Persian cats are one of the most beloved breeds worldwide, known for their long, luxurious fur and sweet personalities. These cats can be wonderful companions, but they also require special care to keep them happy and healthy. This guide offers tips on grooming, health maintenance, and understanding what it takes to care for Persian cats, including the Himalayan Persian cat variation.

Understanding Persian cats

Persian cats are recognized for their distinctive flat faces and round bodies. Their fur is long and fluffy, giving them a regal appearance. They are typically calm, gentle, and affectionate, making them great pets for families and individuals. However, this breed’s unique traits come with specific care requirements that owners need to keep in mind.

The average lifespan of a Persian cat is around 12 to 15 years, but with proper care, some can live even longer. This lifespan can vary based on genetics, diet, and overall health. Being aware of potential health issues is important for ensuring a long and happy life for your Persian cat.

Do you know how to speak to cats? How to parlay with your pussy

Grooming your Persian cat

Daily brushing

One of the most important aspects of caring for a Persian cat is regular grooming. Their long fur can easily become matted and tangled, so daily brushing is recommended. Using a wide-toothed comb or a slicker brush can help remove loose fur and prevent mats from forming. This grooming routine not only keeps their coat looking beautiful but also reduces shedding around your home.

It’s a good idea to start grooming your Persian cat while they are still a kitten. This will help them get used to the process and make it easier to maintain their coat as they grow older. If your Persian cat has never been groomed, be patient and allow them to adjust to the new experience.

Bathing

Bathing Persian cats is another aspect of grooming that many owners wonder about. While cats generally groom themselves, Persian cats may benefit from occasional baths to keep their coats clean and free from oils and dirt. A bath every 4 to 6 weeks can be helpful, especially if your cat tends to get dirty or has skin issues.

Use a mild cat shampoo designed for long-haired breeds, and make sure to rinse thoroughly to remove any soap residue. After bathing, it’s important to dry your Persian cat gently. You can use a towel or a pet-specific dryer on a low setting. Avoid using a regular hairdryer, as the heat can be harmful.

Eye care

Persian cats are prone to tearing, which can lead to staining around their eyes. Regularly wiping their eyes with a damp cloth can help prevent staining and keep them comfortable. It’s best to use a soft cloth and clean water. If you notice any signs of infection, such as redness or excessive discharge, consult your veterinarian for advice.

Health care for Persian cats

Regular veterinary visits

Routine veterinary check-ups are important for maintaining the health of your Persian cat. Regular visits allow for vaccinations, dental check-ups, and overall health assessments. Your veterinarian can provide guidance on diet, exercise, and any potential health issues specific to the breed.

Persian cats are susceptible to certain genetic conditions, such as polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and respiratory issues due to their flat faces. Regular vet visits help catch any health problems early and provide treatment options.

Diet and nutrition

A well-balanced diet is key to ensuring a long, healthy life for your Persian cat. Look for high-quality cat food that meets their nutritional needs, focusing on protein and healthy fats. Some owners prefer dry kibble, while others may choose wet food or a combination of both. Always check the labels to ensure the food is appropriate for your cat’s age and health needs.

Portion control is also important, as Persian cats can be prone to obesity. Follow the feeding guidelines on the food packaging and adjust portions as needed based on your cat’s activity level and weight. Consult your veterinarian for personalized recommendations.

Exercise and play

While Persian cats are known for their calm demeanor, they still need regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight and mental stimulation. Engage your cat with interactive toys, such as feather wands or laser pointers. Playtime not only helps keep them fit but also strengthens the bond between you and your pet.

Creating a stimulating environment with scratching posts, cat trees, and cozy hiding spots can also encourage your Persian cat to stay active. Make sure to provide a safe space where they can explore and feel comfortable.

Understanding the Himalayan Persian cat

The Himalayan Persian cat is a variation of the traditional Persian breed. They share many traits with Persian cats but have distinct colourpoint markings similar to those of Siamese cats. This means their ears, face, paws, and tail are darker than the rest of their body. The Himalayan Persian cat is known for its gentle nature and sweet personality, making it a popular choice among cat lovers.

Caring for a Himalayan Persian cat involves the same grooming and health considerations as standard Persian cats. However, their colourpoint markings may require additional attention to keep them looking their best. Regular grooming and bathing will help maintain their beautiful coat and prevent any skin issues.

