Christmas time is an occasion for fun and merriment for all the family – including your dog! But unfortunately, there are lots of potential dangers and stressors affecting your dog at this time. If you want to make sure your dog’s happy and safe this Christmas, read our guide. The Christmas period is a time of great fun for all the family and that (usually) includes your dog too! There are many dogs who love to celebrate the holidays with us and spend all the time getting up to mischief – like sneaking your Christmas treats or collapsing the tree – and while this may all seem like good fun, the festive season can also bring a wealth of potential hazards that you’ll need to be on the lookout for. With Christmas on the way, you may be wondering how to ensure your dog’s Christmas is just as merry as your own, which is why we’ve created this guide on keeping your dog safe and happy this holiday. Dogs and Christmas trees As you know, one of the biggest Christmas traditions involves bringing a tree into your home, and to your dog, this is a dream come true. Your four-legged friend will look at this tree and their eyes will light up at the thought of unlimited sticks to chomp and if you have a male dog, they may see it is as an excellent new spot to have a wee. Some pet owners will be lucky enough to own a pup that’s unphased by this new addition, but if you have a dog that just can’t resist, you’ll need a dog-proof Christmas tree. Here’s what to look for. Fairy lights One of the dangerous elements to dogs and Christmas trees are the twinkling lights wrapped around them. They may look harmless, but some dogs think of the wires as shiny new chew toys – which is most common with younger dogs or puppies. Also, if you have a particularly boisterous pup that likes to play, they may get tangled up in the wires. An easy way to prevent your dog getting hurt by your Christmas tree lights is to cable tie any loose wires and then always disconnect from the mains when you go out. Alternatively, if you want to leave your lights on all the time, opt for battery-operated ones instead and make sure that you place the battery pack in a place your dog can’t reach. Baubles and hanging decorations Another way to dog-proof Christmas trees is to make sure you’re only buying safe decorations. Avoid tinsel and angel hair on your tree as when consumed, they can cause a blockage in your dog’s stomach. Glass baubles are also a bad idea if you have a boisterous dog, as they may shatter which could potentially harm your pet. Instead opt for non-toxic plastic decorations. If you have more expensive ornaments which are essential decorations for your tree, place them near the top of the tree where your dog and their wagging tail can’t reach them. Also, don’t put edible decorations such as chocolates or candy canes on the tree as they’re highly toxic to dogs and many won’t be able to resist. Tipping the Christmas tree over

If you’re a cat owner, Christmastime can be a stressful and dangerous time. Luckily, there’s lots of things you can do to make sure your cat’s happy and safe this festive season, keep reading to find out more. Christmas is such an exciting time of year, but unfortunately all the twinkling lights and merriment can be hazardous for your cat. From climbing the Christmas tree to the stress of visiting family members and hazardous treats that may turn out to be harmful, cats and Christmas can sometimes be a real recipe for disaster. But it doesn’t need to be! When managed with a bit of extra care, the holidays can be a time of fun and happiness for both you and your four-legged friend. Cats and Christmas trees As a cat owner, you’ll know that your kitty is a huge fan of climbing everything in sight. So, it should come as no surprise that often, cats see Christmas trees as just another challenge to get to the top of. But this may well result in your ambitious cat pulling the tree to the ground. You’ll need to ensure that you have a heavy base – you can either buy one of these or attach weights to the bottom. Alternatively, you can tether your tree to the wall or ceiling to make sure it’s not budging, no matter how much your cat tries to replace your angel or star at the top. Hazardous Christmas decorations Another element to cats and Christmas trees is that dangling, sparkly decorations often prove a temptation too great to resist. This can be particularly dangerous if you have glass baubles as if they swat these off your tree they may shatter and hurt your cat. Additionally, tinsel and angel hair can cause blockages if ingested. To make sure you have a cat-friendly Christmas tree in your home, stay away from glass baubles and any that are made with toxic materials, ditch the tinsel and angel hair and securely attach all decorations to the tree, ensuring none are too close to the bottom, within the reach of a swatting cat paw. Be wary of mains-powered Christmas tree lights Cats and Christmas tree lights can also be a bad combination as the wires resemble fun toys for your kitty. Any wires will need to be covered to stop them being chewed and when you’re not home, switch the lights off at the mains. If you’re a fan of leaving your lights on all the time, battery-powered options are much safer.

