A couple have been left devastated after their kitten was shot and killed.

Seven-month-old Indiana died shortly after undergoing surgery on a pellet wound caused by an air rifle.

His owners Alison and Mark Jones, of Weston Park, Longton, are now afraid to let their three remaining cats out in case the same thing happens again.

Mrs Jones, aged 44, said: “Indiana used to be in and out of the cat flap all the time, so when he was out for an hour we thought it was strange.

“All our cats have a tracking device on their collar, so we tracked him and found he was in the garden.

“My husband went outside and found him lying there and knew there was something wrong with him. We couldn’t see a wound but it was like he was in shock, and he had been sick.”

The couple rushed Indiana to the emergency vets at the PDSA in Stoke and he was kept in overnight. The next day an x-ray revealed a pellet lodged in his thigh.

He was taken to vets Rogers, Brock and Barker in Longton where an operation revealed that the pellet had passed through his intestines and caused serious damage.

Although he survived the operation, he died shortly afterwards.

Mrs Jones, a charity shop manager, said: “We are devastated. We lost a cat six months ago through ill health and that was a bad enough shock, but when someone shoots a young, healthy cat for a laugh it’s disgusting.

“He was the most beautiful cat you’ve ever seen. He was a rescue cat and we had only had him for five months. We loved him so much and we feel like a light has been switched off.

“I’m scared to death of letting my other cats out. There are a lot of cats in the area where we live and I think people need to be made aware this has happened.”

Vet Bruce Barker, from Rogers, Brock and Barker, treated Indiana.

He said: “We have seen an increase in the number of air pellet injuries coming in. Some cats are lucky and survive, but some don’t.

“Unfortunately, Indiana wasn’t able to make it through.

“There are enough diseases and risks for animals without man targeting them. This was just wanton nastiness which was completely avoidable.”

Mr and Mrs Jones reported the attack to the police and the RSPCA and both are investigating.

RSPCA inspector Martin Dolan said: “I am quite frankly disgusted that people haven’t got better things to do with their time.

“Aiming an air gun at an animal in order to cause it pain and suffering is a criminal offence and if we find out who is responsible for these attacks we will prosecute.

“The police have also been informed and are carrying out their own investigations.”

Source

Related posts

• Yoda The Cat With Four Ears (6)
• You Play Like Cats! (1)
• Two-Faced Kitten Lives For 5 Days Only (0)
• Two Kittens Are Better Than One (10)
• The story of my precious kitten, Callie. - By Robin (2)

Many people confuse between feral cats and stray cats. First, I’m going to explain the different of both types of cats. Stray cats are usually that once had owners and were abandoned or became lost. They are the product of a person’s irresponsibility. Irresponsibility could be defined in two ways when it comes to stray cats, which is, dumping a cat to fend for itself and/or ignore to spay and neuter their cats. Feral cats are cats that were probably born to wild parents and/or are wild in nature. Feral cats have had no human contact (usually unapproachable by people) and are very complicated to tame.

Because feral cats are difficult to discipline, thus making them undesirable indoor pets, there are many rescue organizations that are dedicated to the trapping and spaying and neutering of feral cat colonies. Many times, these organizations trap the cats, have them spayed and neutered and then release them near where they were originally found. Then, they dedicate themselves to providing food to these colonies.

Feral cats are all over the place. You can find feral cats in rural or farm areas, abandoned buildings and even parks and alleyways.  You might catch a glimpse of them, but chances are that you would not be able to catch them easily.  After all, they have not been around humans so any contact would make them shy away from you. If you have feral cats in your neighborhood, you may wonder whether these animals can be kept as pets.

Taming a feral cat can be a difficult proposition simply because they are not accustomed to humans. Depending on the level of their interactions with humans, some cats might be classified as semi-feral, total feral or even a converted feral cat.  Depending on what your cat is classified dictates your potential success in socializing it. In addition, it takes a lot of time, love and patience to tame these cats.

If you find a cat that is has been feral for a years, chances are that there is little to no chance of socializing it. With no human contact at all, these cats are overly independent and would never depend on a human for food or companionship. You might have better success with a cat that is semi-feral. In these instances, they have had some limited human contact. A converted feral cat would probably have the best chance at a normal life as someone’s pet. These cats were once domesticated, meaning that they probably started life as a pet and then was abandoned. The converted feral cat will more than likely eventually respond to human interactions such as love and affection.

If you want to attempt to tame a feral cat, remember that it can be hard work reaching out to the feral cat and getting them to trust you after being on their own. Sometimes, your efforts will not pay off for months, especially with older cats. If your attempts are a success, the rewards are well worth it because a strong bond can develop and loyalty and love is the reward.

