Latest news with #Whiskers
Scottish Sun
10-05-2025
- General
- Scottish Sun
From building a wildlife pond to rabbits in hot weather – your pet queries answered
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HE is on a mission to help our pets . . . and is here to answer YOUR questions. Sean, who is the head vet at tailored pet food firm has helped with owners' queries for ten years. 4 Sean McCormack, head vet at promises he can 'help keep pets happy and healthy' 4 Sean tries to help out with cats who regularly wake their owner up early Credit: Getty Q) I WANT to create a wildlife pond this summer. Someone told me not to have fish in it, is that true? Should I buy tadpoles to start, and is there anything you recommend to make it a success? JOHN BARRATT, Sheffield Sean says: A wildlife pond is a wonderful thing! Definitely no fish as they tend to eat smaller creatures, therefore damaging the precious ecosystem that develops in a small pond. You don't need to introduce frogs, newts or their tadpoles. If the habitat is right to support them, they will arrive under their own steam in time. It can take a few years, but putting them into an unestablished pond is not a good idea. It may not be able to support them, but also amphibians are threatened by disease. Moving frogspawn around can introduce disease. Make sure you have shallow sides, a gravel 'beach zone' and plenty of places where animals can climb in and out. Use native aquatic plants only. Half of pet owners believe animals are hidden support network Q) MY daughter Chrissie keeps being woken up in the early hours by her four cats. They sleep in the kitchen at night, but one, The General, is a Maine Coon who can open doors, windows and even get treats from a cupboard. At 4am he opens the kitchen door and he and the other three go up to Chrissie's bedroom and jump on her to let them out for a while. If The General can't get the door open they all headbutt it. All the cats are healthy. Any advice to help her get some sleep? GINA MCFEETERS, Newtownards, Co. Down Sean says: My first suggestion is to limit their access to her bedroom and door. That could be by locking the kitchen door at night, or any other doors in between. Let's not just think about preventing such behaviour, but about what's motivating it. It could be boredom, or a routine to get outdoors early. Another solution is a cat flap so they can come and go as they please from kitchen to garden, or into an outdoor cat aviary, or 'catio'. Q) AS the weather gets hotter, should I shield my rabbits from the sun? Fluffy and Whiskers love basking in it. They have their hutch for shade but should I give them additional shade too? They have a run at the end of the garden, which is secure, and they freeflow during the day. But I put them into their hutch at night in case of foxes. SARAH CASTLE, Bridgwater, Somerset Sean says: I often watch wild rabbits soaking up the sun. It's natural because, despite being in Britain for thousands of years, rabbits are not native. They are native to the sunny Iberian peninsula, Spain and Portugal. As long as they have plenty of shade, clean water and food, you can let them decide for themselves when to get out of the sun. Q) MILO, my one-year-old rescue Labrador, chases his tail constantly. Is this just playfulness or is it a sign of stress? LIZ CARTER, Newcastle upon Tyne Sean says: It's something I can see a young Labrador doing, but more so out of boredom rather than stress. Tail-chasing can become compulsive, sometimes leading to problems. Dogs can use it to release endorphins, and become so obsessive about it that they bite their tail, causing physical damage. I'd ask if Milo is getting enough exercise, company and stimulation. I'd encourage a behavioural modification programme be put in place with the help of an animal behaviourist. Star of the week 4 Tia was abandoned but is growing her trust in humans again, and is our Star of the Week Credit: Supplied SWEET natured Tia was found abandoned, starving and losing her fur, but now she is learning to trust again. Birmingham Dogs Home saved the two-year-old Malinois on March 9, as Crufts Best In Show was broadcast, highlighting the stark contrast in how people care for their dogs. Fundraising Manager Rachel Frost said: 'I wish this was an isolated case but, unfortunately, we are seeing a heartbreaking rise in welfare cases this year – dogs neglected, discarded and suffering through no fault of their own.' She added: 'Tia is learning how to trust – treats really help her to feel a little braver.' See all the dogs that needing rehoming at WIN: Five £50 vouchers for Jollyes TO celebrate Jollyes' 'Big Cat Takeover' – where the pet store will be filled with cat essentials at great prices – we are giving away five £50 vouchers to spend there. Jollyes has more than 110 stores nationwide, selling pet food, treats, toys and more. To enter, send an email headed JOLLYES to sundaypets@ by May 25. See T&Cs apply. Gen Z love their dogs more than their family 4 83 per cent of Gen Z respondents to a poll claim they love their dogs more than their family Credit: Getty DOGS really are our best friends, with 83 per cent of Gen Z and 73 per cent of millennials saying they love their pet more than family. The study by pet marketplace Pets4Homes also revealed that more than 80 per cent of 13 to 28-year-olds regard themselves as parents to their pets. It's a big cultural shift as only 25 per cent of baby boomers, born before 1964, reckon their animal is equal to a family member. Pets4Homes CEO Axel Lagercrantz said: 'Many pet owners rely on their pets for comfort in times of stress. 'This became even more apparent during the pandemic when there was a surge in pet adoption.' A study by Kent University economics experts agrees. Their research even puts a price on pets' impact on our wellbeing, estimating our cats and dogs to be worth up to £70,000 a year. Dr Adelina Gschwandtner, who carried out the study, says: 'This answers the question whether, overall, pet companions are good for us with a resounding yes. "Pets care for us and there is a significant monetary value associated with their companionship.' But Axel sounds a note of warning: 'It's important to remember that humans are complex and pets are unable to provide the emotional support we sometimes crave.'
