Comfort Zone® Opticalm Diffuser review

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The cat is back reviewing and this time it is the turn of cat calming products , Jack is now 16 and has recently dented my bank account with a scale and polish but it is not as bad as it could have been as we moved to an independent vets.

The new Comfort Zone® Opticalm Diffuser releases a drug-free vapor that mimics your cat's natural calming pheromones, helping your cat feel safe, happy and calm. By sending signals in your cat's own language, this calming aid for cats can help reduce stress and unwanted behaviors like urine marking and scratching.

This new plug-in diffuser uses our same trusted pheromone formula with a sleek, modern design. It optimizes precious outlet space by leaving the bottom outlet open for other devices and features a plug that rotates 90 degrees for ease of use.The diffuser is priced at what I think is a very reasonable price at £13.99

The team who brings you Comfort Zone® products takes your cat's "e-meow-tional health" seriously. Most cats will show improved behaviour after two weeks or less with the diffuser's calming vapours.

Jack is calmer I would say and is not trying to install his own art work onto anything and is not phased if we go away for a few days ( we have a neighbour coming to look after him , he is not there ordering takeaways and watching Netflix)

Jack also has been reviewing theThe Comfort Zone® Calming Pheromone Collar for Cats provides continuous comfort for on-the-go cats, whether they're indoors or outdoors. This collar can help your cat's "e-meow-tional" health by using our trusted pheromone formula.

The Comfort Zone® Calming Pheromone Collar for Cats is veterinarian recommended and mimics your cat's natural pheromones, helping keep your kitty more comfortable during stressful situations, like moving, remodeling, traveling or visiting the vet. The collar promotes a sense of relaxation, which is "purrfect" for on-the-go cats. By relaxing your kitty, this collar will help curb stress behaviors like spraying and destructive scratching.

The collar is £11.99 which I feel is a little pricey for a collar but again that is just my opinion and given the choice I will stick with the diffusor as it represents the best value for myself.

All thoughts words and opinions are that of my own and I was given this product for review. My cat reviewed the products.

Why You Should Choose An Independent Veterinary Practice

 

Recently thee has been a report in corporately owned United Kingdom veterinary practices The CMA  which stands for the Competion and Markets Authority . Bear with me as it is relevant to you and the pound in your pocket and choose an independent vet and you 'll save.

You will not doubt be curious to as to what all the fuss is about. The  CMA is a report which took a closer look at the impact of big corporate veterinary practices on the pet healthcare landscape.  You will have see big vets chains popping up on every street corner almost . The independent vets told me if I can buy a prescription cheaper on line they will tell me , the one thing I will have to pay for is the prescription itself of seventeen pounds.

Now of course all vets provide care and you might be happy with your big chain vet but hear me out one cost is the annual booster for a cat for example mine just cost me £61.25 and when I looked at the prices of the independent vets I have just moved to it was £45 , now that is one hell of a difference.

Personalised Care and Familiar Faces

I think one of the biggest perks of choosing an independent practice is the tailored care and attention your pet will receive .As soon as you walk through a vets door you want to feel part of the family and people getting to know you and your pets. If your pet has a quirk then your independent vet wants to know when their taste in music !

And speaking of the team at my local independent vets I know that I always be greeted by familiar faces there . Their dedication shoes through as when I was there last week for Jack the receptionist was telling us how some person had left their Golden retriever in a car and the police etc had to break into to save the dog . It was all hands on deck with all staff rushing to do their upmost for the poor dog. 

Community Connection

You will find that  independent practice is deep rooted in the local community. the one we go to is on a new housing estate  . The staff themselves will live nearby and know the community so it all interwoven with people understanding.

Flexibility and Innovation

When you go to an independent practice, they have have  all the freedom to innovate and adapt to meet the ever-evolving needs of their patients and clients. Independent Vets are not bound by corporate red tape or rigid protocols. They, instead have the flexibility to implement cutting-edge treatments, techniques, and technologies that can benefit your pets. From advanced diagnostics to alternative therapies, Independent vets are always exploring new ways to improve the quality of care they provide.

Long-Term Relationships

Building lasting relationships with their clients and their pets is at the heart of what a good independent vets do. They're  here for you through every stage of your pet's life – from playful puppies to senior cats  . By choosing them as your trusted veterinary partner, you can count on continuity of care and a team that's invested in your pet's long-term health and happiness. When I changed to an independent vets the other week the receptionist talked to us which in the last sixteen years at out previous vets the reception staff never did

Final Thoughts

So, You will of course want. save money then it is time to look round at your local area to see what independent vets you can find , I promise you you will not be disappointed.

Getting Your Haircut As An Neurodivergent

As a neurodivergent getting my hair cut is not high up there on my priorities in fact my hair has a will of its own so much so I’m surprised it’s not running the country. I do go to the hairdressers but I find it stressful as it’s full of beautiful people confident chatting away to their hairdresser s about their daring plans.

I sit there as meek as anything but I do try to convey what I want a haircut that will look after itself . People will never tame my spirit and I fail why I should try and alter the will of my hair . I’m never going to have swishy hair but secretly it doesn’t mean I don’t covet that thought just a little bit.

There have been times when I have to confess I have trimmed my own fringe though trimmed is a bit quite right .I think one would bluntly say hacked within an inch of its life .So what advice can I offer ?

