At Mayhew, they grow cat grass in pots and place them in the enclosures of the adult cats and vaccinated kittens for them to munch on, which they do with gusto! Another firm favourite with many of the home's feline residents is catnip, which is also grown at Mayhew for them to enjoy. If you’ve ever seen a cat around catnip then you’ll know that they can go totally crazy for it, becoming more playful, loving and confident. The sedative effects of catnip can also really help to calm down a stressed kitty, reducing anxiety and depression.

“When cats first come to us, they can be nervous about their new surroundings, but once we offer them catnip leaves or pouches filled with Valerian (another good stress-relieving plant) even the most withdrawn cat will investigate!”  Kayleigh Kilcommons    Head of Cattery

Ones to watch out for
As pets look forward to exploring the flora and fauna this summer, remember that some plants should be steered well clear of.  Foxgloves, daffodils (especially the bulbs), cherry laurel, rhododendrons, wisteria and chrysanthemums can be toxic if eaten. Lilies, although very beautiful, are particularly toxic to cats and can cause severe kidney damage. If you think your dog or cat has ingested a toxic plant, it is essential that you seek veterinary advice immediately.

​Read here to find out which plants and herbs are best for dogs
Find out more about  the MAYHEW here

Sensory enjoyment for Mayhew's dogs
Mayhew has developed a sensory garden for the dogs in their care. This outdoor run acts as a safe haven, made up of different smells, textures and sounds. The plants in the garden provide stimulation and enrichment but each has also been specifically chosen for its healing properties and ability to reduce stress and anxiety.

Top plants for pooches
Chamomile:  soothes anxiety, skin issues or stomach upsets.
Lavender:  reduces anxiety.
Vervain:  helps with nervous system disorders like depression.
Meadowsweet:  reduces inflammation and aids digestive problems, arthritis and rheumatic conditions.

Did you know?
Dogs can suffer from hay fever just like people! Some research suggests that dogs are more likely to develop signs of hay fever if they aren’t exposed to a variety of grasses and plants in their early life.

Garden fun
As the weather improves, staff take the dogs into the sensory garden as much as possible, letting them potter around and enjoy games with toys – or water when it is very hot!  The space is also used to work on basic training or socialisation skills and sometimes dogs will meet their potential adopters here, as it is a calming environment and the dogs feel at home. The Kennels team and volunteers are always on hand, watching over the dogs in case they have any unusual adverse reactions to the plants.

MARIA MARKEY, HEAD OF KENNELS,     “It is truly amazing to observe the change in behaviour from when a dog enters the garden to how they are when they leave. ”

Scenting and exploring
​Some dogs that come to Mayhew struggle to cope initially with a kennel environment, but staff find that even the most withdrawn and overwhelmed dogs will investigate the plants in the sensory garden. For example, dogs that are particularly highly strung or have hormonal imbalances often gravitate towards clary sage. While engaged in scenting and exploring, they stop focusing on any anxieties or tensions they may have and are able to begin to relax. The staff also use essential oil remedies in the kennels, to soothe and calm the residents.

Click here to read more about the Mayhew and how you can help

And of course, not only dogs appreciate herbs and plants, Mayhew's cats do too..... read about them here

Every cat and dog that comes in to Mayhew is  seen at the on-site Community Vet Clinic and given a full health check, vaccinations and flea and worm treatment. Once the puppies had  been examined, naming them was the next task.   Such sweet bundles  should be  named after treats, so : Fudge, Cookie, Pudding, Pie, Custard, Waffle and Truffle.

Over the next few weeks, the puppies kept the kennels team busy – imagine the fun and the mess! Lots of playing and socialisation took place and the puppies made the most of the indoor doggy play area, full of exciting things to explore and stimulate them physically and mentally.