There has been a recent flurry of news stories in the UK media concerning cats, with some fascinating findings.
Researchers have discovered that cats have ‘the ability to picture the invisible in their minds’ with findings showing that they can imagine a mental representation of their owners even when they can’t see them. Studies at the University of Kyoto in Japan have discovered that cats can mentally map their location based on their owner’s voice through a series of experiments where cats cold hear only their owner’s voice. When the voice changed location, the cats appeared confused. It’s perhaps unsurprising given how important tracking and location is to cats in the wild, and how domestic cats associate food and security with their owner.
More new research by the charity Cats Protection has found that around a quarter of a million cats (approximately the human population of Southampton) are currently unowned and feral, living in the UK’s streets. Unowned cats can pose problems as their numbers can expand rapidly if not controlled. Numbers vary across the country but are highest in densely populated and deprived areas.
Cats Protection helps feral communities by neutering and finding homes for friendly unowned cats, and by giving local residents the means to looks after feral colonies in the community: for example, by building cat shelters and providing the materials to do so.
Numbers of feral cats have increased as people return to work after lockdown, and some, sadly, are abandoned. It is good to know that Cats Protection is doing what it can to help the UK’s huge feral cat population.
And lastly, a new social media superstar has arrived in the shape of Midas, a Russian Blue kitten from Turkey who has a recessive genetic mutation that gives her two sets of ears. Her hearing is unaffected, and she has been adopted, having originally been a rescue cat. You can follow Midas on Instagram at midas_x24.
Midas is pictured below, on her Instagram page, and has over 100,000 followers.
Sadly, thousands of animals die on our roads every year, of which only a tiny fraction are reported.
Our road network in the UK runs through beautiful rural areas, hills, mountains and cities, but around all of our roads are where our wild creatures also live. In fact, in many cases the animals and birds lived there long before the roads and busy traffic came along, and so humans and their transport impose on natural highways that animals have used for hundreds of years.
Only the hardest-hearted driver can pass a dead animal who’s been a victim of a road accident and not feel pity: another innocent victim of the ever-increasing number of vehicles on the road. The insurance comparison website GoCompare has published detailed research on road traffic accidents involving animals, and it makes for sombre reading.
A pheasant – sadly, one of the most common victims of road accidents
The UK’s longest road, the A1, is unsurprisingly the most lethal for wildlife accidents by quantity, with deer the species most frequently involved in accidents, followed by badgers, and then cats. The figures show that both wild and domesticated creatures are at risk on our roads. Dead deer are a common sight on rural roads, and they are increasingly likely to live near to residential areas as their habitats are encroached upon for development. ‘Deer crossing’ road signs are put up for a reason, and drivers should heed them and be more aware in those areas; an average of £24,000 is claimed on car insurance each year for deer-related damage.
Other animals who don’t fare well on roads are badgers and pheasants, with hedgehogs, foxes and rabbits also the most likely to be hit by cars, as roads encroach on their habitats.
Badgers are often victims of road accidents, too
July is the month when the most accidents occur: unsurprising, given that this month includes the start of the school holidays, when many head off for breaks in cars, camper-vans and caravans, and onto less familiar roads.
A collision with an animal can be a traumatic experience for all concerned, and is often fatal for the animal. The key things to remember if you do hit an animal are:
• Stay calm and pull over safely
• If you have hit a dog or farm animal, you must report it to the police, whether or not the accident results in the animal’s death. Regarding cats, the law is being reviewed, but it is best tell a local vet, and ideally, take the cat to them.
• Be cautious with animals who are still alive after a collision, as they will be scared and in pain and may panic. Call 101 and report the accident, and the appropriate expert will be sent out.
• Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as you can, with full details.
The sad statistics of over 14,600 incidents on the roads involving animals annually (and that’s only those that are reported) paint a sorry picture of the sheer number of accidents involving animals and vehicles. As drivers, we should take heed of these facts and be more aware and cautious, in order to avoid unnecessary distress and injury – possibly death – to our native wildlife and domestic pets.
Why do some animals have a bad reputation, and what makes us judge some creatures unfairly?
Many animal lovers claim to like all animals, however, some creatures seem to get a bad deal and are harder to ‘love’ because of their appearance, reputation, or myths about their behaviour.
Appearance counts for a lot, whether or not we admit it. Cute, fluffy, big-eyed beasts are the ones who steal our hearts first. Perhaps they appeal more to our nurturing instinct, and over many thousands of years, animals who have become domesticated reflect this. Either that, or they are ‘useful’ to us for protection, transport or, in some cases, food.
But what about the much-maligned species – the ones that we don’t want to like?
Is it because they are visually unappealing, or because they have a bad reputation, or perhaps because we don’t understand them?
The wasp is a pollinator with bad PR?
