Cats Protection brings a feline touch to this year’s DogFest 

Pet lovers will be able to find out how cats and dogs can become firm friends when Cats Protection visits this year’s DogFest event.

The charity will be attending the festival at Ashton Court Estate in Bristol from 23-24 June where it will be sharing tips for animal lovers who want to welcome both a canine and feline friend into their home.

Cats Protection’s Events Manager Emma Osborne said the charity wanted to highlight how dogs and cats can live together in harmony, and even form close bonds.

She said: “Cats and dogs both make wonderful pets, and it’s no wonder why so many people find it difficult to choose which one they’d like to own. The truth is that many people can enjoy all the fun of owning both, as cats and dogs often make great companions.

“We have plenty of cats available for rehoming who have lived with dogs in the past and would be happy to live with a canine friend again.  It’s important to take a slow and careful approach when helping any new pets get to know each other, but by following a few steps there’s every chance of ensuring a successful introduction. “

Cats Protection has compiled a list of tips for anyone introducing cats and dogs:

• Keep your dog calm and on the lead – it may help to take your dog for a vigorous walk before beginning introductions with a cat.
• Train your dog to show relaxed, non-threatening behaviour around the cat, such as ‘down’ and ‘stay’ and ensure you are in control at all times.
• Ensure your cat doesn’t feel cornered. They should be somewhere where they feel relaxed with a safe escape route – preferably a high ledge where the dog can’t reach them. Ensure external doors and windows are kept closed to avoid the cat bolting.
• Never restrain a cat or force them to approach the dog. Let your cat leave the room whenever they wish.
• Don’t allow your dog to give chase if the cat runs away. Praise and treat the dog if they remain calm.
• Repeat short introductions until the dog shows little or no interest and the cat is not fearful of the dog. Progress to the dog being on a long lead which can be picked up if necessary.
•  Give your cat treats so they associate the dog with something positive

As well as information about helping cats and dogs live together, Cats Protection’s new look stand will be a hive of activity for anyone wishing to find out more about the charity.

Visitors will be able to pick up free cat care guides, browse a range of cat-related merchandise and find out more about adopting a cat or becoming a volunteer for the charity.

Cats Protection is the UK’s largest cat charity, helping around 190,000 cats every year through a network of over 250 volunteer-run branches and 34 centres.

To find out more about the charity, please visit www.cats.org.uk