Choosing a cat bed can be difficult. And, of course, finding the right cat bed is important. You want your kitten to be cosy, warm and happy when they are sleeping—and you want the cat bed to be a space that they can call their own. All owners must make this decision at some point: the trick is to watch your cat’s habits and choose a bed accordingly. We’ve put together a guide to choosing the best cat bed for your cat so that they feel happy, pampered and can sleep like the royalty they are. Types of cat beds Because cats love to curl up and sleep wherever they can, there are many different kinds of cat beds available in the market. Do not worry about which one is the best – there is no the ‘best’ cat bed. Instead, choose one that would suit your cat’s preferences and daily habits. Below are a few options for the types of cat beds you can find. Pads/Cushions This type of cat bed is a cushion filled with soft and comfortable down. There are various fillings for this kind of cat bed – such as fleece or high-fibre polyester – but as long as it is plush and comfortable, it does not really matter! Pods This new style of cat bed is gaining popularity. Cats seem to like curling up with these egg-shaped pods, which are usually made of plastic or hard fabric and lined with something soft and cosy. Window perches If your cat’s favourite place is the window and they like to fall asleep in whatever sunlight they can find or you find them dozing in front of the view, then a window perch cat bed is the best cat bed. These cat beds attach as perches on the window and allow your cat to sleep in her favourite spot.

If your cat is fussy about water, it might be time to find a new water bowl. There are lots of different options out there, so with a little research, you’ll be able to find the ideal bowl for your pet. Cats are by nature quite tolerant to thirst. If their water isn’t quite right – for example, it’s too warm or they don’t like their bowl – they might well choose to go without drinking. Equally, many cats will ignore their water bowl and drink from puddles instead, often for reasons you can’t work out. That’s why choosing the right bowl for your cat is so important. You can read more about how much water your cat needs to drink here. If you are concerned that your cat isn't drinking enough, contact your vet for advice. Choosing the right cat water bowl Before you choose the perfect bowl for your cat’s water, think about what they might like. Your cat’s personality, as well their eating and drinking preferences, will all be considerations. If they have a tendency to knock things over, for example, a heavier drinking bowl is probably more sensible. On the other hand, if they dislike their whiskers touching things – as many cats do – a wider bowl will be more comfortable for them. Sometimes, you may have to try a couple of different cat water bowl before you find one that they love, but luckily, most are inexpensive. Considerations include: Depth Shallow dishes will need topping up more often than deeper bowls, but your cat may have a preference themselves. Material Cat bowls can be made of many different materials. They all have their pros and cons, which you can read about in more detail below. Standing or running? Most owners leave a normal bowl of water for their cat, but reluctant drinkers maybe tempted by a specially-designed cat water fountain. You can read more about fountains below. Types of cat bowl Traditional cat water bowl Quite simply, this is a plain bowl designed for cats to drink from. It’s probably the type of water bowl you’re most used to seeing. They are very affordable, easy to get hold of, and don’t require any fuss. Many cats will happily drink from a bowl of standing water. However, as cats can also be fussy about their water source, there are many felines who may turn their nose up at the bowl of standing water altogether, especially if there’s a dripping tap nearby that they can drink from instead. To make their water appealing, you need to make sure you change it regularly – all cats prefer fresh, cool water – and make sure it doesn’t run dry. Bowl with water dispenser An alternative to the standard water bowl is one with a water dispenser that keeps the water topped up. These bowls are usually made of plastic, and some with an upright water bottle attached. As your cat drinks, the water bottle will slowly drain, keeping the water at the same level. This isn’t the same as providing running water, but it means you won’t have to top the water up so often. This is a good option if you are out of the house all day. Cat water fountain This type of water fountain is great for cats who are reluctant to drink standing water. If your cat tends to drink from the tap or other places they shouldn’t, it might be because they prefer fresh, running water. A cat water fountain maybe the solution. These are usually driven by very small electric motors. Fill the bowl with water, and a small fountain in the middle will keep the water circulating. Your cat can then either drink from the bowl, or the water as it falls. Many cat water fountains also include filters, which can help remove dust and hair, keeping it as fresh as possible. At the top end of the market, a cat water fountain may also cool the water – perfect for summer months.

