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Chocolate – Can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and can even cause death. Darker chocolate is the most dangerous while white chocolate the least; however make sure your pet avoids chocolate at all costs.

Alcohol – Any food or drink containing alcohol can cause severe problems such as vomiting, diarrhoea, lack of coordination, central nervous system depression, trouble breathing, tremors, coma and even death.

Grapes & Raisins – There is an unknown toxin to cats and dogs contained in these which can cause kidney failure, and even increase health problems in pets who already have health concerns.

Yeast dough – This can cause excessive gas build up in the digestive system causing discomfort, pain and even obstruction.

Undercooked/raw meat and eggs – These can include Salmonella and E.Coli, as well as the enzyme avidin which can cause skin and coat problems.

Milk – Pets cannot break down the lactose in milk properly, causing an upset stomach.

Bones – Animals can choke on any bone or food containing bones, as well as sustaining injury from splinters in bones.

Caffeine – Caffeine includes the same harmful substances as chocolate, which can cause major health problems in animals.

Onions, Garlic & Chives – These can cause gastrointestinal irritation which can lead to red blood cell damage. Cats are more susceptible than dogs.

Xylitol – Found in some chewing gum, diet foods, etc, can lead to potentially fatal hypoglycaemia. Symptoms can include lethargy, vomiting, loss of coordination, and health problems can include fatal acute liver disease and blood clotting disorders.

If you suspect that your pet has consumed any of these products, contact your vet quoting the possible quantity consumed.

If you have just collected a kitten from a Cat Breeders Association registered cat breeder, then make sure you activate your 12 weeks FREE insurance within 48 hours of collecting your kitten. Visit www.cat-breeds.co.uk or call 0800 181 886.

1. Prevent your cat from dangerously chewing on wires by coating them in foil, bubble wrap or a nasty spray such as citrus (which cats hate). On the other hand, just keep the wires out of kitty’s way. This trait should have dissipated by their second birthday.
2. Keep brushing your cat to remove loose hair which then prevents the hair from getting in unwanted places such as your sofa or clothes.
3. Declawing your cat is safe (done at a vets); however after this process the cat loses its best defence tool. Keep your cat inside if planning to or have declawed your cat.
4. If, during a thunderstorm, cat becomes scared and agitated, play a CD of storm sounds very quietly, and then slowly increase the volume over time.
5. Don’t worry if your cat eats grass – grass tastes delicious to them and aids natural digestion.
6. Cats are natural climbers so don’t get angry if they decide to jump up where they are not wanted. Prevent it by either laying a strip of vinyl overlay knobbly-side up on your worktops, or when they get up speak sternly, clap your hands and get them down.
7. Sleeping for up to 18 hours a day for a cat is nothing surprising, but if your cat seems extremely lethargic, this could prove to be a warning sign of anaemia, fever or weakness from an underlying illness – making them all over less playful. A trip to the vet is the best thing in this situation to rule out any nasties.
8. Cats with short or light coloured coats, as well as any bare patches of fur or delicate skin are, just as humans, at risk of sunburn. In the hot temperatures, use non-toxic suncream, keep them out of the sun between 11am-3pm, and even put little t-shirts on them for extra protection.

If you have taken home a kitten from a breeder registered with the Cat Breeders Association you could be eligable to 12weeks free breeders choice insurance. To find out more visit  www.cat-breeds.co.uk.

Everyone knows it can be very dangerous if your cat overheats in the top temperatures this summer. Make sure you keep your precious moggy cool and calm with these few simple tips.

Keep an eye on their paw pads, as they can get sore on hot surfaces.

Do not leave your pet in the car, even with the windows open and in the shade. Cars get extremely hot so either leave them at home or take them out of the car with you.

Conservatories can also get very warm quickly so make sure your pet has access to the main part of the house if allowed in the conservatory, and don’t leave your pet unattended in there.

Leave lots of water around the house and outside for your cat – cats tend not to find their water sources near their food in the wild and will rarely drink from a bowl next to their food, so place a few water bowls separate from their food bowl to give them a choice.

Cats with white ears or bald patches have a heightened chance of burning and even developing skin cancer in these areas, so make sure you check with your vet for the best ways to prevent this with an animal friendly sunscreen.

If your garden has little shade, create a shaded area for your pet to retreat to when they get too warm. Make sure shade is also available wherever you take your pet away from home.

Making ice lollies for your cat is a great idea to help them cool off. Freeze water and food together in a plastic cup, removing the cup before use.

Trimming your cat’s fur is one of the simplest and best ways to help your furry friend keep cool. Regular grooming also removes excess fur and keeps their coats in tip top condition.

Barbeques are always popular in the warm weather, but make sure that you don’t give your cat meat with bones in (even the bigger bones) and ensure that you do not leave a hot barbeque unattended.

Remember that kittens tend to burn off a lot more energy than their older friends, so extra water around the home for the little ones is essential.

If you have taken home a kitten from a breeder registered with the Cat Breeders Association you could be eligable to 12weeks free breeders choice insurance. To find out more visit  www.cat-breeds.co.uk.