Seasonal Advice
Keeping your kitten safe and sound throughout the
year
The changing seasons bring new adventures for your kitten, but
also certain hazards. Follow the steps below, and she'll be
able to enjoy the highlights of your calendar as much as you
do.
Making Christmas merry for everyone
Follow these tips to keep your kitten safe and sound over
Christmas.
-
Your Christmas tree will be very interesting to your
kitten! Make sure it's well anchored so she can't knock it
down
-
Baubles and decorations can be a major hazard. Try to
use ones that are unbreakable and not too small.
-
Don't hang chocolate items from your Christmas tree -
this is just too tempting to your kitten. Remember
chocolate is very bad for her.
-
Holly, mistletoe and yew are poisonous.
-
Christmas crackers, party poppers and champagne bottles
all go off with loud bangs which may frighten your
kitten.
Keeping Summer cool for cats
Ever noticed how much your kitten loves warmth? How she
always seems to find the sunniest, cosiest spot to snooze in?
Follow these simple tips to keep her safe throughout a long,
hot Summer.
-
Cats are not renowned for being 'sensible' about the
sun. Your kitten will probably make a beeline for the
sunniest spot in your garden on a summer's day and you need
to make sure she doesn't get heatstroke. Try to encourage
her to go into the shade during the hottest part of the
day.
-
Greenhouses can be a real danger to your kitten. She may
go in there to enjoy the warmth and then get trapped inside
if the door shuts behind her.
-
It isn't just people who get sunburn. If your kitten is
white or has a pale nose or ears, she may need sunblock.
Get some advice from your vet.
It's not everyone who loves fireworks
You may think that fireworks are great…. but your
kitten is likely to hate them. Here's how to make your
celebrations safe and bearable for her.
-
Even if you normally allow your kitten outside, firework
night is one time she should definitely be kept safely in
the house.
-
The noise of the fireworks can be terrifying for your
kitten. Keep her as far from it as possible. It's a good
idea to leave the radio or TV on to distract her.
-
Close the curtains. Your kitten does not want to see the
fireworks!
Watch out for lilies
Lilies can be lethal to cats. All parts of the
plant are poisonous to them. In fact, a cat doesn't even
have to eat any to be affected. If they brush past a lily and
then the pollen is groomed from their fur, this can still be
dangerous. Your kitten could suffer blindness, vomiting, renal
failure, paralysis and may even die. If you suspect your kitten
is affected, take her straight to the
vet.
Really you should try to avoid having lilies in your home.
But if you do use them in flower arranging, place the flowers
well out of reach of your kitten. Make sure that any loose
pollen or discarded leaves are safely cleaned up, and wash your
hands thoroughly before handling your kitten. For further
information and advice see the RSPCA website www.rspca.org.uk.
(UK Specific)
National Pet Smile Month (UK specific)
September is Pet Smile Month, set up to promote Veterinary
Dentistry in the UK. It is just as important for your kitten to
have healthy teeth as it is for you. You can get a free dental
check-up for your kitten at participating vet practices. Look
on the website www.petsmile.org for
more information.