Innholdsfortegnelse for May 2022 i Your Cat

Whether you are taking a trip to your local pet store or shopping online for your new arrival, there’s certain equipment that your kitten must have in his new home. LITTER TRAYS, LITTER, AND SCOOP Your kitten’s litter trays (ideally you need two in different locations) should be placed in discreet and quiet places, away from his water and food bowls. Position away from large windows or cat flaps to avoid disturbance, which could prompt toileting issues. Do not be tempted to buy cheap cat litter, instead opt for a specialist kitten litter, which will be soft on his delicate paws, locking fluid away effectively. Remember to clean the litter tray regularly, as kittens are very sensitive to smells and he may be put off using it if it’s unclean.…

WHAT IS THE VET LOOKING FOR? As well as asking you some questions, so they start to get a picture of your kitten’s current health, he or she will give your kitten a thorough examination to check him over for any signs of illness or disability. They will examine your kitten’s mouth, teeth, and tongue to check for any sign of gum disease and to make sure his baby teeth are coming through. They’ll examine his eyes to check for symptoms of illnesses, including cat flu, and look in his ears for mites. Your vet should also take your kitten’s temperature — a normal temperature for a kitten should be between 37 and 39°c (99-102°f). They should feel his abdomen to check for any lumps, as well as assessing his body…

The weaning process begins between the ages of three and four weeks; weaning is usually completed at around eight weeks of age. Their first meals are usually wet food, but could also be moistened dry kibble. Before bringing your new kitten home, find out what food he has been fed and buy a supply of the same. A sudden change of diet, combined with the stress of travel, leaving his mum and siblings, and adjusting to a new home, is likely to cause stomach upset. If you want to change your kitten’s diet, allow him time to settle, then do it very gradually, mixing the new food with your kitten’s usual food. WHICH FOOD? A good-quality commercial kitten food will provide your little one with the right balance of nutrients he…

Young cats go through a significant development stage which can impact on the dynamic within the home if you have other cats. Daniel Cummings, behaviour expert at Cats Protection, explains: “From a behaviour point of view, cats go through a stage called ‘social maturity’ between the age of 18 months and four years. During this stage, they can become more solitary, seek out their own space, and no longer perceive themselves as being in the same social group as other cats. Daniel continues: “A lot of cats reach social maturity and are happy to remain part of a social group, of course, but people aren’t necessarily aware that the opposite can happen, and we can offer owners advice about this.” Sharing isn’t caring For the sake of a harmonious feline…

When you get your new kitten, you need to see your home through completely fresh eyes, as there are so many potential dangers, which might not affect humans, but could seriously injure tiny kittens. Ideally, get down on your hands and knees and look at your home from the perspective of the kitten — he will be adept at climbing, so remember to look up too. Here’s an overview of a typical home with ways to make it kitten friendly. LIVING ROOM ● Wires — cables for your TV, table lamps, or phone chargers may tempt an inquisitive kitten as a game or something to chew. Tidy them away, fit cable tidies, or block the kitten’s access. ● Chimneys — a dark hole can prove very appealing to a curious…

Aleading animal charity has shared its top money-saving tips to help cat owners amid concerns of rising costs of living. Cats Protection, the UK’s largest cat charity, says that as long as their basic care needs are met, cats are generally a low maintenance pet and don’t need expensive toys, bedding, or equipment to be happy and healthy. Cat Protection’s central veterinary officer Sarah Elliott says: “Cats are hugely important in the lives of all sorts of people, from pensioners living alone to busy young families. For many of us, our pet cat is the source of great companionship, comfort, and fun, especially during stressful or difficult times. “With the cost of living rising, it’s understandable that many people will be looking at how they can make savings around the…

Following advice from a Government taskforce around pet microchipping, rules are set to be reformed with the aim of making the process of reuniting lost pets with their owners easier. New proposals, set out by the Government, include improvements to the pet microchipping database system, such as faster access for approved users and regular reminders for keeping records updated, which will help improve breeder traceability. The recommendations follow last year’s Pet Theft Taskforce report, which highlighted the need to improve navigation of the database system and the transfer of keepership records. An eight-week consultation period on the reforms will seek views on new requirements for registering additional details and a single point of access, so microchip records can quickly be accessed by approved users to help identify the owners and keepers…

