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RTÉ News
3 hours ago
- Health
- RTÉ News
How to train your cat
Analysis: just like dogs, cats need support to adjust to living with us and simple forms of training can be good for their wellbeing By Lauren Finka, Nottingham Trent University The pandemic fuelled a rise in first-time pet owners and people adopting puppies and kittens. While even inexperienced owners expect a new puppy will need some training, people rarely think the same applies to kittens. But just like dogs, cats need support to adjust to living alongside us. Simple forms of training can be good for their wellbeing. Compared to dogs, cats share different historic relationships with humans. Cats have never been selectively bred to enhance their ability to cooperate and communicate with us, or perform working roles such as herding, hunting or guarding. But research shows they can recognise and respond to our subtle social cues and be trained to perform similar tasks to dogs. However, it's unlikely we would need a cat to "walk nicely" on a lead, or settle quietly at the pub. And cats typically need less support than dogs to master toilet training – providing the right litter tray is usually sufficient. From RTÉ 2fm's Dave Fanning Show, animal handler Charlotte Wilde on how it's possible to train cats just like dogs But we are missing a trick if we only think about training pets to make our lives easier. Myself and colleague Daniel Cummings of animal charity Cats Protection would argue that there are many possible benefits to the cat also. In a rehoming shelter, for example, training can be a useful tool to increase a cat's exploratory behaviours, positive reactions to people and maybe even their chances of being adopted. At home, we can use simple techniques to help cats with things like feeling comfortable in a cat carrier, getting used to car journeys, as well as tolerating being groomed and receiving basic health examinations and treatments. Such training can also help cats cope better with visits to the vet. What works Cats are not born with an innate affinity towards humans and must be exposed to gentle, warm handling from two weeks old so they can learn we are friend rather than foe. There is limited evidence that younger cats are more attentive to our social cues, which could mean they are more amenable to training. Kittens should also be played with using cat wands or fishing rod toys so that they learn not to attack our hands or feet. Punishments such as shouting, rough handling or using a water spray can induce stress and compromise the quality of owner-cat relationships. Always use positive reinforcement (such as treats and praise). This is not only the most effective way to train pets, but it's also better for their wellbeing. Reward-based techniques can be an excellent way to teach a cat to enter a carrier on their own or sit calmly whilst we deliver their flea treatment. Some very friendly food motivated cats may enjoy being taught to give a high five, or to sit or spin. But cats are often less motivated than dogs to pay attention to us, or do what we are asking, especially in situations where they don't feel comfortable. These factors may explain the high drop-out rates in studies that involve training cats to attend to human social cues. It's important that we make sure the cat is somewhere they feel at ease when we undertake any training with them. Always ensure the cat has the option to walk away or end the session when they want and try to give them a break if they seem uncomfortable. Signs to look for include the cat turning their head away, nose licking, head shaking, a raised paw, sudden bouts of self-grooming, looking hunched or tense, a twitching or thumping tail and rotated or flattened ears. Here's how to teach your cat enter a carrier and settle in five easy steps: Lure them onto a blanket In a place where your cat already feels safe, teach him or her to settle on a blanket. Do this by luring the cat onto the blanket using food. Reward the cat for staying on the blanket with more treats, petting or verbal praise, depending on what your cat likes most. Feed treats at nose height to encourage them into a sit position, then feed treats at ground height to encourage the cat to crouch and then eventually lay on the blanket. Introduce the carrier Once your cat has mastered step one, place the blanket on the bottom of a carrier with the lid removed. Repeat the same luring and rewarding steps. From Jaw-Dropping Mistakes, 20 common mistakes people make with their cats Take it slowly When your cat is happily resting on the blanket in the carrier, place the lid on top of the carrier (without attaching the door) and repeat the luring and rewarding process. Let your cat set the pace After your cat has happily entered the carrier and settled inside, place the door on the carrier but keep it open to start with, so that he or she doesn't suddenly feel trapped inside. Allow them to exit the carrier when they want and use treats to encourage them back in. In small movements, start to close the door slightly then open it again, each time giving the cat a treat. Build this up slowly until the door can be fully closed (for only a few seconds at first) while the cat is still comfortable. Feed the cat treats through the closed door. Almost there Work towards the cat being in the carrier with the door closed for longer periods, adding a few extra seconds each time. Keep rewarding the cat by popping treats through the sides or door of the carrier, gradually increasing the time between each treat delivery. Each training session should last no more than a few minutes in total, and some cats may prefer only one session a day. It might take lots of sessions and many days or weeks before this final step is complete.
BBC News
19-07-2025
- Health
- BBC News
One-eyed kitten's vet bill paid for by Sussex fundraiser
A charity has raised more than £500 needed to pay for urgent medical care that left a kitten without an Monsieur Le Floof, who is being looked after by Cats Protection in Chelwood Gate, East Sussex, had an eye infection as a result of cat eye was so severely damaged that vets had no option but to operate to remove it, the charity said. A spokesperson said the cat was now "doing well and is ready to find his forever home". A Justgiving appeal to pay for vet costs for the operation and aftercare raised the funds needed in just 10 Draper, cat centre manager, said: "We're lucky to have a specialist vet team at the centre but every operation and aftercare clocks up bills that put an extra strain on our fundraising."A charity spokesperson said all donations above the £500 target would "help more cats who come into care".Ms Draper said: "The poor little mite looked a bit sorry for himself after the operation but youth was on his side and he has fully recovered from his treatment. "He's still playful, friendly and full of personality."She said that Floof had "adapted so well" to his limited vision. "He navigates life confidently and doesn't need special care to be a wonderful, loving companion," she added.
