As the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite in 2024, our Vet Jürgen Theinert runs through some important reasons why anyone who owns a Dog, Cat or Rabbit in Purleigh, Malden, Althorne and the surrounding areas should consider joining our Pet Health Club.
Discover our membership benefits & discounts
There’s never been a more appropriate time to consider the benefits of joining our Pet Health Club. The reasons most clients join a pet health plan fall under two key headings. Firstly, to improve the welfare of their pet and secondly because of the financial benefits. Given what’s happening in the world at the moment, it’s no surprise that the financial case for joining is actually growing in importance, especially if you have more than one pet.
How our Pet Health Club helps pets & owners
Prevention is better (& cheaper) than cure
Jürgen shares that the main reason we started to offer our plan was to make it easier for clients to invest in preventative healthcare measures for their pets. Things like vaccinations, flea & worm treatments for cats and dogs, flystrike prevention for rabbits and an annual check-up are the bare minimum that pet owners should consider.
Save money on your pet care
You’ll save money by joining the Pet Health Club, even more so if you have more than one pet! Investing in the core elements listed above is much more expensive if you purchase them individually. You can see the cost of joining our plan by visiting our Pet Health Club page and when you compare that to how much you pay per year for the same items, you’ll be making considerable savings. Our team can help you work this out, just get in touch!
Manage the cost of your pet’s health
Our clients value the fact that they can pay for the plan monthly as it allows them to budget for the basic healthcare of their pet. We know that predicting the cost of looking after pets is important to a lot of people.
Great value pet care
As well as getting a discount on the core preventative treatments, by being a member of the plan, you’ll also be offered additional discounts and exclusive benefits. You can see the latest offers for plan members on our Pet Health Club page.
The best deal for you and your dog
When it comes to dogs, many of their preventative healthcare treatments are priced based on weight. As dog weights vary so much between different breeds, we don’t offer a ‘one size fits all’ plan. Edgewood Vets have designed four dog plans to ensure you’re only paying for what your dog needs, giving you the best deal.
We cater for rabbits too!
Unlike some veterinary practices in Essex, we cater for rabbits in our Pet Health Club too, so even more of our clients can save money on their pet’s care!
The best value pet health plan near you?
We think we offer one of the best value pet health plans in Purleigh, Malden & Althorne that caters for rabbits, cats, and dogs. You can get an idea of the costs and benefits of the Pet Health Club plan for your pet here:
Find the cost for your pet & join
If you haven’t enrolled your pet in our Pet Health Club yet, you’re a) spending more ££’s than you need to on routine pet health care and b) risking forgetting an important health check or treatment. Don’t worry, joining Edgewood Vets’ Pet Health Club and starting to reap the rewards doesn’t take long at all!
Did you know, when it comes to your pet’s healthcare, forgotten parasite treatments and vaccinations can have a bigger impact on your pet(s) and your human family than you might think?
- FACT: Without ongoing protection from fleas, these creepy critters can lay up to 50 eggs a day on your cat and in your home.
- FACT: Missing out on annual vaccinations puts your dog at risk every time they are around other dogs.
- FACT: Without annual Rabbit VHD and Myxomatosis vaccinations, a dose of either disease could be fatal for your rabbit.
Our Vet Jürgen Theinert, is here to explain why enrolling your pet in a veterinary health plan is a must-have for pet owners in and around Purleigh, Maldon, and Althorne.
Benefits of our Pet Health Club
Jürgen shares that we are already helping hundreds of Purleigh, Malden and Althorne pet owners lighten the load with our Pet Health Club which caters for dogs, cats and rabbits. Here are the main benefits of joining:
- Vaccinations and parasite treatments for the year are part of our Pet Health Club, helping to keep nasty parasites and many harmful diseases away.
- Regular health assessments are designed to help your pet stay in tip-top condition.
- We’ll remind you when every treatment is due so your pet never has to miss out.
- Save money by paying for your pet’s routine healthcare monthly.
- Enjoy easier budgeting and affordable direct debits – never miss a payment.
- Choose from a range of benefits and discounts to help keep your pet happy & healthy for longer, including 15% off primary consultations, neutering, microchipping, and dental procedures.
- Knowing your pet’s essential and life-saving healthcare treatments are in hand is a huge tick on your to-do-list.
See a full list of Pet Health Club membership benefits & discounts and join today
What pet owners think
Our Pet Health Club has become a “can’t do without” subscription for many pet owners. We asked some of our members to share what they like most about it:
“We’ve saved hundreds of pounds over the years on healthcare treatments we’d have had to buy anyway.”
