S B E H A V IO U R A L TR IC K
TO K E E P C A TS H A P P Y
CA RR YI N G
baby
Dr Nikki Frost BSc BVSc MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats), senior vet at Franklin Vets Pukekohe talks about helping keep cats destressed and happy. Cats haven’t been domesticated that long compared to other domestic species and so their behaviour is still very similar to that of wild cats. As a result, keeping a cat in a domestic environment can cause stress and there are some simple things we can do to help reduce this.
➊ Don’t feed cats together. Even
colony cats won’t share kills. Cats should have their own feeding spaces where they can eat without seeing the other cat eating – two bowls, side by side, equals one feeding spot. This rule also applies to other resources such as water bowls and litter trays.
➋ Don’t put food and water
bowls next to each other. In the wild cats don’t want to contaminate their water supply with a dead carcass so they prefer to eat away from the water source.
➌ Speaking of water, a lot of
cats prefer running water as stagnant water is more likely to be contaminated. It explains why
SA FE LY
a lot of cats prefer to drink out of the running tap. Water fountains are a way of replicating this.
A baby carrier is a mum’s best friend – it keeps her hands free for chores or shopping but also keeps baby close.
➍ Don’t put litter trays next to the
food and water source. No-one wants to eat or drink where they toilet. Litter trays should be in a quiet, private space where cats can toilet without anyone watching them.
There are various baby carrier options, from specialised backpacks to fabric wraps, with some families having a couple of different types for different activities and for different stages of an infant’s growth.
➎ Provide resting places with a
These practical devices are great for babies as they provide comfort, can aid with digestion, facilitate sleep and promote proper muscle and joint development. However, it’s important to take precautions.
view. Cats like to be high up so they can watch their surroundings to monitor for danger coming. Cat trees are great for this.
Here are some baby carrier safety tips to look out for:
➏ Provide toys which are
• LOOK FOR WEAR AND TEAR: If digging out a pre-loved carrier for a second or third child check for ripped seams, damaged buckles and torn straps. This check should be ongoing before each use. If opting for a sling-style carrier, make sure the knots are tied tight or the fabric is securely fastened in the rings.
consistent with a cat’s hunting behaviour. Cats are taught by their mothers to hunt the species that their mothers prefer to hunt, be it birds or ground creatures. Cats preference for toys comes from this. The ones who are taught to hunt birds will prefer toys on a wand which they catch in the air, kittens who are taught to catch prey species, such as mice, prefer toys that move around on the floor like balls.
• PROPERLY POSITION YOUR BABY: A baby carrier should be snug enough to provide ample back support. While there are ergonomic carriers which allow baby to face forward, these should be avoided until your little one has full control of its head and neck. To reduce the risk of hip dysplasia, make sure the carrier supports your baby’s thighs while keeping the legs bent and the knees slightly higher than their hips. • CHECK YOUR BABY OFTEN: To eliminate the risk of suffocation, your child’s face should be visible at all times. Make sure the mouth isn’t pressed into the carrier or your body. Additionally, baby’s chin shouldn’t be tucked into its chest and legs shouldn’t be bunched against their stomach. Any of these positions can restrict baby’s breathing.
vet? Need a
• LIMIT YOUR ACTIVITIES: If you’re baby-carrying, avoid slippery areas and activities that could lead to a fall such as cycling, skating and running. You should also avoid using your baby carrier while cooking or drinking hot beverages because it puts your child at risk of being burned or injured. Before you purchase a baby carrier, test out various models to ensure you choose the right one for you and your infant.
WAIUKU | PUKEKOHE | PAPAKURA | KARAKA | BEACHLANDS @FranklinVetsPets WWW.FRANKLINVETS.CO.NZ |
16 | south | june 2020
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Franklin Vets Papakura and Pukekohe are open 7 days and late nights
While front wearing style are most used for newborns and young infants, as baby grows and is able to sit, a back pack, perhaps suitable for dad’s back, is great for outdoor walks. www.southmagazine.co.nz
