Your Pets Daily - Cat welfare

A chunk of chocolate could kill a cat, charity warns

Tom Stone — Sat, 23 Mar 2024 08:00:00 +0000

A few chocolate buttons or a small chunk could kill a cat, vets at the nation's leading cat charity have warned in the run up to Easter.

Just two grams of chocolate could be toxic to our feline friends, Cats Protection's Central Veterinary Officer Sarah Elliott cautioned: "Eating even a small amount of chocolate could raise a cat's heart rate and increase loss of bodily fluids, both of which could be fatal.

"Caffeine in chocolate can affect the central nervous system and cause muscle twitching, but the main danger is theobromine. Cats can't metabolise the stimulant and diuretic as well as humans so it remains in their bloodstream for longer and quickly builds to dangerous levels."

Signs of poisoning can be seen within 30 minutes to two hours after ingesting the chocolate and can include vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive urination, irregular heartbeat and seizures.

Sarah said: "The severity of these symptoms will depend on your cat's weight and how much chocolate they have eaten, but if you believe your cat has eaten any chocolate you should contact your vet straight away. Do not wait for the symptoms to appear before seeking help."

Sarah urged safety at Easter with its shiny temptation of foil-wrapped chocolate "Cats are curious creatures so it's important to keep chocolate out of their reach,' she said. "By taking a few simple precautions we can all tuck into our favourite chocolate while making sure our cats remain happy, healthy and safe."

Cat owners shouldn't confuse curiosity in their own treat as a cat's craving for chocolate. Unlike dogs, a cat's tongue cannot detect sweetness from sugar and it is more likely the cat is just curious or attracted to the fat content of food made for humans.

Chocolate is just one food that poses a risk to cats. Coffee, nuts, grapes, garlic and coconut water can cause severe vomiting, diarrhoea or dehydration. Even milk and cheese can bring on sickness and digestive problems as many cats are lactose intolerant.

Carers at the cat charity's 37 centres and more than 200 branches have first-hand experience of dealing with the fallout of feline misadventure through their work to support cat welfare.

Samantha Taylor, Manager at Cats Protection's Downham Market Adoption Centre, said: "People come to us for support and sometimes ask if it's ok to feed a cat food that is meant for people or to say their cat has eaten something they shouldn't and they are worried.

"Plants such as lilies and daffodils are toxic to cats, but cats have been known to eat anything, from chocolate to plastic. Our advice is always the same; if you think that your cat has eaten something they shouldn't, contact your vet immediately. If you wait, it could be too late."

Cats Protection provides extensive care advice to support better cat ownership, including the risks of eating dangerous foods or flowers. Visit www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/home-and-environment/poisoning

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Animal welfare organisations raise concern over Argylle film

Katie Court — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Cats Protection has joined forces with other prominent animal organisations1 to express concern over the upcoming film Argylle, due to be released by Universal Pictures on 2 February 2024.

The film features a Scottish Fold cat, a breed associated with serious health and welfare concerns, and is anticipated to amplify the breed's popularity among potential cat owners.

The organisations involved have written to Universal Pictures to consider the potential impact of Argylle on cat welfare and to join the efforts to promote responsible pet ownership, prioritising the wellbeing of animals above entertainment value.

"The impact of using this breed in a Hollywood film cannot be overstated," said Cats Protection's Head of Clinical Services Alison Richards. "All Scottish Fold cats suffer from variable degrees of painful degenerative joint disease and the underlying genetic defect has far-reaching and severe consequences for their health. They go on to develop painful arthritis and it develops it so reliably that it's being used as a model to study the gene involved in human arthritis. They're already very popular on social media and with celebrities so we really worry that this film will cause this to surge even more."

Cats Protection's concerns align with the ongoing efforts of European veterinary groups to address the critical issue of promoting pet breeds with extreme features in the media.

The charity has also collaborated with classified websites facilitating pet sales, resulting in Gumtree and Preloved no longer permitting the sale of Scottish Folds and other breeds with extreme characteristics on their platforms.

"Our concern is grounded in recent research findings indicating a shift in cat acquisition trends," said Alison. "In the past 12 months, 42% of obtained cats were pedigree/purebred, including those bred with serious health conditions - a significant increase compared to 17% more than five years ago. While Scottish Folds constitute a relatively small portion of the UK cat population, recent data suggests a rise in interest, with approximately 1% of cats being Scottish Folds (110,000 cats)."

