The Cat magazine, Spring 2009

The Cat SPRING 2009

Evolutionary excellence From prehistoric predator to modern moggy

Feline good Can a cat a day keep the doctor away?

Picture perfect See the winning entries from our photo contest

Plus Mogs with jobs, living the good life & tasty treats tested

WIN! Over 30 great prizes including food for puss and books for you

The Team

Welcome ...to the Spring 2009 issue of The Cat

The Cat From left to right

Ryan O'Hara Senior Designer Rasoul Hudda Senior Designer Tom Briggs Assistant Editor

we might be in for a glorious summer. Now if that doesn’t jinx it, I don’t know what will!

It’s time to venture back outside and we have a marvellous gardening article

Gemma Bather Editorial Assistant

by Graham Clarke encouraging us all to grow our own, no matter how small news of a new initiative from our

Contacts

Fundraising team, Paws Outdoors, encouraging people to have fun and

The Editor, The Cat magazine, National Cat Centre, Chelwood Gate, Haywards Heath RH17 7TT Email: editorial@cats.org.uk Web: www.thecat.org.uk

raise money while enjoying the

We reserve the right to edit material for clarity or space. Cats Protection is not responsible for the opinions, advice and factual content of contributed items. The views expressed do not necessarily conform to those of the Trustees.

To book advertising Terry Lock Media Sales, 3 Forest Way, Ashtead, Surrey KT21 1JN Phone: 01372 276 233 Fax: 08707 051 901 Email: tslock@terrylockmediasales.co.uk Advertisements are accepted in good faith and we endeavour to check their accuracy. However, the charity gives no guarantees or endorsements of the products or services advertised. Cats Protection cannot accept responsibility for any correspondence between the parties, nor can they be expected to arbitrate should any dispute arise.

To change your details, become a Special Friend, subscribe, make a donation or become a member of Cats Protection: Supporter Services, Cats Protection, National Cat Centre, Chelwood Gate, Haywards Heath RH17 7TT Email: supporterservices@cats.org.uk Phone: 0800 917 2287

great outdoors.

Feline good

Can a cat a day keep the doctor aw ay?

Picture perfect WIN! Over 30

great prizes

Mogs with jobs , living the goo d life & tasty treats tested

including foo

d for puss and

books for you

Gemma Bather studies the evolutionary excellence of our feline friends from the wild cats 20 million years ago to the moggy in your home today. Perry Lancaster, the man who carved the exquisite statues for our Volunteer of the Year Awards last year, talks to Tom Briggs and we also investigate the claims that cat ownership can have medical health benefits – as if we didn’t know it already!

There is exciting news of a Cats Protection campaign on page 26, introducing our new project at Ferndown, Dorset and we have a light-hearted look at the cats who work for a living on page 34.

Regular readers may notice a couple of changes to the magazine. Firstly we have renamed our Reader’s story page Paws for thought. This is to allow for a broader spectrum of contributions; musings and reflections that don’t necessarily adhere to the confines of a ‘story’. We look forward to receiving more from you!

We have also expanded our Kids’ corner to allow for some fun and games for our younger readers. We still have the wonderful pictures sent in but we now have a wordsearch and quiz as well as a privileged glimpse into the world of SuperCat, our new CP hero and Klor his deadly nemesis.

Enjoy the lighter days and daffodils.

Cats Protection, National Cat Centre (NCC), Chelwood Gate, Haywards Heath RH17 7TT Phone: 08702 099 099 (Calls charged at national rate)

Fax: 08707 708 265 Email: cp@cats.org.uk Web: www.cats.org.uk Published quarterly by Cats Protection.

Printed by Gemini Press Ltd.

Please recycle this magazine when you have finished with it

1MVT

See the winnin g entries from our pho to contest

For all other enquiries:

Printed on paper sourced from carefully-managed and renewed forests.

moggy

Cats Protection’s vision is to ensure that every cat is given the chance of a life where it will be treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.

Reg Charity 203644 (England and Wales) and SC037711 (Scotland)

kie Cheetham

For editorial submissions to the magazine

predator to mo dern

CP Library/Jac

our backyard might be. We also have

From prehistor ic

Cover photo:

Francesca Watson Editor

S

Evolutionary excellence

413*/(

pring is here and with luck

Letters STAR LETTER

FELINE INTUITION From: Mr A Lewis, Henfield, West Sussex

I

take people as a volunteer driver from Henfield to all our local hospitals and, whilst en route about 18 months ago, I was talking to one of the passengers who told me the

following story.

