Spooktastic Pet Costumes

We couldn’t let Halloween pass by without showcasing some of the best cat and dog costumes that we’ve seen online*! The team at Paws & Claws have collected the best of the best, to share with all of you lovely people!

We hope you creep it real and enjoy these scarily good costumes, after all if you’ve got it, haunt it right?!

Do you have any spooky photos of your pet that you’d like to share? Upload them on our Facebook page, or visit our Twitter or Instagram account to be a part of the Paws & Claws community today!

*Images sourced from Buzzfeed, Womans Day and Business to Community.

Top 5 Safety Tips for Your Dog at Halloween

When it comes to Halloween, preparation is the key to keeping your pet safe and relaxed, at Paws and Claws we have complied our top tips for keeping your dog safe this Halloween.  

Keep the sweets out of reach

Put your Halloween treats in a safe place - where your dog cannot reach! Chocolate and sweets which contain artificial sweetener (xylitol) can be poisonous for your dog. To avoid any unscheduled trips to the vets this Halloween, keep the human treats out of reach!

Make sure your dog has a safe space 

Create a safe haven for your dog to retreat to when the visiting trick-or-treaters get too much for them. Not only will the doorbell be ringing more than usual, but you’ll be answering the door to unfamiliar faces which could unsettle any dog. By letting your pooch have its own space, it can reduce anxiety and prevents them from scampering out the front door.

Secure your decorations 

Let’s face it, dogs can be nosy and a flickering candle or a loose piece of string is the perfect lure! To dodge any accidents, keep all lit candles up high (so your curious pup doesn’t send it flying with their wagging tail) and ensure all electrical wires are tucked away neatly (not tempting your do to chew on them).                                                                                                                                    

Tag it!

Be sure that your dog is wearing identification tags that are up-to-date. This way if you’re distracted by the trick-or-treaters and your furry friend does escape, it will be easier for someone to identify your pet and help reunite you.

Don’t force your dog to wear a costume 

Only put your dog in an outfit if you know they love it. Wearing a costume can cause undue stress for some dogs.

When choosing a costume for your dog, make sure it’s not too loose (as your dog could get tangled) or not too tight (as it could restrict them from walking).

Unsure whether your dog likes the costume? It’s best to try it on before the ‘big day’ to see if it’s right for them, as when you’re busy trick-or-treating you may not realise that the costume is causing your dog discomfort.

Do you have any tips for dogs during Halloween, or any spooky photos that you would like to share? Post them onto our Facebook page, or follower us on Instagram and twitter to be part of the Paws & Claws community today.

5 Ways to Celebrate National Cat Day

As all of you cat lovers out there know, not a day goes by where you’re not obsessing about your feline friend. You often face a daily struggle not to show everyone you meet the countless photos you have of your cat stored on your phone. But fear not, the 29^th October marks the official day it’s socially acceptable to release your inner crazy cat lady/man, as it National Cat Day!

Although National Cat day is an American holiday, here at Paws and Claws we love an excuse to celebrate all things cats, so we have come up with a list of top activities for you and your pet to do this weekend.

Pamper your cat

Although cats are very self-sufficient, when it comes to cleaning themselves giving them a helping hand every now and again will not go a miss (especially long haired cats). By giving your cat a brush you will help reduce excess hair and prevent hairballs. Not only this, but grooming your cat gives you time to bond and note any changes (sore patches or lumps) that could be affecting your cat.

Treat your cat

Everyone likes to be treated once in a while, so why not buy your cat’s favourite dinner or treat them to a new collar or bed.

Have a photo-shoot

What better excuse (to take more photos of your cat than you normally do!) than it being National Cat Day? You could either take a selfie with your cat, or get a shot of them pulling their cutest pose to remember your cat-tastic day!

With Halloween looming why not get a snap of your cat dressed in their best Halloween outfit.

(Don’t forget to post them to our Facebook page because we love a cat selfie!)

Watch cat videos

Let’s face it, who doesn’t love a video featuring our feline friends!? So why not spend the day looking up your favourite internet celebrity cats (without being judged!). From grumpy cats to singing cats, there are plenty of entertaining video to choose from on the web. So if your cat is not in the mood to play then this could be a great alternative to fill your day.

Adopt a cat

Not only does National Cat Day allow you to celebrate all things cat (what more could you wish for?), it also raises awareness of all the cats that are waiting to be adopted.

If you have the resources and the time, then why not adopt one of the millions of cats, from a local shelter, who are looking for their forever home. What more can you do for a cat then that?  

Do you have any tips on what to do for National Cat Day, or any photos that you would like to share? Post them onto our Facebook page, or follower us on Instagram and Twitter to be part of the Paws & Claws community today! 

