Nearly 90% (87%) of cat owners have reported that their cats regularly eat each other’s food according to the findings of a new Nutrition Report...

The new report was commissioned by SureFlap, the award-winning microchip-operated pet product specialist, and manufacturer of the innovative new SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder, to assess the eating habits of the nation’s feline friends.

Nearly a quarter of owners (24%) from multi-cat households reported that their cats eat different diets.  Of these, cats were either solely or a combination of fussy eaters (45%), eating lifestage diets (39%), on medication (20%) or on weight management programmes (27%).  While two-fifths (40%) of those questioned from dog and cat owning households admitted that their dog often stole their cat’s food.

In addition, over half of cat owners (53%) identified behavioural issues in their cats such as physical confrontations in multi-cat households, over grooming, indoor marking and scratching the furniture or carpet which may be a result of simple feeding habit errors.  These include:

• Placing a food bowl next to a water bowl (79%) - cats prefer to eat and drink in separate locations as they like to avoid contaminated water
• Only filling water halfway up a bowl (36%) - cats do not like to drink out of bowls that are shadowed.  Owners should therefore fill water bowls to the top so that cats do not need to put their heads down into the container
• Feeding at set meal times (55%) - cats prefer to eat 15-20 small meals a day.  Ad-lib feeding is therefore preferable, as feeding at set times may over face the digestive tract leading to vomiting and, in turn, weight issues
• Sharing feed bowls (20%) and water bowls (69%) - cats will ignore inter-cat tension to access food, but not to access water.  Several water bowls should be available in multi-cat households to encourage cats to drink as often as possible.

Mike Davies, BVetMed CertVR CertSAO FRCVS, veterinary surgeon and specialist in canine and feline clinical nutrition, comments: “Dietary management is an important part of weight control programmes, and also in the management of many diseases so veterinarians and nurses often recommend specific diets to their clients. However, a common problem is lack of compliance, which can take many forms. The owners themselves may fail to follow instructions and may not feed the diet exclusively or fail to feed the correct amount.  Moreover, their pet may be reluctant to accept the change in food and, in multiple animal households, the pet may have access to other food, or other pets in the house might steal their diet.  A feeding system that ensures each cat can only eat the type of food that it should, would be a great help towards assuring compliance in these situations.”

Dr Nick Hill, founder and managing director of SureFlap, manufacturer of the SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder, adds: “Cats are particular creatures and the SureFeed Nutrition Report has identified that pet owners need to review how they feed their pets to help maintain a happy household.  This includes utilising equipment such as the SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder in households where cats share food, are on special diets or medication or to simply keep food fresher for longer.”

The new SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder is the first product in SureFlap’s range of ground-breaking new pet feeders.  It is activated when the pet feeder identifies an authorised pet by its microchip or RFID collar tag; the SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder will slide open automatically when approached by the animal and close when the pet has finished feeding.

The Microchip Pet Feeder will ensure that pets eat from their own bowl, making it ideal for pets on special diets or those that are on medication or on a weight management programme.  The feeder will also stop other pets from stealing food.  The integrated side guards and the folding lid create a barrier around the bowl when the feeder is open to shield food from other pets when the animal is eating.  In addition, the SureFeed bowl is available in four colours and features a unique integrated seal to help keep food fresher for longer and the house free of smells, flies and insects. The feeder is easy to clean and the mat and lid can be removed and washed.

For further information on the SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder or the company’s microchip operated pet products, including its innovative SureFlap microchip pet doors, visit www.sureflap.com, phone 01954 211664 or email enquiries@sureflap.co.uk.

The 2014 Pet Industry Award winners were announced at a glittering awards dinner held on Thursday 23 October at the Whittlebury Hall Hotel, Northamptonshire, in front of 200 industry professionals.

Presented by boxing legend Frank Bruno MBE and organised by the Pet Industry Federation (PIF), the awards recognised entrepreneurial talent, commercial acumen and quality customer service in a range of pet businesses. The quality of this year’s shortlist was once again very high, with the judging panel having a hard job to decide upon a winner for each category.

The nation’s favourite pet products, as voted for by winners of Your Dog and Your Cat magazines, were also revealed on the night, with a handful of awards being presented to category winners across each magazine, including the PIF sponsored ‘Product I Can’t Live Without’ award.

