Post movement testing from August 2023
Post movement testing in the Edge Area from August 2023
New rules will come into effect on 1st August 2023 requiring cattle moving from the higher TB incidence areas of England and from Wales into the annual surveillance area of England (which includes Northamptonshire and Buckinghamshire) to undergo post movement testing.
This will include cattle moving from the six monthly testing parts of the Edge Area (which includes Warwickshire and Oxfordshire) and includes movements directly farm to farm and those via markets.
This will also apply to cattle returning from shows in these areas unless the show is exempt (cattle are not housed and do not stay on the showground for more than 24 hours). Animals cannot attend further shows unless this testing has been carried out.
Post movement testing will need to be completed 60-120 days after arrival on the holding and must be arranged and paid for by the farmer unless an annual test or other test required by APHA takes place within this window.
For more information, please visit the TB hub website or to discuss this further, please call the surgery.
Why pet insurance is a wise investment
To pet insure or not to pet insure – that is a common question. When thinking about your pet’s health you want to make sure they have the best possible protection in the event of an illness or injury occurring.
The team at Towcester Vets encourage pet owners to be prepared for any life-changing or indeed life-saving treatment their pet might need. Pets become a huge part of the family and when they are unwell or in pain, being able to get them the treatment they need instead of what is affordable at the time can make all the difference.
Read our veterinary team’s advice on why pet insurance is a wise investment.
If you have any further questions or wish to discuss how we can help with insurance claims, do get in touch.
Why is pet insurance a wise investment?
1. You can insure many types of pets
You might think that pet insurance is only for dogs and cats, but you’d be wrong. Our vets advise that you can get insurance for a wide variety of pets including rabbits, reptiles, and other exotic pets.
2. Being prepared can give you peace of mind
Unexpected costs can come as a shock, but having the appropriate pet insurance can help to alleviate some of the stress. You can never guarantee when an injury or illness may happen and so it’s wise to always be prepared, which can give you peace of mind.
3. A wide range of benefits
Some pet insurance providers also offer cover and benefits that go beyond payment for illness and injury. They may offer alternative therapies, wellness benefits, and many other services including support if your pet goes missing. It is wise to shop around!
What is the best type of pet insurance?
When thinking about pet insurance it can be confusing with all the different companies and policies they offer. However, there are a few key points to look out for:
- What is the amount of coverage for any illness/injury?
- Does it offer third party liability?
- Is it lifetime cover or will the cover for an illness end after a certain amount, or time?
- Are there any exclusions?
- Will there be a co-payment or other change in pricing structure when your pet hits a certain age?
- What is the excess?
- Does your vet deal directly with the company?
Lifetime cover is typically the most helpful type of pet insurance as it usually offers cover for illness (including ongoing conditions like arthritis) and injury for the rest of a pet’s life, so long as you’re insured with that provider.
Contact us for advice on making an insurance claim
How much cover do you need?
When looking at the amount of coverage provided, pet owners need to think about the size of the animal they have and the likely costs that may incur. For example, treatment for larger dogs will quite often incur higher veterinary costs due to them requiring larger amounts of medication. However, this is not the only consideration; if you have a breed that is more likely to have more or ‘expensive to treat’ health conditions, you will also likely need a higher policy amount.
What about previous/exiting conditions?
If your pet has a previous or existing condition, this will need to be disclosed before purchasing a new pet insurance policy and may result in exclusions within the policy – it is a legal requirement that all conditions are disclosed.
Why is third-party liability important?
One other consideration is third-party liability. Whilst you might think of pet insurance only looking after the health of your pet, it is also there in case your pet was to cause injury or damage you would then be covered.
What is a co-payment?
Due to the fact that pets typically need more treatment for illnesses as they get older, some pet insurance companies increase policy prices (or renewal prices) by a higher percentage when pets hit a certain age. Some insurers might also require a ‘co-payment’ – which means that should you need to make a claim, you will pay (usually) a percentage of the costs before they settle the rest.
What about excess?