National Black Cat Day

In celebration of National Black Cat Day (which happens to be today!) we have collected our favourite images of black felines and put together our top 10 reasons to adopt a black cat*

1. You will be able to spot them in snowy conditions
2. Love knows no colour
3. Black is beautiful
4. Holding a black cat is slimming (haha!)
5. Black cats match any décor
6. Black goes with everything
7. Black cats look sophisticated and sleek
8. You won’t need to buy them a Halloween costume
9. Luck will always be on your side
10. Black cats are the least likely to be adopted (if this isn’t a good enough reason, then we don’t know what is!)

*Other colour cats are available

Do you have any black cat stories or photos that you’d like to share? Upload them on our Facebook page, or visit our Twitter or Instagram account to be a part of the Paws & Claws community today!

How to stop dogs chewing

     
From shoes and furniture, to back door steps and even themselves, dogs love a good chew. Unfortunately it isn’t great for them, their health and your household! After years of trying to curb the chewing habit, especially in puppies, a good friend shared a recipe to a bitter spray that is 100% natural and acts as a great deterrent as well as being so simple to make.

What you need:

1x spray bottle

1x funnel (optional depending on your steady hand)

2/3 cup of white wine vinegar

1/3 cup of apple cider vinegar

Juice of 1 lemon (optional depending on if your dog likes lemon or not)

Water (optional, to be used for diluting if used directly on your dog)

How to make it:

Pour the ingredients (excluding water) into a small spray bottle and spritz on the areas you want to stop them from chewing on, this can be anything from chair legs and skirting boards to shoes, your tooth brush and even themselves if they are overly licking or chewing a certain area.

Whilst the spray has always been fine on our furniture, it is advised to test an inconspicuous spot, to check if it will damage your varnish or paint.

When used on your pet, diluting with water is advised, generally the same amount of water as white vinegar.

And it is that simple… you can thank us later!

Is your dog partial to a good chew? Tell us your stories on our Facebook page, or visit our Twitter and Instagram to be a part of our Paws & Claws community!

Cats: The Latest Fashion Trend

With autumn already begun and winter just around the corner, we are absolutely loving the latest cat crazy trend to swoop the fashion industry!

“While being dubbed a cat lady used to bear an air of denunciation nowadays the term suggests that you’re a fully-fledged member of fashion’s newest club. The rise of the fashion cat lady has been simmering for a while but with designers pre-fall and autumn/winter collections paying homage to their furry friends, cats have become the essential fashion accessory for 2016.”

(Sarah Young, 2016, The Independent)

Cat fashion has actually become a real thing, rejoice for all the cat lovers out there! A/W 2016 is looking to be one for us!

The team here at Paws & Claws have compiled their favourite everyday cat fashion items for you to admire and purchase as you wish*.

*Some items come with a hefty price tag, not for the faint-hearted!

1. Paperchase Purr Maids A5 Glitter Ziplock Notebook £7
2. Lulu Guinness Stipe Kooky Cat Iphone 6 Case £35
3. Accessorize Metallic Cat Purse £6
4. Typo Get Cushy Cushion £15
5. Vans Authentic Skate Shoes - ASPCS Cats £51.99
6. Sass & Bell Cat Kawaii Friends Mug £10
7. Skinny Dip Iphone 6 Plus Cat-Nut Case £12 
8. Lulu Guinness Dark Sage Kooky Cat Lottie Pouch £85
9. Topshop Cat Face Watch £28
10. Kate Spade Jazz Things Up Fluffy Cat Bag £358
11. Typo Easy On The Eye £3.50
12. Monki Cat Socks £5
13. Charlotte Olympia Kitty Flats £440 
14. Accessorize Marty Cat Face Socks £3.50
15. Typo Novelty Coat Hanger £6
16. Monki Cat Face Earrings £6
17. Office Nahla Cat Sandle Black £58
18. Moschino Cat Print Sweatshirt £82
19. Topshop Kitty Print Long Sleeve Shirt £30
20. H&M Patterned Dress £14.99
21. New Look White Cat Print Tie Neck Cropped Shirt £17.99
22. Topshop Cat Print Ruffle Shirt £42
23. Lazy Oaf Pink Cat A Fore Dress £70 
24. Molo Multi Tropical Cat Print Niki Leggings £20
25. Stella McCartney Cat Print Trousers £550
26. Molo Cat Print Ceria Dress £40
27. Lazy Oaf Garden Cats Shirt £65
28. Dolce & Gabana Cat print Midi Skirt £525
29. Monki Kimono Love Jeans £40

      Are you a fan of this latest fashion trend and have items that you'd like to share? Upload them on our Facebook page, or visit our Twitter or Instagram account to be a part of the Paws & Claws community today!