1 Ask a hairdresser s when their quiet times are and explain your neurodivergent. I’d do this by email maybe unless someone can ring for you.If you feel confident perhaps stagger your visit s , first getting your hair washed then fringe cut that way building up to a haircut.

Getting a haircut as an adult neurodivergent individual can sometimes be a challenging experience. Here are some strategies to help make the process more comfortable and less stressful:

Preparation

1. Research and Choose the Right Salon:

   • Look for salons that have experience working with neurodivergent clients.
   • Read reviews or ask for recommendations from others in the neurodivergent community.
   • Call ahead to explain your needs and ask if they can accommodate any special requests.

2. Set a Comfortable Time:

   • Choose a time when the salon is likely to be less crowded and quieter.
   • Early morning or late afternoon appointments can often be less busy.

3. Communicate Your Needs:

   • Be upfront about any sensory sensitivities or anxieties.
   • Let the stylist know if you have preferences for how you like to be touched or if you need breaks.

4. Bring Comfort Items:

   • Bring headphones to listen to calming music or a podcast.
   • Carry a fidget toy or stress ball to help manage anxiety.

5. Visual Aids:

   • Show pictures of the haircut you want.
   • Use a social story or visual schedule if that helps you prepare for the experience.

During the Haircut

1. Sensory Considerations:

   • Wear a cape that isn’t too tight or irritating.
   • Ask the stylist to be gentle when washing or cutting your hair.
   • Let the stylist know if you need a break or if something is uncomfortable.

2. Use Clear Communication:

   • If verbal communication is difficult, consider writing down your preferences or using a communication app.
   • Give feedback during the haircut if something isn’t right.

3. Take Your Time:

   • Don’t rush the process. It’s okay to take breaks if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
   • Schedule extra time for the appointment so you don’t feel pressured.

After the Haircut

1. Reward Yourself:

   • Plan a small reward or treat after the haircut as positive reinforcement.
   • Reflect on what went well and what could be improved for next time.

2. Self-Care:

   • Engage in a relaxing activity after the haircut to decompress.
   • Use grounding techniques or sensory calming methods if needed.

General Tips

1. Find a Regular Stylist:

   • Building a relationship with a stylist who understands your needs can make future visits easier.

2. Practice at Home:

• If possible, practice having someone touch or comb your hair at home to build tolerance.
• See if a mobile hairdresser can come to you , being in your own environment can make you feel more relaxed.

By preparing in advance, communicating your needs clearly, and creating a supportive environment, you can make the experience of getting a haircut more manageable and less stressful.

Staring At A Blank Blogging Page

 Staring at a blank page one often does not know what to write , will it be popular will it turn peoples heads , there was a time when blog post writings were eaten with such a vicarious apetite no one could churn the worlds out fast enough . But times change and blogging dynasties rise and fall and empowerment and self worth are pushed the forefront sometimes with no means of how to achieve this nirvana . Now I have been blogging for many a year with my blog nipping in recent times and I wondered do people still care and the answer is it does not matter as I really want to get the words down.

As life pootles on by so much has happened and I start to feel I haven't kept pace with my own thoughts as I don't have anyone of late to turn as people are busy with their own lives and problems and I don't want to be a worry wart to them. But I will get there and I need either myself or my friends to reach out of the chasm of quiet.There is wonder in the world and I just need to go about finding it again and embracing the joy into my own life again and put the fragments of it all back together gain.So here I am back again and I will not let the blank page defeat me anymore.

Sometimes you do have to shout out the world noise and focus on your self for a while and whilst the silence from the outside world can leave you thinking no one cares ( please see first paragraph ) there is a way through it. Some people are just natural pied piers of peoples and anything they do is met with an Oscar nomination and this is one of the things of the world . I know my vibe and that is ok and people do get my vibe and I really don't care if they don't . And when people do say hey lets meet etc as an autistic person I can go into a flat tail spin as it is OMG people!

Why Should You Seek An Autism Diagnosis as an Adult ?

Seeking an autism diagnosis as an adult can have several benefits:

1. Self-Understanding and Acceptance: A diagnosis can provide clarity about your experiences, behaviors, and challenges. Understanding that these are part of being autistic can foster self-acceptance and reduce feelings of confusion or self-criticism.

2. Access to Support and Resources: With a diagnosis, you may become eligible for specific support services, accommodations, and resources. This can include therapy, support groups, educational resources, and workplace accommodations.

3. Mental Health Benefits: Many adults with undiagnosed autism may struggle with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. Knowing the root cause of these issues can lead to more effective treatment and coping strategies.

4. Improved Relationships: Understanding your communication style and sensory needs can help improve relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. It can also help them understand you better, fostering more supportive and empathetic interactions.

5. Workplace Accommodations: A diagnosis can provide the basis for requesting reasonable accommodations at work, such as adjustments to the work environment, changes in communication methods, or flexible work arrangements.

6. Community and Connection: Being diagnosed can connect you to a community of other autistic individuals, providing a sense of belonging and opportunities to share experiences and strategies.

7. Empowerment: Knowledge is empowering. Understanding your neurodiversity can help you advocate for yourself more effectively in various aspects of life, from personal relationships to professional settings.

8. Guidance for Future Planning: A diagnosis can help you and your loved ones plan for the future, considering your specific needs and strengths. This can be especially useful in making decisions about careers, living arrangements, and social activities.

If you suspect you might be autistic, seeking a diagnosis can be a significant step towards understanding and improving your quality of life