When looking at the excess amount (the amount you will pay towards the claim cost), you can often understand how changing the excess amount changes the policy monthly or annual price, before you purchase it. You might decide that paying a higher excess amount and lowering the cost of the policy is the best option for you, or vice versa.
The team at Towcester Vets advise pet owners that it is important to remember that a pet insurance policy is a contract between you and your insurance provider. It is not a pet health plan and does not cover routine pet health care. Pet insurance is there to provide cover for illnesses and injuries that could occur and therefore you should always make sure you understand the policy benefits, exclusions and terms before making your purchase.
Our team also recommend that pet owners put a lot of consideration into choosing a policy as if you decide you want to change your policy provider down the road, any existing conditions will probably not be covered.
Vet Nurses at Towcester Vets share their go-to puppy care tips
Getting a new puppy is one of the most exciting experiences life has to offer and it is an amazing feeling when you become a pet parent. However, it is common for new owners to underestimate their newfound responsibilities when taking good care of a puppy.
Vet nurses at our [Burcote Road in Towcester] practice are here to help you through your journey, giving advice on socialisation, diet, training, exercise, and visits to the vet.
Check out their list of essential needs below and download our handy Puppy Socialisation Checklist:
Everything your new puppy needs
Socialisation
In the first three months of a puppy’s life, they go through what is known as their ‘socialisation period’. This is an important stage because they begin to learn about the environment around them as well as learn what correct behaviour looks like. This will set them in good stead for socialising, having a good temperament around people and other animals, and can even make dog walking more pleasant.
Our nursing team recommend that to begin with, friendly, vaccinated adult dogs are the best companions for your new puppy when they come home with you as they can let off some steam, learn canine social cues, and build confidence around other dogs. If you have a cat in your home, when introducing your puppy, keep them on a lead and allow the cat to have an escape route; it is often very stressful for a cat to have a new, hyperactive puppy in their home.
Our team have put together a handy Puppy Socialisation checklist that covers lots of experiences for your new pet; download it here:
Get our Puppy Socialisation Checklist
Diet
Nutrition is of the upmost importance when you are looking after a new puppy to ensure optimal growth, development of their physical systems, and overall welfare as they get older.
When buying pet food from the supermarket or a company online, make sure to look at the information label. Here you will find what age group the food is designed for, dry matter percentage, and how many calories are in the serving, amongst more detail about protein and other nutrients.
Training and exercise
Training and exercise should be worked into your furry friend’s day-to-day routine, so they get into a habit of exhibiting good behaviour. Training should encourage and support sustainable toileting, sleeping arrangements, them getting used to being alone in the house, and conduct around food, people and other animals.
As for exercise, it is important that puppies go for a walk every day, but there are different lengths of time for different ages and breeds. Not only will this let them expel some energy whilst developing a healthy respiratory and musculoskeletal system, it will also allow them to explore new scents and environments.
Contact us to ask advice on how much exercise your age and breed of puppy requires.
Vet visits
When you bring your puppy home, you need to know if they are vaccinated, have any gastrointestinal parasites, or if they have a runny nose or cough. If they are vaccinated and free from illness, then they can socialise with other animals.
Puppies will usually be vaccinated and microchipped at 8 weeks old and then vaccinated again at 12 weeks to boost their immunity, but other protocols may be followed depending on the breed. You should also bring your puppy to our practice to get an overall health check and set up a plan for booster vaccinations, parasite control, get advice on nutrition, and to ask any questions about puppy rearing.
Start socialising your new puppy
Overall, the first few months you have with your puppy are crucial for creating a suitable routine and for developing a precious bond to ensure both you and your pet live happy lives together.
Top tips for adopting an older cat in Towcester
Thinking about adopting a cat? There are plenty of them in rescue centres around the Northamptonshire area looking for good homes, and cats are ideal for pet lovers who don’t have the time to devote to the more demanding needs of a dog.
But what do you need to think about when bringing a new addition into your home? Our cat-loving team have put together some top tips below.
