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Our Mews Bulletin

Introducing cats to kids: from parenting to pet-parenting

26/1/2021

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For younger families in our community, we know that the worlds between “parent” and “pet parent” can be incredibly similar. From messy livingrooms to unpredictable emotional outbursts - both children and cats require a lot of attention of their own; but how do you combine the two under one roof? For some families, the choice to adopt a pet often creates a great opportunity for parents to teach their young ones about the importance of responsibility. When adopting a new feline friend from a shelter home, the amount of responsibility taken on can be unequivocally amplified. For this reason, we have done some research to help guide our new pet-owners navigate their way to creating a safe and loving household.
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1. Be sure to discuss your new pet 

For households with younger children, it is important that they understand that this new animal also has thoughts and feelings - and can behave in ways that we do not always understand. Whilst they may already have the basis such as “don’t pull kitty’s tail” down pat, make sure to discuss your new household member.
 
2. Enforce clear boundaries and interactions with your pet

Whether you settle on fun-sized ball of fluff and energy or a mature-aged cat with wise eyes and a softened heart - in some cases our animals have already endured a rocky road to reach the warm embrace of a new home. For this reason, teaching the children how to interact and look after their new friend is pivotal step in the transitioning to their new environment.
 
3. Encourage recognition of pet’s behaviours and traits 
In addition to setting boundaries, this step is important to teach your child how to recognise times where it might be unsafe to approach their pet. Practice speaking about how your pet may be feeling when they respond or behave in certain ways and urge your child to recognise them too. Dependent on your child’s age, this may also be a perfect time to use animal-specific dialect to educate your child about their pet. For example, teaching them about kitty’s “predator” instincts and  
 
4. Ensure plenty of positive reinforcement 
Just as you may when training your new family pet, don’t forget to give praise for gentle and kind interactions with the family pet. By keeping the experience of interaction light and joyful, your child is more likely to develop a more nurturing relationship with the pet.  
 
5. Find a way for the two to create a bond.  
The friendship between a child and a furry friend can be one of the most rewarding experience in both of their lives. According to Batter Sea, a great way to encourage bonding is to practice non-physical forms of interactions such as playing with cat toys or basic training.
 
Most parents will understand the sometimes frightening joy of the uncontrollable and unexpected moments in their daily lives. IWhilst there are certain to be bumps and jumps along the way, what you are most likely to find at the end of the path is unwavering bond between your children - both fur and no-fur. So, what are you waiting for? We have a number of cats just waiting to be snatched up by a new loving family at any time - you can find them here.


Picture from Unsplash.
Written by Gabrielle Bott-Banas for FFRAQ

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Tackling the “Feral Problem”

2/3/2020

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Feral felines are domestic cats that have reverted to natural hunting instincts. They are cats that have persisted with limited to no human contact, and survive on their carnivorous diet of birds, lizards, rabbits, frogs, and insects. According to Pest Smart, feral cats can ‘take down prey matching their own body size’ and can easily adapt to many different habitats.

Feral cats are one of the main stressors that affect Australia’s native wildlife. Some figures in 2014 have reported that feral cats have contributed to the deaths of over 20 billion Australian native species a year. This was proven to be ‘unverifiable’ by the ABC News Network:
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‘There is no consistent figure on the number of feral cats in Australia, but estimates range from 5 to 23 million. Experts say the number is impossible to calculate because of density variation…the way the population fluctuates with prey availability and climate.’

Furthermore, recent research published in a new book, Cats in Australia: Comparison and Killer (2019), has compiled findings across hundreds of studies that suggest that feral cats could kill ‘more than 3 million mammals, 2 million reptiles and 1 million birds every day.’ Domestic cats are also not excused from the equation, as they can roam and track down prey to satisfy their own natural hunting instincts. Many cat owners have the misconception that their own beloved companions do not kill wildlife, yet GPS trackers suggest that cats can roam further than originally thought. Domestic cats that are allowed to roam have reportedly been able to kill more than 75 animals a year. 

In 2015, the Australian Government enacted a target to cull 2 million feral cats by 2020. It was reported that 211, 560 cats were culled during the first 12 months of the plan. This plan was met with some criticism and remarks of animal genocide. 
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Nonetheless, the feral population is a result of human behaviours. The topic of feral cats have particularly made a strong reappearance due to the recent Australian bushfires, as many native species are currently under threat.  The message of responsible pet ownership, including desexing and keeping cats indoors, has become significant now more than ever. 

Organisations such as the Australian National Desexing Network have initiatives that give pet owners access to low-cost desexing. This not only is beneficial for the environment and the economy, but also addresses the huge pet overpopulation problem within our own pounds and shelters. Desexing is the single most humane thing we can do for the cat population in Australia.

