Photo: 123rf.com
One of the things about living in the suburbs is that we have lots of green space. It also means we have birds, rodents, bugs of all kinds, lizards and more. I love it, I think it s important to be connected with nature, but some visitors can be difficult.
Recently, one of the more difficult visitors paid a visit. It was the first day of Chinese New Year. As holidays and weekends are busy times for me, I finished my therapy sessions at lunchtime and trotted down the stairs.
Tic Tac saw me coming and meowed in welcome. But when she jumped off the big red chair by the front window, she hissed and put her back up. To my horror, I saw a snake rear up.
Cats seem to be fascinated with plants and flowers. But some plants are toxic for felines. dpa
What is it with cats and their incessant urge to dig into every plant that they come across? No matter how many times you have told them not to, they keep munching on leaves or even turn pots over entirely in their excitement.
However, even though it might sometimes seem like they are doing it just to spite you, your cat is probably bored.
“It’s especially young and playful cats who pounce on plants, ” pet trainer Michaela Asmuss from Germany explains.
A cat living in a flat without much change in its daily routine might mistake your plants for toys, while others simply like to snack.
Things can be calm between a dog and cat, provided you make sure both have a similar temperament and their own space at home. dpa
If you’re asking yourself if you should get a dog or whether a cat would be a better choice: who says you can’t have both?
Does there have to be a bad relationship between a dog and cat sharing one household? Not necessarily, your vet will likely tell you. If you pay attention to the temperaments of both, you can even be rewarded with a harmonious pair of pets.
Hildegard Jung from Germany’s Veterinary Medical Society says first of all, both animals have to be temperamentally compatible.
Swooner and Target are the friendly neighbourhood exterminators!
Last Monday, Target did not come home for breakfast. At first, I thought he might be out for a longer walk than usual. But when the sun was up and there was still no senior cat, I panicked.
I went straight out, calling for him. Nothing. No meows.
After half an hour, Tom came out and we scoured the back lanes and the neighbouring roads. We were terrified, envisioning disaster.
Thankfully, we came home to find our furry sitting on the doorstep. I thought it was one of those things, and went about my day.