The International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM) is celebrating a decade of its Cat Friendly Clinic (CFC) accreditation programme. ISFM, the veterinary division of International Cat Care (iCatCare), created the programme — which started with a competition to encourage veterinary professionals to think about the cat experience in their own clinics — to design cat-friendly veterinary clinics, reduce the stress for cats, and at the same time, make veterinary visits easier for cat owners. The charity says: “It is hugely encouraging ideas that were innovative 10 years ago have now become mainstream and that people working in veterinary clinics are developing even more ideas as their expertise with cats increases, and the results of being cat friendly become obvious and rewarding.” Over the past 10 years, ISFM has accredited 2,570…

● While it is possible to train your cat yourself, it is a good idea to do it with the help of an animal behaviourist, especially if you are new to owning cats. “I think that would be one of the kindest ways you could do it, because you’re going to get advice from someone who really has strong expertise in training and should have the ability to help you learn to read your cat’s body language,” says Sam. “It’s extremely important to be able to read the signals that your cat is sending you. They might be subtle, but they will be there.” ● If you are doing it yourself, Sam recommends starting when they are young and starting very slowly by showing the cat the harness on the ground and allowing…

My gorgeous Tigger arrived with me on February 7, aged five months from the Cyprus Pride House (CPH) rescue. CPH is run by the wonderful June and Michael Ratcliff who moved to Cyprus from the UK for a quiet life and have instead rehomed over 1,000 animals. The photos are from when Tigger was found (sadly his brother passed away) to his life now. His eyesight has been affected by the infection but he can see well enough to cause complete chaos! Angela Page Get in touch… Got a great cat story or just want to tell us about how much your feline friend means to you? Cat Chat is the place for you!…

Most people, when they think of Liverpool, will automatically think of The Beatles, comedian John Bishop and actor Stephen Graham. But it won’t be long before a little ginger cat, who is fast becoming one of the city’s most popular faces, is up there with other Scouse royalty! Eli is not the kind of cat that is content to stay at home while his owner Molly Bradshaw, a third-year veterinary student, goes out socialising with friends. All images: Eli the Adventure Cat. STARTING YOUNG Eli came home with Molly when he was nine weeks old from a breeder in Wales and straight away showed his adventurous personality. She said: “Since he was a kitten, he was keen to explore. When I first met him, he came straight over and curled up…

Chris Pascoe is a cat-sitter and author. He has written five books, including ‘A cat called Birmingham’ and ‘You can take the cat out of Slough’, which are available to buy from Amazon. As regular readers will know, there’s very little wrong with most of the cats on my rounds, but something very wrong with the cat-sitter. A recent conversation with a new client is testament to just how wrong. When Tricia first called, she was full of compliments about the good things she’d heard about my service. I responded by managing to twice insult her within the first two minutes of our conversation (as you do): “OK Tricia, that’s this weekend booked for you. When would be convenient to collect your key?” “Um, any day bar Wednesday. I’m having a…

Claire Bessant, who will be stepping down in August after 28 years as CEO of International Cat Care, has been awarded the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) Ray Butcher Award. Presented annually, this ‘unsung hero’ award recognises an individual who has made a significant contribution to animal welfare in the community. The award is in memory of Ray Butcher, President of the BSAVA between 1993 and 1994, who passed away in 2015. Claire has been recognised for her time at iCatCare, previously called the Feline Advisory Bureau, which she has transformed from a small, mainly UK-based organisation focusing on breeders to an international charity with a vital role in veterinary education. During her time at iCatCare, Claire has developed the Cat Friendly Clinic programme, and has worked with breeders,…

Toni Shelbourne A Tellington TTouch practitioner and certified animal behaviourist, Toni Shelbourne has three decades of experience working with companion animals. The author of six books, she lives in Oxfordshire, where she sees clients, runs workshops, and gives talks and webinars. You can visit her website: www.tonishelbourne.co.uk Why is my cat being bullied? Cats will try to avoid getting into fights. However, they can be very territorial and, especially in built-up areas where the feline population is denser, conflicts may occur. Although there can be many reasons for aggression, it’s often over territory; most will attempt to defend their home range from invasion by others, while assertive cats may try to extend their territory, and if you have a shy, less confident kitty, he can be an easy target. Cats…

For those interested in neurology, each emotional system is built around different major neurotransmitters and combinations of them in their individual circuitry. ‘Fear’, for example, is typified by the release of nor-adrenalin in its circuits in the brain, while the ‘Play’ system is about the release of warm and fuzzy opiates. The ‘Care’ system is about the ‘love hormone’ oxytocin, and the ‘Seeking’ system prompts the release of dopamine, the same neurostransmitter that makes you feel good when jogging or exercising, behaviours which can all too easily become addictive because of that resulting good feeling. It’s important to note that just the performance of those behaviours is what releases the dopamine, not a successful result, which makes them all nicely resistant to failure. This is really important for a hunter like…

