Barbara George cat behaviourist

24/08/2025

Something to think about carefully; a clean home is not always a safe home for our pets.

WHAT YOU USE TO CLEAN🧽 YOUR HOME ENDS UP INSIDE YOUR PET.🐶🐱

A groundbreaking study found that dogs and cats were contaminated with 48 out of 70 tested industrial chemicals — and 43 of those were at higher levels than in humans. We're talking chemicals from cleaning products, air fresheners, flame retardants, lawn treatments, and more—many linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and DNA damage.

🐾 Our pets can’t escape the air they breathe or the floors they walk on. But we can reduce what they're exposed to.

💡 Here’s what you can do:
✅ Switch to non-toxic cleaners (see recipe below!)
✅ Avoid synthetic air fresheners & products that list "fragrance" on the label
✅ Look for pet products free from fire retardants & stain-proofing chemicals
✅ Clean with your pet in mind—because they’re breathing it all in

✨ Try our pet-safe, DIY cleaner:
3 drops castile soap
1 cup filtered water
½ cup rubbing alcohol (70%)
(Optional: 2–3 drops lemon or bergamot essential oil)

Mix in a glass spray bottle and clean on with peace of mind.

🛑 Want more DIY, pet-safe cleaning recipes + natural home fragrance ideas? They’re all inside our NY Times bestselling book, The Forever Dog LIFE...your go-to guide for creating a healthier, toxin-free home for you and your pets. 🐾✨

👉 Comment FOREVERDOG below and we’ll DM you the link to grab your copy! Your dog’s longer, healthier life starts at home. Let’s make it a safe one. 💚💚

22/08/2025

Cats already know this! Some cats have their own reasons for going back to old territories or not going back home.

While a cat's homing ability isn't a single, simple trick, it's believed to be a combination of two primary senses working together. The first is an internal compass that allows them to perceive the Earth’s magnetic field.

This magnetoception provides a directional sense, similar to how a compass needle points north, helping them orient themselves over long distances. This is particularly useful when they are far from familiar landmarks.

In addition to this internal compass, cats rely on their highly developed sense of smell. As they travel, they follow scent trails that lead them back to their home territory. They can distinguish the unique smells of their surroundings and even their own past movements, acting as a mental map to guide them home with incredible precision.

01/08/2025

Insight into the relationship between cats and water

Most cats hate water—but why? Discover the evolutionary and behavioral reasons behind feline splash aversion, and how it connects to wild cat conservation.

27/06/2025

WONDI

Please help us share this gorgeous girl for a home.

At 10 months old she is a sweet, gentle girl who loves being cuddled. Her green eyes pierce right through your soul and her grey coat is shiny and interrupted with champagne markings.

She is playful, but not overpowering. Wondi is in foster care in Bellville. For more information whatsapp 072 836 9606.

20/06/2025

My Ginger tested positive for FIV over 11 years ago. He has lived with many cats, some friendly relationships other not so friendly.
None of the other cats have ever tested positive.
Ginger is currently the healthiest cat in my home.

We've said it before and we'll say it again: Cats who test positive for FIV or FeLV can live fulfilling and happy lives like any other cats. And, they can live for many years. There is no need for these diagnoses to be a death sentence.

Our team members have had the privilege of knowing and caring for many cats with FIV and FeLV over the years, and we steadfastly advocate on their behalf. We have need-to-know information at alleycat.org/FIVandFeLV

We'd love to know about the cats in your life who live with FIV and FeLV.

28/05/2025

Playtime for happy cats

28/05/2025

Interactive Cat play

28/05/2025

Play is important for all cats, whatever their age or mobility

PLAY WITH YOUR CAT IT'S IMPORTANT

21/05/2025

Cat friendly resource to support TOILETING

20/05/2025

TNR and dedicated feeders can make a big difference

Can a well-managed TNR program eliminate a feral cat population from a remote location?

A new community case study published by Hannah Tilley, Fiona Woodhouse, Mei Chi Wong, Ka Yee Wong, and Amanda Whitfort in the ASSOCIATION OF SHELTER VETERINARIANS INC's Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health (JSCMAH) explores this question through a longitudinal investigation of Hong Kong’s Cat Colony Care Program (CCCP).

The program—led by the SPCA in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region—employs a comprehensive trap-neuter-return (TNR) model that includes health and behavioral assessments, public adoption when feasible, and long-term monitoring. On one remote island, where initial cat numbers exceeded 100, CCCP interventions led to a steady population decline until only a single cat remained.

This article offers compelling evidence that targeted, sustained TNR efforts, when coupled with community engagement and strategic rehoming, can be effective in reducing free-roaming cat numbers.

Read more at https://jsmcah.org/index.php/jasv/article/view/125.

28/03/2025

The Ultimate Scratchie

Our Raisen Riser is the authentic scratch post that so many adopters buy. Liz, Maizie and Bobby are three siblings that got adopted together. Here they are demonstrating just how comfortable our scratchie is.

The Raisen Riser is made of quality material that won't bend or break like some carton-like scratchies do. The material is versatile, the height is high enough for an adult cat too and it is safe, comfortable fun for more than one kitty.

At only R650, many of our adopters have testified it is excellent value for money.

The Riser can be bought from us even if you don't adopt. Please Whatsapp 072 836 9606 for more information.

21/02/2025

Good advice for those special cat beds that are stacked in the cupboard.
I’d also add that cats have an amazing sense of smell; they prefer beds that smell like themselves or their family. Be aware of strong-smelling detergents and cleaning chemicals for their bed and surroundings