Persian cat price and considerations

The price of Persian cats can vary widely based on factors like lineage, breeder reputation, and location. On average, you might find Persian cats ranging from $500 to over $5,000. Factors such as the cat’s pedigree and whether they are intended for show purposes can significantly impact the price.

When considering the cost, it’s also important to factor in ongoing expenses such as food, grooming supplies, veterinary care, and other essentials. Owning a Persian cat is a long-term commitment, and budgeting for these expenses will help ensure you can provide a happy and healthy life for your feline friend.
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Caring for a Persian cat can be a rewarding experience. With their beautiful coats and sweet personalities, these cats bring joy to many households. Understanding their grooming needs, health care requirements, and potential issues is essential for any owner.

By investing time in grooming and providing regular veterinary care, you can help your Persian cat thrive. Whether you have a classic Persian or a Himalayan Persian cat, following these tips will ensure they live a happy, healthy life by your side. Your efforts will pay off in the form of a loving companion who brings warmth and joy to your home for years to come.

Aiden Winn

Aiden is an editorial and production staffer at Title Media. He’s constantly looking for opportunities to have fun and get creative, whether it be art, baking, storytelling… you name it!

The post Persian cat care guide appeared first on Silver Magazine.

None of us like seeing our beloved pets in discomfort. Whether they’re barking or howling out of fear, or shaking under the bed to feel safer, it puts strain and worry on pet parents. 51 per cent of pet owners say they feel anxious in the lead up to Bonfire night. It can be one of the most stressful times of the year for pet mums and dads.

In fact, an entire 85 per cent of pet pawrents can’t help but remember the 5th of November, as they have to sit tight and comfort their scared pet. The most popular way to provide comfort being letting a pet sleep on your bed.

How can you make it better for them?

Making their favourite meal, playing classical music, choosing some calming mood lighting, and playing spa music are also popular tactics for calming petrified pups and terrified tabbies. One in twenty have also admitted to requesting neighbours refrain from setting off fireworks in a bid to reduce their pet’s stress. As a whopping 64 per cent of animals experience stress caused by private displays.

Top ways British pawrents soothe their pets on fireworks night:

1. Let them sleep in my bed – 36%
2. Give them special treats – 30%
3. Play classical music – 22%
4. Make their favourite meal – 19%
5. Use mood lighting – 14%
6. Give a doggy/kitty massage – 10%
7. Play spa music – 9%
8. Create a chill out playlist – 9%
9. Let them watch animal videos on YouTube – 8%
10. Play soothing sounds like whale song – 7%

Data has shown that on average, it has been seven years since some pet owners last went to a fireworks display. Taking the magic out of special occasions like Bonfire night and Diwali, as they have to stay in.

Babs the corgi’s pet parent, Doug McPherson, said “What makes this time of year especially difficult as a pet owner is all the different celebrations happening throughout the month, so fireworks could go off on any given night during this period. As a result, I’ve had to cancel a lot of plans at this time of year. I’m sad to miss out on these celebrations.”

Read more: Overcome trauma from seeing animal cruelty on social media

So how about a free dinner – courtesy of Just Eat?!

We’ve got something to take the sting out of having to stay in. Cancelling plans and missing out on the celebrations is never ideal. So, if you are planning to sit in with a glass of wine and your favourite snacks, you can also take cooking out of the equation and get a takeaway through Just Eat, with their free voucher.

On Tuesday 5 November 2024 only, open up your Just Eat app and type ‘PAW ME’ into the chat box to bag your £15 off voucher. But act quick! As there’s only a limited amount to hand out.

Lana Hall

Lana can usually be found spinning her collection of records, or writing odd poems in her phone notes. Her mixer of choice is a ginger beer, and you’ll never find her away from the sea for more than a few weeks.

The post Comforting pets this fireworks night? How about a free takeaway? appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Dustin Kieschnick and Katie Lawlor from the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics talk about how to cope with witnessing animal cruelty on social media, especially when you want to help.

For a long time, animal welfare organisations and charities have used graphic images to shock people into action. Before social media, their TV commercials and advertisements in newspapers and magazines did not shy away from depicting and documented brutality against animals. Now, a scroll through social media can easily expose you to some shocking scenes. Especially if your online activity triggers certain animal welfare-related algorithms.

You’ll be pleased to know that we’ve purposely gone easy on the images for this article to avoid traumatising anyone. So you can read on safely.

