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Many pet owners up and down the country, will soon be joining in with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. This year, the Queen officially becomes the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, commemorating a total of seven decades worth of service to the nation. To mark this big day, we thought what better way to celebrate than with our dogs and cats by our side, especially given how much the Queen loves her corgis! At Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs, we have highlighted four ways to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee with your dog and cat. Enjoy!

1. A Royal Dog Walk

A special extended bank holiday weekend will offer a chance for many people throughout Britain to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee by taking their four-legged friends on beautiful dog walks. A perfect place to start would be the National Trust, where Prince Charles is the current President. The National Trust offers stunning locations throughout the UK for dog walks. From beautiful countryside lanes, wild woods and breath-taking gardens, the National Trust offers perfect dog walking spots for everybody to enjoy.

2. Jubilee Cat Friendly Cakes

Many people celebrating the Queen’s Jubilee will be busy baking lots of tasty cakes and party food which will be served to neighbours, friends, and families. Why not include your feline friend in the celebrations, by baking them a cat friendly Jubilee themed cake? There are lots of recipes available online that are cat friendly and easy to follow. One favourite amongst cat owners is a tuna muffin. Here are the instructions and ingredients that you need.

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350° F (175 °C).
2. Lightly butter two muffin tin cups.
3. Next delicately mix tuna, flour, egg white, and Cheddar cheese in a bowl. Using a teaspoon, gently fill the muffin tin cups with the new mixture.
4. Pop in the preheated oven to bake for fifteen minutes. Let the muffins cool in their tin cups for five minutes.
5. Lastly, decorate your muffin cakes with a prawn before adding a mini Union Jack Flag. For safety reasons, before serving the muffins to your cat, please remember to remove the flags.

3. Royal Puppy Parties

The Queen’s Jubilee celebrations will see many pet owners holding lots of street parties and fun family gatherings to commemorate the special occasion. But why not include your cuddly companions in the festivities by holding a royal themed puppy party! Puppy parties are a wonderful way for many puppies to develop their social skills by bonding with other dogs. It is also a great chance for owners to share training tips with each other and get advice on any problems they may have of faced as first-time dog owners. At Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs, we regularly entertain puppy parties throughout the year. We have an expansive four acre enclosed playing field ensuring that we give your dogs an exciting and fun day. Bring them solo, or with friends! Packages can also include food and drink from our café when booking our facilities. Puppy parties are great fun and a perfect way for many owners to include their dogs in this year’s Jubilee festivities. So, if you are thinking of hosting your own puppy party at home on the day of the Jubilee celebration then you are sure to have a royally magnificent fun filled day!

4. Pamper your Pets

The Queen is well-renowned for her love of the Corgi dog breed and often pampers her beloved pets. It has been reported that the Queen’s corgis have their very own royal menu and are also given their very own luxurious room in the palace. So why not follow the Queen and pamper your cat or dog during the Jubilee celebrations by preparing them their favourite meal or treating them to a cosy soft toy or snuggly bed or blanket. Currently, there are some great Union Jack designed dog and cat blankets on sale on Amazon to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Final thoughts…

We hope this article has given you some great ideas to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee with your pets. Please also share your pictures of you and your pets celebrating the Queen’s Jubilee with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, as we would love to see them.

Summer is here, which means as responsible pet owners, we must ensure our cats and dogs stay cool and hydrated as the weather gets warmer.

Like dogs, cats sweat through their noses and from their paws when they become overheated. Many cats and dogs are also at a high risk of sunstroke due to their coats absorbing the heat. In the same way that an owner wearing excessive layers of clothing would overheat, cats and dogs can also overheat. However, the difference is we are able to remove our layers during hot weather, whereas they are not. At Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs, we have highlighted three ways to ensure cats and dogs stays cool this summer.

1. Stay Hydrated

Hydration is key to preventing heat exhaustion. During the summer months, ensure your pet’s water bowl is regularly filled up with clean fresh water. Dogs and cats enjoy the taste of fresh clean water and so it is important for owners to maintain this throughout the day.