Why not share your adoption experiences with our many followers on Facebook?
Share your adoption experiences
Things to consider when adopting a cat
A consideration when adopting a cat may be their age. There are many older cats that often get overlooked in rescue centres because they are not kittens or younger cats. This sadly means they are more likely to spend a longer time in rescue centres. Older cats can be just as loving as younger ones and often come with less challenges in terms of toilet training.
If you are considering adopting a cat, there are many centres that have cats available such as the RSPCA and the Cats Protection League, as well as local pet rescue centres in Northamptonshire.
Behavioural issues
Just like adopting any animal, it is important to be aware of any potential behavioural or medical issues. In case of dementia, look out for:
- Disorientation
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Avoiding social interaction
- Increased meowing
Introducing an older cat into your home
The nursing teams at our Towcester, Weedon and Paulerspury sites have lots of experience and advice when it comes to caring for older cats. If after reading this advice you have questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Plan ahead
When introducing a senior or geriatric cat into your home it is important to plan ahead, especially if you have another cat in the household. Introduce them slowly by keeping the new cat restricted to one room at first, and gradually allow them more contact with your current cat.
You can swap bedding, so they learn the smell of each other, but monitor them closely for any signs of stress such as restlessness, or changes in toileting or eating.
Contact our Towcester Vets team for more advice on how to introduce a new cat into your home.
Their environment
When introducing a geriatric cat, you want to ensure the environment suits their needs. You can do this by having soft, low sided beds in areas they can easily access without climbing or jumping. Make sure there are plenty of food/water bowls around, and litter trays with low sides.
Top tip: You should have a litter tray and food/water bowls per cat and on each level of your home to avoid fighting and to aid mobility.
Older cats are less likely to use scratching posts to express their emotions and mark their scent, but horizontal scratching surfaces are likely to do the job just as well!
Health check-ups
With older cats it is important to have regular check-ups to ensure they are healthy. Older cats can suffer with kidney disease and arthritis so monitoring for signs of these is important.
They may also require regular grooming and nail trims, as older cats tend stop grooming themselves regularly and often struggle to shed their nails – these can get long and may grow into pads if not trimmed.
Remember to also keep on top of parasite control!
It’s wise to bring your new cat in for a senior health check – give us a call if you feel this would be useful for your feline friend.
The rewards
All that said, the majority of ‘senior cat issues’ can be easily treated and managed, so it’s still worthwhile considering giving an older cat a loving home. Older cats can be incredibly affectionate and rewarding to adopt and can be a lot of fun too!
Have you opened your home to an older cat? We love to receive your happy cat stories/photos, email us to share yours on our Facebook page.
If you’d like further advice on adopting a cat, please don’t hesitate to contact us and we’ll be happy to chat.
Towcester Vets explain the dangers of chocolate poisoning in pets
Depending on when you’re reading this article, Easter will be just around the corner or a distant memory. Nevertheless, the message from the team at Towcester Vets is still the same:
Keep chocolate Easter eggs, chocolate bars, chocolate cake, cooking chocolate, drinking chocolate, cocoa powder, and anything containing chocolate well out of your pet’s reach!
Even a small amount of chocolate can put your pet’s health in serious danger. Worryingly, we hear of pet owners feeding their dogs chocolate as a treat. Keep reading our article to understand why this is a problem.
Contact us immediately if you suspect your pet has eaten chocolate.
Why is chocolate dangerous to pets?
Chocolate is especially toxic to dogs and cats because it contains the chemical theobromine. Theobromine is found in high concentrations naturally in the Cacao plant, which is chocolate in its pure form. Unlike humans, dogs and cats are very sensitive to theobromine, which causes some nasty symptoms.
If you suspect your pet has eaten chocolate, call us straight away.
Signs of chocolate poisoning in dogs and cats
Firstly, DON’T WAIT FOR SYMPTOMS TO APPEAR – CALL US
If you haven’t seen the incident but notice any of the below symptoms, CALL US.