Take the humble wasp. In summer they annoy us, buzzing around our garden while we enjoy drinks and snacks, threatening to sting us if we annoy them. Not as cute as the fluffy bumblebee, but not as terrifying as hornets (even worse). But how, exactly, do they help nature? Well, wasps are effective predators of small insects, keeping down aphid numbers, and so providing a useful service. Some are also pollinators, helping certain fruits to thrive. Perhaps we’ll not be so quick to swat them away in future.
Wolves have an undeserved bad reputation
Another animal that has an undeservedly bad reputation in the wolf. Handsome, regal, aloof and dangerous? But not so far away from the domesticated dogs that we love and welcome into our lives, with many similar traits. They are pack and family animals, loyal to their group, and only hunt because they are carnivores and need to eat. Unscrupulously hunted in many countries, they have managed to survive through intelligence and by adapting. Myth and folklore have added to the bad reputation of the wolf - undeservedly so.
Other creatures who have an undeserved ‘bad press’ include sharks, spiders, pigeons, bats and rats. Think of a horror film, and perhaps one (or more) of these is almost certain to appear. But each species has a highly refined set of skills that enables it to thrive. So before we flinch at their appearance, perhaps stop for a moment and consider what they can do…. Build an intricate web, navigate over thousands of miles, use sonar to ‘see in the dark’ – just some of the amazing behaviours they demonstrate.
Bats are associated with horror, but are extremely smart
Every creature has a unique set of skills and qualities, so let’s appreciate them for the amazing things they can do!
Dog training: something every responsible dog owner has to consider. But with so many methods and trainers, finding one right for you and your dog can be hard. Add the pandemic into the mix, and accessing good quality paw-to-paw training has become almost impossible, understandably increasing anxiety and frustration for owners who wish to properly train their dogs, or address any behavioural issues.
But, if the pandemic has proven one thing, it’s that technology can be highly effective in connecting directly with people we can’t meet in person. Doctors and therapists, office workers and family gatherings; the Zoom meeting has become a new, vital way for many of us to communicate in real time. And now we can add dog trainers to the list …
Hubble & Hattie subscribers will be familiar with dog trainer Pat Blocker CPDT- KA of Peaceful Paws Dog Training. Pat, pictured right with her fellow 'behaviour experts' Penny and Jett, has been solving canine behavioural issues utilising force-free methods for over 20 years, and has written Taking the Lead without Jerking the Leashand the Hubble & Hattie-published Letting in the dog.
We all know that dogs use scent (hence all that p-mail checking on your walks) and sound to communicate, but a dog’s main channel is posture, tail signalling and facial expression: body language. Letting in the dog focusses on how to better understand how dogs communicate, and what they are trying to tell us. Exploring both the intuitive and the intellectual sides of human-canine communication, Pat shows how to better read and interpret and understand how our dog communicates with us, and perceive what they are trying to 'say.'
The message may be science based, but Letting in the dog is no dry academic tome; Pat takes a light-hearted yet earnest approach to exploring how to connect with dogs, showing how to stop talking at your dog, and start having effective two-way communication with them. Amusing and thought-provoking anecdotes and illustrations help show that we can all learn as much from our dogs as they do from us, and, by connecting with them, we learn how to connect with and understand ourselves better.
SITT? Stay!
During the pandemic, Pat has turned her skills to developing a method that will enable dog owners to access effective, ethical training advice, despite being unable to meet 'muzzle-to-muzzle,' so to speak. The result is the SITT programme. SITT – Science, Intuition, Trust, Training – is a live, interactive webinar hosted via Zoom.
Based on the methods Pat describes in Letting in the dog, SITT is much more than a training method; it’s a way of transforming our life with our dog, and takes a deeper dive into training, canine communication, and personal bond with our dog.
SITT sessions provide your very own private 90-minute one-on-one, comprising a presentation by Pat, followed by a consultation so you can address any concerns you may have about your dog’s training or behavioural issues.
Pat covers much ground in 90 minutes, but to help you fully digest your SITT session, you’ll also receive a recording of the webinar to refer to as needed. Of course, being based on Letting in the dog, you could do no better for your first port of call than to get yourself a copy, and start on the path to a deeper understanding of you and your dog’s relationship.
International rescue
Pat is based in Colorado, USA, but Peaceful Paws training is exclusively virtual. By holding Zoom SITT sessions, Pat can connect with anyone anywhere in the world. The UK, Europe, South America … maybe even the Arctic: if you can access Zoom, you can access your own SITT session. Of course, you’ll need to work around time-zone differences, so check the details when arranging yours.
If you’re thinking this all sounds brilliant, but is bound to be expensive, think again. Pat is currently offering SITT sessions for just $110 (just under £80 in UK money), so it's not only incredibly effective, but incredibly affordable.