“Just knowing our dog is covered against so many diseases has given us peace of mind.”
“I love getting monthly reminders to apply Barny’s treatments, such a help”
New year brings new resolutions. One of those resolutions may be to try new things and get out more with your dog. In this article, our Vet, Jürgen Theinert has identified the top 10 things to do with your dog in 2023.
Share photos of your dog loving life on Facebook
10 things to do with your dog in 2023
- Trying UK Agility at your local club
- Visit a dog friendly beach
- Try UK Hoopers
- Enjoy a fun swim at a Hydrotherapy pool
- National Trust days out (check for those that are dog friendly)
- Try Scentwork classes
- Enter Battersea muddy dog run
- Take a walk in your local forests with Forestry Commission
- Teach your dog a new trick
- Try Paddleboarding at a dog friendly centre
There are many different activities and places to visit with your dog, some of them even completely free or with a small fee and are available all over the country such as National Trust or local forests.
Trying new challenges such as dog agility, paddle boarding or hoopers can really help stimulate your dog’s mind and body giving them new challenges from very energetic activities like agility through to the gentler activities such as hoopers or Scentwork training.
Just being in a new environment can have a huge impact not just physically but mentally also. Engaging their brain by introducing them to new activities and environments can have so many beneficial affects so why not make it a goal for 2023 to try new things.
Check your pet’s health
Before you do take on any new challenges however make sure your pet’s health is in good working order before pursuing an activity that may be difficult or put too much stress on them physically. Get in touch with our veterinary nursing team at Edgewood Vets to arrange a check-up.
If you have an older pet or one who struggles with strenuous activity then there are still ways to adapt the activities to suit them, whether it’s finding shorter easier walks or activities such as hoopers that are designed for those that struggle with impactful exercise.
Heart disease and kidney disease are two of the most common diseases cats and dogs can develop. Veterinary surgeon Jürgen Theinert, is here to help pet owners understand more about these ailments and the signs to look out for.
If after reading our article you have any concerns about your pet’s health, book a consult with Jürgen or any of the vets at our Purleigh practice.
About kidney disease in cats and dogs
Jürgen explains that kidney disease can be acute or chronic and caused by many different things. The kidneys are very important organs and are responsible for:
- Removing toxins from circulation
- Getting rid of waste product from the body
- Keeping your pet’s blood pressure regular
- Stopping your pet from dehydrating
Acute kidney disease means the kidneys have stopped working suddenly. Chronic kidney disease means they have been deteriorating over a period of time.
Treatment for kidney disease in cats and dogs will depend on the severity of symptoms but may include IV fluids or hospitalisation for more intense treatments.
Talk to us if you are concerned about kidney disease in your pet.
About heart disease in cats and dogs
There are many different types of heart disease a dog or cat can have. Some of these are:
- Mitral valve disease
- Dilated cardiomyopathy
- Arrhythmias
- Congenital heart disease
- Pericardial disease
Each one affects the heart differently, but they all have very similar symptoms. Jürgen explains that heart disease can affect any dog or cat at any age. Heart valve problems are most common and typically affect small breed dogs aged five or older. Some breeds may be more likely to develop certain heart conditions such as Dobermans are more likely to have dilated cardiomyopathy.
Treatment for heart disease in dogs and cats will depend on the type, severity of symptoms, and your pet’s general health.
Talk to us if you are concerned about heart disease in your pet.
Common signs of heart & kidney diseases
It is always wise to monitor any changes in your pet’s health at home and there are a few common signs of heart disease and kidney disease that you can look out for. Jürgen advises that the earlier the symptoms are picked up, the sooner your pet can undergo investigations and get the vital treatment they need.
Jürgen lists the common signs below:
7 signs your pet may have kidney disease:
- Drinking more water
- Urinating more than usual (may look like water rather than urine a lot of the time)
- Feeling tired
- Quiet and lethargic
- Vomiting
- Unexplained weight loss
- Off food
7 signs your pet may have heart disease:
- Coughing
- Breathlessness
- Exercise intolerance
- Lethargy
- Collapse/fainting
- Weight loss
- Abdominal swelling
Many of these signs can be linked with other conditions but if you have any concerns, it is always best to get your pet looked at by a vet. Jürgen advises that you should not overlook any symptoms whatever age your pet is as some diseases can affect them at a young age. Another sign of heart disease is a heart murmur, which one of our experienced vets can listen out for during a health check – call us to book now.