- Signs of chocolate poisoning include vomiting, diarrhoea, hyperactivity, hypersalivation, high temperature, increased heart rate, tremors, and seizures.
Download our quick guide and keep it handy:
Signs of chocolate poisoning & what to do
Know the facts:
- Signs usually appear after four hours of chocolate ingestion and can worsen if left untreated, and in rare cases can be fatal.
- The amount of theobromine in chocolate products does vary depending on the brand and the darkness of the chocolate; dark being stronger than milk, and white chocolate containing very low concentrations, meaning the darker the chocolate the higher the risk to pets. However, eating enough chocolate of any kind can pose a serious risk to life.
- Foods containing chocolate such as cakes, biscuits, and doughnuts can also cause harm. Cocoa beans, and cocoa powders contain the highest concentrations and are therefore extremely toxic.
- Cocoa shell mulch (used by some gardeners in flowerbeds) contains high levels of theobromine and should be avoided if you have pets.
- Even if the chocolate consumption hasn’t caused ‘obvious’ harm this time, the high fat content can lead to pancreatitis – a painful and potentially life-threatening problem with a dog’s pancreas.
- Many sugar-free chocolate products contain xylitol – an artificial sweetener – which is also highly toxic to pets, so that’s going to be even more dangerous.
- If eaten, wrappers can cause an obstruction that may need surgical intervention.
Keep our number handy in case of emergency: 01327 350239.
What to do if you think your pet has eaten chocolate
The veterinary team at Towcester Vets have unfortunately seen the symptoms and effects of chocolate poisoning in pets many times, mostly in dogs.
If you think your pet has ingested chocolate it is important to:
- Stay calm
- Remove the chocolate and the wrapper out of harm’s way but don’t throw it away
- Write down how much you think was eaten and when
- Call our vet practice immediately on 01327 350239
- Do not try to make your pet sick (unless instructed to do so by a vet) as this can cause harm and distress
The chocolate packaging and knowing how much was eaten and when will help our vets determine the amount of theobromine that has been ingested.
We will need to know this information when you call us, and we will also ask you for some details about your pet, such as age, size and weight, as these factors can influence how serious the chocolate poisoning is, and the treatment that may be required.
Download our Quick Guide on what to do
At the vets
Once at the vets, you can rest assured that your pet will be fully assessed, and the treatment options discussed with you. In many cases, your pet will be given an injection to make them vomit which will hopefully bring up all the chocolate before it has a chance to fully absorb.
If the concentration of suspected chocolate ingestion is high, your pet may need to be hospitalised for supportive care and medication, such as intravenous fluids and activated charcoal. The positive news is that most patients who receive prompt treatment for chocolate poisoning make a full recovery and so the prognosis is good.
If you think your pet has eaten chocolate, the most important thing to remember is to act quickly to minimise the absorption. Even if you are unsure whether the chocolate was actually eaten by your dog or cat, it is better to be cautious and ring us straight away for advice on 01327 350239.
How to keep your pets safe
Of course, prevention is better than cure, so here are some tips to help keep your pet safe from chocolate poisoning:
- Keep all confectionery and sweet treats off countertops and low-level surfaces; store them safely in secure containers out of reach of curious noses.
- If having an Easter egg hunt, keep cats and dogs well away from the area and at the end of the hunt ensure all chocolate eggs have been accounted for.
- Always be mindful of children (and other house guests) with chocolate as they may not understand the dangers and could accidentally feed their chocolate treats to your pet.
- Be vigilant when walking your dog as if there is chocolate on the ground, they will find it!
The last thing you want is a poorly pet at Easter, or any time of the year, so our advice is to make sure you keep anything chocolatey out of paw’s reach so that everyone can relax and enjoy life!
Remember, if you need us, we’re here!
Help other pet owners too by sharing our article, and download and share our quick guide:
Four pet poisons to beware of at home this spring
Spring is a time of renewal and growth but for pet owners, it’s also a time to beware of potential dangers in the home and garden. Here are a few things to keep in mind to keep your furry friends safe as the weather warms up in Northamptonshire.
