SCUNTHORPE & DISTRICT BRANCH NEWSLETTER

AUTUMN
AUTUMN 2010
2010

Mobile Phone Recycling Scheme HOMED AT LAST!

Do you have an old mobile phone that you no
longer use? Cats Protection has a recycling
scheme whereby phones are sent for recycling in
special envelopes. We have enclosed an envelope
with this newsletter. Should you require anymore
please contact us via our website as we are
awaiting our new phone number.

The branch receives £2.50 for every phone you

send.

NUTMEG

Nutmeg came into care fifteen months ago, she had been a
stray and a family started to feed her. But she did not like the
lady's own cats and was not keen on the children either.
Branch Contacts
Branch....website: It became apparent she needed a new home with no other pets
or children. But her other fault was she was very independent,
www.scunthorpe.cats.org.uk would be friends only on her terms and would often cuff me if
Branch phone: Our phone lines are currently being she felt like it.
changed back to how they use to be 7pm to 9pm Monday
She was spicy by name and spicy by nature. Promoting her
to Friday. But there will be a change in our phone was very difficult, as it needed someone who was used to
number so please check our website for news on this. feisty cats and because of this she was often overlooked by
We will put our new number on our website as soon as prospective new owners.
we get it up and running. Our old number will still be in And then Grimsby CP had an old lady who was looking for a
use for a short time only. We are sorry for any companion and had seen Nutmeg on our web site. It was love
inconvenience caused. at first sight, as she has had difficult cats before.
Membership Secretary: for membership enquiries and Nutmeg now sleeps on her bed and is her constant
subscriptions also newsletter articles – 12 Healey Rd.
companion. After waiting for fifteen months in care, the right
Scunthorpe,
North Lincs. DN16 1HW owner came along.

Branch Treasurer: for donations, 'in memoriam' A happy ending for a cat that was proving difficult to home.
donations, funds raised. Please make cheques payable
to..
'Scunthorpe & District Cat's Protection' Story by Irene Allan
94 Station Rd.,
Gunness,
Scunthorpe,
North Lincs. DN15 8TH

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 CATNIP PRODUCTS

single and double cat pens

all heated
£4.50 per night
meals the same as at home
pet plan insurance Catnip cushions are filled with organic catnip
animal first aid trained staff and wadding for comfort.
all our pussycat guests are cared for individually and all their needs met.
able to accommodate £3.50 plus 80p p&p per bag
long term stays medical need covered
several cats from the same family and kittens and elderly cats.

Opening Times (NB. Wednesdays and Bank holidays we close at Catnip bags are filled
noon.) with organic catnip.

9.00am-12.00pm and £1.60 plus 50p p&p

November 1st - March 31st
2.00pm- 4.30pm up to 6 bags per
Postage price
9.00am-12.00pm and
April 1st-October 31st
2.00pm-6.00p
If you require any of these products please
make your cheque payable to
Scunthorpe and District Cats Protection, and
please remember to include your postage.
Burton kennels are situated in the village of Burton-on-Stather , which is
approx. 4 miles from Scunthorpe on the B1430 and approx. 3 miles from All these products are handmade and have
Winterton on the B1430. The kennels can be found by leaving the main been tried and tested on cats in our care, of
road at The Sheffield Arms and following the signs for The Wharf. The which they have given their paws of approval.
entrance is on the right and limited parking is available at the end of the
drive. For more information Please send your request along with payment
to
Secretary Cats Protection,
68 Stather Road, Burton-upon-Stather, Scunthorpe
12 Healey Road, Scunthorpe,
North Lincolnshire Nth Lincs.
Tel: 01724 720238 DN16 1HW

Becoming a member or just renewing your annual subscription

Please fill in the form below and send to Cats Protection The Secretary 12 Healey Rd, Scunthorpe, North Lincs
DN16 1HW

NAME________________________________________________ N.B. ALL ANNUAL

SUBSCRIPTIONS
ARE DUE IN
NOVEMBER
ADDRESS____________________________________________
Please use this form along
_____________________________________________________ with a S.A.E

POST CODE_______________

TEL_______________________ MEMBERSHIP NO’ (if known)____________

CHILDREN/STUDENTS & SENIOR CITIZENS £4.00 ADULTS £5.00

Please tick if gift aid applies YES/NO

2
VET INFORMATION CORNER

DENTAL DISEASE

How common is dental disease in cats?

Dental disease is one of the most frequent ailments seen by veterinary surgeons, and can be found to some degree in the majority of cats over two years of age.
The most common problems are due to periodontal disease, gingivitis and neck lesions (also called resorptive lesions or odontoclastic lesions).

What signs am I likely to see?