…prolonged exposure to traumatic content can lead to compassion fatigue, burnout, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

The aim of these images has always been the same: to raise awareness, usually for vital fundraising, legal purposes or to get news coverage. But for social media followers, prolonged exposure to traumatic content can lead to compassion fatigue, burnout, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). When we are confronted with an animal in danger or learn of animal cruelty, we may experience an immediate and overwhelming sense of trauma.

What makes something ‘traumatic’?

The Psychiatric Diagnostic Manual (DSM) describes trauma as exposure to an event that is sustained as physically and/or emotionally harmful. And which has potentially lasting adverse effects on our lives.

Trauma can occur through experiencing something directly, witnessing something happen to someone else, or repeated exposure to the distressing details of an event or series of events. Many clinicians are now making the case that the DSM definition should include harm to companion and wild animals as well as people.

Exposure to trauma takes several forms, including photos and videos. Social media platforms often provide less-filtered, more raw descriptions, accompanied by graphic imagery. Even when we witness this at a distance via our electronic devices, we are still exposed to traumatic content. And it can affect us mentally and emotionally.

Trauma is complex

Trauma can affect different people in different ways. The impact is influenced by our own histories of trauma, our ethics and values, and our sense of connectedness to the affected. As we witness an animal’s suffering, perhaps we put ourselves in their situation. Perhaps we feel safe in their company and want to ensure they are safe and protected too.

As we witness an animal’s suffering, perhaps we put ourselves in their situation

Perhaps we feel most at peace in nature, and believe that peace should extend to them, especially in their natural habitats. Or perhaps we have trained extensively in a related profession and feel painfully inadequate when we can’t use our talents and resources to save and heal them.

The cognitive processes in our brains that enable us to take action are often not straightforward, which makes trauma challenging. We may experience detrimental psychological effects that block our attempts to help, even though we cannot bear to see animals in pain.

The role of emotions

Psychologists use two terms to explain the emotions you might be feel when you see graphic depictions of animal cruelty.

The first are natural emotions, which humans experience universally. Sadness, loneliness, isolation, fear, hopelessness, anger, confusion and disbelief all fall into this category. While reflection on a traumatic event evokes natural emotions, they should become more bearable with time.

The second type of post-trauma emotions are manufactured emotions. These feelings are derived from our personal interpretation of the event. For example, if we believe that we should have been able to save the animal, or we didn’t do enough to protect them, we might feel damaging emotions, such as shame and worthlessness.

Mental health in a digital age

New research indicates a dose-response relationship in trauma. This means that the more you are exposed to traumatic content, including online scenes of animal cruelty, the more at risk you are of being affected.

Some people can recover and heal from exposure without any treatment. But others may experience acute and persistent mental health conditions.

For these people, vicarious traumatisation can occur. This is when trauma symptoms that arise from repeated exposure to traumatic content can lead to symptoms, such as disheartening changes in one’s worldview, inability to emotionally regulate and questioning of self-identity.

Care for yourself, as well as animals

To navigate this challenging digital landscape, it is crucial to balance awareness with the potential negative effects of overexposure. By recognising the impact of trauma, the animal welfare community can adopt strategies to promote mental well-being, such as virtual peer support groups. A study with US-based veterinarians highlighted the value of consistent, accessible and supportive communities where thoughts and feelings are normalised and validated, fostering camaraderie and empathy.

When we’ve been traumatised by exposure to animal cruelty on social media, there are proactive steps we can take to mitigate the risk of lasting distressing effects.

…viewing this type of violent content can immediately affect our thoughts, mood and behaviour

First and foremost, we need to understand that viewing this type of violent content can immediately affect our thoughts, mood and behaviour. We may find ourselves wanting to react impulsively, whether that’s further engaging with the content, no matter how awful, or turning away.

The coping checklist

A beneficial coping skill we can implement in real-time is to pause for a check-in by asking yourself the following questions:

1. Do you have any intense feelings after viewing animal cruelty content?
2. Do any aspects of this material remind you of previous upsetting events in your life, either personally or professionally?
3. Are you finding yourself preoccupied by what you saw hours or days after you first viewed it?
4. Are you experiencing any uncomfortable physical symptoms in response to what you saw, such as pain, tension, irritability or restlessness?

This exercise can help you cultivate a deeper awareness of your personal response to traumatic imagery.