1. Pet poisons in the garden
As temperatures increase and flowers start to bloom, it’s important to be aware of the potential toxins in your garden. Common spring flowers such as daffodils, tulips, and lilies can be highly toxic to dogs and cats. If ingested, some plants can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and even death. Keep a close eye on your pets when they’re outside and make sure they don’t have access to any potentially harmful plants.
To help you, our nursing team have put together a handy infographic showing common poisonous spring garden plants and symptoms.
Download our spring plants guide
If you suspect any poisoning, don’t wait for symptoms to appear; call our Burcote Road surgery immediately on 01327 350239.
2. Fertilisers
Many fertilisers on the market contain ingredients that can be toxic to dogs and cats if ingested. Look for fertilisers that are labelled as pet-safe, or use natural alternatives such as compost or bone meal.
IMPORTANT:
- Keep pets away from treated areas: Even if you’re using a pet-safe fertiliser, it’s important to keep pets away from treated areas until the fertiliser has been completely absorbed into the soil. This will help prevent accidental ingestion.
- Be aware of the signs of fertiliser toxicity: If your pet does ingest fertiliser, they may show symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and loss of appetite. In severe cases, ingesting fertiliser can lead to kidney damage. If you suspect your pet has consumed a toxin, contact our Burcote Road surgery on 01327 350239 immediately.
- Store fertilisers safely: Keep fertilisers in a secure location out of reach of pets. Also, read and follow the label instructions carefully.
- Don’t over fertilise your garden: Too much fertiliser can cause harm to both plants and pets. Also, use it according to the right time and stage of the plants’ growth.
3. Pesticides and herbicides
Spring is also the time when many people in Northamptonshire start to work in their gardens, which can mean using pesticides and herbicides. These chemicals can be highly toxic to pets if ingested or inhaled and can cause serious health problems. Katy advises that you should keep pets away from treated areas and consider using natural alternatives whenever possible.
4. Spring cleaning
As you start to do your spring cleaning, be aware of the potential hazards that may be lurking in your home. Cleaning products and other chemicals can be toxic if ingested so be sure to keep them out of reach of pets. Additionally, make sure to keep an eye out for any small items that your pet might accidentally ingest, such as buttons, coins, or rubber bands.
Remember to download our toxic plants guide
Katy also recommends sharing this article and our spring garden poisonous plants infographic with friends and family and being vigilant if you take your dog to anyone else’s home.
In summary, by being aware of these potential dangers and taking the appropriate precautions, you can help to ensure your pets have a safe and healthy spring:
Always keep a close eye on your pets, especially when outside
Keep all cleaning agents, pesticides, and toxins far from them
Choose organic gardening options which are safer for your garden and pets, or pet-safe products
If you suspect any poisoning, don’t wait for symptoms to appear, contact our Burcote Road surgery immediately on 01327 350239.
Protect your dog from worms with Towcester Veterinary Centre’s 3-step guide
Spring is in the air and with the warmer and wetter weather parasites, like worms, become much more prevalent. With that in mind, we’re encouraging Towcester Veterinary Centre’s clients to make sure their dogs are up to date with worming tablets and if their cover has lapsed, to make an appointment at our Burcote Road surgery. When you come in our nurses can advise you on the best products to keep worms at bay.
Follow our simple worm prevention checklist
Our head nurse Katy has highlighted a simple three-step process to help you help your dog avoid worms. They have also put together a reminder, in the form of a simple PDF poster, for you to download, print, share & keep. Follow our simple advice and you’ll stand a very good chance of saving your dog a lot of worm-based hassle.
1. Prevent – Make sure you worm your dog regularly
This is the most effective way to protect your pet, but you must use medication that is appropriate for your dog. Never share wormers between dogs as they are pet specific.
2. Check – Know the signs of worms and check your dog regularly
Download our PDF to get all the details. Katy has also added a few pointers at the end of this article.
