Snuffles is a general name given to upper respiratory infections in cats.
There are 4 causes of infection. Two of the causes (feline herpesvirus-1 and feline calicivirus) are covered by the annual 3-in 1 vaccinations.
The other two causes (Bordetella bronchiseptica and Chlamydia) are also coverable by vaccine, but not automatically administered by your veterinarian.
If you add the extra vaccines to your cat’s inoculation programme, you are protecting your cat against all known causes of snuffles. And of course that is what I’m hoping you will do.
When in boarding, kitties often experience separation anxiety…and oops…the immune system is then vulnerable. And along comes snuffles.
There is one teeny snag….if your cat is a carrier of the herpes virus, he/she can still contract snuffles despite the vaccinations. However, with regular vaccinations against snuffles, the episodes tend to be much milder than in unvaccinated cats.
The vaccine against Bordetella bronchiseptica is Nobivac Bb intranasal drops.
The vaccine against Chlamydia is a subcutaneous injection known simply as Chlamydia vaccine, which is included in certain annual vaccs, like Felocell 4, Eclipse 4 and NobivacTricat+Chlamydia.
There are a variety of “brands” of vaccines – it will depend on what your vet is using in his/her practice.
SO! My request to you is this: please consider asking your vet to include Bb and Chlamydia when vaccinating your cats. Help us to care for your cats the best way we can.
Thank you for the nice comments we’ve received on our KATMANDU CAT HOTEL facebook page.
It’s lots of fun and it seems that moms and dads on holiday are thrilled (or not) to see what their kitty-kids are up to while in boarding!
CATNIP, the common name for a perennial herb of the mint family, given to the right cat, causes an amazing reaction. The catnip reaction is apparently inherited – some cats are totally unaffected. We grow the stuff at Katmandu. We have no choice. Our lives are at stake in the Winter months when we have to rely on the dried harvest of the previous Summer. Our guests are insatiable. For the supplier, this is tough.
CURIOUS CAT FACTS. Did you know that cats can see in light six times dimmer than humans can? And that their whiskers are so sensitive that they can feel air move around a solid object, and this in the dark!
The coldest winter we’ve had for ages is almost on it’s way out.
So hang in there and stay warm while we wait for Spring!
With best regards,
Lyn and Ann.
P.S. We found the most amazing little heated pads at Dischem to keep the chill off kitties during Winter boarding. Ask your cat about it
FACEBOOK.
We’ve had loads of requests for a Katmandu facebook…….
so welcome to Katmandu Cat Hotel on www.facebook.com. Now when you’re away, you can keep in touch with your Puss-in-boots on facebook!
HEATING.
Moms have been asking whether their cat children can have heating in their room this Winter. Well of course they can! But let me tell you something about these creatures called cats - they are amazing, in that they make their own plans! When it's cold in the evenings, they climb into bed, get cuddled up….and keep warm. When I put my hand into their beds to say good morning, I find them as warm as toast! Kittens and elderly cats are not always able to generate sufficient heat for themselves and they do require the help of heating - but the young and middle-aged healthy cats just cope so well without our assistance. However, if moms request heating, we will provide it. Accordingly, if kitty requires it, we will provide it whether requested or not!
RUPERT & ROBYN, the two bunny rabbits introduced to you last month, were declared MALE by our veterinarian. They subsequently went for neutering – one was done but the other not, as it was found that the testicles had not yet dropped. We arranged a later visit to the vet for observation and hopefully neutering, but he returned with the same verdict. Yesterday, the problem was solved. The boytjie produced 4 baby rabbits! Their names are Rodney, Rosey, Rubie and Roxy (subject to confirmation!)
Did anybody else know that cats’ urine glows under a black light? Let us know if you find this information useful. ( Maybe for the forensic scientist?!)
Just to let you know that our roads are now in better nick – or at least better than they were last month after the endless Summer rains.
The roads within the Katmandu property are also being improved (of course, this is an “inside job” with Lyn as chief engineer).
Cat pee in the CAR? Just mix 3 tablespoons of Bicarb of Soda in 1 litre water and scrub. Repeat daily if necessary.
Gingivitis. A horrible disease we are seeing more and more lately. Do keep a check on your cat’s gums - just lift the lips gently – healthy gums are an even rosy pink. Look out for a dark red line on the gums along the tooth line because that is the first sign of trouble. Then off to the vet you go.