Causes of Heart & Kidney disease
There are a few factors that can cause heart disease and kidney disease in cats and dogs. These include:
Kidney disease:
- Poisoning
- Underlying health problems such as heart disease
- Long term urinary issues
- Genetics
- Long term dehydration
- Age related changes
Heart disease:
- Genetics
- Age related changes
- Obesity and nutrition can play a role too
Regardless of which heart condition your dog or cat has, it is important to spot the signs early – the same goes for kidney disease. Take another look at the symptoms above and if you have any concerns, get in touch with our Purleigh team on 01621 828381.
As the nation prepares to say its final goodbyes to the late HM Queen Elizabeth II over the next two weeks, our teams at Edgewood Vets in Chelmsford, Maldon, and Burnham-on-Crouch want to take a moment to celebrate her life, her reign and, importantly, her love of animals.
From a young age, Queen Elizabeth held a deep love and connection to animals. From her own huge array of Corgis, Dorgis, and Dachshunds, to her over 100 horses and her sponsorship of wild animals in London Zoo, the late monarch was a passionate animal lover who will be sorely missed.
A young princess Elizabeth was gifted her first dog, a Corgi named Susan, for her 18th birthday in 1944. She would go on to own more than 30 Corgis and (Dorgis) over the next 78 years! A final two Corgis, Muick and Sandy, were gifted to the Queen in 2021 by her children in the wake of her beloved Prince Philip’s death. It has this week been confirmed that these two young dogs will remain in the care of her children.
Queen Elizabeth’s passion for horses was also both well-known and borne from an incredibly young age. Throughout her life she owned winning racehorses to traditional Highland ponies; her first horse, a Shetland, was a gift at just age 4! Queen Elizabeth also brought Monty Robert’s Natural Horsemanship movement in the United States over to the UK in hope of mainstreaming a kind, gentle approach to horse ownership and behaviour – a practice that continues to grow in popularity and increase the welfare of horses today, and one which shows her genuine compassion and love for animals.
More than just animal ownership, Queen Elizabeth was actively involved in several animal organisations. A patron of both the RSPCA and of our very own Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, RCVS – she held a life-long dedication to not just the ownership, but the welfare of animals. Queen Elizabeth was a patron and steadfast supporter of the RCVS since 1952, a connection that our team and our profession are deeply respectful and proud of.
On behalf of everyone at Edgewood Vets and within our veterinary profession, we send our heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family and look forward to Queen Elizabeth’s legacy carrying on with love and support for all animals and those who care for them.
As a mark of respect and to enable as many of our team as possible to be a part of the day’s proceedings if they wish, our services will be reduced on Monday 19th September.
In order to keep our commitment to pre-booked client appointments, we will be operating with skeleton staff and here for pet health emergencies. We kindly ask that you postpone calling us for routine and general enquiries until the following day – thank you
Queen Elizabeth owned more than 30 Corgis in her lifetime, much like these.
This month is immunisation month, so what better time to discover why vaccinating your pet is so important? Our veterinary team in Purleigh have some advice to help dog owners understand more on this topic below.
Vaccinations are key to preventing the spread of disease in your pet as well the wider canine population. They improve the immune response your pet would have after being exposed to a specific disease, drastically increasing their likelihood of survival.
Core dog vaccines
The core canine vaccination protects dogs against 4 harmful diseases that can stay in the environment for months and spread between healthy dogs:
- Canine distemper virus – attacks brain, lungs & intestines
- Infectious canine hepatitis – causes severe liver disease, including jaundice, vomiting & diarrhoea
- Canine parvovirus – attacks bone marrow and gut lining, weakens immune system, causes bloody vomiting & diarrhoea, puppies can die from dehydration and sepsis
- Leptospirosis – hard to diagnose, transmitted by rat’s urine, usually picked up from farms, puddles, or watercourse – causes kidney & liver failure
According to our Vet Jürgen Theinert, this vaccine would be administered whilst your puppy is 6-10 weeks of age and consists of 2 injections 2-4 weeks apart. If you are purchasing a puppy from a breeder or a rescue centre, always check their vaccination status. Most of the time, your puppy will have received their primary injections before you take them home.
Jürgen advises that in some circumstances, puppies may need to restart their initial vaccination course. If your puppy’s first vaccine is not compatible with the vaccines stocked at your vet practice, or if the second vaccine is not given in time, the initial course may need to be restarted.
