Learn something new every day

I have attended two cat-related courses recently, the first was the Cat Weekend run by International Cat Care on 16th September.  

There was a great variety of talks attended by veterinary professionals, charity staff and volunteers, cat owners and others. 

Schedule of talks
(Click to enlarge)

Topics explored basic aspects of what makes a cat a cat to more specific health conditions.  I picked up a copy of The Trainable Cat written by Sarah Ellis who works for iCatCare and was attending the weekend, a recommended read for anyone wanting to explore and improve the bond with your cat! 

Keep an eye on the iCatCare website and social media accounts for details about the event for 2018.

Source: International Cat Care Facebook page @icatcare

Source: International Cat Care
Facebook page @icatcare

The talk given by Sarah Endersby about a stress-free vet visit was particularly interesting as going to the vets is often stressful for both cats and owners. 

Being coerced into an unfamiliar carrier, then carried outside to the unfamiliar car, enduring a noisy car journey, being carried into the veterinary practice smelling of other cats, dogs and cleaning chemicals, waiting among other animals and clients in a potentially busy reception and entering a scary examination room all contribute to increasing levels of stress and that's before the vet has even looked at them!  

The iCatCare YouTube channel has fantastic videos on how to start at the beginning and train cats to use the carrier in a positive way.  This, with the use of Feliway and helping the cat to feel more secure by keeping the carrier covered, can help to reduce stress levels.  And finally, choose a Cat Friendly Clinic where there are protocols in place to provide the best care for your cat.

Arriving in Shrewsbury

On Sunday 24th September I attended a Volunteer Information Day in Shrewsbury, with branch coordinator Leanne Curtin, entitled "Feline Wellbeing - a good life?" which discussed assessment of welfare and quality of life, detecting signs of pain and making end-of-life decisions.  Volunteers and staff attended from Colwyn, Wrexham, Newtown, and Stoke and Newcastle areas.

Staff and volunteers are responsible for upholding the Five Welfare Needs for all cats we care for:

• Suitable environment
• Suitable diet including fresh water
• Exhibition of normal behaviour patterns
• Housing with, or apart from, other animals
• Protection from pain, suffering, injury and disease

We can achieve this by considering a tier system of aspects of cat care - providing for basic physical functions, personal safety and secure access to resources, a predictable and stable environment and then social and environmental stimulation.  The fulfilment of the needs will determine whether the cat experiences just a life worth living or a good life, where we promote comfort, provide interest and improve confidence. 

Cats Protection now offers an online course to the public to allow all cat owners to understand their cats better and to offer a cat friendly environment in the home.  The course is entitled "Understanding Feline Origins" (soon to be renamed "Understanding Cats Needs") and can be accessed here Understanding Feline Origins Course