Deborah Forbes, from Northamptonshire, discovered her cat Rooky, who had kidney disease, was being fed by a neighbour. She found a simple way to successfully resolve the problem. “Rooky was a real character; he was super friendly and loved everyone and I know that he liked to visit our neighbours to say hello and get some fuss. “He had kidney disease and although he was well day to day, he needed a strict diet of special food to prevent strain on his damaged kidneys. Cats with kidney disease can be rather skinny and may have rather unkempt fur so can look as though they are underfed or not cared for. They can be sick quite frequently and I began to notice that Rooky was coming in from his morning trip…

Gainsborough Feral Rescue, based in Lincolnshire, is a not-for-profit rescue set up in 2018 by Melanie Barker and Jo Simpson. Both had fostered for many years for another rescue, but it was a chance encounter with a feral cat colony that led them to setting up the rescue and doing all they can to help feral cats. The pair said: “It is all about the welfare of the cat and we never put a cat back that we think we can work with.” Their mission is to ‘TNR’ (trap, neuter, and release) feral cats, and relocate them to safe areas when needed and to socialise and rehome any kittens. Melanie said the best advice she can give to anyone with a cat is to neuter them. As word spread of…

Sparkle wins an Ancol Premo XL Activity Centre, worth £21.90, while the others receive an assortment of cat toys, including a Jittery Mouse, courtesy of Ancol Pet Products. For more information, call 01922 402428. (UK only) SEE YOUR CAT HERE! Email a clear (non-blurry) image of usable size (around 300dpi and 1MB) to pawtraits@yourcat.co.uk Please include your full name, address, and phone number, as well as your cat’s name. www.facebook.com/yourcatmagazine @yourcatmagazine pawtraits@yourcat.co.uk…

Hi everyone, my name is Lucy and I absolutely love cats! I own three moggies, foster rescue cats, and work with felines as a registered veterinary nurse in a gold standard feline friendly practice. I’ve realised that the opening line sounds like a confession — it’s not meant to; I just wanted to introduce myself and say how delighted I am to add ‘writing about cats’ to that list and share my passion for all things feline with you in my monthly diary. VETERINARY NURSE It may seem like a cliché, but since I was little, I have always dreamed of being a vet nurse. I have been working in the veterinary world for five years, and two and a half of those years, were training to be a Registered…

Q How does kitten food differ from adult cat food? Kittens have different nutritional requirements to adult cats, and kitten food is formulated to reflect this with considerations such as higher energy density, balanced protein and fat levels, and provision of essential fatty acids, minerals, and antioxidants for optimal growth and development. Q Is it a good idea to stay with the same brand when changing from kitten to adult food? There may be some benefit to staying with the same brand as the manufacturer would have specially formulated their foods to follow one another, but as long as a product is complete and appropriate for the cat’s age, it is also fine to change brands. Q Should a kitten have both wet and dry food? It’s important to ensure…

As part of getting to know his new home and surroundings, your kitten will be keen to explore. His natural sense of curiosity will take him all over the place — potentially even into gaps you probably didn’t even know existed! There are probably places in your home you would like to designate as cat-free spaces. If it’s a particular room, you’ll simply need to be vigilant and keep the door closed at all times. Unfortunately, you can’t train a cat to stay out — their innate curious natures will draw them in if the door is left open! KITCHEN ETIQUETTE In the kitchen, it’s a good idea, for safety and hygiene reasons, to keep your kitten off worktops, cooker hobs, and even the kitchen table. In this case, start…

Kittens grow and change enormously in their first year — they don’t stay as little bundles of fluff for long! Within months, they’re big enough to explore and challenge the world around them. At a year old, they are small adults. You can take pleasure in watching your kitten’s unique personality develop and, while he may be growing in independence, there should still be plenty of interaction between you — and he’ll certainly need your care and attention in terms of his health and welfare. The annual health check is one of your kitten’s key milestones. Don’t ignore the invitation to visit your vet a year on from the completion of his first vaccinations. This check-up is important as your kitten will get a full head-to-tail examination, and is about more than…

Q Did they breed the kitten? It’s important to see the kitten with his mother in the place where he was born, and to find out about the kitten’s history. That’s why it is important to make sure you are buying from the breeder themselves. Q Have any of the kittens had any health problems? Try to find out whether any of the kittens in the litter have had a health check from the vet, or been treated by the vet for any reason. If your kitten has been checked or received any treatment, the breeder should provide details of anything abnormal that the vet may have noted. Q Is the mother healthy — has she been vaccinated and wormed? It is very important that the mother is healthy and up-to-date with…