3. Avoid – Avoid common ways that worms are contracted
Things like dog faeces, fleas, slugs & snails, and dead host animals can all carry parasitic worms. Help your dog avoid these and you’ll minimise the chances of them contracting a worm infestation.
Download our detailed checklist
Now download the infographic, it’s got all the detail you need in an easy-to-understand format. Please feel free to either share it with other dog owners, we’re very happy for you to post this on your preferred social media channel. Or just print it out and pin it up somewhere until spring is over.
Download our worm prevention PDF
Know the signs of worms and act early
We’d encourage any dog owner to make themselves familiar with the signs of worm infestations. Below, we have listed the main types of worms we tend to see at Towcester Veterinary Centre along with the symptoms one might expect to see with each.
- Tapeworms: You may notice individual segments of these flat worms that look like grains of rice in your dog’s faeces or on their anus, ‘scooting’ their bottom on the ground, and weight loss.
- Hookworms: Pale gums, anaemia, weight loss, weakness, bloody diarrhoea, itchy paws, poor growth – can be fatal.
- Roundworms: Rice or spaghetti-like worms in faeces, vomiting, diarrhoea, swollen and painful belly, weakness, dull coat, and weight loss.
- Whipworms: Diarrhoea, bloody stools, anaemia, and weight loss.
- Lungworm: Weight loss, difficulty breathing, coughing (with blood), lethargy, unexplained bruising and bleeding, seizures, collapse, shock, blindness – can be fatal.
If you see or suspect your pet has any of these, we suggest you call us for advice and to book an appointment.
Tips for preventing and getting rid of cat fleas
Fleas can cause a host of health issues for your cat and the rest of your family. With Spring around the corner, cat owners in Towcester will see the start of the 2023 flea season soon. So, Katy our head nurse thought it would be a good time to focus on what cat owners need to know about fleas. Top of the list is to ensure your cat’s own flea protection is in place. If you’re not sure, then give us a quick call and we can tell you your cat’s status.
Call to see if your cat is protected
How to prevent cat fleas
Apart from ensuring your cat’s flea protection is up to date, here are four tips that Katy suggests you follow to prevent or treat a cat flea infestation.
1. Protect – Ensure all your pets are protected
Cats can catch fleas from other pets in your house, from neighboring pets, other animals in the wild, or even you as fleas can cling onto your clothing! So, making sure all pets in your household have protection with a vet recommended flea treatment is vital.
2. Wash – Wash your pet’s bedding
Fleas love warm places like a cat’s bedding. Regularly wash bedding on a 60–70-degree cycle with a specialist pet bedding wash. Why not ask a question to our Facebook community to see what’s worked for other cat owners?
3. Hoover – Keep your house spotless
Once fleas are in the house, they can be tough to get rid of. Whether you’re looking to help prevent fleas appearing in the first place or remove an established infestation, regular hoovering of the house is essential. Environmental treatments are also available, please ask our team for advice.
4. Check – Check your cat regularly for fleas
Knowing what to look out for is an essential part of catching fleas early. One of the most obvious signs of an infestation is intense itching and scratching, which can lead to hair loss and irritated skin. Otherwise, part your cat’s fur so you can see the skin and look for flea droppings – tiny, black spots in your cat’s fur (mainly dried blood).
Why you need to be vigilant for fleas
As well as being irritating for your cat, and everyone else in the house, a flea infestation can cause anaemia in your cat and provoke allergic skin reactions too. Many people don’t even realise their cat has fleas. A 2018 survey of 300 vet practices treating 1,400 cats and dogs found that over 28% of cats had fleas and 8% had a skin condition caused by a long-term infestation.
That’s why you should check your cat for fleas and ensure their protection is up to date.
If you need information or advice, give our team a quick call and we can tell you the vet-recommended flea treatments we use and make sure your cat is fully protected.