Written by Claudine Prior for FFARQ.
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Visiting the Vet: How One Trip Can Improve Your Cat’s Life

19/1/2020

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By Tyler Smith for FFARQ 
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While a human can pick up a phone and book a doctor’s appointment to have their medical concerns taken care of, our feline companions lack the ability to easily access healthcare this way. By taking your cat to the vet every year for a check-up from nose to tail, you can help them live a long and healthy life purring beside you. Here are some things that make this trip important:

Teeth
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Wild cats take care of their teeth by eating meat from carcasses, the bones of their prey acting like a toothbrush and removing debris and plaque from their mouths. However, domestic cats’ diets of biscuits, wet food and treats often forget to take care of their teeth. Providing cats with dental treats and brushing their teeth regularly can prevent your cat from developing dental problems, but it is always best for a professional who sees kitty teeth every day to check them and make sure your friend’s teeth are ready for more food.

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Vaccinations

Keeping your cat’s vaccinations up-to-date is vital to ensuring preventable diseases don’t stop your cat from chasing their favourite toy. Top-ups of cats’ vaccinations are needed to keep them effective. Whether your cat spends their time inside your home (as we recommend) or outside, vaccinations can save your cat’s life and your bank account from the expensive vet bills associated with treating diseases. Furthermore, most boarding facilities require up-to-date vaccination records of your cat before you go on your holiday. So if you plan to take a trip this year and send your cat on a vacation of their own, make sure they’ve had their shots. 

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Weight
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Keeping a cat on the scales in the vet’s examination room long enough to weigh them often proves a challenge, but the task is just as important as everything else in the check-up. Most cats love food and find it easy to overeat and become overweight, however if too much weight is gained they can find it difficult to move and have issues breathing. Underweight cats often have an underlying health issue that is decreasing their appetite, and a visit to the vet can ensure that nothing sinister is going on under your cat’s fur. 
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Coat 

Almost every breed of cat is covered in a coat of fur. This seemingly mundane part of your cat’s body can actually hold a great deal of insight into your cat’s wellbeing. A coat that is dirty, full of loose hair and hasn’t been cleaned in a while by your cat can indicate that your cat is feeling down, while anxiety and boredom can lead to an overgroomed coat with bald spots. Having a vet check over your cat’s coat can show them what’s going on in your cat’s mind and can help you discover how you can improve their happiness just by paying a little more attention to their coat. 
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Regular Sponsor Needed for Ringo

5/11/2019

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Ringo came into our care towards the end of August 2019 from a remote pound with his two brothers Hamish and George. Prior to rescuing this band of brothers, we were told that Ringo’s throat was hoarse from him choking on some food and that he was on antibiotics as a preventative measure to keep him from infection. No worries, we thought. We will be sure he is healed and healthy and we’ll find this loving boy the forever home he deserves. Unfortunately, Ringo’s need for antibiotics went way deeper than a little cough from an irritated throat.

Ringo has been struggling with his health the entire time he has been in our care for over 2 months now. Both his brothers were healthy and found their forever families long ago, but poor Ringo has only found himself at specialist vet appointments time and time again. He has been on countless rounds of antibiotics, and at one point we feared for his life as his carer frantically reported one day that he was hot to the touch and could barely lift his head.

Numerous vet visits, multiple rounds of antibiotics and thousands of dollars of care later, we have finally found an answer to what has ailed poor Ringo for so long. He has Chronic Rhinitis, and most recently was diagnosed with E Coli and Pasteurella bacteria infections in his sinuses. While he is improving on medication, he will continue to need ongoing management to keep his respiratory issues at bay. This means pulse treatments of antibiotics for the rest of his life to manage any infections he gets as his immune system cannot fight the bacteria. In addition, he will also require occasional procedures to completely flush his sinuses to aid in the management of his illness.

While all this sounds terrifying and tragic, you must look past the medical jargon and see Ringo for the beautiful soul he is. He has been a loving kitty since day one: not only charming his foster carer with his unique “bangs” look, but also with his playful, cuddly personality. He loves playing with toys and running around just like every other kitten, and will happily jump on your lap for pats and kisses. He is so cheerful and happy to be alive often it is easy to forget that has been dealt the unfortunate hand of having a chronic illness. The illness does not define him, his strength and courage does.

We are now asking for your help to sponsor Ringo and give him a better chance at a second life. For just $10 a fortnight, your support will ensure that Ringo continues to receive the necessary care for his chronic condition and help us to get him prepared for finding a family that will accept him for who he is, not what illness he has.

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Dental Care for Cats

2/9/2019

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Dentists recommend humans brush their teeth twice a day and to have at least one dental check-up a year. Tooth decay, gum disease, and plague build-up are just some of the problems that are easily prevented by a dental hygiene routine – and it is the same for cats.
The seriousness of maintaining dental hygiene cannot be ignored. According to the team at Flinders View Veterinary Surgery, all cats from the age of three are “80% more likely to develop a serious dental disease.” Tartar on the teeth is the main problem vets attribute to these high figures. When tartar or plague is left on the surface of a cat’s teeth the feline’s gums can swiftly become inflamed with a condition more commonly known as gingivitis. Left to further develop gingivitis can result in periodontal disease, which can result in bleeding gums or the loss of teeth. Eventually if bacteria is left unchecked it can spread from the teeth to your cat’s kidneys, heart, lungs, or liver causing irreversible damage.

