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Going away on a
well-earned summer break this year? If you are, don’t forget to make
arrangements for your feline friends to be looked after while you’re
away.
The older cat continues to find itself homeless - it appears that we
humans treat our own as badly as we treat our animals! I hear it's
called "Granny dumping", when a family member will dump their
elderly parent at a hospital, making up a story of illness so they
can be free to go away on holiday without the responsibility of a
geriatric. The difference being of course that the owner never comes
back for their pet - after all, the pet can't talk and drop the
owner in it can they? (… but Granny might though!)
The summer months are like Christmas time for us at West Lothian
Branch as there are always an alarming amount of older cats handed
in or dumped because the owners have not made any provision for them
while they are away on holiday.
It has even been known for people to dump their older cat and then
have the cheek to phone us when they return from their holiday and
ask us for a kitten! Please don't add to the growing number of
homeless oldies and ensure that you make provision for your cat in
plenty of time before you go away.
Here are out top-tips to make sure that both you and your feline
friends have an enjoyable holiday:
Home from home: If you’re going away on holiday, remember to
book your cat into a cattery well in advance. Why not make the
arrangements at the same time as you book your holiday so it's all
organised at the same time? Remember, good catteries will
become full very quickly over the busy summer period so don't leave
it until the last minute. Also, be sure to have your cat's
vaccinations done in plenty of time as catteries will not take your
cat unless they are all up-to-date and you have an up-to-date
vaccination certificate.
Stay at home kitty: Alternatively, why not consider a cat
sitter? Start by asking your Vet as they may know of someone who
provides this service. Recommendations from close friends and family
are also worth considering. You could contact the National Register
of Pet Sitters (NARP) -
www.dogsit.com -
who are a trade association with more than 7,000 members and they
set the standards for private pet care within the UK.
Lock-in: Before leaving for your holiday, check your garage
and shed for any stray cats that could be locked in whilst you’re
away.
Keep it Wet: If you are tempted to feed a cat whilst on
holiday abroad, it’s best to feed it wet food rather than dry. The
cat may not have adequate access to water which could cause health
problems.
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