We’ve put together some service information, plus a selection of tips and advice on keeping cats happy during the lockdown from Cats Protection.
Visiting the vet
Because of the lockdown and social distancing, if your cat needs veterinary care, don’t come straight to the surgery, call us first. Our Shoreham, Brighton and Telscombe surgeries are still open for emergencies and overdue vaccinations. If you are self isolating because of Covid-19 symptoms, please let us know when you call and if possible, get a friend or relative to bring your cat to its appointment for you.
Neutering
We’ve suspended neutering unless for health reasons and so recommend that all unneutered cats are kept indoors to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Cats can get pregnant from just four months of age, so if possible, it’s important to keep male and female cats separate even within the same household.
Be prepared
Have you got a friend or family member that could care for your cat if you become ill? Having a dedicated ‘cat advocate’ can avoid unnecessary stress especially in these uncertain times. Keep their details on hand so that you can share them with others if the need arises.
Your local authority has a duty of care to help in these situations and If needed will speak to your ‘cat advocate’ to arrange emergency and on-going care for them according to your wishes.
Wellbeing
From having the kids at home to being kept indoors more, there are many reasons why your cat might be finding life tricky at the moment. Is your cat acting out of character? It could be stress. Don’t punish your cat for any new behaviour. Instead provide plenty of entertainment to keep them occupied and play with them regularly throughout the day. Fishing rod toys and puzzle feeders are great entertainment but remember that it’s just as important for your cat to have somewhere cosy and calm to retreat to.
Feline Coronavirus
We want to reassure our clients that Feline Coronavirus, or CovF, is an entirely different disease to the coronavirus that we are currently experiencing and is not transmitted to other animals or people.
For more cat friendly advice, visit the Cats Protection website, www.cats.org.uk/behaviour.
