The ProtectaPet Cat Balcony Kit enables apartment-dwelling cat owners to provide safe, supervised, outdoor access for their cat.
International cat fencing specialist, ProtectaPet, has launched its latest product in the modular range of cat fencing products – the ProtectaPet Cat Balcony Kit – a unique way of keeping cats safe on balconies.
The risk of cats falling from balconies is highly publicised. Animal welfare charity, the Blue Cross, appealed to cat owners to keep cats safe around elevated open windows and balconies after two cat fatalities and five cat injuries were treated one summer weekend at their Victoria animal hospital in 2017. In New York, the term ‘high rise syndrome’ was coined when one hot summer in the 1980s more than 100 cats were brought into a veterinary center with injuries from falls.
For high-rise cat-owners with balconies, the choice has been stark, with most cats kept indoors for their own safety. While thousands of cats in the UK live in apartments, many of them don’t have access to fresh air, with windows and doors being deliberately kept shut to ensure their safety.
Product designer and Managing Director of ProtectaPet, Simon Davies BSc, challenged himself to design a balcony enclosure that was adaptable to different balcony configurations. The clever design allows multiple sections to be joined together inline or at ninety degrees. The modular screen can be used on one sided balconies or expansive balconies with multiple sides. The netting is made from hybrid stainless-steel reinforced nylon for resistance to chewing, while maintaining a low visual impact.
The ProtectaPet Cat Balcony Kit has been in development for three years, having undergone extensive product testing. It is the first Cat Balcony Kit of its kind with ‘no drill’ attachments. This is because most people living in balconies are prohibited from drilling into the masonry or attaching anything permanent to the exterior of the building. Crucially, the innovative new fixtures are secured under tension, enabling owners to easily relocate the balcony enclosure if they move.
Simon says, ‘We are really excited to launch this solution for cat owners’ peace of mind about their cat’s welfare and safety. No more worrying about smelly cat litter trays and keeping the balcony doors shut either! The DIY kit can be installed with a hacksaw, hammer, pliers and scissors, making it accessible to most practical people. It requires two people for installation, and they must undertake a rigorous risk assessment to ensure the safety of themselves and those around them.’
ProtectaPet say that the target market for this new product is cities with high rates of cat ownership in the UK and across all of Europe. They are noticing ‘hot-spots’ of enquiries from places like St Helier in Jersey, presumably because once one cat owner has discovered the product, news spreads and subsequently their cat-owning neighbours are interested. It is designed and made in Britain with ambition for international clientele.
Cats can be quite particular creatures, and pet parents know that their unique purr-sonalities can be very different.
Even in the same household, and from the same litter, our furry friends can vary quite a lot when it comes to their individual habits and quirks.
Researchers have found five cat personality types, and find most cats fall into one of the following categories – Neurotic, Extraverted, Dominant, Impulsive or Agreeable.
“A deeper understanding of cat personality traits can be highly beneficial to their health and wellbeing. Knowing more about our cats allows us to provide the right kind of interactions based on their individual personalities. The “personalities” of domestic cats found in the study (agreeableness, impulsiveness, dominance, extraversion and neuroticism) can help determine how to manage causes of stress in our cats and allow them to be at their very best. These findings are important considerations in human-feline relations.”
– Dr Jo Gale BVetMed CertLAS MRCVS
It is worth noting that most “undesirable” behaviours are just cats expressing their natural behaviours, but perhaps in a place or at a time which isn’t appealing to us as humans!
Whether your cat is a Nervous Nala, a Spontaneous Simba or a Bossy Bella, read our top tips for ensuring a fuss-free feline friend below.
Nervous
Cats who score in this category tend to be more highly-strung than others, and can also be the most shy.
These cats love a hiding spot, so give them plenty of spaces around your home for them to retreat to.
Over time, and with the right support, these cats can become just as confident and cuddly as any feline, albeit only to those they truly love (which makes it even better!)
Top Tips for Nervous Cats
Give them space – Boxes, cat tunnels and other “safe spaces” are very important to nervous cats.
Reduce “triggers” – If possible, try to determine and avoid things that may cause anxiety for your cat. For example, if your cat is scared of the hoover, take them to another room before flipping the switch.
Be patient – It may take a while until your cat is comfortable enough for a cuddle, and some cats just plain don’t like it. Respect your cat’s personal space and try to read their body language.
