News

The story of Tiger: A shy rescue finds his place

When Paul first laid eyes on Tiger, a stunning tabby with a zest for life, it was love at first sight. But bringing Tiger home revealed the reality of adopting a rescue. For the first two weeks, Tiger lived under the sofa, only emerging at night to eat. Any attempt to pick him up sent him diving back into hiding.

Gradually, Tiger began to trust Paul and his partner, Stefan. He progressed from sitting with them on the sofa to curling up with them in bed, always on his terms.

Trouble begins: Stress and unwanted behaviour

Tiger loved his perch at the front window, tail twitching as he watched the world outside. But a leak in the bathroom led to days of workmen and noisy repairs, and Tiger retreated under the sofa again. Soon after, Paul noticed troubling behaviour: Tiger was weeing in odd spots, outside the litter box — in the stair cubby, by the radiator, and even on the bed.

Stefan was frustrated, fearing they’d made a mistake. Paul was heartbroken. Online remedies didn’t work. That’s when they called Paws Indoors.

A different perspective: The cat’s eye view

We suggested they confine Tiger to the kitchen for our visit to avoid his usual hiding spot under the sofa. With minimal restraint and calm handling, I was able to examine Tiger, much to Paul’s amazement. Even though he could escape if he wanted to, he sat quietly as I checked his tummy and vital signs.

But the real insight came from walking through the house, from a cat’s perspective.

Scent matters

Their sleek, minimalist home looked stunning and only something I could aspire to — but felt sterile to a cat. Regular cleaning and reed diffusers stripped away Tiger’s own scent. Everyone knows that dogs’ noses are legendary, but cats also rely heavily on scent for comfort and territorial awareness. Constantly losing his scent meant Tiger felt the need to mark his territory with urine.

The view is a double-edged sword

Tiger’s perch at the window seemed like a fun birdwatching spot, but he was also scanning for intruders. Unseen by human eyes, the scent of feral or roaming cats signalled to Tiger that his territory was under threat. He knew they were there as he could smell them. This was likely one of the reasons why he was urinating in odd places. He was establishing his territory and sending out a signal. Partly, he felt he needed to do this as his comfy bed and fleecy throws were changed, at least twice a week, removing all trace of his own scent.

Our recommendations: A home that works for cats and humans

Here’s what we suggested to help Tiger feel more at home:

Adjust the scents

Reduce scented products and reed diffusers.

Rotate but don’t completely replace all of Tiger’s bedding — this way, there would always be some of his scent about and less other scents he felt he had to overcome.

Create visual boundaries

Use plants at the bay window.

Apply frosted film to the bottom half of the patio doors – this way, Tiger would feel more secure when observing through the window and wouldn’t need to guard the front and back entrances.

Add vertical space

Invest in designer cat trees, tall structures with multiple platforms and hiding spots, to give Tiger safe, elevated retreats. These trees provide cats with a sense of security and a place to observe their surroundings, reducing stress and unwanted behaviour.

Prevent bad habits

Temporarily keep the bedroom door shut to avoid repeated marking.

A happier ending in sight

Paul and Stefan took our advice seriously. Within a week, the changes showed results: far fewer accidents and no more scratching at the bedroom door. Tiger had claimed the top of his new cat tree as his nest.

Urine test results came back normal, confirming the issue was behavioural. As we reminded them, progress takes time, but the direction was positive, and Tiger was starting to relax.

Does your cat seem stressed, avoid the litter tray, or act out in puzzling ways? Your home might be perfectly styled for humans, but not yet feline-friendly.

Contact Paws Indoors today here  or call us on 01508 498718 for a home consultation. Let us help you create a space where both you and your cat can truly thrive.

 

 

News for June

June is turning out to be lovely and warm. Some pets do not do well in the heat, particularly the older ones. If you’re out exercising your dog, best to go early in the cooler mornings and take plenty of water with you. See our tips further down for how to help keep your pet cool.

June is also national microchipping month. Have you checked that your pet’s microchip details are up to date? Particularly important if you are taking them away with you on holiday, or if they are staying with a pet sitter. Most chip companies will allow a back up telephone number on the pet’s record.

 

 

Rainbow Bridge

We also had national pet memorial day earlier in the month. We know how important it is to our clients to cherish the memory of pets that have passed. We work with Rainbow Bridge Pet Cremations. We have chosen to work with them because we know that they always give pets that have passed the love and respect that they deserve. They are also able to offer a range of memorial products. Rainbow Bridge Memorials and Shop

If you are struggling with the loss of a pet, either through death, theft, or a change in circumstances, there are plenty of resources available to help. Take a look at our Final Farewell page.