If you responded yes to any of these questions, give yourself time and space to process — and then release — what you witnessed. There are several healthy ways to do this: journaling; talking to a trusted loved one or colleague; spending time in nature; and exercise.

Establish a strategy for putting boundaries on your involvement with graphic campaigns or programming, while finding a balance with those that inspire and motivate you. Together, these three steps can sustain your commitment to animal welfare, while keeping you grounded and in control of your interactions.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Dustin Kieschnick and Katie Lawlor presented an earlier version of this paper at the Annual Oxford Animal Ethics Summer School on Animals and the Media: Communicating Ethical Perspectives on Animals held at Merton College, University of Oxford, August 7-10, 2023: Animals and Media – Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics (oxfordanimalethics.com). The Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics is an independent centre pioneering ethical perspectives on animals through academic research, teaching, and publication. The Centre comprises more than 100 academic Fellows worldwide.

Web: www.oxfordanimalethics.com/home

Instagram: @oxfordanimalethics

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@oxfordanimalethics

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The post Overcoming trauma caused by seeing animal cruelty on social media appeared first on Silver Magazine.

No? Well, we’re not sure we believe you!

Of course we think you should take care of and love your pets when they reach ‘golden oldie’ status. But honestly, we don’t think they’re too offended about being called old!

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If you’d like to receive a regular mini-magazine direct to your inbox with a selection of editorial features to read at your leisure, please sign up for our newsletter. We also run the odd competition and offer and whatnot, and newsletter members get the heads-up first.

The post How to stand against ageism in pets appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Here are five tips on how to communicate with your cat, from leading cat expert Claire Bessant

Nurturing a relationship with an animal is one of the best feelings. The patter of their paws as they come up to you for attention, nuzzling up against you. But do you ever wonder what they’re thinking?! 

Claire is the chief executive of the Feline Advisory Bureau, and has recently released an updated edition of her book How to Talk to Your Cat. In her book, she shares tips on building a stronger relationship between you and your moggie. As well as analysing problems that can arise between cat and owner, and how best to resolve them.

Here are Claire’s top five tips on how to communicate, and keep your cats happy.

Cat lover? Take our cat quiz

1. Treat cats as cats 

Cats are sensitive creatures, tuned into their environment, and to the people and other animals within it. They’re not like people, or dogs, who have an inbuilt need to collaborate and compromise in exchange for the benefits of being within a group. 

Cats (except lions) have evolved as solitary predators. And as such don’t have the genetic make-up which drives them to compromise. Therefore, some of their behaviours may seem ‘selfish’ to us, but that is a human point of view. The word ‘pet’ implies certain behaviour on both sides. But we are dealing with an animal with strongly inbuilt needs, not a teddy bear or a robot. The fact that we can live successfully together is actually a huge credit to the adaptability of the cat. 

Many of us call our pets ‘fur babies’ or ourselves ‘pet parents’, which shows our love for them and the responsibility we take for them. However, this also allows us to consider them as children and interpret their behaviour and needs as such. This can do the cat a disservice, removing the need to understand the species, and can lead to miscommunication. 

2. Let the cat take lead

When a cat comes for interaction, react and stroke or talk, being sensitive to how long the cat wants this interaction to occur. Go slowly and don’t push the physical interaction – the cat may not want to be grabbed, or cuddled or kissed.  

Watch out for signs that the cat has had enough. If it dips away from your hand, turns to look at the hand which is stroking it, that’s a sign. So is it if its skin ripples, its ears move lower or turn around, or it tries to move away. 

Cats usually like short interactions which do not confine them – longer and closer is not usually the cat way. React to positive signs from the cat – approaching with its tail up, rubbing around your legs, purring, or moving towards your hand for interaction. It’s about trust and gentle, respectful interaction; few cats want intense handling or tummy tickling. If you ignore negative signs, then the cat is less likely to initiate interaction, and vice versa.

3. Get to know your cat

Just like people, there are bold and confident cats who take life and its challenges in their stride. There are others which are nervous, and for whom change may cause stress. Being stressed means that cats may behave by hiding, or by pushing people away, which may be interpreted as aggression. 

How the cat reacts can be a result of its genes and its experiences in the first couple of months of life, when it can learn to be comfortable with people, or to be fearful of them.

4. Listen to your cat

Between themselves, cats do make sounds such as small chirrups, purring, and of course hissing or growling if they are not getting on. However, cats have learned, very cleverly, to develop interactions with their people using different miaows.  

