Out and About - Winter 2021

Out & About lifestyle

PET TALK

Beware these toxic plants

UNDERSTANDING CAT BEHAVIOUR

Small spaces also create a sense of security.  Getting up high – Kitties love to survey their kingdom in peace.  Tail twitching – They are politely telling you to back off.  Staring – Direct eye contact is threatening in cat body language beware, the cat is in full predatory mode.  Meowing – This is a method of communication they use for humans.  Purring – Usually during rest, but can also occur when they’re in pain to soothe themselves.  Kneading – A sign of feeling safe and relaxed, just watch out for the dribble that tends to come with it.

M ost of the plants that could be dangerous and even potentially fatal to their pets. people are unaware

DEMENTIA IN PETS – SPOT THE SIGNS We all know that dementia affects many people, but it can happen to pets too. Dementia in pets is known as Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS). Spotting the symptoms can be tricky, but there are some things you can look out for. Changes in sleeping patterns – Some pets suffering with CDS will struggle to recognise the signs that tell them what time of day it is. They will be restless at night, wondering why you and the rest of the family are asleep. Toileting in the wrong place – They might forget their toilet training and start going in the wrong places.  Pretending they want a tummy rub... then clawing you – They are showing off how flexible they are with a ‘social roll’.  Squeezing into tiny spaces – While there are 10.7 million cats in the UK, recent research has revealed that 93 per cent of cat owners are still confused by what their cat’s behaviour means. Pet food producer Lily’s Kitchen teamed up with cat behaviourist Rosie Bescoby to understand our cats’ movements:  Making you open the door to let them in when there’s a cat flap available – Cat’s eyesight lets them down and they can’t adjust to different light levels quickly, so when they go through the cat flap they can feel vulnerable.  Sleeping on anything you’re reading – Cats are attention-seekers.  Swiping inanimate objects off the side – Inherent predatory behaviour.  Drinking water from the glass by your bed – Cats are fussy and prefer for it to not be next to their food bowl.

In the winter months look out for:  Acorns and Conkers – Acorns are often consumed by pups who are using them as chew toys. Unripe (green) acorns are the most harmful.  Hydrangeas – The bulbs are highly toxic to pets, as they contain cyanide.  Yew Trees – Needles and seeds are extremely poisonous to most animals.  Horse Chestnut Trees – Bark, leaves and flowers can all be fatal. Deadly plants include Amaryllis: All parts are toxic, but especially the bulbs. Chrysanthemum: All parts are toxic, although the smell is a deterrent. Oleander: All of the plant is toxic. Ragwort: All parts of this plant are poisonous. If your pet does ingest any toxic plant matter then call the vet. With early treatment, the prognosis is usually good. Don’t get angry with your pet if they get confused or have an accident. See if there are any adaptions you can make to their environment, moving litter trays to more easily accessible areas, moving water bowls closer to sleeping areas or leaving a radio on when you go out to give them some company. Using happy pheromone plug ins, sprays and collars can help to create a calm environment, as being confused can really stress your pets. There are supplements, dietary changes and medications available, please phone your vet practice for advice.

Becoming more vocal – Barking, howling and meowing for no clear reason can be a sign of confusion. Memory loss – Some pets can forget things you have taught them or struggle to learn new things. Changes in appetite – They could become less hungry, especially if their sense of smell isn’t as good as when they were younger, or they could be asking for multiple meals because they have forgotten you already fed them. What can you do if you spot these signs? Firstly talk them through with your vet. There are medications that can help manage some of the symptoms and a vet will give your pet a full examination to make sure there are no other obvious problems.

Lucy Map Donningto Grove Vet

plebeck, n s

73

O&A WINTER 2021