The 2014 awards were sponsored by Harrison Clark Rickerbys, Jelf, PATS, Compton Hall, the Institute of Pet Professionals and PIF Telecom, with pre-dinner drinks sponsored by Burgess Petcare; and wine at dinner sponsored by Pedigree Wholesale. PBW News once again supported the event as the media sponsor.

The winners were:

Retailers of the Year – sponsored by Harrison Clark Rickerbys

• Poole Farm Feed Centre, Essex
• Pets Corner, Cheltenham

Manufacturer of the Year – sponsored by PATS

Danish Design

Wholesaler of the Year – sponsored by PATS

Pedigree Wholesale

Kennel or Cattery of the Year  - sponsored by Pet Industry Federation

Pets Country Manor - Liverpool

Pet Service Business of the Year – sponsored by the Institute of Pet Professionals

Chase Pet Services – Burntwood, Lichfield

Grooming Business of the Year – sponsored by JelfKD Grooming Studio - Somerset

‘Your Cat’ magazine– The ‘Product I Can’t Live Without’ Award

Dreamies cat treats

‘Your Dog’ magazine  - The ‘Product I Can’t Live Without’ Award

Dogmatic Headcollar

Lifetime Achievement Award – sponsored by PIF Telecom

John James – James & Steel Ltd

Pictured above: Lifetime Achievement Award winner, John James, receiving his award from Frank Bruno, flanked by Kevin Ryan and Derek Griffiths of PIF Telecom, sponsors of the Award.

Pictured below: Joint Retailer of the Year Awards winners, Stephen & Joanne Williams of Poole Farm Feed Centre, receive their Award from Frank Bruno.

The Awards took place against the backdrop of the Pet Industry Forum, which was packed with a fantastic line-up of speakers whose presentations were often engaging and interactive. Mark Berisford-Smith, Head of Economics, UK Commercial Banking, HSBC, provided a wonderfully fresh overview of the UK economy (making economic experts of the whole room!); and top US retail guru, Bob Phibbs, delivered a vibrant and funny workshop on how retailers can get the most out of visual merchandising.  A selection of breakout sessions on a range of business related topics, and a speed networking session helped to complete the programme and make the most of delegates’ time at the Forum.

Forum Chair, Steve Fowler of PamPurred Pets said: ‘Two themes emerged from the event: firstly, the pet market has bucked the trend followed by so many other industries in recent years by actually continuing to grow despite the tough economic climate. Secondly, that pets are good for people and the industry should do more to spread that message and grow pet ownership. The pet industry is clearly in a remarkable position and the challenge now is to not waste that opportunity, but take advantage of it’.

PIF Chief Executive, Nigel Baker said: ‘Feedback from this year’s Forum & Awards has been very positive and we are very grateful for the generous support of all our sponsors and speakers, as well as the participation of stakeholders from all corners of the pet industry. As the UK’s trade association for all pet business, PIF is already looking at ways in which it can galvanise the industry and take forward some of the themes which emerged at the Forum to ensure that the pet industry moves up a gear and continues to thrive’.

The lead sponsors of the Pet Industry Forum were: Crown Petfoods, Mars Petcare, Nestle Purina and Hill’s Pet Nutrition.

Further details about the event can be found at www.piffa.co.uk

As Ancol approaches the first anniversary of the launch of its Viva lead, the team is delighted to have sold over 100,000 Viva leads across the UK, China and other countries around the world.

Branded the ‘new breed of retractable lead’, the Viva tape lead extends up to five metres, allowing dogs plenty of freedom while the owner maintains complete control. It also features a super soft grip with one easy-to use button to apply and release the brake.

Sales Director Sarah Lane commented: “We are delighted with the success of Viva which has proved itself by competing with the market leader. As it’s not sold within the grocery sector of the market, this allows retailers to make better margins. Get in touch to find out more about the great sales margins Viva can offer you and to discuss the point of sale for greater impact in store.”

For more information about the Viva lead visit www.ancol.co.uk/viva  For more information on Ancol Pet Products, visit www.ancol.co.uk, call 01922 402428 or contact your local sales representative. 