Senior Horse Health Check
‘Our team of experienced equine vets are passionate about offering gold standard care all year round. As a result of feedback from our most recent client evenings, we are now launching a comprehensive examination with your senior horse in mind. By utilising this appointment you will also qualify for offers on additional services, this will allow us to provide further guidance from an evidence based approach with the added reassurance you are delivering the best care for your older horse.’ Vet Holly Gimmler
What to expect from our NEW Senior Horse Health Check?
This health check can be booked in advance on a normal visit, discounted visit or at your nearest clinic.
Your vet will carry out the following checks, discuss any findings with you and answer any questions you may have at the time.
- Assess the heart rate and check for irregularities
- Temperature
- Thorough eye exam
- Oral examination with gag*
- Weight & condition
- Walk & trot the horse in a straight line to observe movement
- Worming discussion
- Current medication/on going treatment
- Summary of the horses general health & well-being
- A photo of your horse can be taken by your vet for our records if you wish
During the time with your horse the vet will perform a structured examination including an extensive range of checks. A copy of the vets completed worksheet will be provided at the end of your appointment.
Appointment time approx. 45mins
What discounted services are available on the day?
After your horse’s health check is complete, if any of the following services are required you qualify for our offer prices on these selected services:
- ACTH bloods (testing for PPID Cushings Disease)
- EMS bloods (testing for Equine Metabolic Syndrome)
- Haematology & Biochemistry (routine health screen)
- Dental with or without sedation* (routine tooth rasp)
*As part of the health check, if following the oral examination your horse requires a routine dental rasp this can be booked at the reduced offer price with no additional visit fee but must be undertaken within 2 weeks of the initial appointment. On occasions when the vet has the extended time and necessary equipment it can be performed on the day.
Contact us today to ask your vet about your horses next Health Check
Understanding the natural behaviours of cats
Cats don’t just provide companionship; they also have interesting natural behaviours they need to exercise. In this article, we’ll take a look at the five most common natural behaviours of cats and why understanding them is so important.
Cats love to hunt at dusk & dawn
But should you let them?
Cats are natural hunters. Even domesticated cats have an instinct to hunt. This is why they often chase small animals, such as mice, birds, and insects. Cats also love to play with their prey, even if it isn’t something they actually want to eat. This is bad news for wildlife and Conservationists are calling for cats to be put on a curfew.
Read on the BBC – Wildlife experts want a curfew for cats to protect bats
A cat’s desire to hunt is linked to our second behaviour fact … that cats are crepuscular, which means they are most active during twilight in the early evening and at dawn.
You can encourage your outdoor cat to spend more time indoors by playing with ‘prey-driven’ toys – like a toy on a stick or piece of string – during the early evening, as well as feeding them earlier. If your cat seems stressed and wants to go out though, you should let them out.
According to our veterinary team, whilst they love to hunt & play outside, statistically, indoor cats live a lot longer than outdoor cats. This means it’s worth understanding that if you have an indoor cat, you should provide enrichment that allows them to exhibit their crepuscular hunting behaviour, such as the toys mentioned above.
Is your cat clean, curious & social?
Cats are very clean animals. They spend a lot of time grooming themselves, and they will even clean their owners if you allow it. This is because cats have scent glands that release pheromones that other cats can recognise. By grooming themselves, cats are able to keep their scent in check.
Cats are also very curious. They are always on the lookout for new things to explore and play with. This is why they love boxes and hiding places. They also love to climb and explore high places, such as shelves and windowsills. If you have an indoor cat, do make sure you give them plenty of places to explore around the house.
Finally, most cats are very social. They like to be around people and other cats, and they will often form strong bonds with their owners. Cats also like to communicate with humans through meowing and body language so make sure you find time to play with them every day. Some cats, however, prefer to avoid other cats…
More understanding means happier cats
Cats are amazing pets with unique natural behaviours. Understanding why cats from your local area do what they do is one of the keys to being able to provide the best possible home for your feline friend.
Is your cat a clean, curious & social crepuscular hunter? Or do they exhibit other behaviours that are not on our list? Please do share your cat behaviour experiences with your vet on your next routine visit.