Just like their personalities, each cat’s dietary needs are slightly different – and sometimes, this means they need an altogether different kind of food. Luckily, there are lots of options to choose from. Over the past twenty years some great high-quality, specialised pet food formulas have been created for animals with particular needs. For example, Purina has its range of prescription diets that your vet might recommend if your cat has a condition that would benefit from dietary management. Whatever you go for, some of these pet foods support treatment over a limited period of time (until the condition is resolved), whereas other special food for cats are designed to help your pet for life (for example, if they have a chronic condition). From cat weight loss formulas to diets for cats with sensitive digestion and more, there’s plenty out there to meet their special requirements.

Sprinkle some catnip near your kitten and you’ll notice a sudden change in behaviour. Find out more about this plant and why it’s got such an effect on your fluffy feline. Catnip seems to be adored across the feline kingdom with both big and small cats falling head over heels for this plant’s allure. But what does catnip do to cats? Does it have any effect on us humans? And is it safe or not? We’re unravelling all the catnip mysteries below. What is catnip? Catnip (or as it’s officially known Nepeta cataria) is a herb from the mint family. Originally common in a few areas of Asia and Europe, it has managed to spread to most corners of the world. You might have noticed it growing next to country roads or even as a drought-resistant addition in people’s gardens. What does catnip do to cats? Let your cat near this plant and you’re in for a reaction of pure joy. As your cat will start to lick and rub against it, you will notice their reaction turning into something that looks wild and strange. In a bout of hyperactivity they might start stretching, drooling or jumping. Other cats will go for a wild run up and down the room. More docile or sedated reactions have also been noticed – the response depends on the individual cat. The effects of catnip are temporary and usually wear off within half an hour, as your cat becomes briefly immune to the effects. It’s also common for cats to sit quite still after a euphoric reaction, until the effects wear off.

If you’ve noticed that your cat is having problems urinating, it may be down to feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD). This is a broad term that’s used to describe a number of urinary tract conditions that affect cats’ bladders and urethras. The most common condition results in inflammation of the bladder (cat cystitis) and, in male cats, similar symptoms accompanied with an obstruction of the urethra (the tube from the bladder to the outside). This condition, known as idiopathic cat cystitis, is unfortunately both common and complex and, as symptoms can be medical and/or behavioural, you won’t always know exactly what’s triggered it. Cats can get urinary problems which prevent the bladder from emptying properly and, when not treated quickly could cause a blockage of the urethra. These urinary problems are most commonly caused by feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD). Unlike the name suggests, FLUTD is not actually a specific type of disease, but an umbrella term for conditions that affect the urinary bladder and/or urethra in cats. Potential causes of feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) There are numerous issues that may cause FLUTD, some of the most common causes are:

Your new cat is precious, so you will want to make their new environment as safe as possible. So where do you start when creating a cat-proof garden? Cats, and especially kittens, are naturally inquisitive, and investigate objects by touching, sniffing and tasting them. When you bring a new cat into your home they’ll be curious about everything and unlike us, won’t be able to tell the difference between what is and isn’t dangerous. If you’re not sure how to cat-proof your garden, follow our checklist to keep your pet out of trouble! Dangerous plants to remove for a cat-proof garden Although we think of cats as meat-eaters, don’t be surprised if you spot your cat chewing vegetables or other plants. Some cats like to munch on grass outdoors, or nibble at the leaves of potted houseplants indoors. Keep an eye on exactly what your cat is grazing on, as some plants have parts that are toxic to them. Make sure your project to cat-proof your garden includes getting rid of these toxic plants for cats: • Lilies; • Azalea; • Daffodil; • Tomato; • Foxglove; • Yew; • Hydrangea; • Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane); • Philodendron; • Mistletoe; • Poinsettia. Your vet can give you a complete list of plants that could be harmful to your cat, or click here for a list of dangerous plants for cats. Do you need to cat-proof the garden for an indoor cat? Yes. Your cat or kitten has a natural instinct to play outdoors, establish territory, climb trees, and catnap in the sun. As fun as this sounds, there are some things that you’ll need to look out for in the great outdoors. When outside, cats are exposed to more diseases and parasites, risk getting lost or stolen, and could potentially get hurt by a car. To allow your cat outdoors and also keep them safe, you can create a cat-proof garden. Some cats are quite happy staying indoors – although that does rely on you knowing how to make a cat-friendly home and make their environment exciting to compensate for the lack of outdoor stimulation. Other cats will prefer to roam outdoors – deciding between which option is best for your cat will take careful consideration on your part. If you decide to allow your cat outdoors, ask your breeder or vet for advice and make sure you've made their outdoor space as safe as possible.

