If, like us, your pet has put on a few extra pounds over the Christmas period, then you will be aware that this is not good for its health.  At Battle Flatts we are conscious that getting weight off your hungry pet is not always easy, so we have put together a special 'Weight Management Programme' for February 2010.  This involves free enrolment and a special 'Masterclass' in weight managment being conducted by a nutritional expert on Monday 22nd February (booking is essential, as there are only limited places available). 

If you are interested, or feel that your pet could do with losing a few pounds, then ring, email or drop into the surgery and speak to one of our qualified members of staff who will be only too happy to advise you.

We would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who generously donated to our campaign “Give a Stray a Christmas Dinner”.  We received vast amounts of food, toys, bedding and treats for our chosen charities, the RSPCA, Cats Protection League, Caring for Cats, Plantation Dog Rescue, Ryedale Re-homing Centre and Ryedale Wildlife Re-habilitation Centre.

We took over 856 tins of food, 960kg of dried food, 155 pouches, 38 toys and 11 beds plus much more.  Our local wildlife rescue centre benefited from specialised donations of hedgehog food, meal worms and medicated feed, some of which was kindly purchased by one of our receptionists in Stamford Bridge. 

Thanks to all your support cats, dogs, birds and hedgehogs will be meowing, barking, tweeting and snuffling happily into the New Year with very full bellies.  Our charities very much appreciate every bit of help they can get through this difficult period and so do their animals. 

The donations need not stop just because Christmas has come and gone; they continually need your help and support throughout the year.  If you would like to contact any of the charities directly then please call the surgery on 01759 371066 and we can advise you of an appropriate contact.

Wishing you all the very best of luck for 2010 from Matt Brash, Battle Flatts Veterinary Clinic and all the staff.

A national Campaign against neutering has been launched starting the 1^st January 2010 until 31^st January 2010. The Neutering Awareness Campaign will be headed by the leading cat charity Cats Protection, who has seen a massive explosion in the cat population over the past ten years.

The offer is available for cat owners on a means-tested benefit or low income, pensioners and students may also qualify.  All cats must be over 4 months of age before neutering is viable.

 
We here at Battle Flatts Veterinary Clinic support the Cats Protection League and offer services on their behalf at our Stamford Bridge and Strensall Practice.  For more information or to see if you qualify for this limited offer please call us on 01759 371066 or the Cats protection on 01904 703086.

We look forward to having another purrrfect new year with you all.

On Saturday 8^th August our Norton surgery, The Applegarth branch held a very successful (rain free and warm!) charity open day. We had over 150 people attend and would like to give all who supported us a huge thank you. You helped raise funds for local charities Ryedale Wildlife Rehab, Caring 4 Cats and Ryedale Dog rescue.

To help with the success we held free dental check ups, free weight checks, discount wormers and discount vaccines. The day included a small insight into the work we do and the equipment we use. There were lots of fun competitions and prizes for all the family. 

Many thanks for the generosity of homemade cake bakers who donated their time and ingredients for the refreshment stall and also the Applegarth Team who organised a wonderful day enjoyed by all.

To keep your cat happy and healthy each year, they are currently vaccinated against Feline Infectious Enteritis, Cat Flu (Calicivirus & Herpes virus), Chlamydia and Feline Leukaemia.

Great news for you and your cats – one of the 3 booster vaccines required each year by your cat now only needs doing every 3 years.   

Recent studies show that the Nobivac vaccination against Feline Infectious Enteritis now lasts 3 years.

SO …great news for you: your costs are lowered for 2 out of 3 years

Great news for your cat: they will be delighted to know they need fewer vaccines 2 out of 3 years!

They will still need annual vaccinations against cat flu, chlamydia and feline leukaemia, and get their annual check up to make sure they are well.

But don’t worry, your vet will make sure you and your cat reap the benefits at the right time!

Matt has released his book Zoo Vet which has been a work in progress for some time now. Click on the picture to go to Matt's website or order a copy of the book. The book is also available to purchase at all three surgeries.