It’s a bumper issue this month! We are delighted to bring you the Your First Kitten Guide in association with Webbox. In the middle of the magazine you will find the brilliant 32-page guide all about kitten care. It takes you through step-by-step how to give your kitten the best possible start in life. Even if you’re an experienced cat owner, there will be advice in there to help you on your journey. In the mag itself, we delve into some serious topics, including walking cats on leads. It’s a fairly recent phenomenon but is growing in popularity. We get the experts’ views on what you need to think about if you’re considering it with your pet — it’s a fascinating read. Until next month, SUBSCRIBE TO YOUR FAVOURITE CAT…

● Adopt don’t shop: cat lovers can save from day one by adopting through a cat rescue charity as adopting a cat is generally much cheaper than purchasing one. What fees there are usually cover the cost of essentials such as vaccinations, parasite control, and microchipping. It’s also worth remembering that moggies tend to be healthier, compared to their purebred cousins and, for this reason, they are also cheaper to insure. ● Pet insurance: high vet bills can be incredibly stressful — make sure your cat is insured to help you cope with any unexpected costs. ● Make your own toys: toilet roll tubes or egg boxes are perfect for making puzzle feeders to make mealtimes more interesting for your cat. Old socks can be reinvented into a fun cat…

A much-loved family cat from South East London has overcome the odds to make a full recovery following a traumatic traffic incident which left her with a fractured pelvis. Rosie required emergency treatment from vet charity PDSA after her owner discovered her struggling to walk and unable to bear weight on her hind legs. Laura took Rosie to a local emergency out-of-hours vet who confirmed Rosie had been hit by a car and would need expensive, specialist treatment, which as a nursing student with limited income, Laura knew would be a challenge to afford. Laura says: “After learning of Rosie’s severe injuries, I had to prepare myself and my seven-year-old daughter, Sophia, for the worst — that we might have to say goodbye to our beloved cat. It was heart-breaking,…

Yvonne Martin is a freelance journalist who specialises in health and well-being features. She is a lifelong cat-lover and lives with a shorthair tabby called Rita who has her own instagram account @ritascatworld The idea of being able to go out with your cat by your side on a lead, just as dog owners do, is very appealing, but it’s important to remember that cats are not dogs. Nevertheless, many people want to try it in order to give their cats a breath of fresh air, perhaps because they are indoor pets who don’t go out and about on their own. RSPCA cat welfare expert, Sam Watson why people want to do it, but sounds a note of caution for something people want to do because they love their cat and…

“It’s very rewarding as an owner…” Kathryn Hearn is a journalist for ‘The Guardian’ whose career has included working at Newsround, as an RSPCA press officer, and a pet agony aunt. She grew up with cats and shares her home with Maine Coon Kylo, and rescue cats, Tabby and Rey. Cat lovers probably hope that as they enter the golden years of their lives there will be a loving moggy to stroke, who will sit on their lap, purr, and bring some much-needed comfort. However, for many older people a move into residential care or assisted living means giving up a pet and learning to live without any animal interaction. But the charity Pets As Therapy (PAT) is trying to change this by arranging regular visits to nursing and care…

KEY TO COMPETITIONS ● ME – Magazine readers only. ● MN – Magazine readers and newsletter subscribers can enter. ● MNW – Magazine, newsletter subscribers and web visitors can enter. SQUIDGLYS LOLA THE CAT ADORAMALS PETS PLUSH TOY This cute plush cat has a unique double-sided design, which is super soft and easy to flip over. The different happy and sad expressions can easily express your mood. The material is very soft, helping relieve your stress and anxiety. It’s the cutest little thing to cuddle up with! We have two to give away. ME Online Code: Travel Entries live April 14th – May 11th CATS CLAY MODELLING POTTERY KIT, BY JUDITH ALLEN This comprehensive pottery kit has been especially designed for cat lovers. It contains everything you will need from…

Rosemary Fisher entered the cat fancy in 1974 when she purchased her first pedigree cat — a Chinchilla called Brylou Moonstone. She breeds Persians and Exotics, and judges in several sections. She is currently a GCCF Board member and also serves on the genetics committee. HISTORY The Turkish Van and its all white counterpart, the Vankedisi, originated in the Lake Van region of modern Turkey. Lake Van is the largest lake in Turkey, situated in the far east of the country in the Armenian Highlands. The region experiences extremes of weather from hot and humid in the summer, down to temperatures of -12ºC, or lower, in the winter. The breed has been known and kept as a domestic pet for centuries and, like other natural breeds that have been around for…

