Breeders Choice Insurance « cat-breeds news

December 19, 2011

Protect your pets this Christmas

Filed under: Hints & Tips — Tags: Breeders Choice Insurance, cat, cat breeder insurance, Cat Health, Cat Insurance, christmas, Insurance, Kitten Insurance, pet — jsteel @ 1:15 pm

Make sure your precious pets are kept safe this Christmas with these few tips:

Screw a hook into the ceiling above your tree to act as an anchor to make sure it isn’t pulled down.
Use foil or sticky tape around the base of your tree, and also perhaps use lightweight or material ornaments for the bottom of the tree to help prevent them being pinched or attacked by your furry friends.
If you have a real tree this year, make sure the water used at the base of the tree is covered and pets are discouraged from drinking this water, as it can contain very dangerous fertilizers and pesticides.
Coatings such as Bitter Apple or citrus fruit scents on your electrical cables can help prevent unwanted chewing. Try to bundle up cables or use a cord cover where possible.
Avoid tinsel at all costs, as the ingestion of this by your pet can cause choking or intestinal obstruction.
Again, if you have opted for a real tree, make sure if you have cats that your tree is not pine, as the ingestion of these needles is toxic and can be fatal. Other needles from different types of tree are less toxic but can also be very dangerous is eaten by a cat or a dog, as they can puncture the intestines of animals. Keep needles up from the floor as much as possible and clean them up regularly.

If you suspect your pet has ingested anything dangerous or is showing symptoms of such, contact your vet immediately.

Make sure you also have insurance for your prized pet. If you have just collected a kitten from a Cat Breeders Association registered breeder then make sure you register your kitten for its 12 weeks FREE insurance within 48 hours of collection. Visit www.cat-breeds.co.uk or call 0800 181 886.

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December 14, 2011

Stray cat Tommaso becomes the world’s richest cat

Filed under: News — Tags: Breeders Choice Insurance, cat, cat breeder insurance, Cat Health, Cat Insurance, Insurance, Kitten Insurance — jsteel @ 12:31 pm

When Maria Assunta died two weeks ago at the age of 94 in Italy, she left her beloved four year old black stray cat Tommaso $13.3 million in her will.

This now makes Tommaso the world’s richest feline, and the third richest animal in the world.

Tommaso has not only inherited the cash, but has also inherited properties in Rome, Milan and land in Calabria.

As the cat is not entitled to inherit the money directly, his late owner Maria Assunta appointed a trustee, her nurse by the name of Stefania, to care for her feline friend.

Maria Assunta had no living relatives, and suffered from loneliness said her nurse, and so she made sure her beloved Tommaso would have the best care possible after she was gone.

Tummaso and Stefania are living outside of Rome at an unknown address to prevent such things as kidnapping.

Kalu the chimp is the second richest animal, having inherited $80million, and Gunther IV, the German Shepherd, is the richest in the world, inheriting a whopping $372 million.

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December 5, 2011

‘Bionic cat’ survives fourth storey fall

Filed under: News — Tags: Breeders Choice Insurance, cat, cat breeder insurance, Cat Health, Cat Insurance, Insurance, Kitten Insurance — jsteel @ 4:02 pm

Sebastian the cat has had a miraculous recovery after falling out of a fourth story flat in Birmingham.

Owners Patison Harrigan and Katrin Toots had arrived home to discover their precious moggy had fallen out of an open window. Sebastian was given a 10 percent change of survival after being picked up by the RSPCA after the fall in August.

The cat has now been dubbed the ‘bionic cat’ after having pins and supports in his legs. The couple ended up paying £6,000 towards the cost of Sebastian’s veterinary treatment, £4,000 of which was thankfully covered by their pet insurance.

Sebastian is now at home and recovering very well.

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November 15, 2011

Cat gets stuck on cactus for three days

Filed under: News — Tags: Breeders Choice Insurance, cat, cat breeder insurance, Cat Health, Insurance, Kitten Insurance — jsteel @ 12:06 pm

A brave feline in the Arizona desert managed to get itself stuck up a giant saguaro cactus for three days, before simply climbing back down and going home.

The cat was spotted up the 20ft high cactus by a hiker near Phoenix, Arizona, and since it was spotted, was filmed by ground and helicopter crews.

It is thought that the cat may have run up the cactus originally to escape from a mountain lion or cougar, and spent three whole days atop of the cactus without food or water.

Footage of the cat taken by film crews in a helicopter show the cat looking as if he has had enough, and trots leisurely down the cactus and runs off.

