Kitten to Cat Event

As part of my work as an alternative cat burglar I recently got invited to a free cat behaviour evening, arranged by the wonderful Kitten to Cat vets practice. It was something of a trek for me, being way over in Richmond, but I’m keen to learn what I can about cat behaviour.

The evening started with a tour of the vets (see my review), then it was across the road to the hall. It was a nice informal venue, with everything needed. School type chairs, clean toilets in odd corners, PowerPoint presentation to go with the talk and trestle table of goodies at the back.

The expert, Francesca Riccomini, didn’t have her talk brilliantly timed and went well over. But I don’t think anyone minded. I think I need more experience before I decide if I agree with everything she said (for instance she said absolutely never try to discipline a cat, doesn’t work, but I think there maybe some very rare circumstances where a quick calm reprimand is appropriate, though maybe only a stop gap?), but I certainly learnt a lot, and also helped me get some stuff I already know into focus. Useful stuff: cats are naturally active at dusk and dawn (so accept it!), cats like to go up high. Not only do cats not like being fed and having their tray close together, but many prefer not to have their water next to their food either. Cats like vertical texture on their scratching post, not horizontal. And as ‘stropping’ is part of their wake-up routine, it’s best to have a post near where they sleep, as well as on major ‘junctions’ where they may wish to ‘mark’. Cats are desert animals, and prefer litter that is granular and clumps (like dessert sand). Cats don’t have dominance/submission systems, and are basically solitary (though they may have ‘friends’ or close lasting bonds with relatives). There was also stuff on problems like inappropriate soiling and over grooming… too much to go into!

At break I got to chat with a load of interesting people: some from another cat sitting service, and a cat breeder. The food was also lovely: fresh green salad, bread, meats, savoury biscuits, chocolate biscuits (and posh ones too…). Hot drinks were available but I went for juice, of which there were several kinds. At the end our expert got a queue of people asking advice and opinions! And my journey home was quicker than expected… Well done to everyone involved! Everyone was calling for follow-up events!

.