One day she was sitting on the patio with her husband when she noticed something

Tell us

about it

Do you have an interesting story to tell, a point of view you want to air or something that you just have to get off your chest?

Send your thoughts, views, stories, funny photos and ‘mewsings’ to The Cat magazine, National Cat Centre, Haywards Heath RH17 7TT or email us at editorial@cats.org.uk Don’t forget to tell us your return address and please remember that your letter may be edited for length.

black under a nearby hedge; her husband went to look and found it was a black cat, more dead than alive. They took it to a vet who thought it had probably been beaten with a stick causing injuries to its head, back and legs. When it was well enough, they took the cat home and, while it was very loving towards her, it refused to go anywhere near her husband. However, when her husband was later taken ill and confined to his bed, the cat would not leave him. Sadly, he died around a week later and when his body was due to be taken from the house, the cat jumped onto the bed and still refused to leave him, digging his claws into the bedclothes so that he had to be dragged from the bed.

OH, VIENNA! From: Mr W J Jones, Pontardawe, Swansea

S

ince my wife Clare’s death two years ago, our moggy Vienna and I have become ever closer.

I am sure cats know more about us than we do of them. Oscar – Are Cats Psychic? The Cat,

This gorgeous 17 year old, whose home I share,

Winter 2008 – knew when people were close to death, as did, I believe, that lady’s cat. Yet

has surprised me – despite my 50 years of feline

just the opposite occurred during World War II.

fellowship and admiration.

Our cat, Fluff, could tell the difference between the engine sound of British and German

Frequently she sits on my lap on the settee and,

aircraft – her eyes and head would follow them across the sky and if it was a German

as is her right, books etc are set aside. Cats and

plane, she would dive under the table. At the time, my family and I lived near the Royal

comfort being synonymous, she composes her

Military College – now Academy – in Sandhurst and I can recall when E Wing was bombed

purring self but – and this happens so frequently as

with the loss of around 31 Soldier Officer Cadets. After this happened, Fluff would jump

to rule out coincidence – she knows when I would

under the table whenever she heard a German aircraft and this particular habit saved my

like to watch a television programme though I have

mother, her sister, her two small children and me when a bomb was dropped whilst we

not moved or spoken. I’m not a telly addict and

were staying in Rostock, near St Albans in 1941. Fluff heard an aircraft approaching and

there’s no rhythm to my viewing, even the news

dived under the table, “Quick!” I cried, “under the table and on the floor!” and with that

I watch at different times on different channels.

half the roof was blown off and all the windows and doors were blown in. If Fluff had

Yet a couple of minutes before the programme is

not warned us, I am convinced we would have been killed or wounded as glass and debris

to begin she graciously disturbs her snooze, moves

were everywhere. Alas, Fluff disappeared in 1944 when I joined the Navy – they said in

to the other end of the settee and settles there,

those days that cats always went off to die – or did she miss me?

allowing me to switch on and view. Psychic? You tell me!

MYSTIC MOG From: Ella Moody, London

A

re cats psychic? Of course they are. I read recently of Emmy, the ship’s cat on the Empress of Ireland which, with her sister ship the Empress of Britain,

served the Atlantic crossing in the early 1900s. When the ship was ready to sail from Quebec in May 1914, Emmy refused to board. A few hours later, the ship sank in the St Lawrence river with the loss of over 1,000 lives, a tragedy comparable with that of the Titanic. Emmy had left a litter of kittens on board but nothing would persuade her to mount the gangway.

The Lusitania’s cat also refused to board when the ship sailed from New York on her fateful last voyage in World War I. It was sunk by a German U-boat.

Can Vienna ‘tune in’ to her owner’s thoughts?

yourletters

VASHTI’S A HERO!

FOPS RESEARCH

From: Nick Jones, Canton, Cardiff

A

fire started in our flat while we were asleep – none of the detectors or alarms sounded but our cat, Vashti, raised the alarm and saved our lives. We thought she

may have been caught in the fire, but when we were allowed back into the building after the Fire Brigade had put out the flames and cleared the smoke, there she was sitting in the middle of the room – shaken but okay! If it wasn’t for her, we might not have got out in one piece. Here is a picture of our hero doing what she does best – snoozing.