SITT yourself down today
To find out more about Peaceful Paws Dog Training, head over to the website and facebook pages and see how Pat has been helping owners build-in better dog behaviour with empathy and expertise:
If you want to get properly prepared for your SITT programme, or if you simply want to increase your understanding of your dog and improve your relationship with them, you’ll need a copy of Letting in the dog: Opening hearts and minds to a deeper understanding. Click the link below to get your copy from Hubble & Hattie at only £7.41 (excluding P&P) when you use our STAYINANDREAD discount code.
Letting in the dog Opening hearts and minds to a deeper understanding
Where hearts and minds meet, true understanding begins!
Letting in the dog deals with the fascinating subject of reading canine body language and more, finding the intersection between academic and spiritual. The book explores the intuitive and intellectual sides of communicating with canines, in which space, we build trust and better relationships.
Communicating with and understanding dogs builds trusting relationships, relieves frustration and improves lives on both ends of the leash. Apart from simply reading canine body language, this book explores the juncture between hearts and minds where true understanding begins.
How to follow your intuition in understanding dogs
Developing intuitive communication with dogs
How we’re more like dogs than different from them
How our dogs mirror us
How dogs teach us to tune in to energy
How listening to what dogs are telling us opens doors to understanding
How removing the ego from the conversation opens the lines of communication
Seeing and interpreting the metaphors that dogs present to us
Getting the message from dogs and understanding how they are our teachers
With the welcome arrival of warm weather, many of us enjoy basking in the sunshine. Whilst cats and dogs may look happy to be feeling the sun on their coats, it’s easy for them to suffer in the heat, so be aware of the risks and help to keep them cool, comfortable and healthy in heatwaves.
For our pets, hot weather can be a challenge. As responsible owners, it’s important to prevent heatstroke, sunburn and dehydration by knowing and recognising the signs.
Keeping cats cool -
• Always leave out plenty of fresh cold drinking water - including a bowl outside if they go there and refresh it regularly
• White and light-coloured cats in particular can get sunburn, which in turn can lead to skin cancer. Speak to your vet about safe sunscreen for cats, and apply it to their ears and nose before they go outside. Don’t use human sunscreen, though, it must be animal-friendly
• If your cat is happy to be brushed do this more regularly: she may be moulting more and extra fur means extra heat, so helping with natural shedding will assist in keeping her cool
• Cats may naturally eat less in hot weather, so don’t worry. If this happens Don’t leave wet food out in the heat, however, as it will attract flies and go mouldy more quickly
Recognise the signs
If your cat begins panting, appears unsteady and anxious, and has dry gums, she is showing signs of heatstroke. Contact your vet immediately, offer clean fresh water, and cool her paws with a cold compress.
Chilled canines, not hot dogs!
Dogs can suffer in the heat, too, so, as with cats, ensure that yours has shade and cold water available all the time.
• Think before walking your dog in hot weather. Pavements can become very hot and easily burn paws, so test the heat by placing your hand on the surface – can you keep your hand there for more than a few seconds? If you feel pain, so will your dog, so walk after sunset or on real grass if during the day. Astroturf or artificial grass can become dangerously hot, so don't walk dogs on it
• Many dogs like playing in water, so if you have the space, put out a paddling pool for your dog to splash in, helping helping him to keep cool. Don’t fill it so much that there is a danger of drowning
• Never EVER leave your dog in a car in warm/hot weather. In a matter of minutes the temperature will become unbearable, with potentially fatal consequences. Every summer, the police have to break into cars and rescue dogs who have been left to overheat
• Pet product manufacturers now make cool mats for dogs. Some are kept in the fridge, and stay cool for a while, and others become cool by reacting to the dog’s weight. Also available are cool vests that, when made wet, help regulate temperature
Enjoy the summer safely with your pets, and keep cool!
In a victory for animal welfare campaigners, UK law is to formally recognise animals as sentient beings. Through a series of bills, including an Animal Sentience Bill, wide ranging topics will be covered by reforms, including live animal exports, the banning of the import of hunting trophies, the microchipping of cats and tackling puppy smuggling.
Whilst undoubtedly a big step in the right direction for improvements in animal welfare, some issues have yet to be fully considered. Campaigners have long called for farming methods seen as needlessly cruel and inhumane, such as cages for poultry and farrowing crates for pigs, to be banned. However at present these are not subject to an outright ban, as was called for. Their use will be examined, and farmers will be offered incentives to improve animal health and welfare through the future farm subsidy regime. The government also pledged to uphold animal welfare in future trade deals, (but not put this into law).
The Government says that the Bill is the first step in the Action Plan for animal Welfare, which will “...further transform the lives of animals… “.