Dog training tips

We know that understanding your dog and communicating between the two of you is one of the biggest challenges that dog owners face. We have asked some local dog trainers to give us their best tips. Isabella Macbride runs Smart Dog Training , with classes in Attleborough and Eaton, plus one to one training in your home. Thanks, Isabella, we’ll be posting more of her tips on our Facebook page.

 

Hazards – Grass seeds, heat stroke.

This is the season for grass seeds. They get stuck in ears, paws, eyes and other places. Be alert to any changes in your pet’s behaviour such as shaking their head, squinting, rubbing at an eye or locking a paw. Grass seeds anywhere are very uncomfortable for your pet so please get in touch for advice.

Heat stroke, shows up as excessive panting, disorientation, appearing drunk and collapse. We would advice you to get your pet wet – jugs or buckets of water from the cold tap or the garden hose – run the hot water out of the hose first. It is important to cool your pet quickly and getting them wet with cool or cold water is the most effective way to do this. Do not worry that you will cause ‘shock’ or ‘ shut down their circulation’. Not cooling quickly enough is far more detrimental. Call us for advice, and if you are able, once wet, bring them down to the surgery.

Follow this advice from the RSPCA for keeping dogs cool. How to keep your dog cool

And some really handy tips for cats too. How to keep your cat cool

Drug delivery, repeat prescriptions.

Please can we remind everyone that we need five working days for repeat prescriptions. This gives enough time for the vet to review and approve the medication, order it in, if need be, and then post it out to you.  Posting is the most cost effective and efficient way of getting your medications to you.  We are able to deliver medications if you have run short and out of time. The cost for drug delivery by a clinician is £11.00, if it can be fitted in to their rounds, £35.00 for urgent/ same day delivery.

You are, of course, welcome to collect medications from the surgery instead. There is no charge for medications delivered at the same time as an appointment.

 

Friends of Hempnall School Fest.

We are proud to be part of our local community and will be at the Friends of Hempnall School Fest on the 29th of June, between 12.00 and 16.00, running a  teddy bear hospital. Bring along any little people you know and their teddy bear and they can play at being a vet or vet nurse. Lots of other activities too, all in aid of raising funds for new play equipment. See you there!

Finally

• we are still putting together the final touches for our photo competition, so look out for a separate mailing shortly. Keep snapping some lovely pics of your pets, especially now the sun is out.

Cocoa’s Story: How a home visit gave an old dog a new lease of life

At Paws Indoors, we believe that veterinary care should be stress-free and comforting, especially for our older pets. That’s why mobile vet visits can make all the difference. Cocoa’s story is a perfect example of how compassionate care at home can help pets and their families through difficult times. 

A worrying call for Cocoa 

Andrew and Callum rang us one morning, distraught. Their beloved Cocoa — a 13-year-old scruffy brown dog with a cheeky smile — wasn’t himself. He wouldn’t eat. He couldn’t get up without help. He’d lie down again, clearly in pain. They feared the worst. 

A familiar face and a gentle examination 

I headed to their home straight away. Cocoa greeted me from his bed with a thump of his tail and a brave attempt to sniff this new visitor. Despite his apparent discomfort, he still had that spark of friendliness. He was the delightful sort of dog that many years ago, when I was young, would have been called a mongrel. With a scruffy, uncontrollable chocolate brown coat, now tinged with grey, a waggy, whippy tail and a cheeky expression, he was probably related to a labradoodle.  

As I gently examined Cocoa from head to tail, I talked Andrew and Callum through each step. Their worry was palpable as it was easy to guess what was going through their minds — it’s hard to see an old friend struggling.  

But there was good news: Cocoa wasn’t terminally ill. He was in pain because of age-related arthritis in his hips and knees — not an uncommon issue for dogs his age, which meant he had slowed down a lot. Aside from his rickety old limbs, Cocoa was quite fit for a 13-year-old dog. 

I explained that it is often difficult to spot the signs of pain in a dog; they don’t do what we would expect. They don’t cry out or even limp. What they do is change their behaviour – move slowly and move less, put weight on the limbs that hurt least, but still look like they are using all four legs.   

 

A plan to help Cocoa at home 

While arthritis can’t be cured, it can certainly be managed. I suggested that we bring Cocoa to the surgery for X-rays to confirm the diagnosis and rule out any more serious conditions. Andrew and Callum helped me lift him into the car, trusting us to help their gentle boy. 

Later that day, the X-rays confirmed he had some arthritis in his hips and knees, and we started Cocoa on anti-inflammatories, pain relief, and joint supplements. Already, there was a difference — he was moving more easily and seemed more like his old self. 

