Tag: cats

Cats Protection outlines simple steps to keep puss purring

Cats Protection has outlined a series of steps which can be taken to help keep felines safe throughout the year:

Although cats often enjoy exploring, their curiosity can lead them into trouble. A few simple measures can help keep cats away from danger and enjoying life.

Keep cats inside during hours of darkness. Cats are at increased risk of road injuries and theft after nightfall. Keeping cats indoors overnight and timing meals to coincide with rush hour will help keep cats away from busy roads.

Ensure cats are neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. Making sure cats are neutered provides a host of benefits in addition to preventing unwanted kittens being born. Neutered cats are less likely to roam, lowering the risk of car accidents and less likely to fight and contract serious diseases which are spread by saliva. Microchipping offers a safe and permanent method of identification, while ensuring cats are vaccinated will protect against parasites and diseases.

Encourage cats to stay close to home. If cats are content, they are more likely to stay within their own home and garden. Planting cat-friendly plants such as catnip and lavender, providing logs for scratching and long grass for relaxing or to assist with expelling hairballs can all add to the creation of a cat-friendly space.  Poisonous substances often found in the home or garden, such as antifreeze, disinfectants, insect and pest killers should be kept securely.

Certain plants can be toxic to cats, for example lilies can be lethal if any part of the plant is ingested. If your cat does show any signs of poisoning, you should seek veterinary advice as soon as possible.  A full list of plants that are hazardous to cats can be found on International Cat Care’s website www.icatcare.org

Remain vigilant to possible acts of cruelty. If you suspect somebody is acting suspiciously towards cats in the area, report your concerns to the local police and/or Scottish SPCA, along with any descriptions and car number plates you may have noted. If there is a local Neighbourhood Watch, make them aware and inform your neighbours that there may be suspicious activity taking place.

Mark Beazley, Director of Operations for Cats Protection, says: “We often have reports coming into our branches and centres across the country of cats that have strayed, become injured in fights or been poisoned by seemingly harmless substances around the home. Simply following these guidelines and remaining vigilant can help keep cats safe and enjoying themselves throughout the year.”

For further advice and information on cat welfare-related issues please download http://bit.ly/CatSafeAdvice or for more detail http://bit.ly/CatSafeGuide alternatively call Cats Protection’s helpline on 03000 12 12 12.

Cats abandoned in Muirhouse stairwell

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Male_cat_cover_imageThe Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after two cats were abandoned in a stairwell at a block of flats in Muirhouse.

The cats were rescued yesterday after they were discovered on the 11th floor of Fidra Court. The male and female cats are now in the care of SSPCA’s Glasgow Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre.

Senior Inspector Stuart Murray said, “Sadly it seems the cats were abandoned as we’ve not been able to identify anyone in the stairwell they might belong to. The male cat is in okay condition but the female has a very nasty wound on her neck where a makeshift collar has been rubbing against her skin. They are exceptionally friendly cats and the vet has estimated them to be around six years old.

“If anyone has any information we would ask them to get in touch. We’ll soon find these lovely cats a suitable new home.”

Anyone with information is being urged to contact our Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.

Three cats deliberately drowned in Edinburgh

Three cats deliberately drowned in Edinburgh

Badge_cropped-1_mediumThe Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after the bodies of three drowned cats were discovered in the Saughton area. 

Scotland’s animal welfare charity was alerted when a dog walker found the adult female ginger coloured cats in a small wooded area near Saughton Road on Sunday 3 August.

Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said, “A post mortem examination has revealed that all three cats had been killed around the same time by being drowned. Unfortunately our investigation so far has not resulted in any leads and we are now appealing to the public for information.

“The cats were found close to a residential area with no water nearby, indicating they were deliberately left there. This is a particularly disturbing case. These cats were subjected to a horrific death and would have undoubtedly suffered immense distress. It’s likely the cats would have put up a struggle and it may have taken considerable strength to kill them.

“If anyone in the area is missing a cat fitting this description we would urge them to get in contact with us. Similarly, if anyone has any information which could help identify the person who committed this cruel act they should call us on 03000 999 999.”

The SSPCA has supplied photographs of the cats but we have decided not to use them

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Do you recognise these cats?

The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after two cats were abandoned outside a Davidsons Mains vet’s surgery on Tuesday evening.

The cats, which have been named Mickey and Donald, were discovered outside the West End Veterinary partnership on Main Street by a local resident at 8.30pm.

SSPCA Senior Inspector John Toule collected the cats and took them to the organisation’s Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Balerno, where both cats are doing well.

He said: “Mickey and Donald are in good condition which suggests they’ve been well looked after up until now. A local resident reported seeing a woman of large build with long hair and wearing a dark raincoat carrying a pet carrier on the street shortly before the abandoned animals were discovered. The female was also accompanied by a child. We are very keen to speak to this person and anyone else who recognises Mickey and Donald.”

Anyone with information about this incident can contact the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.