Cats also love exploring, so try and leave a fresh clean water bowl in every room for them to enjoy. If your cat loves walking on the ledges or window seals of your home, then try leaving a bowl of fresh water nearby for them to enjoy on their travels. Meanwhile, if your dog has a favourite cool place in your home that they love to retreat to, then why not also place a cool water bowl nearby so they can easily hydrate throughout the day.

2. Frozen Treats

Frozen treats are a great and tasty hydrating summer snack for cats and dogs. Many dog owners give their companions small frozen cubes of meat to chew on which is great for canine hydration and cleaning their teeth. Similarly, if you want to provide your cat with a hydrating and fun snack to enjoy, consider ice cubes or frozen pieces of delicately cut sardines. However, avoid any frozen dairy snacks such as ice creams and frozen yogurt as this can give your pet flatulence, stomach cramps and diarrhoea, with some cats and dogs being lactose intolerant. What may be a tasty and refreshing frozen treat for a human may not be for a cat or dog. Only supply a small amount of frozen items at any one time to your pet.

3. Prevent sunburn

Dogs and cats can easily get sunburn, especially if they have white or pale coats. A helpful tip to keep them protected from the glare of the sun is by ensuring they have access to shaded areas throughout the day. Monitor your cat or dog as they explore the garden and make sure they come into the house if you feel the weather is too hot for them.

If you have an outdoor cat and you are worried about them roaming off this summer and getting sunburn, then a great tip to ensure they return home regularly is to feed them small little meals throughout the day.

Many cat owners train their cats to recognise certain sounds like the noise of a bell to indicate that it is feeding time. By ringing a bell your cat will recognise that it is feeding time and return home if it is outside in the garden or away from your home this summer.

Regarding your canine companion, if you feel that it is too hot for a dog walk then always be on the safe side and wait for the temperature to drop or go in the early morning or evening when it is cooler. If your dog has areas of their body where their fur is thin, then apply sun lotion and always make sure they have access to plenty of shade.

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Heatstroke Signs in Dogs and Cats

If you are worried about your cat or dog suffering from heatstroke, then look out for these signs:

• Agitation and extreme gasping
• Clammy paws
• Extreme self-grooming
• Trouble moving
• Retching/ nausea
• Convulsions

If your cat or dog displays any of these symptoms, then call your vet immediately. Remove your pet from the heat and provide them with plenty of water in small doses. Apply a damp cloth to their fur and gently pat them down, making sure not to splash them as this can shock and distress them. As mentioned throughout this article, always contact your vet if you are ever concerned as it is always best to get the opinion of a qualified professional.

Closing thoughts…

We hope you found this article helpful. The hot summer months can pose a risk to our cuddly companions, so make sure they are always hydrated and protected. At Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs we provide a leading luxury cattery service and dog boarding facility for the Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Bedfordshire region. We operate in and around Stevenage, Hitchin, Letchworth and Baldock. Call our friendly team today on 01462 742658 if you would like to board your cat or dog with us.

Just like humans, cats can also get sick. Your cat can be happily playing one minute and then hiding the next, displaying signs of illness. Being able to identify the signs and symptoms of cat afflictions and diseases is crucial. At Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs, we have highlighted seven common afflictions and diseases to look out for in your cat.

1. Sickness

Vomiting is a very common problem that affects many felines, and it can be caused by several different factors. These factors can vary from a cat consuming something toxic or indigestible, to picking up a virus, developing a urinary tract infection or diabetes to even common hairballs.

If you have ever witnessed your cat vomit, then you will recognise the obvious symptoms which often include salivating and dry heaving. Always call your vet if your cat continues vomiting as they will lose plenty of fluid and be left feeling very dehydrated.

2. Fleas

Fleas are a very common external parasite that affects many cats, causing them considerable irritation and discomfort. Your cat’s warm moist fur can provide a welcoming home for fleas and if left untreated can attract future infestations. The good news is that fleas are easily treatable. If you are worried that your cat has fleas, then look out for the following signs and symptoms.

• Flea dirt (tiny black spots on your cat’s skin)
• Continuous scratching
• Repeated licking
• Sore and inflamed skin
• Fur loss
• Skin infections

There are many different flea control treatments available on the market today ranging from liquid drops to oral medication. If you are unsure about what best treatment to use, then speak to a qualified vet who can advise you on the best option for your cat.