Simple adjustments, big difference 

Back at home, I showed Andrew and Callum a few simple changes they could make to make Cocoa’s life a little easier. They could easily… 

• Add rubber-backed mats to cover slippery laminate floors 

• Create a small improvised ramp at the back door to help him get in and out 

• Reduce the need to jump or climb unnecessarily 

We also discussed laser therapy, a non-invasive treatment that helps reduce inflammation and promote healing. Cocoa had his first session that same day. 

Cocoa’s comeback 

Two weeks later, I returned to check in. What a difference! Cocoa was on his feet, moving comfortably, and had even returned to barking at the front door and playing tug with Basil, the family’s younger beagle. 

But the most heartwarming sight was the smiles on Andrew and Callum’s faces. Their worry had turned into relief and joy as they saw their beloved Cocoa, the old rogue, still by their side. Cocoa was moving more easily, free of pain, and had even resumed some of his old habits, such as barking at the front door and playing tug-of-war with Basil, the family’s younger beagle. 

Do you need a mobile vet in your area? 

If you live in our catchment area [https://pawsindoors.co.uk/information/areas-covered/] and your pet is in need, whether for arthritis management, regular health checks, or end-of-life support, Paws Indoors is here for you. Our mobile vet service brings compassionate, professional care straight to your door. 

At Paws Indoors, we’re privileged to look after some truly remarkable pets —

and Lily, a regal Ragdoll cat with bright blue eyes and a coat as luxurious as velvet, is no exception.

For the past twelve years, Lily has lived under the loving care of Mr and Mrs Turner. Recently, during a routine check-up, her story reminded us how subtle signs in a senior pet can reveal important health changes — and how early intervention, a proactive and responsible approach, can make all the difference.

The first clue: a matted coat

During Lily’s latest vaccination appointment, I noticed a few matts near the base of her tail. Mrs Turner explained that while Lily normally enjoys being brushed, she’d become sensitive about being touched in that area.

Until recently, she kept her coat in tip-top condition by herself, enjoying an additional brushing as more of a bonding activity than a necessity. Lily had always taken pride in keeping herself tidy. But something had changed.

Subtle signs of ageing

As Lily strutted around the kitchen, tail held high, I asked if there had been any other changes in her routine. Mr Turner mentioned she was no longer keen on venturing into the garden and couldn’t jump onto the kitchen counters like she used to. It was easy to assume this was “old age,” but these signs often tell a deeper story.

When I gently lifted Lily and examined her from nose to tail, I could feel the stiffness in her joints and the thinning of muscle on her limbs. Her walk confirmed it — she was no longer as agile, choosing to hop via the footstool to reach her favourite cushion on the sofa.

Ageing gracefully — with help

Understanding the real causes behind “old age”

Many owners dismiss stiffness, reduced activity, and weight loss in their senior pet as inevitable signs of ageing, but they are often symptoms of underlying conditions that can be treated.

Lily was not doing badly for her age, although a thorough check-up and blood test (which Lily stoically endured), discovered she was in the early stages of renal (kidney) disease. Her joints were also inflamed and painful, especially her elbows.

Starting the right support

We started Lily on a pain management plan that included joint supplements and medication. Mr and Mrs Turner also agreed to try a renal-friendly diet designed to support kidney function while still being palatable for cats. Lily wasn’t best pleased about this part but suffered in dignified silence.

One month on: a remarkable transformation

When I visited Lily a month later, the difference was astonishing. She could jump onto the sofa in one go again. Her playful spirit had returned, and she was patrolling the garden again. Best of all, the matts were gone — she was grooming herself again, pain-free. “I’ve got my princess back,” Mr Turner told me, beaming.

Although she was a bit choosy with the renal food (what Ragdoll isn’t?), her overall health and happiness had greatly improved.

A reminder to pet owners: regular check-ups matter

Lily’s story is a powerful reminder that older pets can thrive with the proper support. What seems like “just getting old” may be something treatable, which is great news!

Join our Pet Health Plan

I suggested to Mr and Mrs Turner that they enrol Lily into our pet health plan, as this would save them money on her regular visits to administer her injectable medication and that pets on the Vitality health plan also get an annual blood test included. Sorry Lily.

It’s a simple, affordable way to ensure your pet stays healthy and happy for years to come.

Is your senior pet slowing down?
Book a wellness check at pawsindoors.co.uk and let’s help them age gracefully, just like Lily.

 

Happy Birthday to us!

Paws Indoors is 21 years old!

This year Paws Indoors is celebrating its 21st Birthday.

Rosie founded the business in 2004 and look how we have grown! We now have our own bijoux hospital and an increasing base of lovely and loyal clients. Over that time we have added two nurses, two vets and three admin staff, a portable ultrasound and laser machine, blood testing and lab equipment, x-ray facilities and pet health plans.

Our ethos hasn’t changed. We are still independent, and plan to stay that way, meaning that we are closer to our clients, and our team are dedicated to providing you with a better veterinary experience, listening to your concerns and empowering you to provide care that suits your circumstances and aims.

