
And repeat!
(Yoda especially seems to love this one!)
Cat paw massage
Your cat may be less receptive to this type of massage, as it’s a particularly sensitive part of the body or they’re just not used to being touched here. However still keep this one in mind, as it can be useful getting your cat used to their paws being touched, if for example they ever need their claws trimmed. Here are some steps you can try:
Gently lift your cat’s paw
Place your thumb in the center of the pad
Move your thumb in a slow, soothing circular motion
Or for those more adventurous cat moms and dads, you might want to give this Massage Cat Tongue Brush a try (you’d definitely be earning the committed pet parent badge with this gadget!)
If you’d love to learn more about the art of cat massage, why not brush up on your knowledge and check out these books too:
There are, of course, going to be times when massaging a cat is a big no-go.
The most obvious sign that you shouldn’t engage in this activity is your kitty’s body language. If your cat is displaying the following signals, we’d recommend backing off and giving them some space:
Flat/turned back ears
Hissing or spitting
Yowling or howling
Back arched
Leaning or moving away when approached
You also shouldn’t massage your cat if they have or are experiencing:
A fever
Shock
An infection
An open wound
A fracture
A rash
Any severe lumps
A blood clot
Also, as a side note, if your cat has been diagnosed with an immune disease, massage has not been reported to offer any significant benefits for treating this.
However, if your cat is suffering from an injury and you’re interested in exploring holistic therapies to help ease their pain, you may want to check out our article on Homeopathic Remedies For Cat Wounds.
Other times you shouldn’t massage your cat include:
If they’ve recently eaten (leave it a minimum of two hours after a meal)
If they’re sleeping
If they’re grooming
If they’re otherwise occupied
If they refuse to move closer to you
Immediately after an excitable play session
If you’re still unsure whether to give your cat a massage or aren’t feeling totally confident, then the next option could be to find an experienced cat masseuse and book in for a consultation with them…
How To Find a Cat Masseuse
You can definitely try massaging your cat at home, but for anything more intense, complex or advanced — such as a cat constipation massage or a cat arthritis massage — you may be better served finding a qualified cat masseuse.
You can try find a local cat masseuse by searching the National Board of Certification for Animal Acupressure and Massage, which hosts a database of certified practitioners and also offers advice on how to become qualified as a cat masseuse — if that takes your fancy!
Additionally, you can try checking in with a trusted veterinarian as to whether they offer alternative therapies such as massage and acupuncture.
A veterinarian or qualified cat masseuse will first offer you an initial consultation to assess your kitty’s specific needs, before suggesting a specific massage treatment to best aid their aches and pains.
So if in serious doubt? Our advice is to reach out to an expert!
Final Thoughts
There you have it — the ultimate how-to guide for massaging your cat at home.
As we’ve mentioned, the benefits of massaging your cat are countless; not only can it help both you and your kitty to feel more chilled out and relaxed with one another, it can also help for practical reasons like pain relief and to improve your cat’s mobility (especially beneficial for those older ladies and gents!)
Remember, if your cat is new to massage it’s best to start off with slow, short sessions before building up to longer and more intense treatments. It’s also important to keep an eye on your kitty’s body language, as they’ll be sure to let you know when they want you to stop…or to keep going!
Are you excited to try massaging your cat? Have you tried it in the past? Let us know, as we’d love to hear about whether your kitty paw-sitively loved the experience!
Today’s Purrsday Poetry post comes from Les Noble).
IRISH CATS from LIMERICK
A cat is a creature with pins on its paws;
A rather nice set of sharp fangs in its jaws;
You make them disjointed
Responses are pointed –
You pause with the jaws and the claws as the cause!
When love on cats’ senses may fall
They have on a wall quite a ball;
When cats caterwaul
Their call can appal –
That bawl up the wall sends us all!
Bengal tabby nurtured her large brood at RSPCA Stapeley Grange
A cat is looking for loving new owners after her seven kittens – all born at Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre and Cattery in Cheshire – were rehomed.
Whiskers hopes she can follow in the paw steps of her large brood – Mr Yellow, Prince Blue, Indigo, Violet, Sir Green, Captain Orange and Red – who were named after the colours of the rainbow.
She was signed over to the RSPCA at the end of March and, within days of arriving at the centre’s cattery, she gave birth to five boys and two girls.
The two-year-old bengal tabby had her work cut out, but she proved to be an attentive mother and all her kittens have grown up strong and healthy. Sir Green and Red (pictured below) were the last to find new homes as they departed Stapeley in the last week.
Now staff hope they can find a loving new home for Whiskers after all her hard work. They describe her as affectionate, chatty and said she loves to be made a fuss of.
She is always keen to dash out of her pen, so she will need a safe garden or outdoor space and she cannot be rehomed at a property near to busy roads.
RSPCA Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre and Cattery Manager Lee Stewart said: “Whiskers has been a fantastic mum to her seven kittens, but now her kittens have been rehomed we are keen to see her rehomed to that loving forever home.
“She can get a little over excited and play rough at times, so she won’t be suitable for a home with young children, but she could live with older children of secondary school age.
“And she is not keen on other cats so a home with no other pets would be preferable.
“Considering what she has been through, she is an amazing cat.”
And for further information on our other cats please go to Stapeley’s rehoming page. The centre’s adoption process remains virtual and visitors to the cattery are by appointment only.
To support the ongoing work of the cattery, during this extremely difficult time, please donate to the Cattery JustGiving site.
Pet behaviourist shares their top five tips for getting your furry friend eating again
Cats have gained a bit of a reputation for being fussy, particularly when it comes to food, but sometimes their eating habits (or lack thereof) can be a sign of something bigger. Cats can be fussy eaters at the best of times but sometimes their unwillingness can be a sign of something bigger.