Even heroes need to take a break

From: Celia Haddon, Witney, Oxfordshire

I

am studying the behaviour side of a mysterious syndrome known as Feline

Oralfacial Pain Syndrome or FOPS. The cat suddenly starts clawing at its face or tongue, causing bloodshed and serious damage which is extremely distressing for owners and cats.

I hope to send out an anonymous questionnaire to owners whose cats have suffered with this to explore the behavioural aspect. More information about FOPS, and about me, can be found on my website www.celiahaddon.com If any readers would be willing to fill in such a questionnaire, I should be very grateful indeed. I can be contacted at chaddon@atlas.co.uk or PO Box 418, Witney, OX28 9EG. My findings will be reported on my website.

I SHOULD COCO From: Anne Waddingham, Tonbridge, Kent

B

A PRIZE FOR EVERY LETTER! Our Star Letter wins a gorgeous Willow’s

ramble, my rescued tabby, had an ongoing feud with Coco, next door’s Yorkshire

Bunk Bed Napper – perfect for cats who love

terrier. When she heard Coco out and about, she would sit on the fence between our

to share! Made from sisal and sea grass it

gardens, hidden from human eyes by the hedge and out of reach of the dog – just. This

provides a cosy place for two cats to snooze

would drive Coco into a frenzy because he could see her but his owners couldn’t. “Coco,”

the day away.

they’d shout, “What’s the matter with you? Be quiet!” Eventually they’d bring him indoors because he was getting so worked up! Bramble would then climb down and stroll back into our house, mission accomplished, with a look of smug satisfaction on her face.

But one day she had reason to be grateful to Coco, when she went missing for 24 hours. I searched all over but no luck. Then my neighbour was alerted to the fact that Coco was acting strangely. When she investigated, she found Bramble tucked under the hedge where she’d managed to crawl after being hit by a car. Bramble was badly injured but thankfully has since recovered, minus her tail. I have noticed that she doesn’t tease Coco any more, however.

WORTH ITS WEIGHT From: Hilary Joyce, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire

M

y cats had been suffering from a bully coming into the house and, despite fitting

All other printed letters will

an extra-strong cat flap controlled by magnets on their collars, I was annoyed to

win one of these Willow Bags

find that the flap did not always click shut behind them when they entered the house,

of Fun sets of toys which

thus leaving free entry for any cat. I was certainly glad of the extra strength of the flap

should keep your moggy

and catch when I heard one of the aggressive cats trying to beat its way into the house.

amused for hours.

Our thanks to Pets at Home

Eventually I wondered if weighting the flap would make it more likely to close and

for kindly sponsoring

decided to try attaching some weights. As the weights could not be a ferrous metal that might interfere with the magnetic catch, I needed something small but heavy. Two £1

these prizes. Visit

coins attached to the bottom corners are proving to be very effective. The flap is a little

www.petsathome.com

noisier when it closes but it is worth it to know that the bully will be kept out. Meanwhile

to see their full range of

I’m looking for the lead weights used for curtain hems.

products or telephone

I thought I’d been very original and clever to think of this solution, but some friends told me that they have used curtain weights for the same purpose.

08701 943 600 for more information.

A GOOD READ

A LIFE TOO SHORT

From: Mrs J W Hewitt, Deeside, Clwyd

From: Gill Broome, Swindon, Wiltshire

M

I

y cat, Gemma, took an instant liking to Cats Protection’s Annual Review 2007 – she looks engrossed, I hope you approve!

am writing this having just lost Charlie, my wonderful, overweight, character-packed Charlie. He and his sister

Celest were hand-reared by me four years ago, that in Gemma keeps on top of her reading

itself was traumatic as Charlie had such bad cat flu he couldn’t breathe and drink at the same time. However, with the wonderful help of Chipping Norton Vets and a determination to live, he pulled through.

He was an amazing chap, enormous in size and hoping for food at every opportunity – which I have to say he didn’t get as he was on a diet. He was always at the front of the queue for cuddles during which he would chatter away, thanking you for taking the time. If you called him he would be right there just to make sure he got in first.