Award-winning Pedigree Wholesale has taken delivery of four brand new trucks, ensuring their distribution fleet continues to be one of the best within the wholesale industry.

The new vehicles are part of Pedigree Wholesale’s long-term  investment strategy in providing customers with exceptional service in the most cost efficient way and with the minimum impact on the environment.

Following an exhaustive review, Pedigree Wholesale chose the latest generation of Mercedes-Benz trucks with a mix of 3 models to maximise flexibility in use.  All models provide increased mpg & reliability, lower emissions, reduced repair and maintenance costs as well as improved safety driving characteristics. All new vehicles are fully branded in Pedigree Wholesale livery reinforcing their market presence out on the road.

Darren Willetts, Operations Manager says “We are delighted and excited to have taken delivery of these brand new trucks. They will be going into immediate service and we can all start to benefit from the improved performance these latest generation vehicles provide.

All vehicles are fitted with the Verilocation GPS vehicle tracking and driver information system. This lets us know exactly where our vehicles are at any moment in time and also monitors the vehicle and drivers performance, allowing us to target yet further efficiencies."

If you would like more information about Pedigree Wholesale contact the Customer Services Team on 0115 982 3900, email info@petproducts.co.uk or speak to your Relationship Manager.

Simpsons Premium has launched a new range of wet cat food, and it's now available through Vital Wholesale.

Managing director Lisa Simpson says: “We have been asked on so many occasions for a cat food by our customers and finally we have launched not only a high meat grain free range but also an Organic food too. 

"We are having fantastic feedback already on the range, which is proving very popular with even the fussiest eaters."

A fantastic prize was on offer for vistiors who attended the recent PATS trade show in Harrogate to celebrate the launch of the All for Paws (AFP) pet accessory collections. Pedigree Wholesale, the appointed AFP distributor in the UK, displayed a comprehensive selection of AFP toys and accessories, with visitors to their stand being offered the chance to win all the stock on display. A prize worth a whopping £2,200 at retail prices!

The lucky entry form to be drawn first belonged to animal feed and pet retailer, Taylors of South Wingfield. The AFP stock has now been merchandised at Taylors’ flagship store, creating a high impact, inspirational shopping selection in time to take full advantage of the Christmas uplift.

Diana Griffin, joint owner of Taylors alongside son Nick said “I am absolutely delighted to win all this stock and Kevin (Pedigree Wholesale Relationship Manager) has done a fantastic job in helping to make our display look great. We have already started to see products go through the till and I look forward to adding new lines to my weekly Pedigree order”.

AFP specialise in the design and development of unique products for pets. Each AFP collection has a specific purpose and the products have their own individual features and benefits, enabling retailers to maximise sales all year round.

If you would like to learn more about the All for Paws range call 0115 982 3900 or email info@petproducts.co.uk.

In line with its continual focus on the most precise nutrition possible, Royal Canin is launching a new range - Lifestyle Health Nutrition - with products tailored to the specific needs of dogs living in towns and cities and sporting dogs.

Lifestyle Health Nutrition was premiered to the specialist pet trade at PATS Harrogate followed shortly by a public reveal at the National Pet Show in October and then Discover Dogs in November.   

Royal Canin retail marketing manager Gemma Duffield says: “Urban dogs and sporting dogs have specific nutritional needs related to their lifestyles, which can present significant challenges.  Lifestyle Health Nutrition is designed to meet these needs, and represents a fantastic, innovative asset for the specialist pet trade.

“We know that owners of this type of dog are prepared to seek out the best possible nutrition for their pets, and so the specialist pet trade is best placed to meet the demand.”

URBAN LIFE

Dogs living in towns and cities are exposed to oxidative stress due to pollution in their environment, and can also be under stress from the noise, traffic and crowds they encounter every time they leave their home.  URBAN LIFE contains an exclusive blend of antioxidants to help combat oxidative stress, while specific fish proteins help support good brain function in the intense environment of the town or city.  Designed for Junior, Adult and Senior dogs, the range is divided into two segments – small dogs up to 10kg, and large dogs between 11-44kg.  Available in both kibble and chunks in gravy format, URBAN LIFE is a unique nutritional innovation for urban dogs.