If a certain miaow is interpreted by us as them wanting food or attention, they may encourage us by making some parts of the sound higher pitched or drawn out. The more you allow yourself to be ‘trained’, the more likely the cat is to interact in this way.  

Listen to your cat’s purr. You will start to notice that there are two ‘modes’; one that is rather sleepy and contented, when for example they are sitting quietly on our laps; the other more demanding, with an underlying pitch which stirs us into action! If you react positively to their encouragement, communication is being built up.

5. Be respectful of your cat

Be respectful, and don’t try to control the cat. All of its instincts will interpret this as a threat to survival, not that you are doing something you feel is for its own good. Enjoy the contented moments and read the signals the cat is giving. They may be subtle but if you tune in you will notice more and more. Encourage and reward with whatever your cats likes; stroking, food, or play. But identify when the cat has had enough.  

Enjoy the small things. It’s not all about cuddling the cat. The cat may want to be with you when you are working at the computer or in the garden, it may begin to communicate more if you react in the right way and that is rewarding too. Even small things can make you happy, as well as the cat. Each relationship is different.

How to Talk to Your Cat, by Claire Bessant, is out now

Lana Hall

Lana can usually be found spinning her collection of records, or writing odd poems in her phone notes. Her mixer of choice is a ginger beer, and you’ll never find her away from the sea for more than a few weeks.

The post Five tips on how to communicate with your cat appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Get ready to unravel the enigma behind a cat’s whiskers, decipher their language of purrs and meows, and uncover the mysteries of their genetic makeup. Welcome to the ultimate cat quiz, where feline enthusiasts and curious minds alike can put their knowledge of our feline friends to the test.

Cat quiz

Whether you're a seasoned cat owner or a curious observer, this quiz promises to challenge your understanding of these enigmatic creatures. So, sharpen your claws, stretch those mental muscles, and let's embark on this feline adventure together. 

Start Quiz

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Your answer:

Correct answer:

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Your Answers

Love quizzes? Test your picnic trivia knowledge

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The number of seal pups on the Norfolk coast has almost doubled in three years, according to experts. A total of 3,796 seal pups have been born so far this season. And 1,169 adult seals have been spotted by volunteers.

Seal pup Wensleydale at the SEA LIFE Hunstanton

This is almost double the number since last winter. The record number of pups have been spotted between Waxham and Winterton on the North Sea coast. And nobody is more excited than the SEA LIFE team at Hunstanton.

Nigel Croasdale, General Manager at SEA LIFE Hunstanton, said they believe that the increase in the seal pup population is due to the number of fish in the North Sea increasing.

“A seal is a top predator in the food chain, meaning in the right conditions, their population can thrive. The limiting factors would be disease and food resource. And a growing seal population could well be a good indication of robust fish stocks in the area.”

The SEA LIFE team are keeping a close eye on the beaches. They have a specialist seal hospital at the centre, and their patients are usually pups. Many have been separated from their mother and are lost.

Since opening the Seal Hospital in 1989 they have helped rescue and rehabilitate more than 750 seals.

SEA LIFE Hunstanton seal pups being released

Stay seal-safe

“We always recommend the public keep a good distance from any seals spotted on the beach,” cautions Nigel, “as it could be a mother nursing a new-born pup, or a pup that is awaiting its mother’s return from a quick swim in the sea.

“The adult seal can be easily scared away from her pup resulting in abandonment. We advise to enjoy and observe these animals from a distance.”

Visit SEA LIFE Hunstanton

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The post Record numbers of seal pups counted this winter in Norfolk appeared first on Silver Magazine.

It’s not uncommon to get lost in a shopping frenzy and commercial madness over the festive period. We all want to celebrate, forget our troubles, and have fun. But if you’re wondering how you can give back at Christmas, here are a few ideas.

As a start, instead of buying gifts for people that you know they won’t use, consider giving back in their name. Here’s a bunch of inspiration for you…. 

1. Dedicate a tree, Woodland Trust

When summer comes round, we’re blessed to have such luscious green areas to explore in this country. Woodland Trust is the largest woodland conservation charity in the UK.

You can dedicate a tree, or entire areas of woodland to a loved one from £20. Choose the woods their tree is in, and even add a bench or marker.