There are thankfully several points where an observant cat owner can intervene before such damage takes place. Noticing the signs of dental disease is the first line of defence against it. Symptoms include bad breath, drooling, pawing at the mouth, red gums, or a change in eating patterns such a refusing or dropping food.

Vets also recommend a regular hygiene routine that includes brushing your beloved pet’s teeth. It is also important to ensure you do not forget to massage their gums in order to reduce the risk of gum disease.

Brushing your cat’s teeth can be difficult, as cats are usually reluctant to let owner’s do so. It is best to introduce brushing slowly to your pet: start by simply using your finger to ‘brush’ your pet’s mouth. Once they appear willing to allow this you can begin adding tooth paste and eventually a brush – a cat toothbrush or a child’s toothbrush can work well given their size.

It is important to remain patient throughout. Be gentle and reassure your pet whenever possible.
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If tartar remains present on their teeth booking a professional descale and polish is the best course of action in order to prevent both pain and further dental disease. Many veterinary practices have free dental checks or discounted cleans for such a purpose. Further recommendations include dental toys and a dental diet with dry biscuits both designed to remove tartar and maintain teeth cleanliness. Please remember that all dental diets should be given only at the advice of your vet.
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Beginner's Guide to Surrendering a Cat

8/7/2019

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Certain circumstances can lead to the heartbreaking result of surrendering a beloved companion. It is never an easy decision for any pet owner to make. This quick guide will highlight some of the responsible actions you can take before making the final call. 
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Consider the alternatives 
RSPCA provides helpful strategies that you could potentially incorporate based on your current situation. In a bit of a time crunch? Why not hire a pet-sitter, or ask a close friend to watch your pet for the afternoon? Currently renting? Consider a pet CV for your landlord. 

Network with friends and family 
Your cat may already be familiar with those in your immediate circle. If you have truly exhausted all your options, have a chat to a close friend or relative to see if they would be willing to rehome or even foster your pet. This will ease the adjustment period all pets face when they enter unfamiliar territory. 

Utilise the power of social media 
Get the word out by reaching out to friends on Facebook. Provide photographs and include accurate details, including breed, desexing and vaccination status, appealing qualities, and reasons for rehoming. Facebook group pages are also a great way to reach a larger audience. When all else fails, turn to traditional media and spread the word through the local newspaper and community noticeboards.

Prepare for rehoming 
Get your pet’s health checked, and make sure your cat is desexed, treated for fleas, vaccinated, and well-groomed. Go through a meet and greet with potential candidates and complete a home and reference check. This will give you peace of mind and ensure your little feline friend is brought up in a good environment. Don’t forget to also update the necessary paperwork (council registration, change of ownership forms, microchip details etc.)!

Reach out to Reputable Rescue Groups  
Many organisations in Australia are more than willing to help find a new home for your pet. Do your research to find the right rescue group for you within your area. Once you get into contact with your chosen organisation, provide as much detail as possible to ensure your companion gets the best chance of adoption.  

Surrendering a pet can come with a rollercoaster of emotions, yet it is important to acknowledge that there is always support available to ease the process. At FFARQ, we are dedicated to finding forever homes for surrendered, stray and abandoned cats. If you are interested in surrendering a cat to FFARQ, you can contact us through the FFARQ Facebook page or submit a form through our website. 

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Written by Claudine Prior for FFARQ.

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Avoid a Christmas tree cat-astrophe

3/12/2018

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Cats love Christmas trees. The sparkly tinsel, fairy lights, shiny baubles and a chance to climb are often too much for any feline to resist. Christmas trees can be a health hazard to excitable kitties and a logging disaster waiting to happen. So how do you cat-proof your Christmas tree?
 
Choose your tree with care – real trees can be more dangerous than artificial trees because pine needles, when chewed, can cause stomach upsets and cuts to paws and mouths. If you want a real tree, choose a small one, and a variety with low needle drop. Make sure that the base is solid, and cover the water in the tray to prevent your cat from drinking it. An artificial tree with inbuilt LED lights, soft greenery and a sturdy base is safer, as it will cause less damage to your cat and room if your tree takes a tumble.
 
Pick the purrfect place – Critically assess the location for your tree. Avoid areas with shelves, couches and furniture nearby - anything your cat can use as a launchpad to divebomb the tree. Placing it in the corner of the room can reduce your cat’s access and provide stability if the tree is rocked. Ideally, the room can be close off when you’re asleep or out.
 
Safe decorating tips – Leave the tree bare a few days before decorating, to let cats adjust to the new arrival. Avoid decorating the bottom of the tree. Place tinsel in the middle of the tree and tuck in the ends towards the trunk, and shinier ornaments at the top, out of harm’s way. Avoid glass ornaments in favour of ones that can’t shatter. Tuck all fairy light cables behind the tree, and if necessary tape the wires to the floor with electrical tape.
 
Making your tree safe for all the members of your family, including the furry ones, will make the holiday season a lot more enjoyable. Keep your tree upright and your cat out of it, and have a very Meowy Christmas!

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