My own pets; Millie, the rescue cat that likes to zoom

You may have read about Fluffy, the mysterious wonder. Fluffy, my black long-haired cat disappeared for over five months when we moved house. Towards the end of this time, thinking she might never return, or find her, we searched for another rescue cat to join our family.

Millie the rescue cat | Lion clip furMillie, a long-haired tabby cat, was pregnant when she arrived at the RSPCA, around 3-4 years old, having had her litter she was up for adoption. Unfortunately, she was left with a cone on her head after being spayed, so people were probably being put off by this, but not me. Six weeks later we adopted her and brought her home to join the family.

Introducing a new cat

At that time we had the dog and two other cats, so introducing them all to one another would take time and patience. Cat CentresI’ve written before about how to introduce cats to one another, dogs, the new environment and people. It is important to do so slowly, introducing things like scent. I found the cats accept each other but at a distance, they are very much three social groups, getting along as they have the ability to roam, not only the house but also the large outdoor space. I find cats that are limited to indoor space have a much harder time accepting another cat as they are already boxed in and have limited territory. Recent research also suggests that neutered males get along better as a social group, and as a feline behavioural specialist, I find this very interesting and is always a factor when discussing behaviour.

Think outside the bowl

It has been three years since I launched the ‘Think Outside the Bowl’ campaign, and Millie is definitely a case in point. Both Millie and Fluffy have to eat a specialist diet, due to, joints, arthritis and digestion issues. Both also have to be ‘lion’ clipped to avoid fur balls and matting. Feline arthritis means Think Outside The Bowl Campaign Launch - Puzzle feeding catsthe cats cannot groom hard to reach places such as their backs, causing matting. Long hair also means more furballs as the hair is harder to digest. Having a puzzle feeder type bowl allows the cats to be stimulated when eating and means they don’t wolf it all down in one go, giving them a chance to digest.

Cat Zoomies

Do you have a cat who loves to go at speed around your house? Skidding on the flooring, like they have been shot out of a cannon? Millie does cat zoomies, careering around the house, flying through the cat flap! When she has her lion clip she acts like a spring lamb as if saying ‘I’m free!’. She is like many cats I’ve had where she loves to head butt nudge you, with all her might. Her least favourite thing is to be picked up, and I know many cats feel this way. Always ensure you are able to support their back legs and don’t pick them up unless you need to, if a cat is in an aroused state when you pick them up you may be received with some teeth and claws. Many cats like their paws firmly on the floor!

Cat behaviour

I’m currently finishing my study for the Diploma in Applied Feline Behaviour, so I am unable to take on cat behaviour consultations, however, you can download my leaflet and read lots more here on the site, including;

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