Being immunised gives your pet a high level of protection against diseases whilst preventing the spread of infection from animal to animal. Annual health checks and booster vaccinations are highly recommended for optimal ongoing protection.
Additional dog vaccines
Some other ‘non-core’ vaccines may be available for your dog if they are at risk of being exposed to other diseases. These diseases include:
• Rabies (if travelling under the Pet Travel Scheme)
• Leishmaniasis (if frequently travelling to the EU)
• Borrelia burgdorferi – for Lyme disease (if you live near/frequently visit tick-infested areas)
Kennel cough
Although the Kennel Cough vaccine is technically considered a non-core vaccine, Jürgen and the team at our Purleigh practice recommend that dogs receive this with their core vaccinations annually. It is administered via a spray up the nostrils and protects dogs against this highly contagious disease.
Kennel cough doesn’t typically cause a serious illness in healthy dogs, but it can make your dog feel very uncomfortable and can expose some dogs to secondary infections. Kennel cough not only affects dogs in kennels, but unvaccinated dogs are at risk at the park, doggy day care, training classes, dog shows, and anywhere else they mix socially.
It is important to remember that all vaccines on the UK market are meticulously checked for safety, efficacy, and quality; serious adverse reactions to vaccines are rare and the benefits of vaccination continue to outweigh this small risk.
The take home message is that puppy and dog vaccinations are vital for the health and wellbeing of your dog and the wider canine population.
If you have any questions or want to book a dog vaccination in Purleigh, get in touch with our team.
Myxomatosis is often thought of as a ‘wild rabbit problem’ as the disease can be spread rapidly by summer’s ubiquitous supply of biting insects. However, domestic rabbits across the Essex area from our base in Purleigh to Maldon and Burnham-on-Crouch can contract this deadly disease too after being bitten by the same parasites.
Rabbit vaccinations are the only viable protection for your rabbits against diseases like Myxomatosis, and the two strains of Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (RVHD), all of which are nearly always fatal. So, it’s vital that every domestic rabbit’s jabs are kept up to date annually.
Myxomatosis
How to reduce the chance of your rabbit contracting Myxomatosis
Apart from vaccination, other ways to reduce the chances of infection include:
- Protecting your pet rabbits from biting insects by putting mosquito netting around the hutch. This will help to prevent flystrike as well.
- If your rabbits are allowed to exercise outside avoid letting them out in the early morning or late afternoon when mosquitoes are more prevalent.
- Talk to our team about flea prevention for your rabbit. Our team can talk you through the most effective treatments.
A few words on RVHD
Like Myxomatosis, the two strains of Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (RVHD-1 & RVHD-2) are nearly always fatal if contracted by un-vaccinated rabbits. RVHD can be spread on inanimate objects that have been contaminated with the virus including shoes, clothing, car tyres, rabbit hutches, and even your hands. Rabbits that have contact with an infected rabbit or their faeces, fur, or meat, are also likely to contract it.
How to reduce the chance of your rabbit contracting RVHD
The RVHD virus can survive on surfaces for up to 6 months, especially in colder climates. Given your rabbit can contract the disease from everything from human clothes and hands to the wind, this virus is pretty much impossible to avoid. So there really is only one practical method of protection and that is vaccination.
We hope you’re getting the clear message that rabbit vaccinations are vital for the ongoing health of all domestic rabbit populations in Essex and beyond. If your rabbit has not been vaccinated or you’re not sure when their last jabs were, then please contact us for immediate advice.
Due to their thick covering of fur, rising temperatures can become dangerous for rabbits as summer approaches. Rabbits can easily overheat and develop life-threatening gut problems or disease with these seasonal changes. Do not panic, the team at Edgewood Veterinary Group are here to help you learn how to prepare your small furry pets for the warmer months ahead.
Rabbit checklist for dealing with rising temperatures
A big problem for rabbits during summer is overheating. Here are some ways to reduce that risk:
- Position the hutch in the shade – if outdoors, maybe think about creating a burrow (that they cannot escape from) to help them mimic their natural ‘wild’ behaviours.
- Rabbits do require some time in the sun during the day to get the vitamin D they need for digestion – give them short amounts of supervised time outdoors with shaded areas.
- Make sure their water bowl/bottle is filled up with fresh water more regularly.
- Wrap an ice pack or a 2-litre drink bottle of frozen water in a towel for them to lean on.