An introductory promotion offer allows all purchasers of URBAN LIFE dry bags and boxes of wet pouches the chance to win a Toyota Yaris Hybrid, ideal for urban living.

A radio and roadshow campaign across Britain’s cities is designed to entice urban owners into their local specialist pet store.  “Local radio is big news in towns and cities” says Gemma “with many using it to find out about local events and activities.  Appealing to owners of urban dogs in this way allows us to reach out beyond the traditional pet press and target owners who may not have considered using the specialist pet trade.”

Heart FM Radio will carry advertising across Scotland, the North West, West Midlands, South Wales, Cambridge, Thames Valley, Solent and the West Country, with Capital advertising covering Yorkshire.  An additional promotional campaign with Heart in Scotland, the North West, Cambridgeshire and Solent will ask listeners to upload a ‘Me and My Dog’ selfie for the chance to win Royal Canin dog food for a year, plus a dog-friendly holiday to the value of £1,000.

Roadshows, also involving Heart FM, will visit Meadowhall in Sheffield, The Oracle in Reading, St. Davids 2 in Cardiff, Cabot Circus in Bristol and the Bullring in Birmingham.

“The on-air campaign alone will reach at least 2.3 million consumers, plus the impact of outdoor media, shopping centre promotions and instore activity” says Gemma, “so our advice to retailers in urban areas is to expect new customers bearing vouchers – and be prepared to turn them into a customer for life!” 

AGILITY 4100

Agility is now recognised as the fastest growing dog sport worldwide, with over 10,000 agility dog handlers in the UK alone – as a nation, we are known as world leaders.

AGILITY 4100 is specifically formulated to support the body during short and intense activity (jumping, sprinting, agility, flyball etc), by providing energy mainly in the form of highly digestible carbohydrates which provide the instant energy the dog needs during the initial phase of activity.  These types of activity require ‘instant’ energy for a shorter time, rather than sustained energy for a longer period, hence AGILITY is formulated to meet this need.

A complete balanced nutritional diet for adult dogs, AGILITY is tailored for adult small dogs (up to 10kg) and adult large dogs (11kg or over) and is available in kibble format.

Royal Canin is focusing on dog sporting clubs for the launch of AGILITY, with the aim of bringing these owners into the specialist pet trade.  Promotional gift boxes will be provided to over 300 agility clubs nationwide, with product information and an exclusive offer to encourage people into the specialist pet trade.  Sporting dog handlers who buy five products from a pet specialist will receive their sixth pack free from Royal Canin.

For more information, speak to your Royal Canin Retail Business Manager, visit www.royalcanin.co.uk, or call 0845 300 5011.

Members of office staff from risk management firm Aon have volunteered at the National Cat Adoption Centre, Chelwood Gate, Sussex, to create a garden for cats waiting to be re-homed by the charity.

Six staff members initially helped to landscape the outdoor space last month with three further members of staff returning to complete the garden last Friday.

It is designed to provide extra stimulation for cats waiting for a new owner to be found, with the garden offering plenty of climbing equipment and hiding and play spaces for them to enjoy.

Manager of the centre Danielle Draper said: “We work really hard to make life at the centre as comfortable as possible for the cats that come to us, but some do find it difficult to adapt."

Cats Protection’s National Cat Adoption Centre is part of a national network of 250 volunteer run branches and 31 adoption centres that together help over 194,000 cats every year.

Diane Stevens, a Client Service Adviser at Aon who helped organise the volunteer days said: “We’re all cat lovers so when the idea of helping Cats Protection came up we jumped at the chance. Cats Protection does an amazing job helping unwanted cats and kittens and we wanted to do our bit."

The centre in Chelwood Gate finds homes for over 1,000 cats every year and currently has around 200 cats in its care looking for a new home.

To find out more about adopting a cat from the centre, please ring 01825 741330.

A new Pets at Home store is to open in Templars Retail Park, Oxford, this friday (October 31st).

More than 200 applications were received for just 23 new positions at the store, which occupies the former B&Q shop. The new store will be the second Pets at Home store in Oxford.

The £300,000 store will feature a Vets4Pets practise with an operating theare, digital X-ray facilities and laboratory.