International Cat Care works with partner organisation the American Association of Feline Practitioners which offers an excellent programme to help veterinary professionals care for cats. The Cat Friendly Certificate Program aims to build knowledge, skills, and best in-clinic practices for feline care, based on an individual’s role within a practice. Since its launch in September 2020, over 5,000 veterinary professionals have received their certificate as either a Cat Friendly Veterinarian, Cat Friendly Veterinary Professional, or Cat Friendly Veterinary Advocate. In total, more than 8,000 veterinary professionals have registered for one of the three available certificates. According to the Certificate Program Survey, 98 per cent ranked the content as good to excellent and 95 per cent would recommend the certificate program to others (with 4 per cent undecided until they are…

Peter Neville has spent over 30 years as a professional pet behaviourist, writer, and educator. In 1993, he co-founded COAPE International (coape.org), now a leading online provider of education courses in pet behaviour. Peter is the author of 16 books, including the international best-seller, ‘Do Cats Need Shrinks?’ He now lives in Helsinki, Finland, with his partner Stella, and two cats, Asla and Trista. Keeping a pet cat indoors or allowing access to the great outdoors has long been a subject of debate. As human living habits become ever more urbanised and restricted in terms of space, it’s one that becomes more important in terms of ensuring basic feline welfare but, equally as important, the rights of every pet cat in our care to enjoy the best lifestyle possible too.…

Having stood proudly in the south east of England for 1,400 years, Canterbury Cathedral attracts visitors from all around the world. It has an incredibly rich history, as it was founded in about 600AD by St Augustine and was built in stone by the Normans. It even had one of medieval Britain’s first running water supplies — created by Prior Wibert in circa 1165 — which flushed the monks’ toilets. The cathedral was nearly completely destroyed by a fire in 1174 and was rebuilt as the first Gothic building in England. In more recent history, the cathedral survived WWII bombings and remains a working church to this day, with at least three services every day. And if all of this incredible history isn’t enough, the fact it is home to…

Leaving his mum, siblings, and the home he was born in or place he’s grown up in will be a daunting for your kitten, and the transition should be made as smooth as possible. You can start preparing him for the journey home by swapping your scent to give him a comforting smell of his new home. In the days leading up to him coming home with you, leave a blanket or a worn item of clothing, such as a T-shirt, in his bed, and bring a blanket he already has back with you to place in his new bed. Top tip! iCatCare recommends turning the radio off and using a calm voice to reassure your kitten on the way home. THE JOURNEY HOME It’s essential that you purchase a…

We all want a cat who is friendly, sociable, and wants to spend time with us. But the time for shaping your cat’s personality for the future is now, in the first two months of his life. Making sure he experiences as much of the ‘real world’ as possible is of utmost importance. But rather than trying to teach him all of life’s lessons at once, socialising your new kitten needs to be approached carefully, as too much at once can be overwhelming, and even traumatising. Cats Protection’s behaviour manager, Nicky Trevorrow, advises: “All experiences need to be positive for a kitten; a bad experience can be as detrimental as having no experience. Build up a kitten’s experiences gradually over time, and repeat them regularly throughout the first two months of…

It is safe for a kitten to take his first steps outside once he has completed his course of injections, at around 12 to 13 weeks. If you have just brought him home, allow him a couple of weeks to settle in. Many people also wisely choose to wait until their pet is neutered before they go outside. Your garden will open up a whole new world to your kitten. It’ll be rather overwhelming initially, so go out with him for short periods to start off with. Play with him and build his confidence, making sure he knows where the back door is so he can dash back in if he wants to. Make your outdoor space as safe as possible for your kitten’s adventures before you take him out.…

Sometimes, what starts as a ‘cute’ behaviour quickly becomes rather ‘uncute’. A little kitten climbing up your bare leg while you’re stood in your dressing gown, waiting for the kettle to boil, may be interpreted as adorable because he wants to be close to you, but next time around it might not be so sweet. It’s not an action to encourage, especially as he gets bigger and those nails become longer! The list below is an example of ‘bad’ things owners often report kittens do. Just remember that none are your kitten’s fault. Some could be due to his ‘upbringing’ (socialisation), while others are down to misplaced energies that need to be rechanneled. FIND A SOLUTION Your first stop for tackling unwanted behaviours is to ensure your kitten has everything he…

