Health & Happiness
Early in the New Year, we all consider our health, whether it is losing weight or starting a new fitness regime. Please consider your cat's health. Your local vet will always advise you on your cats ideal weight and also the right food for them to eat - some commercialy produced food is the burger and chips of the cat ood, and moreover is high in salt, whereas cats having evolved on a diet of mice and birds need a diet high in fibre, moderate in protein and fat and low in salt. The recommended intake on packets or tins seems to be based on cats training for a half marathon so unless your cat is very active and out all day you should feed the lower end of the amount advised. We would also say that your cat shouldn't be fed every time you think it asks for food - it may just want some attention! Agree on a reasonable amount of food to be given every day and make sure the family stick to it...
The papers are full of advertisments for holidays at present - and if you have booked then don't forget to make arrangements for your cat. A good cattery will require up to date vaccinations and the minimum is an annual injection to prevent cat flu and feline enteritis. Make sure you book the cattery early to avoid disappointment - a good cattery is in great demand.
As the weather warms up (and trust me it will soon) don't forget fleas and worms. Your vet can advise on treatment and there is a good website regarding worms www.noworm.co.uk which even contains a reminder system where they will email you every three months to make sure the problem doesn't get forgotten!
Finally by the next issue of Cat Chat we will be into the kitten season, so to avoid the patter of tiny paws and the problems they bring, please make sure your cat (or your neighours one, if yours has been "done") is neutered soon. If you are on income support or in financial difficulty we may be able to help with the cost and you can phone Eileen our Neutering Officer for advice.
Bye for now
Prof, Sykie & Tom (with help from their slaves)