It will include a hospital ward to provide treatments for a wide varierty of animals, as well as a grooming parlour and adoption centre, where small animals including rabbits and hamsters will be cared for until a new home is found for them.

Additional departments include an aquatic centre, reptile centre and pet village.

Area manager Alison Miller said: “Pets at Home is committed to recruiting from the local area and I’m pleased we’ve found a team of talented individuals in Cowley.

“They’re all extremely passionate about pets and can’t wait to get started.”

She added: “There was a strong demand from Cowley pet owners for Pets at Home to come to town and we’re very pleased to have been able to grant them their wish.”

The store’s new team have chosen Oxfordshire Animal Sanctuary as their charity of the year.  The Stadhampton-based charity cares for abandoned animals across the county.

New store manager Vikki Philpot said: “They are in desperate need of support. They help so many different animals, they don’t just limit themselves to cats and dogs. They work tirelessly and they are so positive in the community. For me it was a no-brainer that we support this charity in Cowley.”

Lord Mayor of Oxford Mohammed Abbassi will cut the ribbon Residents at the opening of the store on Friday 31st October.

Former Royal Navy flight commander and helicopter pilot Nick Hastilow has joined James Wellbeloved as UK market director, taking control of sales, marketing, innovation and the Somerset-based UK factory. 

He will report directly to Nutro in the USA, but the James Wellbeloved brand remains strongly part of the Crown Pet Foods UK family, with Crown retaining responsibility for operational issues including logistics, distribution etc.

Prior to joining James Wellbeloved, Nick spent 12 years with the Mars, Inc chocolate business, the last six of which were spent working in the USA. 

His new role sees him working closely with Crown Pet Foods and Royal Canin UK general manager Andy Reed, to ensure that both brands continue to benefit from the established organisation and relationship aspects across the specialist pet sector.

Commenting on his new role, Nick says: “I am delighted to be a part of James Wellbeloved, a brand which has so much to offer pets, owners and the specialist pet trade.  Although I am relatively new to pet food, it’s a fascinating market with so many opportunities still to grow our brand and grow our retail partners’ businesses alike.”

Andy Reed says: “Nick’s arrival means that James Wellbeloved can continue to grow, with a very clear focus on its own strategy for the future, doing what it does best – providing the specialist pet trade with a unique, natural brand which has enormous support behind it. 

“Retailers will not notice any difference in operational terms – you will still get your deliveries, service, merchandising and so on, and both Royal Canin and James Wellbeloved will continue to go from strength to strength.”

Nick is married, has three children – and a golden Retriever, Jasper, who is already enjoying James Wellbeloved Adult Lamb & Rice!

Happy Paws®, have had a busy year since they won the 'Highly Commended' award at PATS Sandown this March for their innovative dog gadget - the Easy-Tie. Following their success of PATS, Happy Paws® decided to exhibit at Interzoo - the world's largest trade fair.

The Easy-Tie is a dog accessory that allows owners to Easily, Safely and Quickly secure their dog to a cafe table, bench, railing orcar head rest, without removing the lead from the collar, allowing owners to remain in control of their dog. It is about 10x faster than what they have coined the 'Old Way' of securing your dog.

You can see a short 1 minute video here: tinyurl.com/nuk08x9

Managing Director and founder of Happy Paws®, Tim Joannides told Pet Trade Xtra, "We really had no idea what to expect exhibiting at PATS or Interzoo. What we did know was that we had a fantastic dog safety gadget that was a great add-on product for dog leads and collars and that we wanted the world to see it!"

After demonstrating the product to some Fressnapf buyers (the biggest pet chain in Europe), Tim received one of only 20 sought after Innovation Tickets, inviting him to present it to the Fressnapf buyers at their Headquarters in Germany.

On 10th July, Tim presented the Easy-Tie and was later that evening crowned the Innovation Award Winner 2014, beating off competition from companies across the globe. This Innovation Award automatically puts the Easy-Tie into 1,300 Fressnapf stores across Europe - something Tim says was "unexpected and thrilling."

The Easy-Tie has also just been stocked with Pets Corner and is already in well over 150 independent stores in the UK.