On the brink of Winter. The month of May means it’s soon time for hotties and heaters. Don’t forget to send your cats’ favourite blankies with them to the cattery. Not towels – somehow towels stay cold in cold weather. (Of course we have LOADS of blankets, but kitties like their very own.) And remember, it must not be washed and clean – kitties like it to REEK of familiarity!
Two new residents at Katmandu are Rupert and Robyn, two gorgeous little grey bunnies, rescued from a residential complex in Honeydew Ridge. And they have made themselves VERY much at home, thank you!
Next long weekend is mid-June. Please book soon if you’re planning to go to DUR-ban. No where else to go in Winter, is there? Let us know if you know of an alternative super warm destination.
Keep well and warm!
Lyn and Ann
In loving memory of
Hobbes Litschke, Mr Bones Du Plessis, Sasha Thomson, Clyde Lewis, Ryan Backhouse, Alex Koen, Jodi Ferri, Meisie Weiderman, Kietze and Mowie Deetlefs.
Holey moley, what a lot of rain! Lammermoor is still saturated. Apologies to clients who have had to deliver their cats by canoe or on foot - and still continue to support us!!
Road construction that has been on-going in Johannesburg and surrounds for the last three years has reached near-completion in some areas, resulting in routes to Katmandu being altered - see the new “directions” – it affects access from Malebongwe Road (Randburg) and Cedar Road (Fourways).
The new little park benches in the cattery are going down very well with our guests – they are also enjoying the new shrubs in their gardens, some of which have been literally consumed by guests (a fine way to thank us for our efforts).
And remember, cats like doors to be left open, in case they change their minds.
Paws truly,
Lyn and Ann
We send this in loving memory of:
Squeek Gladwell, who gave her mom 20 years of pure love and joy.
Otis Thukwana who died of FIP at just seven months of age.
Kasey Hill (13years), a very dear cat whose untimely death was met with great sadness.
Mona Stuart, a lady who kept us on our toes for 16 years!
Dexter Wagner (15 yrs), Midget Parke (12 yrs), Seek Jobson (14 yrs), and Red Gardner (13 yrs),
all of whom were special little people and dearly loved.
WHAT lovely summer days we’re having…and brand new leaves on the trees…NICE!
Did you read our brief regarding SNUFFLES? Please give it your serious consideration.
Melody has made the most gorgeous feather wands – they’re on sale in reception. Most cats I know are crazy about them!
Don’t forget to drop off your no-longer-needed goods after spring cleaning – we deliver them to Friends of Rescued Animals Charity Shop where they benefit the less affluent, provide jobs, AND feed homeless animals! How’s that for good use of something no longer needed!
All the best!
Lyn and Ann
We send this in loving memory of
Abigail Jones, Alison Chapman, Bridget Devine, Gateesh Lunsky, Peanut Pattle and Tzari Cowan, six very dear kitties who kept us on our toes at Katmandu for many years.
Pepper Levy whose young life sadly ended with Leukaemia.
Japchai Topat and Chelsea Lunsky who died while still kittens.
Nicky Bingham and Kyle Bacon whose lives were tragically cut short in car accidents.
To some blind souls all cats are much alike. To a cat lover every cat from the beginning of time has been utterly and amazingly unique.
-Jenny de Vries
THANK YOU to Ben for our nice new website! We think he did a terrific job - hope you think so too. We look forward to your comments!
Desperate for a home is SPENCER, a pretty little grey tabby lady, 9 years old (with 9 to go!) Her owner lost his job and his home - and so did Spencer.
She is used to dogs but not other cats. She is VERY sweet and affectionate, a lovely companion, probably suited to mature owners. Tel 083 457 3381 Lyn.
What an interesting Summer we've had with visitors to our little summer rainfall dam: Whitefaced duck, Yellowbilled duck, Whitebacked duck, Sacred Ibis, Grey Heron and Wattled Plover. Really making themselves at home were the Redknobbed Coot and her family of chicks, and close by, also with their offspring were the Blacksmith Plover, Crowned Plover, Spotted Dikkop and of course the Egyptian Geese!
LM grass is going down so well here. If you want to give your cats a treat, plant a patch of LM grass under a tree in a corner of the garden and your felines kids will love it – it’s good for eating, rolling in, tunneling through, or just lazing on!
December / January bookings – we still have a large family room vacant up to the 23rd, a double up to the 17th and a single room up to 14th December. Vacancies after that are from the 5th January.
