The optimum time to socialise kittens is usually between 3 and 7 weeks of age. Without positive human contact and experiences within this critical time kittens can grow up unfriendly and fearful. Although older kittens can often be tamed, it’s usually kinder to re-release older feral cats after neutering rather than trying to tame them.

Website: isabellevets.co.uk/cat-socialising

Excellent information on socialising a feral cat from Stray Pet Advocacy.

Website: straypetadvocacy.org/socializing_a_feral_cat.html

An excellent leaflet from The Blue Cross UK – also available to download as a PDF.

Website: www.bluecross.org.uk/1957-2768/spraying-and-soiling-indoors.html

A downloadable PDF with comprehensive info on FKS (or Ill Thrift) from the site of DVM, an American veterinary medicine magazine.

Website: files.dvm360.com/alfresco_images/DVM360/2013/11/18/48492ec0-72f6-4cf6-b5be-e8077aa0688a/article-197291.pdf

A good source of info on FIV including: Overview, Risk Factors, Transmission, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Prognosis, Treatment.

Website: www.healthcommunities.com/feline-immunodeficiency-virus

An excellent source of info on FIP from Glasgow University’s Feline Infectious Peritonitis and Coronavirus website.

Website: dr-addie.com

A good source of info on FeLV from the Blue Cross, UK.

Website: www.bluecross.org.uk/1957-2764/felv.html

A good source of info on Feline Panleukopenia from Mar Vista Animal Medical Centre.

Website: marvistavet.com/html/feline_distemper.html

A good source of info on Feline Pneumonitis (Chlamydia), Rhinotracheitis (Herpesvirus), Calicivirus, and a few others causes symptoms similar to those of a head cold. From Mar Vista Animal Medical Centre.

Website: marvistavet.com/html/feline_upper_respiratory.html

Excellent information on ringworm.

Website: fabcats.org/owners/skin/ringworm.html

A great source of info on the relationship between white cats, eye colour and deafness. Messybeast is a great source of feline info generally.

Website: messybeast.com/whitecat.htm

The Ralph Site has great information on dealing with the death of our companions, not least of which, dealing with making decisions that we never want to have to make. But we do have to, eventually. And we need to do what’s best for them, not necessarily what’s best for us. This site has had me in bits several times, but it’s so worth a look.

http://theralphsite.com/index.php?idPage=3

You’ve carefully considered all that is involved in having a pet and you’ve decided to get just the right one for you and your circumstances. Fantastic – you’ll have a great time and will derive immense pleasure from this wonderful relationship. Now learn in more detail how to care for the pet you love to the best of your ability to ensure a long, happy, healthy life.

Website: www.lovemypet.ie

UCD School of Veterinary Medicine enjoys a long and proud tradition. This leading veterinary school provides excellent facilities for the care of animals and training opportunities for veterinary medicine and nursing students.

Website: www.ucd.ie/vetmed

The Veterinary Council of Ireland is the Statutory Body established under the Veterinary Practice Act 2005. The Veterinary Practice Act 2005 was passed in July 2005. The Veterinary Practice (Amendment) Act was passed in July 2012.

The principal function of the Council is to regulate and manage the practice of veterinary medicine and veterinary nursing in the State in the public interest.

Website: www.vci.ie

Veterinary Ireland is the representative body for veterinary surgeons in Ireland. Its role is to represent veterinary surgeons in Ireland and to facilitate the veterinary profession in its commitment to improving the health and welfare of animals under its care, to protecting public health and to serving the changing needs of its clients and the community through effective and innovative leadership.

Website: www.veterinaryireland.ie

Veterinary Ireland Journal is a monthly publication that covers all aspects of veterinary science – with a special emphasis on the Irish veterinary profession. The Veterinary Ireland Journal carries veterinary news, focus articles, nursing features, business pieces, research findings, continuing education, clinical reports, and continuing education articles for large and small animal practitioners.

Website: www.veterinaryirelandjournal.com