Cat’s doggy paddle for better Elf
MEET Elf the adorable cat that just loves to go for a swim.
He has been doing his own version of the doggy paddle at his local pool in a bid to make him that bit fitter.
West Wales Canine Hydrotherapy is a swimming pool at Peniel, near Carmarthen, that helps to rehabilitate dogs following injury or surgery, and assists in maintaining mobility in dogs with degenerative conditions.
Elf had surgery on his left hind leg due to a painful and debilitating condition in his hip joint. The top of his thigh bone was remove. Eight weeks of cage rest followed, resulting in muscle wastage and a deterioration in general fitness.
But his owners Jessica Evans and Ryan Saunders were so impressed with the progress made by two of their dogs treated at the centre, they asked if Elf could come along too.
Katharine Deane, a Registered Canine Hydrotherapist, and owner of West Wales Canine Hydrotherapy said: “I was keen to swim Elf, as all my patients up until now have been dogs. I have treated large dogs from Mastiffs and Great Danes, down to a teacup Yorkie, and a Papillion, with everything in between, but this is my first cat. Most dogs take to swimming quickly and the therapy soon becomes a game, allowing me to stay close to them during treatment, but the technique for swimming a cat is quite different.
“I just have to watch that Elf’s swimming is not upset by his claws catching on his lifejacket, or me!”