BBC News
10-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
Stone charity shops get creative with unsellable donations
Rag merchants, home collections and car boot sales are just some of the ways charity shops in Staffordshire say they are dealing with poor quality donations.A recent BBC investigation heard from staff at charity shops in another part of England who felt they were being used as a bin, with problematic donations including damp clothes and dirty Richards is chief executive of the Staffordshire-based charity AED Donate, which offers free defibrillators and has has opened a second shop in Stone."We're zero-landfill as an organisation, so we will recycle pretty much everything," he promised. "It does cost. There is a trade waste aspect to that. But people do tend to give us really high quality items."In the investigation, the BBC found staff who said their week could involve rifling through 100 bags of donated clothes, much of it Charity Retail Association insisted current industry conditions were a "blip". Stone's high street has six charity shops, all with their different ways of dealing with unwanted Mitford, at The Children's Society shop in the town, uses a rag merchant to make money from any clothes not fit for she said she would welcome any clarity from those donating, to make the process simpler."They will come and say these items are not for sale, they'll actually write on the bag 'rags' so we know we can get the money for them," Ms Mitford said. Adele Allen manages the Cats Protection branch shop in Stone and has her own feline-themed method of repurposing."People buy rags for sewing, crafting, we've got volunteers that make cat beds, cat blankets and anything to do with crafting," she Allen admitted she had to be "picky" about what was sold in the shop and had sold lesser quality items at local boot said she was grateful for all donations made to the charity but asked people to be selective."If it's really damaged, broken items, try and take it to the local recycling centre," she asked. Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Daily Mail
09-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Urgent appeal for a stowaway cat which travelled 400 miles to Scotland to be reunited with her owners
An urgent appeal is underway to find the owners of a cat found in the engine of a minibus after a 400-mile journey from England. The pet jumped out of the vehicle at the Park of Hamilton depot in Blantyre, Lanarkshire, yesterday (Wed) following a trip from South Mimms, in Hertfordshire, via Staffordshire and Lancashire. She has been handed over to the charity Cats Protection's centre where a vet checked her over. The cat, named Scout by volunteers, is thought to be around a year old. Although dirty from its adventure the moggy has escaped her ordeal otherwise unharmed. The charity is now desperately trying to find her owners to return her home. Deputy centre manager Rachael Ward said: 'The first thing Scout did was eat an entire pouch of food in one go before settling down for a two-hour nap - clearly thankful for some safety and absolutely exhausted. 'She is underweight but otherwise in good body condition, just very dirty from her travels. Surprisingly, and thankfully, she is completed uninjured after her ordeal. 'Scout is a domestic shorthair, white and tortoiseshell in colour, with quite distinctive markings. We're hopeful that with enough attention, her owner will recognise her. 'Sadly, Scout is not microchipped. We would be so, so grateful if people could share her story. It would be a miracle to reunite her with her owner.' Ms Ward added that photographic evidence would be needed to reclaim Scout.
Newsweek
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Tears at How Cat With Two Legs Proves Sceptics Wrong: 'Better Without Them'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A fearless two-legged cat is capturing hearts across the internet after a video showcasing his impressive jumping skills went viral on Instagram. Shared by his owner, who goes by @ the clip has racked up over 1.6 million likes and countless comments cheering on Rocket, the determined feline. "I tell them 'I have a cat that only has two legs'. 'oh so he need wheels?', Holy fluffin airball," the video begins, with text overlaying a shot of Rocket launching himself from a shelf and landing gracefully on his front paws. The video then transitions into a montage of Rocket jumping from various surfaces—bookshelves, counters, and more—demonstrating incredible strength and coordination. It finishes with a clip from his kitten days, where he clings to a chair and drags himself around it, paired with the caption: "He never needed wheels." "Holy fluffin airball - no he needs no wheels. Rocket can do it better without them," the owner added in the caption. While the video doesn't go into Rocket's medical history or explain why he only has two front legs, two-legged cats can thrive with the right care and support. In some cases, cats are born with congenital conditions such as Swimmer Syndrome, which affects limb development. Other times, amputation is required due to injury or illness. Regardless of the cause, many cats adapt remarkably well. According to Forest Vets, amputee cats can lead full and happy lives once they adjust to their new way of moving. Cats have a strong instinct to adapt to their physical limitations and often show great resilience. With some modifications to their environment—such as ramps or soft landings—they continue to climb, play, and explore. The Cats Protection charity also emphasizes that disabled cats still enjoy toys, affection, and exploration just like any other cat. Owners are encouraged to provide enrichment and monitor their feline friend's comfort, but there's no need to feel sorry—many disabled cats don't know they're "different" at all. A stock image showing a cat leaping. A stock image showing a cat leaping. Anmfoto/iStock / Getty Images Plus Instagram users were quick to show their admiration for Rocket. "Have you told HIM he only has two legs??" asked Rayne. "Disability? Yeah, I got dis ability to go wherever tf I want," quipped another user. "Give him a little kiss on his forehead and tell him 'a random stranger on the internet is so proud of you and sent u a lot of love'," shared another impressed cat lover. "Bro's an amazing calisthenics athlete," added another user. "That core! That upper body strength! He is fitness goals," said another viewer. "I love this about animals. They're not sad about this kind of thing. They live, learn, and adapt," said another viewer. Newsweek reached out to @ for comment via Instagram. We could not verify the details of the case. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