Eish, is this comedy or not ...remember how Joburg Town Planning would not give us ‘consent use’ for the cattery on the Honeydew property unless I applied for township rights for the rest of the property, and then for the whole property...and how I subsequently gave up and sold. Well now the unfortunate developer who bought the property is being refused those township rites!! And the application for ‘consent use’ on this property has just gone walkabout in the municipal offices!! But there will be NO MORE MOVING ....I almost became addicted to prozac and whisky-drips the last time!
Carleen’s three kittens are growing beautifully. First vaccinations today. Two of the kittens have been offered a home together – we now await an offer for mom and daughter (pics available!)
During those miserable wet days of last week, Ann kept herself in good cheer by putting up the cats’ Christmas decorations! The cats were of course delighted and have had a good time so far with their efforts to reach and destroy.
With just over 4 weeks to Christmas, we wish you a blessed Christmas and happy holidays. Please drive with care.
We’re loving Spring and the first rains we’ve had.
Katmandu is settling nicely into it’s new home but as with any move, it takes time and it takes it’s toll. Feline feedback however has been very positive, from residents and guests alike!
Thank you to all the caring moms and dads that leave voice messages for us to play to their feline family during their stay with us – it helps enormously for those cats that suffer separation anxiety. Sox Knight’s mom left a cassette with him, so he can hear her voice every day – and he loves it!
FORA (Friends of Rescued Animals) are in need of help. They have been evicted from the premises they currently occupy. Please see their website www.fora.co.za and HELP!!
Carleen and her three off-spring, Calvin, Clara and Colette, just 3 weeks old, are also in need of your help…. a homeless little feline family rescued by Carl Kotze and currently in foster care at Katmandu. If you know of anyone looking for kittens or if you want to see pics let us know.
YES, WE HAVE MOVED! Everything went so well, we didn’t have to call on any of the kind folk that offered help…Norman and Penny Anstey, Carina Williamson and many others…thank you so much for your kind intentions.
The cats that had to move with us went like seasoned travellers…. in their carriers in my car, amid fumes of Feliway pheromone spray, on a carpet of fresh catnip leaves, to the music of Pachebel….twenty minutes later they seemed disappointed that the journey had ended! Not a peep out of any of them! Then into their new rooms, all enquiring and adventurous. It was really great.
FOR THE TALL PEOPLE. I am so sorry that when I built the first Katmandu I didn’t consider anyone over 5 ft. THIS time our tall clients will feel well and truly catered for! No more bruised heads.
THANK YOU to Debbie Hill, Wendy Grewer, Sue Leisewitz and Carina Williamson for your generous contributions to the veterinary welfare account for homeless cats. Thank you to all the clients that have donated goods for the charity shop in benefit of FORA. Your donations are VERY MUCH APPRECIATED.
Love to our feline friends and best regards to you their honorary servants,
From Lyn and Ann.
It’s finally happening! This move has been on the cards since 2006 when Joburg council finally decided they would prefer the property to be developed, as the rates from 120 townhouses would provide them with so much more income than they’d get from one agricultural holding; they would only grant me consent use for the cattery if I applied for township rites for the property! Enough was enough, I gave up and sold. The new Katmandu is situated in Lammermoor, about 10 km this side of Lanseria. Rick has spent the last two years preparing for us: cutting down hundreds of invader trees (mainly Bluegums), securing the house, and then taking over from the builder who had to be fired last year! Rick has done a jolly good job of 'fixing up' after the builder and then completing the cattery project. (And there is still loads to be done, but we are moving, ready or not!)
We're asked whether the new cattery is the same as the old – well, there are a few differences – family units are slightly smaller, single units are slightly bigger and have their own gardens, and all rooms are indoor. The building looks enormous because of the layout but it houses the same capacity of cats. The best is to come and see for yourself! Directions are attached. And we look forward to having your feline family as guests.
COMMUNICATION PROBLEMS. There is no end to these. With no landlines and pathetic cell reception we understand when clients threaten all horrible things! It’s quite scarey in fact. But we DO understand – we have the same inclinations ourselves! How we keep clients is beyond understanding. Thank you for your support.
VACCINATIONS. Annual shots should ideally be done in the same month of every year. If vaccs fall due at the same time as your annual holiday, try to get the vaccs done at least 14 days before boarding. (In a potentially stress situation higher levels of adrenaline affect the efficacy of the vaccine.)