3. Tapeworms

Tapeworms are one of the most common health issues found inside cats. Tapeworms survive inside a cat’s small intestine and have been known to grow to a staggering two feet in length. However, tapeworms typically break into pieces when expelled. It is very rare for a tapeworm to be discovered in one piece.

If your cat is infected by tapeworms, then common symptoms can include sickness and weight loss. If you are worried that your cat has tapeworms, then always check their faeces and anus. Tapeworms can often appear from your cat’s anus whilst they are resting and relaxed. Tapeworms often look like small white worms or like white seeds or rice grains. If you see these in your cats’ faeces, then it is highly likely they have worms. 

The good news is that tapeworm is easily treatable. Many cats suffering from tapeworms can get treated with an injection or by ingesting oral medicine. Cats typically get tapeworms if they have swallowed a flea, so always treat any flea issues that they have first before you treat tapeworms.  

4. Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is another common issue that affects many cats. Diarrhoea in cats can be the result of intestinal parasites, food poisoning, allergies, viruses, and in some extreme cases the result of liver disease or cancer.

Diarrhoea symptoms in cats can include faeces being very loose, runny, or appearing as a liquid stool. There are many issues that cause diarrhoea, and it can last for a day to even months in some extreme cases.  

If your cat is suffering with diarrhoea, then there is a high risk of them becoming dehydrated. Therefore, always offer your cat plenty of fresh water to keep them hydrated.  Monitor them closely and remove food for no more than twelve hours. If your cat has diarrhoea for more than a day and you notice blood in their stalls or if they are vomiting and losing their appetite, then take them to your vet immediately.

5. Eye Problems

There are a range of eye conditions that can affect your cat, with some being more common than others. The most common type of eye infections found in cats are often viral infections. Other eye problems in cats can typically include conjunctivitis, cataracts, glaucoma, injury, soreness, and retinal infections, to name but a few.

Symptoms in cats include watery eyes, stained fur around their eyes, eye gunk, excessive blinking, and pawing at their eye.

However, without knowing the root cause of your cat’s eye problem there is not a lot you can do other than speak with a qualified vet immediately.

6. Ear Problems

Ear problems in cats are very common. Your cat’s ears are incredibly sensitive and need to be kept clean to safeguard against any possible infections. Some common symptoms can include the following:

• Ear discharge
• Eye scratching
• Red and inflamed ear flaps
• Ears emitting a strong smell
• Continuously tipping their head
• Scabs and fur loss around their ears
• A loss of balance

If you notice any of these symptoms, then it is advised to always visit your vet to get a professional opinion. Additionally, below are also some of the many ways your cat’s ears can become infected:

Ear mites

Ear mites are a surface mite that lives on cats and can burrow into their ears causing them to develop soreness and swelling.

Skin allergies

Many cats can become allergic to specific parasites or by consuming certain foods. Cats can then develop skin allergies which when scratched can easily become infected if bacteria gets in to the area.

Ear injuries

Ear injuries are also very common in cats and if not cleaned can also become infected. Keep a close eye on your cat for any signs of ear abrasions, wounds, or any sign of trauma, especially if they spend a lot of time outdoors.

Wax build-up

Your cat’s ears need to be regularly cleaned to stop dirt from building up often accumulated from their daily adventures. Excess dirt and wax can create the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive in which can cause possible infections.

7. Canker Sores

Another common affliction for cats is mouth ulcers—also known as canker sores. Canker sores are very painful for cats and can easily become inflamed and infected if not treated. Signs of canker sores can include:

• Irritation and inflammation of their mouth area
• Yellow and discoloration of their gums
• Painful cat vocalisations
• Loss of appetite
• Sickness

There are many reasons that cause canker sores to develop in cats and these can include the following:

• Malnourishment
• Metabolic defects
• Poor immune system
• Foreign viruses
• Acidic foods

Always monitor your cat’s teeth, mouth and gums and ensure that you look out for any symptoms mentioned above. If you are ever concerned about any of these symptoms, then always seek the professional help of a qualified vet.

