Hello everybody,
It's been a few days since I had anything to report, but now I have lots to tell you about, so here we go.
First of all, can you please be kind enough to look out for the following two pussies who have sadly got
themselves lost.
DATE LOST: 7.7.09
OWNER'S NAME: Mrs Carmichael
St Denas Close
Dovercourt
TEL: 556785
CAT DESC: Grey Tabby shorthaired
SEX: Male (neutered)
AGE: 7 months
ADDITIONAL INFO: Small cat
Wearing red collar (may have lost this)
Microchipped
(I've also posted this on thebestofharwichandmanningtree)
...........................................................................................................................................
DATE LOST: 6.8.09
OWNER'S NAME: Mrs Sandford
ADDRESS: Arnold Rd
Clacton
TEL: 474304
CAT DESC: Black shorthaired
SEX: Female
AGE: 3 years
ADDITIONAL INFO: Small cat
Pink collar
**REWARD FOR SAFE RETURN**
......................................................................................................................
Now for happier news.
Here are the details of two kitties who have been lost, but are now back home again. YIPPPEEEE!!
The first one is the little 5 month old female kitten from Stafford Close, Kirby Cross.
The second one is a puss that I have mentioned on a couple of previous occasions.
His name is Skittles, and he lives in Jaywick Lane, Clacton.
Poor Skittles was missing for SIX long weeks, but was happily reunited with his owner and his sister
on Friday 14th August.
When Skittles returned, he brought some unwanted little blighters with him.... I am speaking of course,
of the dreaded flea, the thought of which would make us cats cringe in horror!
And now here are some fascinating feline flea facts that will make you itch and twitch!
There are more than 2,000 species of flea around the world, 63 of which are found in the UK, and 10 of these
are likely to be found in our homes.
Fleas vary in size, from 2.5mm to 4mm in a heavily pregnant female, the female being larger than the male
in general.
In 3 days, just 500 fleas can multiply to a staggering 20,000.
The female flea can lay 30-40 eggs daily, totalling 100 eggs in her adult lifespan.
That is theoretically 50 new breeding pairs, each laying another 100 eggs.
A flea can jump an amazing 12" or more in just one leap.
When the flea jumps, his take-off speed is equivalent to that of the USA Apollo rocket when it is launched
in to space.
These ghastly creatures can cause anaemia, particularly in kittens.
This anaemia can be so serious that it can kill if the infestation is not dealt with quickly enough.
Fleas can even cause a cat to suffer with tapeworm, and so it is very important to keep your kitty flea free
with a good quality treatment, such as Frontline.
Puss should also have a regular wormer - these come in different forms, such as a tablet or spot-on or granules.
You can even buy a brand called Milbemax, which comes disguised as a tasty treat for your cat, but deals with
the little wrigglers most efficiently too.
Classic signs of feline fleas are scratching, biting and nibbling of the fur and skin, and other general signs
of discomfort.
If you are not sure, however, if your furry friend is playing host to these little critters, here are some tips
to help you investigate further;
Using a good quality flea comb, carefully but firmly go through your cat's coat.
Any live fleas will be seen quite easily, but if you get little specks on the teeth of the comb, there is an easy
way to discover if this is what is known as 'flea dirt'.
Wet some cotton wool, and wipe the specks onto it.
Leave this for a minute, and then if these specks turn red or a reddy-brown colour, this will confirm that
your pet has been in contact with the dreaded flea.
This is because these specks are actually flea faeces which is dried blood from the cat it has bitten.
Some unfortunate pussies can even become intensely sensitive to the saliva of the flea, causing them
to really suffer.
Another method of detection is to sit your cat on a large sheet of white paper, and rub it's coat vigorously.
Remove any hairs from the paper, then put any remaining specks on to wet cotton wool, using the method
described above.
Apart from using a treatment on your cat, it is advisable to use a flea spray, such as Indorex, on your carpets
etc.
Some of the better quality household sprays will even keep your home flea-free for a whole year.
Oh-and don't forget to treat your vacuum cleaner too, as fleas can easily survive in there!
It is a very good idea to keep your cat and your home treated all year round, as fleas are not just a problem
during the summer months - they are more than happy to snuggle up in the nooks and crannies around
your home when the central heating is on during the winter!
There are also other devices to help you and your puss stay free of fleas, these include electronic flea
traps, and electronic flea combs which, incidentally, can even be used by humans who may be suffering
from their own infestations of nits and lice!
I hope this has given you an insight in to the world of the dreaded feline flea.
I hope that I haven't made you feel too itchy, and that I've inspired you to dash off and buy a good
quality treatment for your own beloved pusscat.
My very best advice would be to have a chat to your vet, who can give you all the information you need on
the many and varied brands available.
My paws are aching now with all this typing, so I really think it is high time for a much needed cat-nap.
Much love and many purrs to you all, as ever,
Poppy x