There are a number of signs which should alert you to the possibility of dental disease or other mouth problems being present. Your cat may show no interest
in food, or approach the food bowl and be reluctant to eat, or back away. It may chew with obvious caution and discomfort, drop food from the mouth, or may
swallow with difficulty. Dribbling may be seen, possibly with blood, and there may be a marked unpleaseant odour to the breath. In some cases the cat may be
seen pawing at the mouth, or head shaking. A reluctance to eat may lead to weight loss which can become quite marked.

What usually causes dental disease?

The most common cause of dental disease in cats is due to tartar accumulation. As in humans, cats accumulate bacterial plaque on the surface of their teeth,
which if not removed quickly becomes mineralises to form tartar (also called calculus). The bacterial products and decaying food stuck to tartar are one
potential cause of bad breath.

Tartar is easily identified by its light or dark brown colour – it is normally first seen at the gum edge, especially on the back teeth (premolars and molars. In
severe cases it may entirely cover the teeth.

The accumulation of tartar and bacteria on the teeth surfaces will, sooner or later, lead to infection and gingivitis (inflammation of the gums). If the disease is
caught at this early stage then thorough professional veterinary treatment may permit a full recovery. However, if gingivitis is allowed to persist untreated,
then irreversible periodontal disease will occur. During this process the bone and ligaments that support the tooth are destroyed leading to excessive tooth
mobility and eventually tooth loss. Infection around the socket causes the formation of pus and a foul odour, and may spread deep into the tooth socket,
creating an abscess, or even more severe problems.

Is gingivitis always associated with dental disease?

A slight degree of redness seen as a thin line just below the edge of the gum may be considered normal in some kittens and adult cats with no evidence of
dental disease. If in doubt, then ask your veterinary surgeon to check your cat’s mouth.

Some cats (most commonly, but not exclusively, in pedigree breeds) develop severe gingivitis with minimal signs of accompanying dental disease. The
affected areas may extend beyond the gums to other parts of the mouth, such as the throat or the tongue. The cause of this disease is not yet known, but it is
likely to be multi-factorial, which may differ between individual cases. This condition is often very difficult to control and may require repeated or constant
treatment, and its accurate diagnosis can involve extensive investigative procedures.

What are tooth neck lesions?

Neck lesions result from a progressive destruction of the tooth substance effectively resulting in slowly deepening “holes” in the teeth concerned. Once the
sensitive parts of the tooth is exposed these lesions are intensely painful, and usually the only available treatment is to extract the tooth. The cause of this
disease is unknown, however, poor oral hygiene is suspected to play a role in disease-process.

What should I do if my cat has signs of dental problems?

If you can see that your cat has evidence of tartar accumulation, gingivitis or is exhibiting and signs of mouth pain or discomfort then you should take it to
your vet for a check-up. You will be advised of the most appropriate course of treatment, which may involve having the cat’s teeth examined and cleaned
under general anaesthesia.

The rate of tartar accumulation is very variable between individual cats, and in some cases this may necessitate professional cleaning on a regular basis (every
6-12 months)

Do not try to remove the tartar from the teeth yourself using any form of metallic instrument. Aside from potentially harming your cat’s mouth (or the cat
harming you!!) you are likely to damage the tooth surface by creating microscopic scratches, which will encourage more rapid plaque formation and cause
further disease.

What can I do to help prevent dental disease in my cat?

In order to help prevent dental disease the prime aim is to keep the mouth as hygienic as possible and to reduce the rate at which tartar builds up on the teeth.

The diet should contain, in part, foodstuffs which encourage chewing, such as tough pieces of meat. The act of chewing stimulates the production of saliva,
which contains natural antibacterial substances: and the mechanical action helps to scrape plaque and tartar off from the teeth.

The most effective way of reducing plaque and tartar is to brush the teeth. A number of toothpastes and brushes are available from your veterinary surgeons
for use in animals. With gentleness, patience and perseverance it is possible to regularly clean some cats teeth in this way. In addition, or as an alternative to
brushing if this cannot be achieved, a range of anti-bacterial mouth-washes and gels (which can also be applied to the fur so the cat licks off) can be applied to
the teeth and mouth to reduce the amount of bacteria present. Please ask your vet for further details regarding the available products.

Never use human toothpaste on cats, as these are not designed to be regularly swallowed and could cause illness.

3 Contributed by Chris Watson

 A Fond Farwell To Our Co-ordinator Lyn Watson

Lyn had not been on the committee very long before the post of Co-ordinator became vacant. No one else put
themselves forward for the position so Lyn said she would give it a try. And what a great job she did too.