Final thoughts…

We hope you found this article helpful. If you suspect your cat is suffering from any of the afflictions mentioned within this article and would like a professional opinion, then it is advised you book an appointment to see your vet. At Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs we are proud at providing a luxury cattery service for the Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Bedfordshire region. We operate in and around Stevenage, Hitchin, Letchworth and Baldock. Call us on 01462 742658 if you would like to enquire about our luxury cat boarding services.

When it comes to hygiene and self-grooming, cats are the personification of cleanliness. Although cats are self-reliant when it comes to hygiene, it is essential for their owners to help them maintain a clean and healthy life. At Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs, we have highlighted five grooming tips to help your cat maintain a healthy and clean lifestyle. We hope you find this article helpful.

1. Start Early.

Start grooming your cat from an early age. Many owners groom their kittens from an early age to help familiarise them to human touch. The more you gently stroke and handle your kitten with love and affection, the more receptive they will be towards grooming in general as they grow and develop.

2. Brush regularly.

Naturally, longer haired cats will need to be brushed more often than those with shorter coats. Typically, short-haired cats should be groomed weekly, whilst long-haired cats, need to be brushed twice or even three times each week to help remove any hairballs or matting. However, if your cat is not enjoying the grooming session, then stop and try again later when they are calm and ready. It is important for your cat to be calm and for you to create a peaceful and positive environment when you brush them.

3. Ears.

Ear infections can cause your cat pain and irritation. An effective way to prevent ear infections is to regularly examine your cat’s ears to ensure there is no discharge, odour, or soreness. As a rule of thumb, your cat’s ears should be odourless, clear of any wax or dirt, and pink in colour. After inspecting your cat’s ears, gently wipe them with a clean damp cloth, washing the outer edges.

4. Regularly Clip Claws

Ensure your cat’s nails stay healthy by regularly inspecting them and watching out for overgrown or ingrown claws. Some indoor cats can develop overgrown nails and if untreated, this can cause them considerable discomfort. In some cases, if left untreated, an overgrown claw can become infected and lead to an injury. However, before you begin clipping your cat’s claws it is important for them to get used to you touching their paws. As soon as your cat is used to you touching their paws, use a recommended cat nail trimmer and begin by clipping a little at a time, ensuring you avoid the pink or red area of their claw known as ‘the quick’. If you are ever unsure or feel uncomfortable cutting your cat’s claws, then take them to a qualified vet or cat groomer who will be more experienced in this grooming practice.

5. Reward.

Grooming your cat should be a positive experience. If your cat associates grooming in a negative way then they will be less receptive to you brushing or clipping them. To ensure your cat’s grooming experience is more enjoyable make sure you have their favourite cat treats or soft toys available. Many cats will soon associate positive rewards with their grooming session and then as soon as they are feeling calm and distracted by their reward, begin to gently groom them.

Final thoughts…

Grooming your cat is not only beneficial for their physical and mental health, it can also help strengthen the bond between the two of you. By following these five grooming tips, we hope you will be able to maintain a healthy, clean, and happy life for your feline friend. At Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs we are proud at providing a luxury cattery service for the Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Bedfordshire region. We operate in and around Stevenage, Hitchin, Letchworth and Baldock. Call us on 01462 742658 if you would like to enquire about boarding your cat with us.

Are you concerned about introducing your new kitten to your adult cat? If the answer is yes, then do not worry, as this is normal. This type of introduction can cause many cat owners a lot of worry, but at Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs, we have highlighted six tips to help make the introduction a positive one. We hope you find this article helpful.

1. Prepare your Home

When it comes to introducing a new kitten to an adult cat, preparation is key. To begin with, it is recommended that you set up a designated area for the new kitten away from where your adult cat tends to reside. It is important to respect your adult cat’s boundaries and to also give your new kitten their own space. Everything your new kitten needs should be in their new area such as food and water, a cat tree, litter tray and bed.