Having kittens is a very exciting and emotional time for you and your cat. Before you can welcome bundles of fur into your home, you need to know how to tell if your cat is pregnant, and what you can do to ensure her pregnancy is as happy as possible. It’s important to remember when planning to have kittens that your cat and her litter will have demands that you will need to be prepared to handle. To help you support your pet throughout her pregnancy and labour, we’ve covered everything you need to know about expectant cats. Cat pregnancy Much like us, cats have periods of peak fertility when they can become pregnant - this is known as being in season or in heat. Cats can come into season about once every three weeks, so there are plenty of opportunities for your pet to fall pregnant! If you’d like to avoid an unexpected litter of kittens, we recommend neutering your cat before her first season, as she can become pregnant very easily after that point. As bringing up a litter can be stressful for your cat, and expensive for you, we recommend leaving breeding to the experts if possible. How long is a cat pregnant? Cat pregnancy normally lasts between 63 to 67 days, but it can be tough to know exactly how long a cat is pregnant for. The cat gestation period can vary from as short as 61 days to as long as 72 days. Your cat (queen) often won’t show any physical symptoms of pregnancy until she is a few weeks into her term. If you think that your cat is pregnant, take her to the vets for confirmation. If you would like to know how to tell if a cat is pregnant yourself, there are several physical signs that you should be able to spot after two or three weeks have passed. How to tell if your cat is pregnant? • After approximately 15-18 days of a cat pregnancy, you may notice that your pet’s nipples become enlarged and red – this is known as ‘pinking-up’. • Similar to morning sickness in humans, your pregnant queen may go through a stage of vomiting. If you notice that her sickness becomes frequent, or she is at all unwell in any other way, contact your vet. • Your queen’s tummy will start to swell, but avoid touching it so you don't risk hurting mum or her unborn kittens. There can be other causes behind abdominal swelling, so monitor your cat closely for any signs of illness and consult your vet if you are worried. • A mum-to-be will gradually gain between 1-2 kg (depending on the number of kittens she is carrying) - this is a strong sign that she is pregnant. • Queens tend to have an increased appetite later in their pregnancy, which will also contribute towards her weight gain. An increased appetite could also be a sign of worms or illness, so double check with your vet to confirm. • Your pregnant cat may act more maternal, meaning that she purrs more and seeks extra fuss and attention from you. • Some vet practices can diagnose cat pregnancy using ultrasound, sometimes as early as 15 days into her term. The vet may also be able to give you an indication of how many kittens your cat is expecting by day 40 of her pregnancy. Bear in mind that in cat pregnancy, a larger kitten can obscure other smaller kittens in the womb, so you could have more kittens than expected!

Flu in cats can be just like human flu: symptoms include a runny nose and achy muscles, and plenty of TLC is needed for recovery. Learn how to spot the signs and symptoms of flu and how it can be treated. What are the symptoms of cat flu? If you’ve ever been hit with the flu, you will have some sympathy for your cat. The illness isn’t all that different to the human variation. Just like people, most cats can fight it off; however, for more elderly animals, kittens, or cats with an underlying condition, it can be more serious. Cat flu is generally viral, meaning that in most cases antibiotics won’t be effective. Luckily there are vaccinations available. Although it’s not a guaranteed defence, vaccinating your cat will go a long way toward protecting them, particularly if you’re planning a trip to a cattery or any environment in which groups of cats are kept together. What is cat flu? Whether they’re sneezing or sniffling, the symptoms of cat flu can be fairly easy to identify once you know what you’re looking out for. Here’s a list of some of the more common signs to be aware of: • Sneezing: this is the main way in which the illness is spread. Just a few droplets from an infected cat’s sneeze can carry a distance of metres. • Runny nose. • Watery eyes. • Difficulty with, or noisy, breathing. • Dribbling. • Change in behaviour. • Loss of appetite. • High temperature. • In serious cases, ulcers around the eyes. Symptoms can range vastly in severity: whereas one strain of the virus might only result in a bit of sneezing and a runny nose, another can lead to life-threatening complications. However mild or serious the signs, don’t take a risk. As soon as you spot cat flu symptoms, take your pet to see the vet.