Upon your dedication, you’ll receive a map, information on the woods, and a certificate you can gift to the person. Bring tree-hugging to a whole new level.

For more information, or to donate visit Woodland Trust

2. Donate a Book, Book Trust

(Image: Book Trust – Illustration by Kate Hindley)

Bring some Christmas magic to a vulnerable child, or a child in care. Donating to the Book Trust will help them gift books to children who need them. And you’ll receive a certificate you can personalise in honour of someone.

For more information, or to donate go to Book Trust

3. Donate for a homeless person, Crisis

(Image: Crisis)

We know it’s a struggle for homeless people to stay warm in the winter. It’s true that you can help out at various Crisis centres over the season – helping to cook and serve Christmas lunch, volunteer on Boxing Day etc. But often these volunteer slots get filled up quite quickly.

Don’t despair if you aren’t able to help in person. Donating to Crisis will help provide a place to stay for a homeless person, and go towards all the food and festivities that are organised.

For more information, or to donate visit Crisis 

4. Buy Christmas dinner for a dog or animal, Miracle’s Mission

(Image: Pexels)

For dogs and cats waiting for their forever home, donating to Miracle’s Mission can provide them with a meal or toy. There’s loads of ways your donation can help.

It’s not just people who love to celebrate! Miracle’s Mission is a UK registered animal welfare charity working to provide safety and support to animals in need worldwide. Working predominantly in the UK, Borneo & Egypt, the charity is ever expanding to help animals in need worldwide.

Fore more information, or to donate for an animal in need, visit Miracle’s Mission

5. Buy a meal and someone will get one for free, Frankie and Benny’s in partnership with Feeding Britain 

(Image: Frankie and Benny’s)

Frankie and Benny’s has partnered with Feeding Britain this festive season. For every turkey meal they sell, they’ll donate £1 to Feeding Britain. The charity helps provide access to good, quality food to those in need. We’d say eat out to help out, but that slogan, ahem, has been taken. 

For every dinner bought, Frankie and Benny’s donate £1 to Feeding Britain – which is the cost of a meal for one person in need, according to the charity.

Sasha Storey, Frankie & Benny’s Head of Brand, said: “Frankie & Benny’s is a restaurant brand with families at its core, so it’s really important for us that we support other families in need at this time of year.

“The cost of living crisis will be hard for so many and we must remember to try to help others now and in the future as best we can.”

For more information, or to donate visit Feeding Britain

6. Send a child a secret Santa, Action for Children

(Image: Action for Children)

Send a present to a vulnerable child with Action for Children. Not all children will experience a magical Christmas with plenty of presents under the tree. 

However, you could change this for one child. Donate £25 to Action for Children, and they can provide a vulnerable child with a Christmas present this year.

For more information, or to give, visit Action for Children 

7. Jelly drops for dementia, Jelly Drops

(Image: Jelly Drops)

Not a charitable donation, but Jelly Drops can be gifted to the elderly or those with dementia. They are sugar free sweets designed for water intake, for those who struggle to stay hydrated. Made of 95% water and full of electrolytes, but consumed in a solid form. Provide a way for independent hydration to those who otherwise struggle.

Purchasing some for your own elderly family members or even donating to a local dementia care home would be a perfect way to give back to the older generation of society.

For more information, or to purchase Jelly Drops visit their website

8. Donate a shoebox, Samaritans Purse

(Image: Samaritians Purse)

Buy a shoebox gift for a child through Samaritans Purse. You can choose the gender and age of a child you’d like to gift to. Then pick the items – soft toys, a ball, or music instrument, along with an essentials kit. Samaritans Purse will pack and send the shoebox you created. 

For more information, or to create your Shoebox visit Samaritans Purse

9. Gifts that give, Macmillan Cancer Support

(Image: Macmillan)

Unfortunately cancer now effects 1 in 2 of us. Many people and families are still living with cancer, which can make Christmas an unsettling time, and harder to enjoy.

Macmillan has plenty of gifts you can donate, to help provide a security and support to someone facing cancer this season.

You can also make donations in someone’s name. Starting from £10, which would help pay for supporting a child’s grief, or £32 which would pay a nurse for an hour to support a cancer patient. 

To donate a gift visit Macmillan’s website

10. Send a gift, Unicef 

(Image: Unicef)

For children living in areas of disaster, where hunger, disease, and violence is part of daily life, Unicef ensures as many children as possible are protected from these threats. 