Try distractions – If your cat is triggered by something beyond your control, such as fireworks, try shutting the curtains and playing soothing music or television (ours love a bit of Attenborough)
Keep calm and purr on – Your cat is an expert at picking up your vibes, so try to stay cool, calm, and collected, and hopefully your cat will do the same.
Make a routine – cats are creatures of habit, and aren’t too fond of change, so bear this in mind, try to sync your schedules and don’t interrupt nap time (this goes for humans, too)
Outgoing
Cats in this category are much more extroverted and often more noisy than most cats.
They’re also the kind who like to get into the most trouble, mostly due to how easily they get bored and resort to destructive behaviours to get attention (we’ve all been there).
Top tips for outgoing cats
Work hard on playing hard – Provide plenty of toys for your cat to play with, and be sure to replace them with fresh toys as they can soon stop smelling quite so interesting to cats.
“Baby”-proof your home – If your cat has a naughty habit of opening cupboards and doors, invest in kid-proof door stoppers to keep what’s inside from falling into the wrong paws.
Reward good behaviour – When you notice your cat playing nicely, for example not biting your guests’ ankles, be sure to let them know how pleased you are with a treat or some fuss and attention.
Keep distractions close to hand – A tactically-placed scratching post or well-timed play session can greatly improve the longevity of your sofa.
Use “time-outs” – If your cat gets a bit too overzealous with the rough-housing, consider placing them in “kitty jail”. A few minutes in a designated empty room can help to calm down their zoomies (just make sure it isn’t where you keep your priceless art…)
Be patient – Cats can be quite wild at times, but remember that they lack the capacity to do things out of spite or meanness, though it can seem this way sometimes.
Bossy
Cats who fall into this category tend to be the most dominant, and are especially easy to spot in multi-cat households – they are the ones at the top of the pecking order (including you).
These cats know just how to manipulate their owners, and can wrap you around their little toe-beans.
Top tips for bossy cats
First impressions matter – when introducing new members of your pet family, use the “two-door method” to gradually let them get to know each other, slowly removing the barriers until they can get acquainted.
Share the love – For households with more than one cat, be sure to show equal attention and affection for each member of your clique, you may have a favourite, but they don’t need to know that.
Food, the great motivator – You’d be surprised how quickly your cat can straighten up and fly right when dinnertime comes into question, if you have more than one cat, provide separate feeding areas and bowls to avoid the dominant cat taking the lion’s share.
Tough love – As much as we’d like to let them think our lives revolve around them, sometimes a cat needs to know that it isn’t the boss. Whether it’s by feeding yourself first before them, or simply not jumping to attention whenever they call, just don’t expect a pleasant reaction when you try to take back your favourite spot on the sofa…
Consider a permanent “fix” – Neutering or spaying your cat can help to control the hormones responsible for some undesirable behaviours. If needed, a specialist veterinary behaviourist can help you live in harmony with your cat.
Live with it – Cats, while fairly resilient and adaptable, can be set in their ways. If they’ve been “top cat” for too long, you may just have to deal with the fact that you’re seen more as a servant than a parent, in which case you should just be grateful to have such a merciful ruler.
Spontaneous
These cats are the most impulsive, and tend to have a lot of energy, which sometimes is released all at once.
Whilst all cats go through a “scatty” phase as kittens, some cats stay “young-at-heart” and keep their youthful exuberance. Particularly, it seems, in the middle of the night…
Top tips for spontaneous cats:
Tire them out with play – Keeping your cat amused with plenty of toys can help them spend some of their seemingly boundless energy. Consider an automatic or interactive toy for them to entertain themselves with, especially when you’re trying to sleep.
Never “scold” your cat – Shouting at a spontaneous cat will likely raise their levels of anxiety and increase any erratic behaviour as a result. Plus, it isn’t very nice and rarely works with cats, instead, try positive reinforcement for good behaviour.
Start a regimen – Scheduling feeding and playtime to the same time of day can help to instil a sense of routine that can help keep your cat calm (just be sure NEVER to be late, no one likes waiting for dinner…)
Read your cat’s body language – Try to identify the things that set your cat off, or how they behave in the lead up to the “zoomies”. This can help single out any triggers that are causing the nervous energy, or if your cat is simply a weirdo (the best ones are, after all…)
Synchronise your time-zones – Some cats are nocturnal, preferring to run around your home in the wee small hours. Try to keep them entertained and awake throughout the day to change their body-clock. If all else fails you could always join them on the night shift, after all, compromise works both ways.