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

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November 11, 2011

Keep your cat or kitten safe this winter

Filed under: Hints & Tips — Tags: Breeders Choice Insurance, cat, cat breeder insurance, Cat Health, Cat Insurance, Insurance, Kitten Insurance — jsteel @ 4:55 pm

As the British weather grows even more unpredictable, we have no idea when the next snowfall may be. However, it is generally understood that this winter, we will probably get a very similar climate to last year’s snowfall. Of course, it is best to be prepared, and so, look at these hints and tips to keep your cats safe in the snow.

- Keep any doors to sheds, garages or outbuildings either closed or wedged open, so your cat does not become trapped.

- Every time you go to use your car, make sure there is not a furry feline friend underneath or in the engine. Cats love the warmth given off by car engines when they are wandering in the cold.

- Always have a clean, fresh water source for your cat inside, especially if their main source of water comes from outside and is more than likely to freeze.

- Keep your cat in after dark, as this helps to minimise the amount of road accidents, theft and attacks.

- For arthritic cats, make sure additional warm and comfortable places are set up for your cat, and make easier for your cat to reach if they struggle to jump up/climb.

- Wipe your cat’s paws and fur whenever they come in from the outside, as road grit and anti freeze may be stuck to them. Anti freeze is especially dangerous to cats, as it is extremely poisonous and more often than not is fatal to cats.

- Any cats that are allowed access outside, provide a safe, sheltered space so that they have a secure area to rest whilst outside.

- If your cat is new to snow, make sure when they are let out for the first time that you accompany them in a small space such as the garden, as snow can make it very hard for a cat’s scent to remain.

- Try to let your cat out when temperatures are the highest, and traffic is at its lowest.

- Make sure your cat flap is not covered/blocked by snow, and has not frozen over.

- Make sure you have adequate pet insurance to cover your furry friend, as accident levels can be higher around the winter periods.

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October 28, 2011

Look after your feline friend this November

Filed under: Hints & Tips — Tags: Breeders Choice Insurance, cat, cat breeder insurance, Cat Insurance, Insurance, Kitten Insurance — jsteel @ 10:51 am

With Bonfire Night just around the corner, make sure your cat feels safe and relaxed despite all the loud noises.

The effects of fireworks and the loud noises on Bonfire Night can cause many cats to feel stressed, anxious, scared and even contribute to the development of behavioural problems. They may also become so frightened they may try to run away. Keeping them safe and feeling secure is the best way to look after your cat.

The dangers of accidents and injury from fireworks is high, so make sure you keep your cat inside from around 4pm on Bonfire Night, as fireworks start to be let off from around this time. Keep a litter tray for him if he is an outdoor cat, and provide a safe, cosy and familiar area for your cat to sleep on and feel relaxed, such as a favourite bed or chair.

Make sure all the doors and windows are securely closed, reducing noise and keeping them from escaping. Purchase a pheromone diffuser which can be plugged in, and start using two weeks before the start of the firework season to provide your cat with a sense of calm.

Keeping on the television or radio at a low volume also gives an air of calm to the household for your cat, and helps them to relax.

If holding the fireworks at your own house, try to purchase the quieter fireworks; many companies now offer quiet or silent fireworks. These noiseless fireworks are very beneficial to animals in your house and surrounding areas, as there are no loud noises or bangs. Remember not to set off your fireworks close to any wild animals.

Bonfires can provide a warm, cosy shelter for dogs, cats, hedgehogs, and other small animals, so it is very important to check any bonfires before lighting to make sure there are no animals living or sleeping inside.

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October 18, 2011

Look after your cat this Halloween!

Filed under: Hints & Tips — Tags: Breeders Choice Insurance, cat, cat breeder insurance, Cat Insurance, Insurance, Kitten Insurance — jsteel @ 10:01 am

As Halloween is just around the corner, make sure you keep your pets safe with these hints & tips:

- Chocolate is very dangerous to dogs and cats, so make sure the ‘treats’ are well out of the way of your pet. Also, many different sweets can contain xylitol, which can cause problems. Take your animal straight to the vet if you notice they have ingested anything.

- If your pumpkin contains a candle, be aware of where it is placed and make sure you are ‘supervising’ your pet while the candle is lit to avoid any accidents. Curious kittens are very easily burned by a flame or can knock them over, so keep your eye on your pet while burning a candle.