2. The Initial Introduction

As soon as you bring home your new kitten, make sure you have safely secured your adult cat in another room of the house with access to their bed, water, food and their favourite blanket or soft toy. It is important you allow your kitten to take their time to explore their new environment alone and to familiarise themselves with the adult cat’s scent. When you feel your kitten has fully explored your house and is ready, allow them to return to their own designated safe area of your home without letting your other cat out. This process should be repeated over the next few days, so that each cat can explore each other’s scent and your home without physically meeting each other.

To help speed up this process, you may consider giving the kitten a blanket or item belonging to the adult cat, as this will have its scent on it. You can put the blanket or item inside the kitten’s bed as they sleep. Likewise, you can also give your adult cat a blanket or item belonging to your kitten to sleep with to help them to familiarise themselves to the new scent.

3. Secure Area

Many cat owners facilitate the initial introduction by investing in a pet friendly cat carrier and ensuring that the kitten is safely inside whilst still being able to see and smell the adult cat. (The carrier will useful in future when transporting your cat in a vehicle.) Before the introduction happens, ensure that you let your kitten familiarise themselves to their new pen by leaving the door open and letting them explore the enclosure at their own pace. 

4. Scent Swapping

As soon as your kitten has familiarised itself to its new home and has been safely introduced to the older cat for the first time, the next stage is to gradually introduce each cat to each other’s scent.

This is important as cats often use the scent of other cats to identify if they are part of the same social group. The aim of scent swapping is to create a communal scent for both cats to recognise each other as belonging to the same social group. Take an item of bedding from each cat and swap them over so try can smell the other cat’s scent. (Skip this if you covered it in Step 2.)

If both cats recognise each other as belonging to the same social group, then there is a greater chance of them getting along.

5. Swap Each Other’s Spaces

The next step is to let your new kitten and adult cat explore each other’s spaces under your safe supervision. You can do this by keeping them apart and allowing them to sniff and explore each other’s territory. Listen and watch out for any vocalisations or actions that indicate your cats are becoming distressed such as hissing, crying or lashing out. As soon as you hear any of your cats displaying these signs of stress, stop the exercise and return to the previous step.

6. Gradual Supervision

Once your cats have become used to each other’s scent, gradually increase the amount of time they spend with each other under your safe supervision. As soon as your cats are regularly spending a few hours a day together without any issues, you should be able to give them a free run of your home. Every cat is different and what may work for one owner may not for another. The average time for your cats to learn to tolerate each other can take anywhere between a few weeks to a few months. However, patience is key.

Closing thoughts…

We hope you found this article helpful. Introducing a new kitten to an adult cat can be stressful for any owner, but by following these six steps you can ensure that everything runs as smoothly as possible. If you are interested in boarding your cat with us, please contact a member of our friendly team. Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs have been providing a luxury cattery service for the Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Bedfordshire area since the 1950’s. We operate in and around Stevenage, Hitchin, Letchworth and Baldock. Call us on 01462 742658 if you would like to enquire about boarding your cat with us.

Many UK drivers could now be breaking the law when it comes to travelling with their dogs. A recent shake up of the Highway Code could see many drivers now facing expensive fines of up to £5,000!

A recent study overseen by IAM RoadSmart – a leading and independent road safety charity – had disclosed that 42 per cent of dog owners admitted placing their pet in an unsafe area of the car whilst driving. This represents a significantly high number of risk takers; especially when we consider that there are 36 million licence holders and just under 13 million dogs in Britain.

Interestingly, from the 42 per cent of the dog owners who were surveyed, many admitted to driving without care, and over a third of the drivers said that they left their dogs unsecured in their seats, which increased the risk of their pet becoming badly injured or even killed if they were to be involved in a collision and the air bag was activated.

What does the Highway Code say about Pets Travelling in Cars?
The new rule declares that all pets should be “suitably restrained” when they are travelling in a vehicle. Under rule 57 of the Highway Code, it clearly states: “When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly.”

Safety Measures Include:

“A seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars.”

Although violating rule 57 of the Highway Code does not carry a direct penalty, UK drivers can still be fined by the Police up to £1,000 for failing to control their vehicle if their dog acts as a distraction whilst driving.

