Here is the proud mum

Kittylicious Millie Button with the little ones. 

New arrivals into the world

Here are two beautiful babies from Kittylicious Millie Button.

One girl and a boy they are just adorable.

Home Health Check

I have found this article on the web from Conscious Cat that you may find helpful.
Always remember nothing can substitute or replace the knowledge of a qualified Vet.

Cats are masters at hiding signs of illness or pain. By the time they show symptoms, they’re often really sick. By learning what is normal for your cat, and keeping an eye on even subtle changes, you can get your cat to a veterinarian before problems become serious.

To keep your cat healthy, you need to know what’s normal for your cat. Cats are creatures of habit, and even subtle changes from their normal behavior and routine may be cause for concern. Changes in appetite, drinking habits, litter box routine, grooming and even the sound of your cat’s voice can all be signs that something is wrong.

In addition to watching for subtle changes, one of the best ways to monitor your cat’s health at home is to perform periodic health checks on your cat. These monthly checks are not a substitute for regular veterinary care. All cats should receive at least annual exams by a veterinarian; cats older than seven years should receive bi-annual exams.

When performing a monthly health check for your cat, you’ll want to look at the following:

Weight

Your cat’s weight can be a good indicator of her health – but only if you keep track of it. Gradual weight loss or gain can be difficult to recognize in cats. Ideally, you should purchase an inexpensive digital scale designed for babies. These scales measure pounds and ounces accurately. Weigh yourself on a regular bathroom scale, than weigh yourself while holding your cat. The difference is your cat’s weight. While not as accurate as on a scale designed for cats, this will still allow you to notice some fluctuations.

Skin and Coat

Your cat’s coat should be full and shiny. Skin should not be dry and flaky.

Nose

Your cat’s nose should be moist and clean, not dry and chapped. There shouldn’t be any discharge or bleeding.

Ears

The ears should be clean and dry. A small amount of ear wax is normal, and can be gently cleaned by dipping a cotton ball into a warm water and vinegar solution. If you notice any discharge or odor from the ear canal, this may be a sign of infection. A coffee-ground like brown or red discharge from the ear may be a sign of ear mites.

Eyes

Eyes should be clear and bright, with no discharge. Your cat’s third eye lid may sometimes come partially across the eye when he’s sleepy, but it should not be visible all the time. Pupils should be equal size, and react to changes in light.

Mouth

If your cat will let you, gently open his mouth to check his teeth and gums. If his gums are red, or there’s a strong odor coming from his mouth, your cat has dental disease which will need to be addressed by a veterinarian. Other signs of more advanced dental disease include difficulty eating, excessive drooling, and pawing at the mouth.

Claws

Your cat will need to have his claws trimmed regularly from time to time. This is also a good opportunity to check for any torn toe nails or injuries to the paw pads. Claws that are too long can get caught on carpeting or upholstery and get torn. If you have trouble trimming your cat’s nails, get someone to help you or take your cat to the veterinary clinic for a nail trim.

Breathing

Your cats breathing should be smooth and effortless. A cat’s normal respiratory rate is between 20 to 30 breaths per minute at rest. You can measure this by timing your cat’s breathing for 15 seconds and multiplying by four. Wheezing and coughing are indicators of potentially serious problems. Rapid, labored or open-mouth breathing can be life-threatening and requires emergency medical attention.

Hydration

Gently pinch the skin between the shoulder blades into a little tent. The skin should spring back into normal position almost immediately. Another way to check for hydration is to make sure that the gums are moist to the touch.

Mobility

Does your cat appear uncomfortable or stiff when walking? You may be looking at signs of an injury, or arthritis.

Hands on exam

Run your hands all along your cat’s entire body with gentle pressure. If your cat responds with discomfort in any one area, or if you notice any lumps and bumps, take your cat to your vet.

By performing this monthly check, and keeping tabs on your cat’s normal behavior, you’ll be able to notice any changes immediately, and ensure that any problems are addressed before they become serious.

Heat stroke in cats and dogs

Your car can get hot enough to cause your cat or dog’s death even when the windows are down or the car is in the shade.

Do you know how fast the temperature rises in a car?

The temperature inside a car can reach higher than 50°C after only five minutes when the temperature outside is 32.5°C (in tests conducted by the RACQ). During this test, the inside temperature reached over 75°C in less than two hours. The tests also showed that the colour of the car, the tint on the windows or even leaving the windows open did not reduce the cabin temperature by a significant amount, nor did parking it in the shade.

How should you treat a pet with heat stress?

Cats and Dogs suffering in the same way from heat stress they will pant, drool and become restless. Over time, they become weak and the colour of their gums may change. They may also start to stagger and experience vomiting, diarrhoea or seizures.

Heat stroke is an emergency and your cat or dog needs to be checked by a vet as soon as possible. Emergency treatment is aimed at bringing the body temperature down at a steady rate; spray cool water onto your cat or dog’s body and use a fan. Don't use ice or ice-cold water as this may cool your dog down too rapidly.

Remember always seek expert vetenary attention.

Here is Katie, she is our new baby to join our family.
Has she got a personality or what!! If she wants something she gets it, we have had some cheeky cats but this on takes the biscuit.

She can sleep anywhere.

 And apparently Katie can read?

 Water is her favourite thing to splash anyone not paying attention when passing by.

Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Bed

Train Your Cat to Use a Cat Bed

What makes a good location for a cat bed? 

Each cat is different and you will have to think about your cat's personality in combination with their current sleeping places, however there are a couple of rules of thumb which may help. 

Somewhere out of the way is a good place to start, maybe under a table, behind a curtain, between two chairs, use your imagination. Either way, don't choose the middle of a room, or a hallway where he may be in constant view or constant danger of a misguided foot coming too close for comfort. 

Next, can he see better than he can be seen? Behind a curtain may be good but half way behind, with enough gap to peek out at the room unseen is better. On top of a cupboard may be good, but on top of a cupboard with some boxes and other strategically placed obstacles could be better. 

Heat from radiators (in the winter) or from sunshine (at any time of year) can also be very tempting for cats. Sometimes you just can't find places that meet all three criteria, but a windowsill behind nearly closed curtains is a good example of a place that does fit all three. Probably you won’t have enough room for a cat bed on a windowsill, but it is a good ideal to look at for ideas. 

Kittens are susceptible to disaese

Kittens are susceptible to disease

Kittens are more susceptible to disease than adult cats but orphans are even more at risk for upper respiratory infections (URI). Don’t treat your cat with over-the-counter medications, always seek a vets help as you may do more harm than good, many a cat has suffered because of good intentions, don't you make the same mistake.

 As soon as you notice sniffles or sneezing, take your cat to your local vet he or she are better qualified to diagnose and treat him/her. You can’t begin treatment too soon with kittens so it is important you act quickly.

URI's are very contagious, if you have other cats, keep the sick kitten contained in a separate room to prevent contaminating other pets in your family.

Just like humans a cat with a cold must be left to run its course. Allow your vets to treat the symptoms. The likelihood is your cat may receive antibiotics to fight bacterial infection. 

Some Kittens may also need fluids because congested kittens cannot smell their food, and so may not eat. I can't stress enough, follow the instructions given to you by the professionals they know best.