If you believe you have the time and the love to attempt to tame a feral, there are some things to remember. First, these cats see you as an intruder and are very likely to spit, hiss, bite and claw. This is a normal response as they are defending themselves against a perceived predator – you. If they manage to get in a few bites or scratches, you should apply first aid immediately. After you have successfully trapped a feral cat, your very first step is to get it to the vet for spay or neuter and to check for any diseases it may carry. This is a necessary step and an absolute must if you have other pets in the house. After you have arrived home with your cat, you need to let it adjust to you and the surroundings by giving it a small, safe place to stay. Allow the cat to stay in a small bathroom or laundry room, where it does not feel overwhelmed. You will need to take time every day to spend time with the cat and allow the cat to adjust to you.

Remember, not all feral cats can be socialized; however with love and patience, your time and efforts may be worthwhile.

Related posts

• Kitten season: Unaltered pets lead to dumping, overpopulation (2)
• Do You Love Cat or Like Cat? (1)
• Neuter/Spay your cat(s) (0)
• Is My Cat Lonely? (Cat Loneliness) (0)
• Cat Who Thought He Was A Raccoon (0)

Urinating outside of the litter box (inappropriate elimination) is the most common behavioral problem in cats.  You as owners should make an effort to learn about proper litter box care, types of boxes and types of litter, and work to ensure their cats have what they need to be happy and use the litter box appropriately.

Below are the commons litter box tips, this is important to providing good litter box care to keep their cats happy:

1. Many things can cause a cat not to use the litterbox. The trick is to supply the right litter, and place the litterbox in the right location that’s most attractive to your cat. Try to reduce changes when something is working. There are many types of litter in the market, such as clay litter, crystal or silica gel litter, pine wood base litter, and recycle type litter.
   .

   
   .

2. There are many styles (look and sizes) of litter boxes. Choose a large box that is deep and clear, if possible. Large, clear storage boxes make good litter boxes. You can cut an opening in one side to function as the door. Many cats don’t like hooded litter boxes as they like to see what is going on around them when they “go”. This makes them feel safer and less vulnerable to outside threats. Cats like privacy.
3. Use a large uncovered litter box in a low-traffic area. The litter box area should be located where your cat feels safe. Make sure there are no interruptions to your cat’s elimination times (by people, loud noises, kids or other pets). This means the box should be in a clean, dry area away from loud furnaces, laundry rooms, dogs and kids.
   .

   
   .

4. You should use litter that your cat likes and stick with it. There are many types of litter. The most commonly used is the unscented scoop able. Don’t change brands because something is on sale! Cats can be very fussy.
5. If you have multiple cats in your house, you must have more than one litter box. Please do not think about “sharing is caring”, since cat like privacy.
6. The box should be scooped and cleaned twice daily.
7. Don’t use harsh chemicals to clean the box; clean with mild soap and water and rinse really well.

Now, owners must take note to know the importance of providing good litterbox care to keep their cats happy. Be a good cat’s owner!

Related posts

• Saudi Arabia Bans Sale Of Dogs, Cats In Capital (1)
• Is My Cat Lonely? (Cat Loneliness) (0)
• Do You Love Cat or Like Cat? (1)
• Your Cat and Holidays (2)
• You Play Like Cats! (1)

What does this mean? You pay attention not only to the physical needs of their cats but to their mental health as well. You must make sure your kitties have good quality toys, plenty of opportunities to play and take the time to play one-on-one with your cats. You also understand the importance of play and exercise is part of good cat care.

There are lots of good cat toys on the market, including different types and preferences. Do you know how your cat likes to play?

Cats can be categorized as having play preferences which imitate their desire to hunt. Some cats prefer to play in ways that imitate chasing or catching birds. Other cats fancy chasing and catching bugs. And finally, there are cats that like to imitate chasing and catching mice.

Does fluttering and flying movement appeal most to your cats? Or does your cat prefer small bug-type movements? Or actions that start and stop quickly like a mouse?

Let me give you some tips. Owners make sure their cats have plenty of good quality, safe toys.

Pet owners provide a range of toys and ensure their cat has plenty to do. If you don’t yet know your cat’s favorite, some good initial choices are a feathered flyer, some round crinkle balls, a laser pointer and something stuffed with catnip.

Whatever toys you choose, make sure that they are safe and there aren’t any parts that can be swallowed and supervise your cat carefully. Cats are never too old to play. Even if your cat is older than and not as active as he used to be, you can still play with him. Don’t make him run wild, but encourage short bouts of play with a crinkle ball, catnip toy or a feathery flyer. Not only gives him some exercise but also makes him feel good about himself!

Good pet owners love to give their cats toys that encourage physical and mental growth.

Related posts

• Shaky starts to happy hearts (0)
• Saudi Arabia Bans Sale Of Dogs, Cats In Capital (1)
• Kitten season: Unaltered pets lead to dumping, overpopulation (2)
• Is My Cat Lonely? (Cat Loneliness) (0)
• Cat And Small Children (1)

Please click here for more details about the Cat Show

Related posts

• Your Cat and Holidays (2)
• You Play Like Cats! (1)
• Yoda The Cat With Four Ears (6)
• When A Man Loves A Cat (2)
• Video - A Kitty Giving Massage To A Doggy (3)