This fine could be increased to £5,000 with the driver receiving 9 penalty points if the case goes to court, with the driver then facing a more severe fine of failing to drive with due care and attention. If that was not bad enough, drivers could also be left with a substantial damage repair bill, as many insurers are thought to be unlikely to pay out for an accident in the case of a person driving without proper control of their vehicle.

Neil Greig, Director of Policy

Neil Greig, Director of Policy, and Research at IAM RoadSmart, stated: “Motorists can restrain their pets by using a dog crate, dog harness or a dog guard for the car’s boot. This ensures dogs are not allowed to roam free inside the car, removing any chance of drivers getting into hot water with the law.  A loose pet also becomes a lethal projectile in the event of a sudden crash.

“Dogs are a loved and valued member of the family in millions of households up and down the country, meaning their safety when travelling should be thought about in the same way as the safety of all passengers in your vehicle.”

Closing thoughts…

If you travel with your dog and want to ensure their safety whilst avoiding a penalty, the law now advises that all UK drivers restrain their dogs whilst driving. At Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs we are fully compliant with these new changes brought out in the Highway Code and ensure all our transported dogs always travel safely and securely. Our family run business has over 30 years of experience providing a friendly and professional dog boarding and cattery service for the Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Bedfordshire regions. Call our friendly team today on 01462 742658 or send us an email at office@cbkennels.co.uk. We look forward to hearing from you.

Felines great and small, have an instinct to scratch. Cats will often scratch a surface to spread their scent, exercise their muscles, and sharpen their claws. Although many outdoor moggies favour scratching trees and wooden posts, lots of indoor cats turn their attention to sofas and furniture to fulfil their natural desire to scratch. If you are worried about your sofa and furniture becoming scratched and damaged, then place a cat tree nearby. Cat trees are a welcomed pet accessory for many owners around the world.

But what are the main benefits of purchasing a cat tree?  At Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs, we have answered this frequently asked question by highlighting five reasons why you should get a cat tree. We hope you find this list helpful. Enjoy!

1. Extended Territory

Cat trees help to expand a feline’s territory. Many cat trees have various levels, and this enables a cat to have their very own designated area to recline and feel safe in. If you live in a flat or property that has limited space, then cat trees are a great way of providing more vertical territory for your pet.

2. Vantage Points

Cats will naturally climb trees and survey their territory from a high viewpoint. Cats do this to feel safe from potential predators and to get a good position to view prey. A cat tree will provide your fury feline with a safe vantage point to view their environment below.

3. Safety

Cat trees provide your feline with a safe hiding place especially if you have a busy household and there is another pet or child living with you. Cat trees often come with inbuilt hiding spaces where your cat can nestle and also feel safe and secure. Sometimes cats will fight with one another and if this happens one of them will look for a safe area where they can retreat.

4. A Designated Scratching Post

As we said above, cat trees are a great way for your pet to satisfy their natural desire to scratch. Scratching helps a cat sharpen their claws, stretch their muscles, and mark their territory when they leave behind their scent. As previously mentioned, if you are worried about your sofa and furniture becoming shredded then a cat tree is a must-have purchase for any cat owner!

5. Reduces Anxiety

Some cats can become susceptible to anxiety. Cat owners often report on their cats becoming startled when a guest arrives or notice their pet becoming startled and jumping at the slightest noise. If you have a timid cat, then consider providing them with a safe and secure place to retreat to in the form of a cat tree. Cat trees can really help reduce your pet’s anxiety and provide them with a safe a designated area to retreat to.

Closing thoughts…

Did this article help you? Hopefully this article helped to answer any questions you may have of had regarding cat trees. If you are interested in boarding your cat with us, please get in touch. We are based in Baldock within Hertfordshire and provide a friendly and professional luxury cattery service. Our friendly staff are waiting to receive your call. For more information about our luxury cattery in Hertfordshire, or if you want to come and look around first, call us on 01462 742658.

Are you excited about welcoming home a new kitten but then also worried about how your dog will react? If so, do not worry, as this article will aim to help address any issues you may have.