- Provide a cooler space to lie on such as a cooling mat or a cold tile.
- Use water in a misting spray bottle on their ears to cool them down – never soak them as this could put them at risk of respiratory problems if they catch a chill.
- Make sure their hutch is well-ventilated – a fan can be used but avoid pointing it directly at your bunnies and make sure they have enough space to move away from it if they want to.
- Give frozen veggies as a cooling treat.
The signs of heat stroke in rabbits include:
- Panting
- Drooling
- Disorientation
- Increased heart rate
- Head tossing
- Red or hot ears
- Seizures or a coma
If your rabbits are suffering from heat stroke, do not submerge them in water or leave them unattended for long periods of time. Dampen their fur, offer them cool water, and call our Chelmsford Road vet practice right away for advice on 01621 828381.
Despite the warmer weather during spring and summer, there can still be cold spells, so make sure there is extra insulation and bedding if required. In addition, spring grass (which is high in sugars) can cause gut issues in your rabbits, so gradually introduce them to this within their feed.
Summer rabbit diseases
Another topic of concern is disease. During warmer months, the risk of diseases such as flystrike, myxomatosis, and VHD (Viral Haemorrhage Disease), as well as parasite infections increases. You can significantly reduce the risks with optimal hutch hygiene and the correct vaccinations. If you are concerned about any of these, contact us right away on 01621 828381 to book a rabbit check-up.
A great way to reduce both the risk of overheating and disease is grooming. Brushing can help to remove some of their thicker winter fur and any debris, which will help to cool them down. If your rabbits have long fur that needs a trim, it is wise to consider using a professional groomer for this as a rabbit’s skin is quite thin and easily damaged.
Should I bathe my rabbit to cool or clean them?
Rabbits tend to keep themselves meticulously clean. If your rabbit gets extremely dirty and needs some help, spot cleaning is the safest method. If they get hot, it is best to follow the advice above. Being bathed could frighten your rabbit, leading to injury from thrashing about. Also, they could catch a chill and suffer from pneumonia, respiratory infections, hypothermia, and other life-threatening health conditions. If your rabbit is struggling to clean themselves or you spot urine or faeces on their fur, contact our veterinary team as soon as possible as they may be at risk of flystrike.
We hope our tips on how to keep rabbits cool and healthy in summer will help you have a happy and trouble-free season with them in Essex.
People often think about how to look after their dogs in the summer months but may not think they need to do anything different for their feline friends. Our Purleigh Vet Nurses are here to tell you why it is just as important to make sure your cat is prepared for summer. Get stuck into their summer prep list for cats below.
Did you know May is Veterinary Nurse Awareness Month? Why not share why your pets love our Vet Nurses on our Facebook page? If you include the hashtag #VNAM on your post, you can help to spread the word about our fantastic nursing team.
How to ensure a happy summer for your cat
1. Summer cat health check
A lot can happen for pets in six months or a year, which is why it’s a good idea to get your cat checked by one of our Vets in Purleigh in time for summer. A cat check will help to put your mind at rest, and it enables the Vet to make sure your cat is in good health for the hot season ahead and treat any ailments.
2. Parasite control for cats
Parasite control is very important as more cats will be roaming around Essex during the summer, encountering more species and more parasites! When is a good time to check your cat for fleas? When you are grooming them, which brings us nicely to…
3. Feline grooming
Our Purleigh Vet Nurses advise that cat grooming is important ahead of the summer months, especially for long-haired cats. There is no need to shave cats but if they have thick fur, regular brushing can ensure their coat is not as dense, which will keep them cooler.
4. Holiday cat sitter
Making holiday plans is high on most people’s to-do-list at the beginning of summer, but don’t forget to organise your cat’s holiday care. This could be a live-in or drop-in service, or a visit to the cattery. Either way, it is important to ensure whoever is responsible for your cat while you are away is adequately insured and qualified to do so. If your cat is staying at a cattery, they will need to be fully vaccinated and you will need to take their up-to-date vaccination certificate with you. Book your cat’s booster vaccination now.
5. Cats and heat
When thinking about the heat, it is important to protect cats. You should ensure they have plenty of access to water bowls, shade, hiding places away from the sun, and encourage them to stay indoors during the hotter times of the day. Cats can get heat stroke just like dogs, so be sure to keep an eye on them.
6. Cat ‘traps’
Our Vet Nurses warn owners to be extra vigilant in making sure their cat comes back every day. Cats seem to have a habit of getting themselves trapped in sheds, garages, and other outbuildings that may have been left open during the day. Ask people in your local area to check their outbuildings if your cat is missing.