Agreeable
This type is the very definition of a “cool cat”. Super chilled, sociable and with plenty of the laissez-faire attitude that cats are known for.
This agreeable personality is usually the result of proper socialisation as a kitten. The dude abides…
Top tips for agreeable cats (like you need them!)
Consider expanding the family – Agreeable cats are perfect for multi-cat households, often taking younger cats under their wing and passing on good habits. This type of cat is the ideal role model for newer additions, particularly rescues who can re-learn behaviours much quicker than from humans.
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it – Whatever you’re doing, it’s working. A well-adjusted cat can provide an endless amount of comfort, care, calm and cuddles. Just know that it’s incredibly rare that a cat will fetch your slippers (though you’re welcome to try).
Of course it goes without saying that every cat is unique and has its own personality, just like us!
However, being attuned to your cat’s personality can help you to understand their individual needs and personal likes (and dislikes), which is one step closer to purr-adise.
Cats are wonderful companions – just being around them is beneficial for both your physical and mental health. Stroking a cat causes your brain to release serotonin and dopamine, which helps you to feel more relaxed. Cats are also relatively low maintenance compared to other pets, although they do still need care and attention. It’s important to do your research and evaluate your lifestyle before committing to giving a cat a home, particularly if you’re considering a kitten as they can be more work than you’d expect.
Before getting a cat, ask yourself the following questions:
Do you have a stable home environment?
If you don’t own your own home, it may not be the best time to get a cat. Even if you’re renting and you’re lucky enough that your current place allows pets, it’s still risky. Renting can be unpredictable and you could be forced to move at any time, which is not only stressful for a cat, but it can be very difficult to find another home that accepts pets. You could then be faced with rehoming your cat which is heartbreaking for everyone.
Do you have enough space?
Many cat rescues or shelters will require that home inspections are carried out before they allow you to adopt a cat. They will typically have a list of criteria you have to meet – some common ones are having a cat flap, living away from any busy roads and having enough space for a cat to explore.
If you live in a small flat or apartment, you’ll need to ensure that you’re getting a breed that will be happy living indoors and doesn’t require much space to run around. This really varies depending on the cat, so it’s important to do your research.
Do you have enough time?
Although cats don’t need to be taken on daily walks, they do still need stimulation to live a healthy life. It’s up to you whether your cat is allowed outdoors or stays indoors, but if they are indoors, they will need plenty of toys and playtime to keep them entertained.
Kittens are especially time consuming. They need a lot of attention from you and a lot of play. Make sure you have plenty of safe toys for your kitten and if your kitten would be home alone all day then consider either getting an older cat or having someone come over to play with your kitten while you are at work.
Can you afford the upkeep?
With a cat comes many new expenses – food, beds, toys and vet bills. It’s a good idea to get some rough costs for each item and add up the monthly estimate to ensure that you can afford it. Vet bills are typically one-offs and can be hard to plan for, but you can make the costs more manageable and predictable by taking advantage of pet insurance.
Does anyone in your household have allergies?
If you have any doubts about a household member having a cat allergy, we would recommend trying to visit a friend with a cat or getting tested before committing to getting a cat. Cat allergies can have quite serious implications for some people and could force you to rehome your cat should someone be allergic. You can avoid this heartbreak by finding out beforehand.
If you feel you are ready for a cat, contact a breeder or cat rescue centre to help you find a cat that is best suited to living with you. After all, it is not just about your happiness, your cay’s happiness is equally important!
February is Pet Dental Awareness Month, an issue close to my heart as my own cat suffers from tooth resorption. All my blog posts this month will be dedicated to dental health in cats to highlight the importance of this issue. Today, I am re-posting this blog about brushing your cat’s teeth
Dental hygiene is as important for cats as people.
It helps keep your cat in great condition and prevents diseases (and a bad breath).
Still, you may feel a little unsure about brushing your cat’s teeth. I know I was a little taken aback when my vet first suggested brushing Dirk’s teeth.
He showed me how to do it and – surprisingly – Dirk seemed fine with it.
However, trying it at home was a different story…
If only it was this easy!
When I first started I was a bit too optimistic. Having seen the vet do it made me think it wouldn’t be so difficult. Dirk was not happy about it though. I tried every other day at first but I have to admit this soon became less frequent. Until Dirk was diagnosed with a dental disease called feline resorptive lesions.