Rosie started the business when she was a single parent and Vicki, her youngest was just a baby. Some of our clients may remember her as a cute ( but naughty) blond haired moppet.  She’s now all grown up and just completed her final year at Uni.

 

 

 

We are planning some celebrations involving CAKE and would love to hear from any clients who have a 21 year old pet. We are also planning a

Pet photography competition!

Details to follow in next month’s newsletter.

Late Spring, evening dog walks, cats on the prowl, maybe even some sunshine!

As the year rolls on the team at Paws Indoors becomes busier. I think in Winter, we all hunker down, but as the weather improves everyone, including our pets, go out more, to enjoy the fresh air, new growth and extended daylight, which is as it should be. But all this increase in activity means more cuts and scrapes, more fighting amongst the cats, more pollen – more itching, and more parasites – even more itching! And have you noticed how many deer there are about?

Lovely to see, but deer are responsible for the increase in tick numbers. Now the weather is warmer and the grass is longer, the ticks will be about in abundance.  Check your dogs and cats regularly for ticks, especially around heads, paws and armpits! Ticks carry many disease, including Lyme’s disease, which is , in fact, more dangerous for people than dogs. If you notice you have been bitten and see a target shaped rash around the bite, please seek medical advice.

Year round tick and flea treatment for dogs.

There are many preventives available for fleas and ticks, including a new, once yearly flea and tick treatment. This is given as an injection, meaning peace of mind, knowing that your dogs are covered for the year. The injection is available as part of our  Pet Health Plans

Unfortunately the injection is not licenced for cats. We have several safe and effective preventives for cats, so please do get in touch.

 

Free trial of treatment for older cats and itchy dogs.

We have successfully been using a monthly injection to treat arthritis in older cats. This is a common condition, the symptoms of which often go unnoticed or get put down to old age. If you have noticed that your cat is becoming less active, slower to move, has difficulty going up or down stairs or is less able to jump up to its favourite windowsill or bed, they may have arthritis.  One of our clients told us that not only was her cat moving better but that she had ‘ got her cat back’. Cats in pain withdraw and stop playing. Once their pain is treated, they can go back to enjoying the things in life that they always used to.

We can offer you a free trial of the injection to see if it suits your cat. They will need a visit from the vet to check that they are suitable and that their symptoms are due to arthritis and not a different condition.

 

Similarly for dogs; some suffer greatly with itchy skin. The monthly injection helps alleviate the itching and keeps them more comfortable. Itchy skin can have many causes so again, we would need to get one of the vets to assess your dog to see if the treatment is suitable for their condition.

If the trial is successful then your pet can continue with treatment on a monthly basis. For older pets and pets that have regular injections such as these , we have a consultations included subscription plan which reduces the overall cost of consultations and helps you budget for your pets vet care needs.

Community involvement

We are keen to get involved with our local community and are very happy to be sponsoring the Friends of Hempnall School effort to raise money to buy new play equipment for the children. They are looking to raise about £20,000 in total. The friends committee is also celebrating a milestone birthday and will be having a community event on the 29th June, with live music, raffle , bar and BBQ. Please come along and support them if you are local.

We will be running a teddy bear hospital on the day. This is to give the children a chance to play at being vets and vet nurses, so encourage any little people to come along to have a go at bandaging their toys and learning about how to keep their real pets healthy.

We are also sponsoring the Mill Bar beer festival on the 4th and 5th of July. More details here Facebook

Feedback Regarding Insurance

We love to have any feedback from clients and after last month’s newsletter we heard several stories where clients had had a less than satisfactory experience with their insurance companies.

To minimise the chance that your claim falls foul of the insurance company small print, leaving them wiggle room to not pay, we would suggest reading the whole policy carefully and paying attention to the following.

1. When treatment needs to be undertaken e.g. before the end of the year, the end of the policy or within a certain time frame, once suggested by the vet.
2. What exclusions apply, and under what specific circumstances will they not pay out.
3. What annual checks, treatments or examinations are required.
4. Do you need to call their own triage line – particularly important for out of hours emergencies.
5. What the company considers to be accidents.
6. Under what conditions they will or will not pay out for dental treatment.

Please then let us know so that we ensure that we can make appropriate supporting notes in your pet’s record.

Keep in touch!

As always, we are keen to hear any views, suggestions or feedback. Email us at info@pawsindoors.co.uk or call the surgery on 01508 498718.

If you have any animal or community related news that you would like included in the next newsletter, please let us know.

Lots more news and pet care tips are available on our Facebook page or on Rosemary Smith (@paws.indoors) • Instagram photos and videos

best wishes

 

All the team at Paws Indoors.