- Don’t dress your pet up unless you know for certain the animal isn’t distressed by the costume/dress up. This can be extremely frightening and upsetting for an animal. If your pet doesn’t mind, make sure the costume is not restricting to your pet in any way, is not unsafe and does not have any choking parts.

- Make sure your pet is micro-chipped, has a collar and tags in case of running away or escaping – so your pet can be easily identified in case they get lost. Make sure your pet doesn’t try to dart out the door when you are answering to trick or treaters

- If your pet is easily unnerved or scared by strangers or groups of people, make sure they are safe in another room away from the front door or windows, keeping them away from scary strangers.

- Any wires from decorative lights and electrical cords should be kept out of reach – anything new, dangly, and different can be an attraction for your pet, and this can cause strangling, cuts or burns, and even life threatening electrical shocks.

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October 13, 2011

Brave kittens rescued from hornet’s nest

Filed under: News — Tags: Breeders Choice Insurance, cat, cat breeder insurance, Cat Insurance, Insurance, Kitten Insurance — jsteel @ 9:52 am

A man from North Dakota, US, has put himself in danger to save the lives of three kittens from a hornet’s nest.

Jim Johnson was out working when he heard a crying sound coming from the window well of a garage. Looking inside, he found the three kittens covered in swarming attacking hornets. Without even thinking about it, he reached in and grabbed the kittens and pulled them to safety.

The kittens had hornets crawling all over them, and some were even embedded in their bodies. The kittens were immediately taken to a vet, where they were treated and given antibiotics. Jim was also stung over 20 times and even bitten by one of the kittens in the attempt to rescue the kittens.

One of the kittens has unfortunately passed away, but the other two are doing extremely well, growing stronger and stronger with bottle feeds. Lumps can still be felt in their bodies from all the stings.

Jim said: ‘They are a living thing you know, and it’s unfortunate that their mother had to leave them, somebody has to take care of them, and you know they obviously couldn’t get out of the situation.’

‘They are so young they won’t even remember it. They are good kittens, they deserve to live.’ Jim is giving the kittens away to good homes when they are strong enough and old enough to be let go.

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October 12, 2011

4-week-old kitten survives a 900 mile train journey underneath train

Filed under: News — Tags: Breeders Choice Insurance, cat, cat breeder insurance, Cat Insurance, Insurance, Kitten Insurance — jsteel @ 1:05 pm

Diesel the kitten was found underneath the driver’s cab of a train after travelling to and from London Marylebone and Kidderminster in the West Midlands at least 5 times, covering 900 miles at speeds of over 100mph.

The kitten was discovered after drivers heard a meowing noise coming from underneath the driver’s cab door. He was found perched in a gear box close to the wheels when the train stopped in Wembley.

A vet checked over four-week old Diesel and gave him a clean bill of health, and 19-year-old Jodi Fox couldn’t resist adopting him and taking him home after falling in love with him.

‘When I got to work in the morning, I was asked whether I wanted a cat. I thought it was a joke but then I looked inside the box and I fell in love with him straight away – he just looked so cute’, she said.

‘He’s quite timid; he’s ok on your lap but once you let him go he runs behind the cabinet. I think he likes small enclosed spaces. I thought Diesel was quite a relevant name.’

The kitten was thought to have leaped onto the train at the Banbury station in Oxfordshire, when he was seen dashing underneath the train by a driver. The driver looked for the kitten but was nowhere to be seen, so the driver carried on.

Railway spokeswoman Emma Gascoigne said: ‘This has never happened before. It managed to stay there for 900 miles and not fall off – it is absolutely amazing.’

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October 7, 2011

Missing college cat returns after a year thanks to microchip

Filed under: News — Tags: Breeders Choice Insurance, cat, cat breeder insurance, Cat Insurance, Insurance, Kitten Insurance — jsteel @ 12:41 pm

Spike the cat, who lives in and around Writtle College in Lordship Road and is known by staff and students alike, went missing last year and managed to survive on his own.

Staff & students were overjoyed and breathed a sigh of relief when Spike was found in a Veterinary clinic in Kent, the next county along, when he was scanned for a microchip. It showed where his home was – the college – and was returned safe and sound.

Spike is eight years old, and is known as the ‘college cat’. It was assumed, after he went missing at an equine event last year, that he had jumped into a horse trailer.

Grace Parker, a former student and now lecturer at the college, said: ‘After a few weeks we feared the worst. After that amount of time you don’t expect a cat to be found, but we were ecstatic. Everyone was talking about it and coming to see him. He’s put weight on and looks really good – he’s very independent and could look after himself.

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