TOP TIP: USE A WATER JUG!

My partner and I recently had a bright idea for cat care that we’d like to share with your readers.

Our 11-year-old long-hair cross Gene was diagnosed with stage three kidney disease earlier this year so keeping him well hydrated is paramount (especially in the hot weather). However, it’s difficult to gauge how much he’s been drinking.

We’ve recently hit upon a great solution: substituting his normal water bowl for a 1-litre measuring jug.The jug is at a comfortable height for him and is wide enough to let him put his whiskers in. By filling the jug up to the 1-litre line, it’s now possible to know exactly how much liquid he’s had during the course of the day (barring a small amount of evaporation). If you don’t want to use your normal kitchen measuring jug, it’s easy to buy a cheap one at a pound shop or similar.The fact that the water’s in a jug means it’s easier for you to use it to water your houseplants rather than just tipping the old water down the sink!

Gene (named after Gene Kelly) is responding well to his medication and seems very content with life.

Rob Loveday and Lisa Prest