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Activists speak out after several cat shelters were damaged in Luzerne County
PLAINS TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— Controversy is brewing tonight at a commissioners' meeting in Luzerne County where several cat shelters have been found damaged. 28/22 News Reporter Brian Orbin has the latest on what animal rights advocates want done to solve the issue. Nestled in this quiet patch of land, these wooden shelters have been a lifeline for abandoned animals. Built by local animal rights activists, they've provided refuge for dozens of stray cats. But now, those shelters are damage and people are demanding something be done. Jim Thorpe prepares for annual Winterfest 'To take the shelter away, it was 11 degrees when the shelters were destroyed and now they can't be fed and I'm hoping to get this ordinance changed,' said Brenda Buckler, President Whiskers. But with the damage comes a bigger question: do these shelters even have a right to be here? According to Plains Township Commissioners, the land these shelters sit on was purchased by FEMA following the 2011 flood. The land is now considered public land after being handed over to the township later on, meaning nothing can be built upon it. 'We're going to have to look into some ordinances, add some teeth to things, and you know just really get some clarity as to what people can or can't do with cats,' explained Thomas Shubilla, Plains Township Commissioner. We spoke to activists who say they won't stop fighting to rebuild. But until the legal questions are answered, the future of these makeshift animal homes remains uncertain. 'They have nothing right now with which to stay warm. These cats are used to being cared for, they're used to being fed. They're used to that shelter that they're coming back to this area looking for the people who take care of them,' voiced Michelle Demich, Director, Rescue Warriors Cat Rescue. Plains Township Chief of Police tells us a summary offense for criminal mischief has been filed against the individual he believes is responsible for the damage to the shelters. Officials say it's unclear exactly where and when the shelters can be rebuilt. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Your Daily CatScope for February 12, 2025
While Whiskers may not be able to communicate his needs purrfectly, today's planets certainly can. With only your sun sign, you can use Catscope to translate the feelings of your feline friend. It's up to you to start things up now -- everybody else seems to be waiting for a signal. If you want to play, start playing and people will join in. If you're hungry, tell the powers that be to feed you! You probably aren't crazy about the car -- that big, noisy machine that goes too fast -- but there's a good chance you'll have to get inside it today. You may just end up watching them out the window, though. Usually, you can put up with most changes because they're just new challenges for your big kitty brain to deal with. Today, though, you just want everything to stay the same. Is that too much to ask? Try to be more accommodating today -- you can afford it, what with your incredible reserves of positive energy! It may feel like you've got twice as much time on your paws, for some reason. You're the peacekeeper today, even if there's a fight brewing. You just want everyone to get along which is a noble sentiment -- but not necessarily one that will win out right now! Are you meant to be? Find out with our Love Compatibility Report! You've got to at least try to help the humans with whatever they're doing today. It might be harder than it looks, though, so make sure that you're ready to step back and then try again. You can be pretty darn flexible when you want to be -- and that doesn't just mean stretching to reach the fish bowl, either! Let the humans know that you're okay with recent changes. You really want to explore outside, so see if you can work something out with the humans if you don't already have the right to leave the house. Maybe just for a few minutes while they watch? You and a friend are not getting along quite as well as usual and that's no fun. Of course, you know deep down that this isn't permanent, so just chill out and find someone else to cuddle with. Other people may be overreacting to something you did, but that doesn't mean you're not in trouble! Just try to ride this one out -- every now and then life isn't fair, but things should rock back into place soon. You're not feeling quite right, so see if the humans can cheer you up. They're usually good for a pat or two and that might very well be all you need to get you going again. They're nice to have around! You need to make sure that you're on the same wavelength as your favorite humans -- and that isn't too hard. You may be able to communicate with them in some spooky new way, so go for it! Feeling lost with your career? Guidance is one click away!
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Your Daily CatScope for January 29, 2025
While Whiskers may not be able to communicate his needs purrfectly, today's planets certainly can. With only your sun sign, you can use Catscope to translate the feelings of your feline friend. Your favorite human needs some cuddle time -- but you might not be up for it. That might make things awkward, but there may be a way to compromise between your needs and theirs if you want to. You need to see more of the world, even if that just means exploring the basement or the attic. Your good energy is perfect for making discoveries and checking out new people or places. You can't really figure out what's going on among the people you live with, but that's okay -- neither can they! There's too much under the surface to really see and you should try to relax. You've got to deal with the conflict between how you feel on the inside and how you're expected to behave around the house. You may need to lay down your own law -- or sneak out for a bit. You're still feeling good about yourself and your role in the household or neighborhood and you may feel the need to let others know how they could improve things. Keep working through that language barrier! Need a quick answer? Yes/No Tarot will offer guidance right now! You've been trying for ages to get the humans to do something. It could have to do with food, toys or even allowing you to explore further into the world, but today it all seems to pay off for you. It's the same old problem that you dealt with yesterday, last month and as far back as you can remember, but it still seems fresh. You may need to show the humans that you can adapt. Some kitties are completely out of control -- especially when they're happy or upset. Today, you're much more together than them and should be able to keep cool under any circumstances. You're feeling a little nervous about something, though you may not know what it is. Some part of your feline evolution doesn't really believe that the food can just keep coming day after day -- but it does! You need to take a bow, though that's a little harder for someone with your anatomy -- you're no Puss in Boots, unfortunately! Still, the humans are impressed with your behavior, so accept the praise. You're freaking out over the behavior of your human or kitty friends, but that's just because you're not picking up on all of their subtleties. You need to slow down and look at things one more time. Life is easy -- but then again, you're a cat -- so life is always easy! But today, it may feel as if everything is coming to you on a silver platter, which is of course exactly how things ought to be. Get even more insights for the month ahead with your premium Monthly Horoscope.