She was soon leading by example; it is not an easy job to keep everyone singing from the same hymn sheet, at the
same time as implementing new ideas and dealing with the new forms from HQ.
But despite personal traumas she kept us all in check.

We now wish her great happiness for the future and will always remind a part of our Cat Protection group.
Irene

I first met Lyn when I wanted to foster and she came to see me. We got on great and have done ever since, I’ve come a long
way since then and took up the role as Secretary and later Newsletter Editor. Lyn has been there with help and support when I
had to sadly give up fostering, her love of her own cats is second to none too as she couldn’t turn away a stray so two cats
became three. We shall all miss her and wish her lots of luck and happiness.
Ann

Lyn became Co-ordinator after Sue and Roger Hatcliffe resigned. I have worked with Lyn for a number of years and
CP Scunthorpe Branch has gone from strength to strength. I wish her and Gary much happiness in the future.
Gill

I would really like to say something like a big thank you for making me feel so welcome when I joined the committee just
over a year ago and for helping me out so much with all her advice and the general info all about CP. A very kind and
generous lady and I wish her good health, happiness and success for the future and I hope she keeps in touch.
Angie

Thank you Lyn for all your help over the last few years. You have been through such a lot this last year and have
coped with it all very strongly, and i wish you all the luck and happiness for your future ventures and marriage.
Jenny

UP AND COMING EVENTS

BARTON XMAS FESTIVAL SATURDAY 27TH NOVEMBER
In the Salvation Army Hall Queens St from lunchtime.

BRIGG XMAS FARE FRIDAY 3rd DECEMBER town centre from 4pm.

PLEASE COME WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOU.

4
 MEMBERSHIP NEWS
To all our members of Scunthorpe and District Cats
Protection. Your annual subscription is due for renewal
this NOVEMBER
NOVEMBER

Due to the rising costs of postage, stationery and printing

there have been a few changes, instead of Increasing
the membership subscriptions to help cover the costs we
here at the Scunthorpe branch have come up with a
solution.

Instead of four newsletters a year we have cut it down to

three newsletters. It will still be packed with lots of
information, stories and news from our branch and we
feel you won’t be losing out as there will be plenty for you
to read.

Please use the membership form on Page 3 of this

newsletter to renew your membership as this would help
cut down our costs considerably. As every year we send
out renewal letters which puts a dent on our finances
also. You could help us by doing your bit and sending us
a stamped addressed envelope so we can send you your
membership card and receipt.

We would be very grateful also if anyone would like to

help us by donating a few stamps as every little helps.

Thank you so much for supporting Scunthorpe and

District Cats Protection for another year.

THE MORE WE SAVE MEANS THAT WE CAN HELP

MORE AND MORE CATS/KITTENS.

(FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY DONT NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!!)

INSTRUCTIONS FOR GIVING YOUR CAT A PILL:

1. Pick cat up and cradle it in the crook of your left arm as if holding a baby. Position right forefinger and thumb on either side of
cats mouth and gently apply pressure to cheeks while holding pill in right hand. As cat opens moth, pop pill into mouth. Allow cat
To close mouth and swallow.

2. Retrieve pill from floor and cat from behind the sofa. Cradle cat in left arm and repeat process.

3. Retrieve cat from bedroom, and throw soggy pill away.

4. Take new pill from foil wrap, cradle cat in left arm holding rear paws tightly with left hand. Force jaw open and push pill to back
of mouth with right forefinger. Hold mouth shut for the count of 10.

5. Retrieve pill from goldfish bowl and cat from top of wardrobe. Call spouse from garden.

6. Kneel on floor with cat wedged firmly between knees, holding front and rear paws, Ignore low growls emitted by cat. Get spouse
to hold cats head firmly with one hand while forcing wooden ruler into mouth. Drop pill down ruler and rub cats throat.

7. Retrieve cat from curtain rail, get another pill. Make note to buy a new ruler and repair curtains, sweep up shattered figurine and
Set aside for glueing later.

8. Wrap cat in large towel and get spouse to lie on cat with its head just visible from below armpit. Put pill in end of drinking straw
open cats mouth with pencil and blow down drinking straw.

9. Check label to make sure pill is not harmful to humans, drink glass of water to take taste away. Apply band-aid to spouse’s forearm and remove blood
from carpet with cold water and soap.

10. Retrieve cat from neighbours shed. Get another pill Place cat in cupboard and close door onto neck to leave head showing. Force mouth open with
dessert spoon. Flick pill down throat with elastic band.

11. Fetch screwdriver from garage and put door back on hinges. Apply cold compress to cheek and check records for date of last tetanus shot.

12. Ring fire brigade to retrieve cat from tree across the rood. Apologise to neighbour who crashed into fence while serving to avoid cat.

