Purebliss Cattery

Tree Sap December is approaching fast so now is the time to think about things that cats/kittens can be allergic to such as the sap from pine trees (fresh christmas trees). There are many plants and flowers that cats/kittens are allergic to and that can kill them. If they ingest such as stamens from a lily or lick the pollen off their fur you must visit your vet with them - Poinsettia are poisonous to cats/kittens so please put them where your cats won't play with them or chew on them. If in any doubt at all please visit your vet! There are several sites on the internet with lots of information regarding poisonous plants.

FOOD Whichever food you decide to feed its important to remember to put it into clean dishes and not on top of food left down. Fly's and birds are in abundance this time of year and they carry many parasites and their eggs, and bacteria and can leave these in/on the food or dirty food dishes. The heat can also cause food to go rancid and then any food put on top will soon turn rancid.

MICROCHIPPING. Microchipping is now compulsory for all dogs/puppies in UK, but we belive it also essential for cats and kittens in UK. It is a quick and relatively painless procedure and vital to ensure your pet is permanently identifiable.

TEETH Pets have two sets of teeth, and their "mild" teeth progressively fall from as early as 14 weeks of age, and sometimes up to 5 months of age to make way for their adult teeth. If this doesn't happen the corresponding adult tooth may erupt in the wrong direction, although this is more common in dogs it is also known to happen occasionally in some breeds of cats.

Prebiotics and probiotics are frequently underestimated in cat health. If your cat or kitten has soft stools after having medication or wormer he may just need some "good bacteria" in his digestive system. Prebiotics /good bacteria can help reduce common forms of "bad bacteria" by simply not leaving room for it to take hold. "Bad bacteria can often be the cause of a runny tummy, and in some cases even vomiting. Purebliss cattery sprinkles a prebiotic and probiotic powder on our kittens and cats food after they have had a course of wormer, or received medication such as pain control and antibiotics after neutering. Probiotics and prebiotics can be purchased from some pet shops or veterinary practices as a powder or a paste.

VACCINATIONS In their early stages of life kittens gain immunity against disease from their mothers milk. This protection starts to fade when they around 6 weeks of age and without vaccinations, although if they have been taken away from their mother sooner then their immunity fades when they are removed. This is why it is so important to have your pets inoculated as soon as they are old enough. Kittens can have their first vaccination against flu and ent. at 9 weeks old followed by a second vaccination at 12 weeks of age - they will then require yearly boosters.

First Generation Hybrids and Wild Cats do NOT like change - When F1 generation kittens/cubs/cats go to new homes they need some consideration. Do NOT give them to your children to play with as they are not a toy. These are more sensitive to change than your normal domestic and will be very worried about what is happening to them. They have probably had to travel for hours before arriving at their new home so they are already confused or upset. They need to be quiet and allowed time to calm down and eat before subjected to the rest of your household.

Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency (PKDef, not to be confused with PKD). Cats may have a single copy of the PKDef mutation, these cats are clinically normal and are termed heterozygous or carriers, but they can pass the mutation to their offspring. Cats with two copies of the PKDef mutation are termed homozygous affected and are likely to suffer from episodes of anaemia. Langfords Veterinary Services

We have always had slugs, snails, and ants around our property. The main thing that has kept them under control is Diatomaceous Earth - we would have had a terrible problem without this product. Remember that DE can also kill many beneficial insects so please use accordingly. Some of the bugs Affected by Diatomaceous Earth are - Ants, Caterpillard, worms, fleas, ticks, cockroaches, snails, spiders, termites, scorpions, silver fish, lice, mites, flies, centipedes, earwigs, slugs, aphids, many beetles (grub stage), fruit flies, and many more.

WORMING Regular worming is vital for cats and kittens - a kittens first wormer should be given by their breeder before you collect him/her. Thereafter they should be wormed at least every three months, especially if you have children or are regularly visited by children. Once every month a "spot on" can be given to protect your kitten/cat from round worm as well as fleas, ear mites and lung worm. Remember spot on treatment is absorbed through the skin of cats/kittens, therefore it can also be absorbed through your skin - take care! wash hands and face immediately if splashes occur.

Winter is coming which means an increase in the use of Antifreeze. Antifreeze often contains ethylene glycol, which is highly toxic to cats and other animals. Less than a teaspoonful can be fatal if ingested. Follow these tips to keep animals safe: Use propylene glycol as opposed to ethylene glycol based antifreeze. Although propylene is still poisonous if ingested by cats, it is not as lethal. Check your driveway and under your car regularly. Any antifreeze leakages must be cleaned up immediately and the materials used carefully discarded.  Always keep antifreeze in clearly labelled, sealed containers when not in use. If you suspect your pet has ingested antifreeze, contact a Vet immediately!