The charity said it also fears that the realistic portrayal in the film of the cat travelling in a backpack and being handled roughly could have a negative impact on cat welfare as it suggests these interactions are acceptable or entertaining.

"Though some cats may appear to tolerate backpacks, the movement on a person's back is unpredictable and most lack adequate ventilation and space for the cat – leaving them cramped or uncomfortable," said Alison. "The large window in the bubble backpack featured also means cats don't have the option to hide when they feel anxious, leaving them feeling exposed and vulnerable."

To promote good welfare advice, the charity is urging potential cat owners to visit a dedicated page on its website at www.cats.org.uk/scottish-folds which highlights its concerns about Scottish Folds and offers help on what to look for when acquiring a cat.

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How to keep cats safe in cold weather

Katie Court — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 12:00:00 +0000

Cats are generally good at finding warm, cosy places to rest if the temperature drops but young, old or cats struggling with health conditions may need additional care.

With a cold spell affecting much of the UK, Cats Protection has some top tips to help protect cats in plummeting temperatures:

If your cat is seeing snow for the first time, let them explore a safe, enclosed area first and accompany them in case they get into difficulty.

Check your cat's paws when they come in and gently wipe off any road grit, salt or compacted snow.

Like humans, cats can get frostbite. Be vigilant for any signs of skin discolouration, pain, swelling and/or blisters, particularly on extremities such as their ears and toes.

Consider keeping your cat indoors at night when temperatures are lower and the risk of road traffic accidents is higher.

Provide shelter for cats that have access outside. Keep the doors of sheds and outbuildings closed, or wedged slightly open, or install a cat flap so cats do not become trapped inside.

Check your cat flap regularly to ensure it hasn't frozen over or become blocked by snow.

Cats may climb into vehicle engines for warmth while out roaming. Be vigilant and check under the bonnet of your vehicle before starting your vehicle.

The cold can severely affect the joints of arthritic cats. Provide plenty of warm and comfy places to sleep and ensure your cat can access them easily.

Your cat may love to snuggle in front of the fire to keep warm; screen off open fireplaces and always supervise your cat if you have a fire lit.

More advice on keeping cats safe can be found here.

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Cat who lost leg after being caught in snare given a fresh start in life

Katie Court — Sun, 17 Dec 2023 12:00:00 +0000

A stray cat who lost a leg after suffering horrific injuries when he was caught in a snare is settling into a new home after being nursed back to health by Cats Protection.

Two-year-old Jacob was found in Bedworth in June with a severe injury to his back foot which vets believe was caused during a frantic struggle to free himself from a trap.

Despite needing emergency surgery to amputate his leg to save his life, volunteers at Cats Protection's Coventry Branch say the black-and-white moggy recovered well from his ordeal.

After being cared for by volunteers while he adapted to life on three legs, Jacob is now settling in after being rehomed to new owner James Taylor, who has backed the charity's campaign for a ban on snares.

James said: "Jacob's recovered really well and adapted brilliantly considering what he's been through. He's playful, friendly and loves to explore the garden, and is a brilliant pet. Jacob has a wonderfully long and expressive tail that he uses to help balance after losing the leg.

"It's hideous to think of him caught in a trap and alone with such a horrendous injury – he must have been in so much pain. His story shows just how cruel snares are, and I am completely behind Cats Protection's campaign to have them banned."

Cats Protection's Coventry Branch coordinator Wendy Harris said: "The vet told us Jacob's injuries were consistent with having struggled free from a snare. Although the injuries were clearly immensely painful and horrific to see, he was fortunate that he was able to escape. Many animals can never free themselves, and will suffer painful deaths as a result."

Cats Protection's Head of Advocacy, Campaigns & Government Relations Madison Rogers said that Jacob's story highlighted why the charity is calling for an outright ban on snares.

She said: "As Jacob's story shows, snares are cruel, inhumane and cause considerable pain and suffering to any animal they capture, including cats. They have no place in a modern society and we will continue to campaign for them to be banned.

"It is hard to describe Jacob as lucky, as he must have been in agonising pain before he was found. But fortunately he did manage to free himself and get help and we're thrilled he is now starting a new life with James."

Snares are soon to be banned in Wales under the Agriculture (Wales) Bill which is awaiting its final stage and Cats Protection will continue to campaign for the rest of the UK to follow suit.

To find out more about Cats Protection's campaign for a ban on snares and similar devices, please visit www.cats.org.uk/campaigning

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