Hope you're all enjoying the nice weather recently. It's so nice to be out and about in the sunshine.

I have lots of outdoor bunnies to look after just now and they have all been hopping about happy in the sunshine and full of the joys of spring! If you're thinking of gettng a rabbit, please remember that it's very important to give your bunnies lots of space outdoors with a run to keep them happy.

We are soon approaching a very busy time of year, the school Easter holidays. We are going to be very busy little pet-sitters over the next month with lots of kittens, cats, hamsters and bunnies to look after!

I love Easter! - lots of chocolate eggs to eat, yum! All that chocolate will keep me going with the Easter pet-sitting as I often don't get a chance to stop for lunch on busy days.

I read a lovely quote today on the dogs trust website, "rescuing one dog will not change the world, but that one dogs world will be changed forever," so true for any animal that is re-homed. I think I need to buy a farm and then I can fill up the farm house with rescue cats, dogs, horses, bunnies, gerbils, fish and any other furry friend who wants to live with me would be welcome! I love all animals and one day hope that I could have an animal sanctuary of my own - dreams.

Better go, sun is shining and need to get to fluffy and fudge - gorgeous cats.

Enjoy the sunshine.

Bye for now

Fiona x_- Professional Pet Care in Edinburgh for Loved Pets

Hello,

Happy New Year!

I hope you all had a lovely festive period. I was very busy cat sitting in Edinburgh.

Did you get a new kitten at Christmas? There is a lot to do when you first get a new kitten. Here are some of our top tips to make your kitten feel happy and safe in its new home.

It is important to make a space in your home for your new kitten where they can go to feel safe and secure. Ideally place their bed away from drafts in a quiet part of the house. As well as a new bed you should also think about getting them a litter tray, scratching post, toys and a quality feed.

To make your kitten feel less anxious you can buy a "Feliway Pheromone Diffuser" from your vets, or Pets at Home (Corstorphine, Livingston or Straiton). It is also a good idea with a new kitten to provide them wth a heat pad which can be heated in the microwave, but please make sure it is not too hot! The heated pad can be placed in your kittens bed to soothe them to sleep.

Your kitten's diet is important and you should try and find out what they were eating from the breeder or rescue shelter where you got your cat. You should continue with this food for about three days and then, over the next week, gradually mix it in with whatever you choose to feed your cat, slowly introducing more of the new food you've chosen. Make sure you purchase a special kitten food. There are lots of good brands to choose from. Some of my favourite brands, which cats seem to like, are the dry foods Hills Science Plan, Iams and James Well Beloved and wet foods Whiskas and Felix. Please remember to always provide a supply of fresh water and you may also wish to treat your kitten to kitten mik (both Whiskas and Pets at Home make a special kitten milk).

Getting your kitten used to a litter tray is important. Position your kittens tray away from their food and sleeping area in a private, but easy to access, space. Most cats like a hooded tray as this is more private for them. Let your kitten naturally go to the tray. If they are not keen then place them in the tray after every meal and also in the morning and at night. Cats need their trays cleaned out often or they may have accidents. Please also do not use harsh products to clean trays as this may also put cats off. Most supermarkets and pet stores sell dedicated litter tray spray for cleaning out their trays.

Please register as soon as possible with your local vets. There are many good vets, my own vets is the Braids Vets in Mayfield whom I am very happy with and have had excellent care. Your new kitten will need to be protected from fleas and worms and first vaccinations are normally given at 8 weeks and the second vaccination booster at 12 weeks. I would also strongly recommend getting your cat microchipped, as their collar with id tag can wear over time and fall off.

Enjoy your new kitten and look after them. Cats are such playful, loving animals and will give you lots of happy moments.

Best Wishes,

Fiona.

Edinburgh Cat Care - Petsitters. We Promise to care for every pet as if it was our own.

HI!

Pets at Home are giving away a free sample of yummy James Well Beloved, or Royal Canine Dry Pet Food, if you register by 12th Dec 2011. The voucher will be emailed to you and is valid until the 31st Dec 11.

This offer is a great way to try out a new dry pet food without the expense of buying a whole bag and finding out your kitty doesn't like it! - a purrfect treat for your cat before Xmas.

As you can probably tell, I was in Pets at Home today looking at all the lovely pet presents for Xmas and I'm afraid I did go a bit mad and buy far too much - but our loved furry ones are worth it!

www.petsathome.co.uk

Click link above to register for the free food. Enjoy!

Bye for now,

Fiona x

Hello,

I have had a busy week this week meeting some lovely new clients and feeding some of my regular clients whose owners have gone away for some last minute winter sun - lucky them!

Yesterday I met Puffin, a lovely black and white kitten who is 4 months old - he was a cutie. I had another new client to visit, Parsnip, a lovely tortie cat who is 9. His mum has a new job and she has to travel a lot with work. I am looking forward to giving Parsnip cuddles when his mummy is working away from home.

I have had quite a lot of calls for pet sitting and cat feeding in Edinburgh during the upcoming Christmas holidays and there are only a few spaces left - so please book early.

A lot of people are going abroad this year for Xmas to have Xmas dinner in the sun, sounds like a good idea to me, it is just starting to get chilly. I have just put on my winter car tyres so I can get to all my clients should the snow be as bad as last year. They were expensive, but it's peace of mind that I can get to everyone.

Please remember and leave your heating on a timer so your pipes dont freeze. I always ask all my clients to show me where the water, gas and electric switch off taps are, should an emergency arise in the cold weather.

I have a busy day tomorrow with Timmie, Archie, Muffin and Fluffy to cat sit in Edinburgh and one cat to feed in East Calder.

Bye for now,

Fiona

Professional Cat Sitter For Beloved Pets.

Hello

I have been contacted by a few people recently who are thinking about buying a pet for Christmas for a family member.

I have been recommending to clients that they consider re-homing a cat from one of the many Edinburgh cat shelters. The Edinburgh Cat and Dog home have sadly recorded their highest amount of cats and dogs for a decade, all of whom require a new home. They are currently running the Framed Gallery - an exhibition of art called " Rescue" on the 4-16 November to raise funds.

Cats need re-homed for many reasons. Please consider giving a loving home to one of the many cats in animal shelters. They often have older cats as well as kittens and they will discuss with you the re-homing process to ensure you choose the right pet for your home and lifestyle.

Please think very carefully before you buy a pet for Christmas - it is a long term commitment and can be expensive if your pet needs vet treatment should it develop an illness or have an accident. I always recommend pet insurance which can help with any large unexpected vet bills.

Cats are very loving and will bring years of enjoyment to all the family. Here is the link to the Edinburgh Cat and Dog home.

if you need help looking after your cat over Christmas please call me on (0131) 333 0640 to book an appointment - spaces are going fast so don't delay!

Bye for now

Fiona x