7. Update your cat’s microchip details
Ensure your contact information that is connected to your cat’s microchip is up-to-date. This will give you peace of mind that if your cat wanders off in the warmer weather and gets taken to a vet practice, they are identifiable. If your cat has not been microchipped yet, give us a call on 01621 828381 and our team can book that in for you.
Is your cat due for a booster? Our team can check and book for you – contact us.
We hope you found our Veterinary Nurses’ advice helpful and are ready to get started with your cat’s summer prep. If your pet has a favourite Nurse, or two, pop over to our Facebook page and share it for #VNAM – Visit Edgewood Vets’ Facebook page.
If you need to book your cat’s health check, vaccinations, microchip, or anything else, we are here to help.
National Pet Month (April 1st – May 2nd) promotes responsible pet ownership, but what does that mean when it comes to cats? Many people believe that cats “pretty much take care of themselves”, and their aloof behaviour means they have little interest in or need for their human companions. Our Purleigh Vets are here to tell you why this is not the case.
If you have any concerns about your cat’s health, book them in to see one of our Vets.
Cats actually become very attached to their humans. Like dogs, cats can suffer from separation anxiety too, although they’re usually not quite as vocal and destructive about it.
At Edgewood Vets, we believe that being a responsible pet owner means ensuring your cat has everything they need to live a healthy, happy, and fulfilled life. To help you, the cat-loving Vets at our Chelmsford Road clinic have pulled together the ultimate cat care list for you.
Cat care 101 – How to take care of a cat
1. Provide calm & comfort – Cat care starts with a comfortable home environment that’s as stress-free as possible – remember not all dogs and cats, or multiple cats will get on. A plug-in pheromone diffuser can help to ease tensions between pets – ask us about this.
2. Get these essential items – There are many options when it comes to cat beds, including those that hang over radiators, and yours of course! Your cat might prefer a certain type or a combination. They will also need litter trays, and food & water bowls. Multiple cat households need a litter tray per cat, ideally on each level of your house, and separate food & water bowls away from the litter trays. If your cat likes to roam, fitting a microchip cat flap will give them the freedom they desire.
3. Commit to lifetime cat vaccinations – Making sure your cat is vaccinated every year will help to protect them from harmful and life-threatening contagious diseases, keeping them healthier for longer – book now.
4. Take your cat for regular health checks – Your cat will receive a thorough health check at their annual cat vaccinations appointment at Edgewood Vets. Having 6-month checks-ups in between their boosters can help our Vets to spot any health issues early.
5. Keep up to date with parasite control – The best way to avoid your cat picking up fleas or worms is to give them vet-recommended cat flea & worm treatments regularly. These are typically given monthly and help to protect your pet from the nasty effects of parasites.
6. Get your cat microchipped – A press release was published on the UK Government website recently stating that microchipping cats is going to become mandatory with fines for non-compliance. Get ahead of this new law and get your cat microchipped, which most importantly increases your chances of being reunited with them if they go missing.
7. Try a collar & ID Tag – Many owners tell us their cat doesn’t wear a collar & ID tag because their “cat doesn’t like them”. Our Vets suggest it is worth trying again as ID tags are the quickest way for someone to contact you if something is wrong with your cat.
8. Give your cat a nutritious diet – Hard kibble is important for dental health, wet food provides moisture, avoid human foods, and opt for good quality food brands. Our Vets & Nurses can provide you with more in-depth, expert advice tailored to your cat’s life-stage, activity level, and current health. Chatting to us before changing cat foods is wise too as even small changes can have a big impact on your cat’s health – get in touch.
9. Try these cat enrichment ideas – Boredom and loneliness can affect your cat’s behaviour and health. Avoid this by spending plenty of time with your cat playing, grooming, or simply snuggling up together, and by providing cat enrichment toys and activities. Our Purleigh Vets recommend scratching posts and searching YouTube for how to build a cat home gym.
10. Get a cat sitter for holidays – Booking a cat sitter at your home (or taking them to a cattery if this is not possible) will ensure your cat still gets everything they need when you’re away, bar you.
Now, we don’t want you to think that all cats are high maintenance after reading this (well, some are), but we should point out that owning any pet is a big responsibility. You can always ask us cat care questions on our Facebook page, or if you are concerned, come and see one of our Purleigh Vets.