Hunting activity is ingrained in a cat’s DNA and when we take this activity away by simply providing food on a plate, it can have a knock-on impact. So, to get your fussy feline eating enthusiastically again, Bella & Duke’s pet behaviourist Caroline Spencer shares her top tips;
Understand your cat’s eating habits
Cats are naturally suspicious animals and new food can cause anxiety initially.
Keep them interested by incorporating play, especially chasing or hunting activities, before mealtime.
Cats also prefer their food at the same temperature as “prey” would be in the wild. Before placing their food down on a feeding board or plate pop your cat’s meal into a bowl and place in warm water to replicate this.
Find the right feeding location
Cats tend to be private creatures who like the quiet and generally don’t like to be watched while eating.
Try to make sure the room they eat in is peaceful and free of activity during mealtime. No children running around, no radio playing or dishwasher running.
Add tasty additions
Adding a favourite natural, dehydrated treat like our Supreme Sprats or a little bit of beaten raw egg to their food will encourage many fussy cats to get stuck in.
You could also sprinkle your fussy cat’s meal with antler powder, drizzle some bone broth over the top or even add a small amount of tinned sardines in spring water to enhance the aroma.
Work out the best time to feed
Cats are mostly active at dawn and dusk and eat best in the early morning or late at night.
Have you noticed your cat has an increased amount of energy just about the time you settle down for the evening? Give them a meal after this expenditure of energy and also put food out around dawn.
Find the right feeding surface
Many will be surprised to hear that cats don’t like the smell of plastic or their whiskers touching the side of a bowl while they’re trying to eat.
Try serving their food on a wooden board, glass or ceramic plate instead. Make sure it’s spotlessly clean too – cats don’t like to smell old food while they eat.
Caroline Spencer, Pet Behaviourist at Bella & Duke added; “Cats are notorious for being independent pets and that doesn’t stop when it comes to their food. Feeding a picky eater can be frustrating when they turn their nose up at mealtime, try to understand what might be affecting this, it could just be something as simple as the placement of where the food is put.”
Luna was found collapsed after being hit by air gun pellet
The RSPCA is appealing for information after a cat was shot in a street in Chester.
Luna passed away in the arms of her owner, Sandra Davies, after suffering catastrophic wounds when, it appears, an air pistol was turned on her in Kent Road on the evening of July 18.
The pensioner was watching her cat from the window of her flat, but as her pet sat on a green under a tree she says she heard a “loud thwack”.
When she went outside she found the short-haired black cat (pictured) collapsed and bleeding near a hedge. Luna sadly passed away shortly after.
Ms Davies says she confronted a middle-aged man, who she had seen walking by the side of a 4×4, parked by a property across from the green, but he drove off in the vehicle.
“After I heard the loud thwack I was looking for Luna below my window, but she wasn’t there. As I walked around towards the car park I saw her lying by the hedge – I picked her up and she was covered in blood,” said the cat’s owner.
“She took about three or four breaths before she died in my hands.
“I spotted this man and he was putting something into the passenger seat of the 4×4. There was no-one else about at the time.”
Ms Davies only took on ownership of Luna in May this year after friends told her how she was being left on her own in a property. Previously, she had only kept dogs, but she was smitten by her new pet and had her neutered and microchipped.
She says she was careful to not let her roam too far from her flat.
“I’m devastated. Luna had only recently started going outside and I was a bit nervous and liked to check on where she was. I could usually see her from my flat window,” she added.
RSPCA inspector Leanne Cooper, who is investigating, said: “This is heartbreaking as the owner witnessed her cat being shot very close to her property.
“It’s likely that the cat was shot with an air pistol based on the sound that was heard. The entrance and exit wound are in a straight line, so it does look like she has been shot from directly in front of the green.
“If anyone saw anything in this street in Chester at around 10pm on Monday, July 18, or if anyone has any information about the incident then we would urge them to contact the RSPCA.”
The incident has also been reported to Cheshire Police.
The man who was seen at the time of the shooting is described as being around 6ft tall and well-built. He is possibly bald and in his 50s or 60s, while at the time he was wearing a t-shirt and trousers.
The 4×4 vehicle was a dark blue/grey colour.
Anyone with any information is asked to call the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018.
To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit our website or call our donation line on 0300 123 8181.
The easiest way to enter is by sending them in via info@katzenworld.co.uk. Or just leave a comment with a link to the post / photo you’d like us to use on this blog post.
“This is Escher in 2 rare displays of his tummy!” Sent in by Saundra via email.
“This is Olivia from Portland, Oregon, USA. She loves showing off her tummy. And I love photographing her.” Sent in via email by Mary.
“My new baby Zac waiting for a tummy rub. He’s always ready!” Maria – Sent in via email
“Leo the Lion – Leo the kitten is very smart and active and I love him” From Dr Tariq, sent in via email.
Missed last weeks post? Why not check it out here.
Now we need ALL of you! Do you want to see your cat featured and join our fun blog roll? Follow the steps below.
You can participate by sending us an email with your photo to info@katzenworld.co.uk – just let us know what you would like to have listed as source!
And to make it fair your cat photos don’t have to be a tummy shot we do understand that not all cats like showing off their belly! So any fun photo story will be fine but tummy ones will be even better
And on next week’s #TRT we will be posting photos with links back to all you guys in the weekly Tummy Rub Tuesday post!!!
A big thank you to all participants from all of us here at Katzenworld.
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Brittany, Paul, and the Fluffy Kitty team are not veterinarians. This article is based on facts, research, and personal experiences. We provide you with the best information we can but it is the reader’s prerogative as to what consequential action or inaction they may take. Paul and Brittany (and Yoda) shall in no event be held liable for any loss or other damages including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or any other damages.