BLANKETS. Your cats get quite p….d off when you wash their blankets. ONLY WASH BLANKETS IN AN EMERGENCY and definitely not just before coming to the cattery. They prefer that familiar ripe smell…it helps them to feel at home while in boarding. So please mom…
THE MOVE. For new clients: we need to explain that some time between now and 2020, Katmandu will be moving . It was supposed to be in November of last year, then February of this year, then November of this year, but please don’t hold us to that. You see we had to fire the builder…for anybody who has done building of any sort, even a minor renovation to the garage, you will understand…
The new address will one day be 106 Riverway, Lammermoor. We promise to let you know when and to send directions.
WINTER. Eish! Not the best time of the year for most, and that includes cats. For our senior guests, the arthritic and the babies, we have heated units and kitty electric blankets. We also hand out hot water bottles which seem to go down well (while the staff have to get by with four layers of clothing!)
MELODY. Very few of our clients have met Melody because it’s on Sundays and Public Holidays that Mel visits our guests to give body checks and loves. She’s rather like the “candy lady” that goes around the wards of a hospital handing out books and sweeties! Except that Mel hands out catnip and kitty snacks. And of course the ‘check over’ she gives each cat is invaluable to us.
PURRFECT BOARDERS. You may smirk – but our purrfect boarders board is a serious business. The names that reach that board belong to cats that truly deserve the recognition. They were well behaved, ate well, did not try to rip out the liver of any staff member, did not even draw blood. Nor did they hiss / spit or use bad cat language. In a nutshell, they were purrfect little boarders. And we appreciate them!
MORNING IS BEST. Dropping cats off at the cattery is always best done in the morning, thus giving them the day to settle before supper is served. We find that cats arriving late in the day do not eat on their first night. And if moms/dads have aeroplanes to catch, they’re always harassed, in a hurry and stressed, and this they pass on to their cats, friends, family, airport personelle and everybody else they encounter!! Better to book the cats in the day before the flight.
F.O.R.A. The poor creatures at Friends of Rescued Animals are living in crowded conditions and are in need of more blankets and food packages. If you can help, please drop donations off at Katmandu and we’ll do the rest. We also collect salable goods (clothes, books, toys, household items etc) for the charity shop.
News from the building site is not hopeless! Rick is doing a fine job of finishing off where the builder left off, but with a small team, so progress is slow but steady. If it weren’t for Rick, I think by now I’d be doing what Chrissie Carey did when she employed builders, mainlining on prozac and taking whisky through a drip – those of you who have been building or renovating recently will understand these inclinations!
If you wish to do a recce of the site, the address is 106 Riverway, Lammermoor.
Easter weekend at Katmandu was very busy, and so will be the long weekends of 26th April and 1st May. In fact the whole of April is busy, what with government and private school holidays – we’re being kept on our toes!
Report back on Jessica and Emily (the two cats who were on the table for euthenasia following the emigration of their family) – they found a new home and are reported to be settling in well with new mom Melanie.
Thank you to those of you who have brought goods for the FORA charity shop – your kindness is appreciated (see www.fora.org.za )
The main reason for this mail is to give you some news that you may or may not be aware of! Communication has been very poor of late with the loss of landlines (cables were stolen in November and Telkom informed us they will not be replacing them) and very poor cellphone reception which has been made worse by cuts in power to transmitters. So it seems e-mail is the way to go!
Katmandu will be relocating to the Lammermoor area this year, but we do not know exactly when. Tis builders we rely on!!
Rick has been at the new property for the past several months, pulling down Bluegums and other invader trees (loads of them) and securing the property (which fortunately has a house). The building of the cattery has been going on since mid 2007. Prozac has been a great help!
If you have not visited us since July of last year, you have not yet had the pleasure of meeting Ann. Ann and I worked together for 15 years at Suncrest Kennels - then when Suncrest closed down in 1997 to give way to Trinity School, I started Katmandu as you know it - and ten years later I am happy that Ann has joined me again! So if you hear an unfamiliar voice answer the phone (when the phone is working, that is) you will know it’s Ann.
As soon as we know when we are moving (ie. as soon as Katmandu 2 is ready for occupation) be asssured we will let you know – you will receive a map with directions and all!!
Meanwhile, purrs to my feline friends,
and kind regards to you,
Lyn.