13. Arrange for vet to make house call.

5 Contributed by Gill Batt
 PLEASE ADOPT ME

OSCAR

Black/white long haired.

Oscar is approx 11yrs old, neutered and fully vaccinated and
micro chipped too. He is most gentle and friendly cat you
could ever wish for. He is now getting on in years so he would
appreciate a quiet home where he could rest, eat and sleep,
and be given lots of love and attention it he will return it ten
fold. He is good with other cats and doesn't seem to mind
dogs either. He is ok with older children who will let him rest
and play when he feels like it.

Could you give Oscar a loving carefree home?

Please contact us on our website if you think you could give

Oscar a loving home.

www.scunthorpe.cats.org.uk

Please help us find Oscar a home. You can use this as a poster to help us find this lovely chap a home.

Thank You

6
 CATS READY FOR ADOPTION

ZOE
LUCKY DONNY

DOBBY OSCAR

If you feel you can give anyone of these cats a home please give us a call (NEW NUMBER
COMING SHORTLY).
OR VISIT

www.scunthorpe.cats.org.uk

If there are any stories or poems, any thing you would like to share with us and would like them printed in
our newsletter please write to us at Editor Cats Protection, 12 Healey Road, Scunthorpe. Nth Lincs
D16 1HW.
Or you can send it by email to:
a_shambrook@hotmail.com

7
Cats In Same Household That Don’t Get Along

If you have recently introduced a new cat into a household with an existing cat to find that they don’t get along and one
is being bullied you can make changes to ensure you have a multi-cat friendly home and carefully reintroduce the cats.

Essential resources for cats are food and drink, a toilet area, places to rest and hide and points of entry/exit between
these. Make sure there are feeding and water bowls for each cat situated in different locations. Each cat should be
able to reach these resources easily without having to pass or interact with the other cat to avoid any conflict. If cats do
have to pass each other, then try to provide furniture to hide behind or ledges to climb. Also, make sure there are
plenty of hidey holes – cardboard boxes with holes are a cheap option – where cats can retreat if ambushed.

Reintroducing the two cats must be done carefully and at the cats’ own pace. We would suggest initially keeping the
new cat in one room/small area of the house where you can provide all the resources he needs, while giving your
existing cat access to the rest of the house. Scent plays a huge part in feline communication so we would recommend
‘scent swapping’ between the cats, i.e. take a blanket used by one cat and swap it with a blanket used by the other cat,
also by stroking and interacting with each cat you will pick up and exchange their different scents. Small cloths can
also be gently rubbed against one cat’s face and then introduced to the other cat. These measures will help them
become used to each other’s smell.

You may find that individual cats initially hiss at the new smell but after a while they will start to facially rub these areas
and replace the other cat’s scent with their own. Once this has occurred you can consider allowing the new cat access
to half of the house – if possible – while the other cat has access to the other half, while continuing to ‘scent swap’.
This will further allow each cat to get used to the smell and sound of each other. The next step is to allow the cats to
observe each other but not to be able to physically touch each other e.g. a glass door or a screen. They can be fed
either side of the screen to allow them to adjust to each other’s sight and presence. Once they are comfortable with
this you can allow them direct access to the same areas. Make sure you have a soft pillow to place between the cats if
there are any altercations.

A product called Feliway can also be tried which is a synthetic hormone that mimics a cat’s own facial pheromone.
Cats deposit their facial pheromones by rubbing against objects and these natural and synthetic pheromones convey a
message of wellbeing and a feeling of security in a household.

The most important factor in introducing a new cat is patience. It can take anything from a week to a few months
before the cats are comfortable being in each other’s company. Also, please remember that none of the cats are at
fault so please refrain from any punishment. They are just coping with a stressful situation in the best way that they
know how.

Contributed by Lyn Watson

TRUE STORY
Cat Gets Prosthetic Feet

British cat Oscar lost his hind feet to a harvester. But doctors have been able to attach
prosthetic replacements:

In a three-hour procedure, the veterinary surgical team inserted the pegs by drilling into one of Oscar’s ankle
bones in each of his back legs. The implants, which are attached to the bone at the amputation site, were
coated with hydroxyapatite to encourage bone cells to grow onto the metal.
The skin then grows over a special “umbrella” at the end of the peg to form a seal against bacteria and
potentially fatal infections. The peg protrudes through the bone and skin, allowing the custom-built artificial
paws to then be securely attached.
Oscar was trying to stand a day after the surgery and, despite some problems with infection, he was able to
bear weight equally on all four limbs within four months.

Posted by John Farrier in Animals & Pets on June 25, 2010