It's heating up, don't forget your pets!



Before they had a garden...

I'm one of those irritating people that complains when the weather is cold, wet and miserable but also when it gets too hot. Don't get me wrong I love a bit of sun, we've had some glorious weather over the past couple of weeks which has been fab. I just can't stand those sweltering summer nights, it's so uncomfortable! I'd rather be too cold than too hot. I have always thought if I feel uncomfortable with the heat, then Eliot will do too so I dress him minimally.
I think the same also applies for our pets. If you didn't already know we have two cats, Mimi and Coco. When we lived in London our flat was on the fourth floor so needless to say, they were indoor cats.
Since we've moved they've been curious about going outside and have enjoyed spending time in the garden especially when the weather has been good. I'm sure over the summer months they'll be keen to spend more of their time outdoors which has led me to consider how I can keep them safe in the hot weather. We don't have a cat flap or plans to put one in anytime soon, mainly because the doors that lead t the garden are glass and we don't want one on the front door. So, there may be times they will be outside longer than planned. I've thought about how they could stay shaded in this situation as there is little shade in our back garden. Our next door neighbours have four cats,  they have a cat box in their garden that a family member built for them. It's somewhere where their kitties can shelter come rain or shine. A cat box of some sort could be a possibility for our garden but we have lots of other jobs that need doing so it may not happen  in time for this summer!
With that in mind I've thought of some tips to help keep felines safe in the sun...

• Frequently change water bowls & ensure they are kept topped up with fresh water
• Leave a bowl of water outdoors in a shaded area
•  Make sure there is a shaded area in the garden, use cloth or similar materials to create somewhere if you have little or no shade
• I read that dampened towels are a good idea in extreme heat, rub the towel from head to tail over your cat to help cool them down.
• Dampened towels could also be left on the floor so cats can lay on them if they wish
• I've also read sunblock is a good idea to use on cats ears particularly if they have a fair coat
• If you need to travel with your cat in the car, ensure there is ventilation, water to hand and like dogs never leave them in a car alone
• Keep an eye out for signs of heatstroke. Even if your cat is indoors they can still be affected

Keeping me company during a 'pregnancy nap'

Have you got any tips? Argos pet insurance have some, just the read for pet owners looking for advice!

Meet The City Kitties!

Apart from my About Us page I haven't really mentioned our pet cats, Mimi and Coco. I thought it was about time I did as they are a big part of our everyday life. They are our fur babies.  I pestered the OH about getting a cat when we moved in to our current home, he wasn't so keen but I persisted and one Sunday in 2011 two kittens moved in with us. I found them through Gumtree which in all honesty is not the way I would have like to have found them. I would have much rather rehomed them from a rescue centre. But I know they have strict guidelines and as we lived in a flat I knew it would be unlikely they would let us have any.

Mimi likes to think she is the boss and can be quite feisty but she is very affectionate and likes lots of cuddles. She also likes Eliot and will rub her head on him to show her affection. Eliot loves her too but is still a bit too rough with her.  

She also thinks she is a bit of a canine as she likes playing fetch with a plastic bottle lid. If you throw it she'll run after it and bring it back. Sometimes she will bring it to us to instigate the game!

Coco likes to keep herself to herself during daylight and avoids Eliot at all costs! He is too boisterous for her liking. She seems to prefer me to the OH and will seek my affection at certain times of the day, usually night time. She'll follow me into the bathroom and if she's not quick enough the door gets scratched until I let her in. She likes to drink from the tap in the kitchen and bathroom and lay next next to me in bed. 

They drive me nuts at times. like when Coco purrs and walks above my head during the night. She has probably woken me more than Eliot. Or when Mimi won't stop head butting me and gets in Eliot's way.

As friends they're not as chummy as they were as kittens, in fact they get quite uptight about each other and have little cat fights.

Anyway that's my little intro to our fur family :)

Have you got pets?

Eliot's First Easter

 Happy Easter all, hope you've had an enjoyable day overindulging in eggs galore! I thought I'd do  a quick post of what we've been up to during Eliot's first Easter.

 

We had a nice lie in which came a surprise, I couldn't believe it when the OH said it was 9:20am when we could hear Eliot babbling in his cot. Once he'd had a nappy change and bottle we took him into the living room where the 'Easter Bunny' had left some surprises, also on behalf of  other family members. Eliot wasn't quite sure what to make of it all and was more interested in the basket! The photos are actually from a bit later on as I captured the earlier ones on my phone.
Before brekkie Eliot enjoyed a couple of special edition 'Animal biscuits' in the form of bunnies, of course he was very keen!

The OH and Eliot popped out while I got a roast dinner on! When they returned Eliot did a bit more investigating in the sea of Easter goodies (not all the choccie is for him!). It's fair to say I think our home has enough chocolate to last a good few months!

 The basket behind Eliot in this photo was from us. Here's what was inside:

• Rabbits Don't Lay Eggs book
• Old MacDonald Had A Farm sound book
• Mickey Mouse Breakfast Set with beaker, bowl, spoon and chocolate egg
• Mr Tumble Egg
• Cuddly Easter chick

I'd also bought him an Easter touch and feel book but the OH accidently threw it away.

We enjoyed an Easter Sunday lunch, well Eliot was being a bit funny with his food today but was more than happy to chomp on chocolate!

 We let him attempt to chomp into an egg but he couldn't and ended up getting frustrated because he could taste it but couldn't get the full benefits.

 We broke a few pieces up, needless to say he loved it!

 Chocolate chops!

 Happy chappy!

 

 We spent the rest of the afternoon chilling, playing and catching up with Britain's Got Talent. One of our cats Mimi clearly thought she was an Easter Gift herself and made herself cosy in the basket Eliot's gifts from us had been in.

Mimi cat

 

Eliot had a lovely first Easter and was totally spoilt by his family with not only chocolate but other lovely presents too.

 

What did you get up to?