Welcoming home a new kitten can be a very exciting and yet worrying time for any owner, especially if they have a resident dog to consider. As a dog owner, you may have lots of questions and you need answers. Will my dog become jealous, territorial, or even depressed? Will my dog get along with the cat? Will the kitten be scared? Have I made the right decision? Such questions are normal. At Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs, we often help answer these questions when we meet new cat owners visiting our friendly cattery in Hertfordshire. With this in mind, we have created five helpful tips on how to successfully introduce a new kitten to a dog. We hope you find this article helpful!

1. Prepare your Pooch!

Fail to prepare, prepare to fail! Dogs by their very nature can become very territorial, especially when a new pet is coming into their home.

Ensure that you give your canine companion lots of affection and praise when you welcome home your new kitten. This way, your dog will hopefully see that the new kitten is not going to take all your attention away from them. Within the first few days, it is recommended that you closely monitor your kitten and dog at all times, and never leave them alone together until they have properly settled in with each other. 

2. Clear Mapped Out Boundaries

It can be a very daunting and nervous time for any kitten when they enter their new home.  A great way of making your new kitten feel welcomed, is by preparing their very own safe space away from your dog.  Ensure your kitten has a cosy bed, fresh water and food and then allow them to explore their new area. If your dog also has its own safe area of the home in which it spends most of its time, ensure that you respect their boundaries by keeping your kitten separate from them during the introductory stage.

3. Scent

Cats and dogs rely heavily on their sense of smell. Both animals have incredibly sensitive noses and use scents to communicate and gather information. Before you introduce your new kitten to your dog, a great tip is to familiarise them with each other’s scent. The reason for this is so that they can get used to each other’s scent before meeting for the first time. An easy way to achieve this is to take some each pets’ bedding to the other pet to let them sniff it thoroughly.

4. Meeting for the First Time

As a responsible owner, you should ensure that your dog is on its lead or harness and your kitten is in their own cat box when they meet for the first time. This is a great way for them to see each other without having to physically come in to contact with each other. During this process, it is important to monitor your dog’s behaviour and take them out of the room if they become too excited or agitated. This process should be repeated until your cat and dog become more relaxed and used to each other’s company. It is also very important for you to reward both pets for their good behaviour and offer words of encouragement, praise, and affection.  You ultimately want to create a positive and loving environment for both your kitten and dog during their introduction.

5. Patience is a Virtue

The tip to successfully introducing your new kitten to your dog is to have patience and to let their relationship develop naturally over time. It will take as long as it takes, and every case is different. The best thing you can do is to take your time and with each passing day, be happy knowing that your kitten and dog are slowly but surely, familiarising themselves with each other.

Closing thoughts…

We hope you found this article helpful. If you feel you need to consult a dog behavioural specialist for additional help, then please contact our online training platform DogBonding and our experienced pet behaviour specialist Renate, will be happy to help you. If you have a dog and cat that live together and have any questions related to this article, then we would love to hear from you.

Are you looking for a suitable cattery but just need a bit more information? If the answer is yes, then this article will hopefully help answer any questions you may have around cat boarding services. At Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs we have highlighted five benefits of cat boarding. Enjoy!

1. Professional Care

Our leading cattery is run by experienced and trained members of staff who care passionately about the wellbeing of every cat that stays with us. Our staff endeavour to create a safe, loving, and calm environment for your cat by removing any stress they may have while you are away. It is crucial that your cat receives the proper care it needs and that is why we have invested in building up a professional and trained team of cat lovers to work here.

2.Regular Interaction

While cats are generally very independent, they can also love interaction and companionship. By boarding your cat in our luxury cattery, you will make sure they are provided with regular interaction by our caring and attentive staff. Ensuring that your cat has regular attention by loving members of staff is especially crucial for felines that are susceptible to separation anxiety! One of the advantages of cat boarding is the peace of mind you will have knowing that your cat is being looked after while you are away!

3.Proper Exercise and Nutrition

Cats require exercise and nutrition for a healthy and happy life. As a leading cattery, our spacious facilities enable your cat to get plenty of exercise time and we provide them with a nutritious food plan or you can provide their normal foods should your pet need them.