However, questions remain around the definition of ‘animals’. Defined for the sake of the Bill as ‘vertebrate animals’, it is concerning that this will exclude, for example, highly intelligent creatures such as the octopus. And whilst there is a lot of debate and positive steps to encourage people to help depleting numbers of pollinators such as bees, wasps and butterflies to thrive, there is no direct correlation between the new Bill and them.
So, whilst undoubtedly a big step forward for animal welfare in the UK, we hope that the breadth and scope of the Bill continues to broaden to take into account all sentient beings, not just those that are ‘vertebrates’.
What are your thoughts about the introduction of the new Bill? Do you think it goes far enough to protect animals? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Please add your comments, thanks.
Fans of photography, wildlife, and a good challenge will be as excited as we are to hear that Hubble & Hattie author and photographer Paul Williams will be a contestant on BBC Four's The Great British Photography Challenge.
The four-part masterclass series sees six passionate photographers tutored by fashion icon and world-famous portrait artist Rankin, as well as celebrity guests and leading art and fashion creatives.
A range of themed challenges will be set each week, taking the contestants around the UK, with their journeys monitored as they demonstrate their flair and creative vision.
The challenges are varied, from an on-the-spot challenge set by Rankin each episode, to be completed in no more than an hour using just a mobile phone, to projects by celebrities and specialists in their field, and big-budget, high-pressure briefs with all the elements they require – client models, make-up artists, picture editors, etc.
The contest isn't simply a stress test, though: each contestant will be mentored, tutored, and encouraged to push creative and photographic skills to the maximum, and create their best work. A winner will be chosen at the end of the series, but there won't be eliminations, so we can enjoy every contestant's efforts and talents throughout the series.
Here's what Rankin has to say on the series:
As well as challenges set by Rankin, each contestant will be set assignments by personalities including Chris Packham, who is himself an award-winning nature photographer, Maryam Wahid, whose work explores her identity as a British South Asian woman, and street photographer and creative Lamarr Golding.
Hubble & Hattie readers will know Paul from his book Wildlife Photography: saving my life one frame at a time, which was recently awarded the honour of joining the ranks of the Best Wildlife Photography Books of All Time by BookAuthority.
Paul's book is unique, taking a look not only at photography and how to achieve great results in the field, but also the power it has to improve mental and physical wellbeing. Paul's knowledge comes first-hand, having used his photography to help deal with PTSD and life as an ex-soldier, physical training instructor, and police officer. The help, tips, and insights into the the life of a working photographer that he provides are genuinely practical and useful.
Don't take our word for it; as Chris Packham says, "… it's uplifting and beautiful in its simplicity."
We'd like to wish Paul the very best of luck in the programme; we can't wait to see it!
The Great British Photography Challenge airs on BBC 4 on May 24th, and will be streamed on BBC iPlayer. Keep your eye on the TV listings and Hubble & Hattie's social channels for more details. While you're waiting for it to air, why not grab yourself a copy of Paul's book and start snapping … !
Powerful words from the heart and striking wildlife images – photography for total wellbeing
Long overdue, this is a unique book about wildlife photography and the power it has to improve physical and mental wellbeing. Paul Williams has used photography to help deal with his PTSD and the physical reminders of careers as a soldier, physical training instructor, and police officer, and here provides practical help, tips, and insights into the life of a working professional photographer.
Wildlife photography: saving my life one frame at a time is designed to appeal to a wide range of individuals, from beginners with very little photographic experience, through to those further along on their photographic journey. Paul covers every aspect, from the type of equipment you'll need, to clothing, fieldcraft, and techniques, and seamlessly aligns photography with creative suggestions around mindfulness, wellbeing and holism, to create a blueprint for anyone experiencing poor mental or physical health, and who would like to express themselves creatively in the natural world.
Whether you want to go into your garden to photograph the wildlife there, or head further afield, Wildlife photography: saving my life one frame at a time will empower you to take the next step towards regaining your sense of wellbeing and improve your quality of life.
A unique glimpse into the life of a professional wildlife photographer
Insights from a soldier, mental health specialist, police officer and professional wildlife photographer
Stunning wildlife images taken on the road to recovery from PTSD
Never quit. Inspiring stories and wildlife photographs from a trauma survivor
A guide on how to capture the best wildlife images
Inspiration for absolutely anyone interested in wildlife photography
Photographing wildlife – professional hints and tips for your photographic journey
Secrets to successful wildlife photography
A road well travelled: Paul Williams’ journey from despair to award-winning professional wildlife photographer
The big book of patience: how to become a successful wildlife photographer
Wildlife photography costs £29.99 RRP
SKU HH5416 Format Hardback • 26x26cm • 224 pages • 200+ original colour images ISBN 978-1-787114-16-6 UPC 6-36847-01416-2
USE OUR STAYINANDREAD DISCOUNT CODE and get your copy for just £19.49! Click here for details.