If you’ve been thinking about bringing a new kitten into your home, this is the place to get started! Inside this comprehensive guide, we will be covering everything you’ll need to know about getting a kitten — from where to find them, everything you’ll need to transform your home into a kitten paradise, and essential equipment, to training and socialising, choosing the right toys, solving problem behaviours, and plenty of useful information about keeping them safe, happy, and healthy along the way. If you want your kitten to grow into your perfect companion, then ‘Your First Kitten’ will be your go-to source of information and reference. Once your kitten is all grown up, there’s Your Cat Magazine — a monthly publication for all things cat. We’re here for ypeople who…

A woman whose life was saved by her cat has turned to needle felting to ease her health anxiety, and her work, which features two famous Huddersfield cats, is to be featured in a national exhibition in April. In November 2017, Gill Kelly, from Huddersfield, was alerted to her ovarian cancer when her cat Humbug jumped on her stomach, which caused her pain and the discovery of a lump, which turned out to be a 2kg tumour. Since her recovery, Gill has suffered from anxiety the disease could return and took up needle felting to ease her fears. Gill’s most ambitious project to date, charting the history of Huddersfield’s textile heritage, has made it into a national exhibition. The event will showcase Gill’s story, as well as her 1m square landscape.…

Pretty Daisy May has been a PAT cat all her life! Once she was old enough to volunteer — at nine months old — she started visiting older people in Heathland Court care home in Wimbledon, London. The lilac tabby Birman has been going twice a week to cheer up residents — and now she is nearly nine! Her owner, Clare d’Adhemar, says Daisy May thrives on her visits: “She is literally amazing. When we visit the home, we will firstly go and visit the residents who are poorly and so are in their rooms. Daisy May will sit on their beds — she is so chilled and cuddly — and loves to be stroked or nuzzle in and give them Daisy May kisses. “One time, there was a lady who…

Then only £9.99 every three issues! (Anytime cancellation) If you love cats, you’ll know cats bring so much joy to our lives, and Your Cat Magazine is a celebration of all things cat, every month! Treat yourself or buy as a gift for a friend, especially at such a low trial price of just 99p! If you like it, carry on for just £9.99 a quarter – risk free/cancel anytime. PLUS, we’ll send you a Lucky Cat Keyring. IT’S EASY TO BECOME A SUBSCRIBER! www.yourcat.co.uk/99p 01778 395176 & Quote CATS/PRINT T&Cs-This offer is available on direct debit only, go to www.yourcat.co.uk/subscribe to view the full range of credit/debit card offers.…

GENERAL CARE Celia Haddon MA MSc MA is a well-known pet columnist and author of numerous cat books. She is a cat lover and owner, with a cat behaviour qualification and broad experience of feline issues. VETERINARY Aga Zoltowska BVSc MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats) DipCABT MRCVS graduated from the University of Liverpool in 2005 and is passionate about cat welfare. Find out more at www.thecatboxsolutions.com BEHAVIOUR Kim Houston BSc (Hons), Dip (AS) CABC, CCAB is a consultant in feline behaviour. She works with clients throughout the UK, helping to resolve cat behaviour problems. Find out more at www.cat-astrophes.com Clare Hemington DipCAPBT is an accredited feline behaviourist. She has a cat behaviour referrals practice and runs her Honeysuckle Cat Toys business with the help of her Siamese, Billy. You can find out more from her…

Q I noticed my cat Mimi biting her nails the other day. Is this a bad habit, like humans biting their nails? Your Cat reader CELIA SAYS: A Mimi is using her teeth on her claws to pull off the sheath that surrounds each claw. Cats shed the outside sheath of their claws when a new one has grown underneath. Normally, they scratch on a scratching post or the furniture to discard the sheath. If you look round areas where Mimi scratches, you may see some discarded empty sheaths — a sign that her scratching is working. If they can’t get a good scratch, cats will sometimes need to pull off the sheath using their teeth. This also is normal behaviour. To reduce her need to bite at her claws,…

“There are some serious risks attached to cats being fed away from home.” As devoted cat owners it can be tough to discover that your furry friend is not as loyal and faithful as you thought they were. We were surprised when our neighbours told us that our tabby cat Rita — who we thought only had eyes for us — would regularly stroll in through their back door when it was open during the summer months and enjoy a relaxing visit there and a bit of fuss. No harm done and if both parties enjoy each other’s company for a little while we don’t mind. But what if your cat is being regularly fed by other people, or — the unthinkable — they want to live in someone else’s…