4.Certification

As a leading pet boarding service our cattery is licensed by our local authority, and we are also insured for looking after all cats that come into our care. All professional catteries should have a license and provide a certificate if asked. We have been visited by the local authority licensing officer who awarded us 3-star rating for our cattery.

5. Safety

We pride our cattery on being safe and secure. All professional catteries should be built with cat safety in mind. Our custom-built cattery is located within our spacious grounds and is designed to make sure each cat is safe, calm, and comfortable at all times, during their stay with us.

Closing thoughts…

Did you find this article helpful? Hopefully this article helped to answer any questions you may have of had regarding cat boarding and catteries. If you are interested in boarding your cat with us, we would love to hear from you. Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs have been providing a friendly and professional cattery service for the Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Bedfordshire area since the 1950’s. We operate in and around Stevenage, Hitchin, Letchworth and Baldock. Our friendly staff are waiting to receive your call. For more information about our luxury cattery in Hertfordshire, or if you want to come and look around first, call us on 01462 742658.

Since the Roman Empire, humans have been known to treat their physical injuries and aching joints with water therapy. However, it is only recently that dogs have also started to enjoy the benefits of hydrotherapy treatment. But what exactly is canine hydrotherapy? Below we have highlighted six FAQs regarding canine hydrotherapy. We hope these answer any questions you may have regarding this hugely popular and effective water treatment for dogs. Enjoy!

1. What is Canine Hydrotherapy?

Canine hydrotherapy means water therapy for dogs and can relate to any type of water treatment used to help or enhance their health. Many humans will use hydrotherapy treatment such as swimming or even healing baths and whirlpools to treat their physical injuries such as muscle damage or aching joints. Water provides both buoyancy and resistance, enabling a dog or person to strengthen and condition their muscles without putting any unwanted stress upon their joints. When a dog bathes in hot water this can help to dilate their blood vessels and relax their joints and muscles, reducing pain whilst helping to treat their injuries.

2. What Common Issues Can Be Treated with Canine Hydrotherapy?

Water hydrotherapy can benefit dogs with a variety of different conditions including but not limited to:

• Arthritis
• Hip and elbow dysplasia
• Cruciate ligament injuries
• Hind limb weakness
• Back and spine issues and paralysis
• Rehabilitation following surgery
• Gait abnormalities
• Spinal injuries
• Post-fracture repair
• Neurological damage or impairment

3. How Does a Canine Hydrotherapy Session Work?

Each canine hydrotherapy session will begin with a gait assessment and discussion with the owner about how their dog has been since their last visit. A qualified hydrotherapist will then safely put the dog in a harness and shower them before they enter the hydrotherapy pool. Your dog will always be in safe hands. Our qualified hydrotherapist and physiotherapist, Tom will always be in the pool with your dog. Tom will also carry out a massage on any areas of tension identified. Your dog will then be assessed on how they are swimming and how mobile their joints are. After each hydrotherapy session, your dog will be washed, showered, and dried.

4. Will Hydrotherapy Help my Dog Lose Weight?

Yes! In combination with a healthy balanced diet, swimming sessions are a great way for a dog to lose weight by burning calories. Water treatment means that there is less pressure on the dog’s joints whilst exercising so they can exercise for longer periods of time when compared to exercising on dry land. Did you know that fifteen minutes of swimming equates to a one-hour dog walk! This means that we can often see positive improvements in a dog’s health and fitness levels in a relatively short period of time.

5. How do I Book my Dog in For Physiotherapy and Hydrotherapy?

To book your dog in for an initial assessment, please contact our veterinary physiotherapist, Tom Day, on 01462 742658 or email us at office@cbkennels.co.uk.

We will collect your details as well as information about the dog. We will also send a referral form to your veterinary surgeon on your behalf.

Final thoughts…

We hope this article helped to answer any questions you may have regarding canine hydrotherapy. At Country Boarding for Cats and Dogs, we believe passionately in providing a leading canine hydrotherapy service and have seen the huge benefits this treatment has had on so many dogs that have come into our premises over the years. If you are interested in booking in your dog with us for a hydrotherapy session, then call us today. Our professional and friendly staff are ready and waiting to help your pet feel at home, and make sure they are as comfortable as possible during their stay with us.