Send a gift in a family member’s name through Unicef to help protect these children. You can pick gifts from 200 bars of soap, measles vaccines, or even delivering a baby. 

Unicef will post a card for free, to the person you’ve dedicated your donation to. 

For more information and to send a gift, visit Unicef

Lana Hall

Lana can usually be found spinning her collection of records, or writing odd poems in her phone notes. Her mixer of choice is a ginger beer, and you’ll never find her away from the sea for more than a few weeks.

The post Ideas for ways to give back this Christmas appeared first on Silver Magazine.

It’s hot – too hot for some. Unfortunately, wild animals, birds, fish, or insects can’t sit by a fan like we can. And natural watering holes are drying up, leading to dehydration and heat exhaustion. So how can we help wild animals during the drought? 

Maintain cover from the sun

Shade is invaluable to wildlife at this time of year. Your garden can be a haven for it. 

Leave long grass, piles of logs and rocks intact. Any and all shade will be greatly appreciated by your garden visitors. Stick up a canopy if you’ve got one, and consider building shady areas with other materials. 

Food sources

(Image: pixabay)

The flowers and plants that wildlife would typically feed from can wilt and dry in the drought. Keep any flowers and plants with berries in your garden well-watered. And yes, we know there’s a load of hosepipe bans coming in this week – read some great ideas for saving water here. 

Make sure bird feeders are well stocked with nuts and seeds. Cashews, pistachios, almonds, and walnuts are all great sources of protein. Avoid putting salted or roasted nuts in your feeders as these are toxic to birds. 

Bowls of meaty pet food are also great to leave out for hedgehogs. The hard, dry ground makes their typical food sources difficult to come by.

Hedgehog tucking in to pet food (Image: pixabay)

Leaving watery fruit and vegetables out is also a good idea – both a food source and a way to rehydrate. Think melons, tomatoes etc

Reduce the heat

Concrete and stone surfaces can become 20ºC hotter than grass. Far too hot for us to stand barefoot on, let alone wildlife. Replace these surfaces with grass or mats to create cooler spaces.

Shade from trees also significantly reduces heat. Plant a native tree in your garden to decrease surface temperatures by 10ºC. If planting isn’t an option, look at screens, shades, free-standing parasols etc 

Water sources

Water sources are harder to come by in the hot weather. This is the by far the best way to help wild animals during a drought. Ponds, pools, lakes and so on are often overcrowded by wildlife, or dried up. 

Dishes of water
Putting shallow dishes of water out will be appreciated by birds and insects. Try putting some stones in any water sources you leave out. These provide a ledge for insects to climb onto if they fall in.

Keep garden sources topped up
Make sure to keep your pond or bird bath topped up in the summer months. Birds need to bathe themselves regularly to keep their feathers in good condition.

(Image: pixabay)

Follow these tips to save water and reuse it in your garden to top up your pond. Be sure to leave the water out in places where it can’t get hot – and definitely no tin containers!

7 ways you can help to save the oceans

Spotting when wildlife is vulnerable

Animals that you see behaving abnormally might require help. Look out for things like:

• Birds sitting on the ground
• Nocturnal animals out in the day
• Foxes and other mammals lying still
• Bees lying on the ground

These are all signs that those animals could be experiencing heatstroke or extreme dehydration. Tempting to help – and we wouldn’t want to stop you trying the sugar water for bees trick, but be careful. Remember not to handle any animals without expert advice.

Leave some water close by and contact your local wildlife protection organisation. 

You can find your nearest wildlife expert via the Wildlife Trust website.

Lana Hall

Lana can usually be found spinning her collection of records, or writing odd poems in her phone notes. Her mixer of choice is a ginger beer, and you’ll never find her away from the sea for more than a few weeks.

The post How to help wild animals in the drought appeared first on Silver Magazine.

It’s not just humans who get nervous and upset or anxious. This can be the case for animals too, including dogs, cats… all animals. So how you can you support your anxious pets?

Just like us, animals’ needs can really vary, when we all live under the same roof. A young puppy might revel in the fact that they have a whole family of people to play with all day long. But an elderly dog or cat could be desperate for some alone time.

Have an older dog with arthrits? You might like this feature

Have a routine, and stick to it

So how can we help our pets feel secure? Emily Birch of Canine Consultancy says it’s all about sticking to the dog’s normal routine as much as you can, particularly if there are children in the house.