Happy Paws® has only traded for 6 months and the Easy-Tie is already being sold in 16 countries. They aim to be one of the market leaders of innovative pet products within 5 years. With a pipeline of fun and functional products, Tim and the rest of the Happy Paws® team say they are looking forward to bringing British innovation to the pet industry, solving everyday problems and making life with pets more enjoyable.

Tim's closing words were: "Although we are selling worldwide, our focus is our UK customers.  We are developing many other pet innovations soon to be launched…keep your eyes peeled!".

Visit the website:  www.happy-paws.net or speak to one of the Happy Paws team on: 01792 346226

GA Direct is launching Christmas Cracker Turkey Dog Treats for customers to brand as their own for the festive season.

Christmas is such a busy time for retailers and by having their own brand of Christmas treats enables our retailers the ability to offer a high quality but very affordable treats to their customers.

Christmas Cracker treats are packed in Christmassy gold packaging with a red label and competitively priced at 69 pence each for 225g so all our little helpers will be happy!

Christmas Cracker treats are 100% hypo-allergenic containing no wheat gluten, no unhealthy additives, no dairy products or eggs and no soya or other fillers. 

Pets at Home stores across the country are to host a Big Dogs Breakfast this weekend.

The Big Dogs Breakfast will take place in stores at 9am on Sunday 2nd November, and visitors are invited - with or without their dogs - to enjoy a hot beverage and some breakfast treats in return for a small donation.

All funds raised on the day will go to Dogs for the Disabled, which works to change lives by providing assistance dogs to those in need.

The charity also supports families with a child affected by autism through specialist pet dog workshops and assistance dogs.

Pets at Home store manager, Steve Spiers, said: “We’re really excited about this event as it’s a great opportunity to meet people from across the community or catch-up with familiar faces over breakfast.

“Whether you’re a dog owner or not, we’d love you to come down to help us raise money and change people’s lives through Dogs for the Disabled’s support.”

As well as breakfast, there will be fun activities on offer for everyone to enjoy, including quizzes and competitions.

Dogs for the Disabled chief executive, Peter Gorbing, said: “It’s great that Pets at Home have been able to get on-board and support our event to help us raise vital funds that will make a huge difference to people’s lives.

“An assistance dog also gives its owner a reason to go out, giving them a new found confidence that opens doors to fresh opportunities including friendships, hobbies, education and even careers.

“The partnerships created by Dogs for the Disabled between people facing great challenges and dogs are life-changing.

“Just £3 will feed a pup a nourishing breakfast for a week, £5 buys a puppy a breakfast bowl, £20 pays for a jacket, collar and lead and £100 will fund four puppy training classes.”

There are currently 181 dogs working in partnership with adults, 52 with children with a disability and 43 working with a family with a child with autism.

Find out more about the Big Dogs Breakfast at:  www.dogsforthedisabled.org

The Lincolshire Echo has reported on an ornamental fish that had a lucky escape after a being found gasping in a field after being dropped from the sky by a heron.

Dog walker Kate Delph was walking her dog in Hartsholme park when she stumbled across the seven-inch long creature - nicknamed Freddie - gasping in the field.

It's believed he was on his way to being a lunchtime snack when he fell from the air.

Thanks to Kate's quick-thinking, the fish survived and is back out in open water - though it could have met a very grisly end.

"I looked down and the poor thing was still breathing," she said. "He is an amazing little fighter. I have never heard of anything like this before. It was definitely an adventure for him."

After discovering the creature – which may have been an ornamental fish from a nearby garden – she rushed to a shop to grab a bucket of water.

She rang a local expert at the Maidenhead Aquatics store in Whisby Garden Centre - who advised her to get it back to freshwater as soon as possible - and returned the fish to a waterway.

Maidenhead Aquatics sales adviser Ian Taylor, who spoke to Kate about rescuing Freddie, said fish found in fields normally died before being gobbled up by local animals.

But given the lack of obvious injuries, he said it was unlikely a cat had grabbed it.

"Usually with incidents like this, it is a heron and they have taken it back to feed their young. Something must have startled them and they dropped it," he said.

But it would only have made a snack – as herons are known to snatch up to 20 fish at a time from local waters.

See the full story at:  www.lincolnshireecho.co.uk