10 Things you didn’t know about cats

      We know our feline friends are pretty amazing animals but here’s 10 more reasons to love them:

1.  Unlike humans, cats are able to drink sea water to survive – this is due to cats having kidneys that can filter out the salt from the water, meaning they can re-hydrate themselves.

2. Disneyland own approximately 200 cats, who are released into the park every night to keep down the rodent population! This programme has been in place since the 1950s.

3. In the ages of the Pharaoh, if you killed a cat you could’ve been put to death, this was because the Ancient Egyptians considered cats as sacred.

4. Just like us cats can be left handed and right handed, with more than 40% of them being ambidextrous.

5.  Eating grass can help a cat’s digestion and get rid of fur in their system.

6. The most expensive cat ever is called Little Nicky, who cost the owner $50,000! Little Nicky was the world’s first cloned-to-order feline, produced by a Californian company.

7. When a household cat died in Ancient Egypt the owners would show their grief by shaving their eyebrows.

8. A cat is unable to climb head first down a tree because every claw on its paw points the same way.

9.  In 1963 the first cat (named Felicette A.K.A Astrocat) was sent into outer space. The French attached electrodes to monitor her brain which sent signals back to earth – she survived the trip!

10. The world’s rarest coffee, Kopi Luwak comes from a wildcat in Indonesia. The cat eats the coffee berries, which pass through their stomach and are harvested from the dung. The coffee sells for $500 for a 450g bag!

   

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Top Tips - Dealing with dog hair

We love our dogs because they are cute and often fluffy, but one thing we don’t love is dog hair… it just gets everywhere! Growing up with dogs, I am well versed in many tips and tricks to tackle living with a fuzzy friend and help eliminate the fur.

Grooming:

It seems obvious, but regularly brushing your pet will help to remove the fur from their coat that is just waiting to fall out onto your carpets, clothes and furniture. A daily brushing is both enjoyable for your dog and can minimise the amount of furry fall out.

Getting professional help from a regular trip to the dog groomer (or poodle parlour as we like to call it in my house) is also great. They have the tools of the trade to get through thick coats and will leave your pooch smelling perfect. Clipping and trimming fur is also great for your dog especially in the summer months.

Choose your flooring wisely:

Whilst hardwood and laminate are the flooring of choice for many pet owners, carpet is also an option, just make sure you pick a colour that is close to that of your dog’s fur, making it less visible between hoovering. Growing up we had a Golden Retriever and a navy carpet, it is unsurprising that my poor mum had to vacuum twice a day!

Removable covers and throws:

For a pet owner, removable covers, slips and throws for your furniture and bedding are an essential. We can’t stop our dogs from climbing up and getting cosy, but by adding removable covers to your sofa and throws across your bed or chairs, we can quickly whip them off once a week and throw them in the wash – it also protects your furniture from wear and tear and can give you an easy way to update your décor.

Rubber is your friend:

From rubber gloves to rubber brooms and the rubber bottom of your trainers, it is a great way to quickly collect up fur. A rubber broom is great for sweeping hard floors and carpet. Rubber gloves can be used to pick up 90% of the fur on fabrics such as sofas with one quick sweep of the hand. For more awkward places such as stairs, the bottom of your rubber trainer can work wonders (as long as they are clean of course!) Other options include duct tape, dry sponges and Velcro or sticky lint rollers.

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Top 10 summer reads for cat lovers

With the sun shining and looking as if it's staying out (dare we speak too soon!), what better way to kick back and relax than with a good book in the garden (or by the pool if you are lucky enough to be jetting off!) At Paws & Claws we have compiled our 10 best titles for all you cat lovers out there!

Dewey: The Small Town Library Cat Who Touched The World – Vicki Myron

The fascinating true story of an abandoned kitten who ended up famous around the world. Dewey was stuffed into the returned book slot at the Spencer Public Library in Iowa. He won the hearts of the library staff and over the next 19 years he never stopped charming the people of Spencer.

A Street Cat Named Bob – James Bowen

This New York Times best seller is the true story of an unusual friendship that formed between a street musician and a ginger tabby - the power of love between man and animal that took the world by storm.

Puss In Boots – Charles Perrault

Ever since this classic French tale was first published in 1697 it has long been regarded as a special favourite. The adventures of Puss and his master are portrayed through a series of illustrations, making this a great read for adults and children alike.

Millions of Cats – Wanda Gag

This beloved tale of one lonely old man and one lonely old woman, who find millions of cats and bring them all home is one that has been treasured for generations. This nostalgic read will bring back childhood memories and is one to be passed on to your grandchildren.

The Grumpy Guide to Life – Observations by Grumpy Cat

This tongue in cheek book shows images of our favourite grumpy cat with quotes about the truth – the guide to everyday life, love and friendship. Grumpy cat’s famous frown is what makes this book!

Cat Stories – James Herriot

A heart-warming collection of stories about adorable felines, this book will capture the attention of cat lovers around the globe!

The Love and Life of Cats – Lewis Blackwell

This coffee table read is puuurfect for any cat lover, featuring breath-taking images this book explores nine themes surrounding the ways we relate to our cats, or how they relate to us! With more than 115 inspiring images to look through, this is a must have!

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland – Lewis Carroll

In case you aren’t familiar with this classic read, it features a girl falling through a rabbit hole into a fantasy world populated with peculiar creatures, including a Cheshire cat! A popular story amongst adults and children due to the tale being considered one of the best examples of literary nonsense.

Homer’s Odyssey – Gwen Cooper

The touching true story of an abandoned kitten that will make you laugh and cry, an extraordinary tale of an incredible cat and his human companion. Homer has saved a life and survived being trapped for days, this story will not disappoin

Cleo – Helen Brown

The true tale of a lady who ended up with a kitten following the terrible tragedy of losing her son. This book is moving, funny and ultimately uplifting, a tale of loss and unexpected love from a feline friend.

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