A little hair in your tea?

 

Did you know that there are cafes in Japan that you can visit where you pay to sip tea and pet cats??? They are called Cat cafes and they are extremely popular.

The first cat café opened in Taiwan in 1998. In Japan the first cat café opened in 2004. Now there are over 30 different cat cafes in Japan. 

Some of the cafes cater to a certain type of cat like black cats or fat cats.  The popularity of these café’s is due to most apartments forbidding animals, people working long days and not having time for their own animals. People tend to get very lonely so they will head over the cat cafes for a little 4 legged interactions.

All cafes must obtain a license and comply with strict requirements under the Animal Treatment/Protection laws. The cat cafes adhere to strict guidelines regarding cleanliness and the treatment of their cats. They have rules like letting the cats approach you, no children, and not disturbing the cats while sleeping.

Coming soon near you?

Submitted by Beth Bardell

Cold Weather Safety for Dogs and Cats

 

T he average temperature at night in North Carolina during the January month is 27 degrees Fahrenheit.  Most dogs and cats stay inside during the cold nights but here are some helpful tips on how to protect them if they do have to go outside.  

Small dogs and dogs with thin hair coats should wear coats when going outside for walks during very cold temperatures.  The best type of coat should be one that has a high collar and covers from the base of the tail on top to the belly underneath.  Sick or older dogs should only be walked outside to do their business and then they should come right back in.  During winter months, if possible keep pet beds away from cold drafts and make sure older animals have warm cozy beds or blankets to sleep on. 

Here are a few tips if you take your dog on longer walks in the winter months. Some dogs can have dry and sensitive paw pads. These become irritated when walking on cold concrete. You can spray a little cooking spray on your dog’s paw pads just before you take them on a walk. Keep a bucket of warm water and clean cloths by the door for when you get back. You should always wipe down paws when coming back from a walk. This will get any chemicals off paws that were picked up during the walk. Make sure to clean any snow or ice out of your pet’s paws also when they get back so their feet do not become irritated. 

 

Please remember that antifreeze and the salt that melts sidewalk ice is extremely toxic to animals. Pay very close attention to what your pet is doing while outside and do not let them drink any melted snow or water.

The winter months can be a great time for animals. Remembering the above safety tips can make sure great months do not turn into deadly months. 

Submitted by Beth Bardell, TVRH