‘Ensure that anxious dogs still have some “downtime” each day,’ she says, ‘so they don’t become over-tired. If they are used to a morning walk, a lunchtime walk or toilet break and then some fun and games in the evening, try to keep to that routine.’

Birch says you can set dogs up for success by giving them a space that is theirs, such as a puppy pen, covered crate, or a room away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

‘Teach them that this is a place to relax and switch off. Begin by ensuring their physical exercise needs have been met and that they’re ready to sleep. Then give them a stuffed food toy such as a Kong. Licking and chewing is calming behaviour for dogs and will help them to relax and switch off.’

Change in routine is going to confuse them

While most pets will typically be used to having their owners at home more in the evenings and at weekends, change in routines affect pets. And if you’re working at home, this can be an issue.

‘Some dogs will be used to their owners’ undivided attention when they are home in the evenings and at weekends,’ says pet behaviour consultant Rosie Bescoby from pet-sense.co.uk. ‘So [during lockdown] they could be frustrated that their owners’ attention isn’t available to them when they want or expect it. This can lead to undesirable behaviours in their attempts to gain their owners’ attention.’

She explains how a change in routine can be unsettling for both cats and dogs. ‘Cats in particular are very sensitive to change. They like to feel in control of their environment so change in routine can induce stress. Dogs (and cats) need a huge amount of sleep in the day and, like us, they are less able to cope if they are sleep-deprived.’

She recognises that having children at home all day won’t necessarily help when it comes to keeping pets in their regular routine. ‘Kids can be noisy and erratic in their movements, being grabby towards animals and disturbing them when they sleep,’ she warns.

How to reduce unwanted behaviour

‘Dogs are social species and as a result, they generally enjoy company. As a behaviourist I often see issues when dogs are left for long periods of time and when their biological and social needs are not fully met,’ says Birch.

‘Some dogs “cope” with this ok and you won’t see any outward signs. But others will demonstrate this more clearly by destroying the house, being hyperactive when owners are home, and vocalising.

‘That said, one risk factor that hasn’t been massively explored is that of bite risks to children. We know from the evidence that biting incidents increase during the school holidays, due to dogs’ increased exposure to children.’

So it’s important that you teach children about pets, their boundaries, and how to respect them. This will avoid upsetting the pet, and save on dog bites.

Don’t be cross with them

Frustrating as any unwanted behaviour will be, one thing owners shouldn’t do is tell their pets off, says Bescoby. It’s all about carrot, not stick.

‘Getting annoyed or frustrated with them will just increase stress, as you’re not providing them with any information about what you DO want them to do.’

The other thing that is fundamental to looking after pets is understanding subtle signs that say your dog isn’t ok. ‘Look for things such as turning away, licking their lips, yawning, shaking as if they’re wet, and lifting a paw,’ says Birch. ‘These are all signs that say they’re not very comfortable right now and need some space. If you listen to these subtle signs (the whispers) they don’t need to shout (growl or snap).’

How to help them be home alone

If you’re working, your pets may find they’re being left alone in the house for long periods of time. This is less than ideal, and should be avoided. It can potentially lead to confusion and stress. But if they do have to be left, how can we make that easier on them?

‘Set them up to succeed by easing them into it,’ says Birch. ‘Leave them with a frozen Kong – you can freeze their normal meal into it (if you feed dry kibble just soak it first) so you don’t have to worry about weight gain.

‘Initially leave them for five minutes and then increase this time up until they’re happy with you leaving. If you still have problems it is worth contacting a qualified behaviourist to help you take smaller steps.’

Concentrate on the positives

Birch reiterates the idea of focusing on what you DO want to happen rather than what you DON’T want. ‘For example, “I don’t want my dog to get distressed when I leave” is hard to train. Whereas “I want my dog to be relaxed and sleep while I am out” is something you can teach them to do. This empowers you to change your dog’s behaviour.’

Bescoby agrees. ‘Many dogs may struggle with owners leaving the house without them and may show signs of vocalising, destruction, or other symptoms of distress when left alone.

‘This behaviour is unlikely to self-resolve. In this case I would recommend seeking advice from a member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors.’

Find Emily Birch at Canine Consultancy
And Rosie Bescoby at pet-sense.co.uk
Find a good pet counsellor at the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors

Katie Wyartt

The post How to support your anxious pets appeared first on Silver Magazine.