After he had two teeth removed my mind set changed. I went from ‘I’ll try’ to ‘OK, I have to do this’.
Around this time I also started with my advanced feline behaviour course and was learning about learning theory and training cats. This was the perfect opportunity to put what I’d learnt into practice!
I took small steps to get Dirk used to having his teeth brushed. Admittedly, he still doesn’t like it. He tolerates it now although we have to odd day where he doesn’t. Those days are less frequent now, I brush his teeth most days. And afterwards he gets a special reward: his favourite treat which he goes nuts for.
The basics:
First of all, buy toothpaste for cats. Toothpaste for people is toxic for cats, so never use this. Toothpaste for cats comes in tasty flavours such as chicken. Rest assured, even though it is tasty it also contains all the enzymes needed to clean your cat’s teeth.
Introduce your cat to the toothpaste. Let your cat lick the toothpaste off your finger (my cat loved it!). This allows the cat to get used to the flavour and texture and they will have a positive association with the toothpaste.
Once your cat is used to the toothpaste you can introduce a toothbrush, for example by letting your cat lick the toothpaste off the brush. There are several types of brushes designed for cats. Buy the one you feel most confident using.
Getting the job done:
Both you and your cat should be calm and comfortable before you start brushing your cat’s teeth.
Either sit behind your cat so they cannot escape or ask someone else to hold and soothe your cat.
Start by stroking and reassuring your cat. If you notice your cat becoming stressed, then don’t start brushing. Try again another day. If you turn this into a routine then your cat will become more relaxed over time and will allow you to brush their teeth.
Gently pull back your cat’s lips as shown in the picture.
What it looks like at the vet’s… What it looks like at home
(Dirk prefers to lie down on his side)
Brush the teeth in slow circular motions and keep the bristles at a 45-degree angle. Brush the teeth and just beneath the gum margin, don’t brush the gums directly.
Brush as many teeth as the cat allows and praise your cat while doing so. Initially you may only be able to brush for about 10-15 seconds, but that’s a good start! When you’re more experienced and the cat has become more tolerant of having their teeth brushed you’ll be able to brush their teeth in about 1-2 minutes.
For more information please ask you vet or veterinary nurse.
For a video instruction, as well as additional information, please consult International Cat Care’s website.
February is Pet Dental Awareness Month, an issue close to my heart as my own cat suffers from tooth resorption. All my blog posts this month will be dedicated to dental health in cats to highlight the importance of this issue.
Skye, an 8-year old cat with a heart murmur, who came into the Bermondsey based clinic for an oral examination, is a typical case of advanced dental issues. Her gums were very inflamed and some of the teeth were broken due to ‘tooth resorption’ where the body’s own cells destroy tooth structure.
Dr. Campbell says: “Tooth resorption is a common dental disease in cats over 4 years of age and this case highlighted how much cat’s hide their pain particularly dental pain. Skye had a very healthy appetite and had no problems with eating or ‘hunting’. Her owner is a wonderfully observant and attentive carer but it is impossible to see this far back in the mouth of even the most malleable cat without a proper oral examination by your vet or nurse.”
Dr. Campbell recommended that Skye come in for a Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment (COHAT)*. First, he performed a non-invasive cardiac ultrasound (echocardiography) and chest radiographs (x-rays) to investigate the cause of Skye’s heart murmur and to assess risks prior to a general anaesthetic. She was found to have structural changes in the left side of her heart but was considered to be low risk for an anaesthetic adverse event. Skye’s anaesthetic protocol was tailored to her conditions and designed to keep her heart rate nice and relaxed and lungs well oxygenated. She was placed into an oxygen tent for 30 minutes before her anaesthetic to allow her to take in the very rich oxygenated air.
The clinic’s nurses use a multi-parameter monitor for constant monitoring of the heart rate, body temperature, blood pressure and breathing (capnography) allowing any alterations to be made minute-by-minute. Dental nerve blocks were used, which reduce intra and post-operative pain and the amount of overall general anaesthetic required which is even better for the heart. Full mouth x-rays were taken which are essential to determine disease below the gumline and a dental chart was completed recording all details for every tooth. Skye had four teeth removed in total, and is now making a good recovery.
Behaviour consultations, adoption & rehoming advice, cat sitting 