It’s hard to come to terms with any loss, but more so because I feel I am to blame in some part for not watching his weight earlier. He was on a diet and losing weight slowly but still weighed too much and it does seem that he may have had a heart attack – he was only four years old.

Maybe anyone reading this with an overweight pet will consider the cost and do something to prevent this happening to their animal as, believe me, it hurts.

CATS ABROAD

Charlie, sadly missed

From: Pat Readman, Cardross, Dumbarton

I

was very interested to read the letter in the Winter 2008 edition of The Cat which mentioned Malta’s Cat Village. In June last year, we holidayed

in Malta in the hotel opposite the Cat Village. This was a holiday booked well in advance but, sadly, just before leaving I had to have my beloved little cat put to sleep. I was – and remain – very upset at her loss, however, when I ventured outside to sit and read, one of Rosa’s cats – who apparently regards the hotel as her second home – adopted me and stayed with me throughout the holiday whenever I was outside. She was later joined by another cat that also stayed with me. They were named by the hotel as Squinty – pictured – and Flat Ear, which aptly described their physical characteristics! They were a great comfort and I believe that this is a good example of the sixth sense possessed by cats.

We all left

TOMFOOLERY From: Kath Hodgkinson, Bridlington, East Yorkshire

T

donations for Rosa, but could I tell readers

om was rescued from a broken home, he weighs nearly 14lbs which is too much, but as you can see we are

that she also collects

working on it! He is saying “I would read the book but it’s

good second-hand

nearly lunchtime!” He is eight years old and was born on

books which are sold

April Fools’ Day – no comment. We love him to bits – his

to help with the cats’

stepbrother George is not so sure.

welfare? There will be more cats now as one

Tom takes a studious approach to losing weight

of the younger ones was heavily pregnant and, sadly, Rosa’s resources do not stretch to spaying and neutering. She is a delightful person and does a marvellous job – please support her if you visit Malta.

Squinty from Malta’s Cat Village

Cats’ tales Funny, weird, or just plain photogenic; this is the place to show off your cat for the remarkable creature he is. If you think you’ve got a cat who deserves his 15 minutes of fame then write to us, at Cats’ Tales, The Cat magazine, National Cat Centre, Chelwood Gate, Haywards Heath RH17 7TT including a photo.

! Cookie monster Cookie was adopted by Helen Ralley of Dudley, West Midlands almost six years ago from a local animal sanctuary.

She had a reputation for being a bit of a monster, having been adopted twice previously and returned for being unruly and destructive. It must have been third time lucky for Helen as, after a destructive start, Cookie has become a beautiful, fussy lap-cat – and a bit of a poser!

! Under siege It might not look like it but Rupert and Jasper are the very best of friends having both been rehomed as kittens from a local farm by Julie Hilder of Shelford, Nottinghamshire. Julie tells us that they often have play fights – such as the wash basket siege pictured here – but they always make up afterwards and can be spotted snuggling up close together for a cat nap.

" Driving ambition Lorraine Wherrett of Farnham, Surrey adopted Sophie from Cats Protection’s Haslemere Adoption Centre after she’d been in their care for some time. Lorraine is pleased to say that Sophie has settled in nicely and become a happy, confident cat who gets into everything, as well as being a real ‘Daddy’s girl’. When Lorraine’s partner gets home from work they have a little routine going; Sophie runs up to greet him, he then picks her up and puts her in the car with him and reverses down the drive – much to the amusement of the neighbours!

readers’cats # Blue is so not your colour!

Timmy was rehomed two years ago by the Spencer family of Rainham, Kent with Sparkle joining him more recently. Timmy took some convincing at first, in fact they couldn’t even be in the same room without fighting, but things are slowly calming down. Timmy plays with her now, running around the garden then jumping onto the shed as if to say “Ha, ha, you can’t catch me!” Sparkle has yet to learn how to climb, her feeble attempts just end in her hitting the fence and sliding down! They were recently spotted sleeping Sparkle

alongside each other so life in the

Timmy

Spencer household is looking up.

$ Two of a kind Chloe and Ayla took up residence with the Coulson family two years ago and, although they were from different litters and even different counties, they look so similar they could be sisters. They are a naughty pair and definitely live up to their ‘naughty tortie’ reputation. Ayla dotes on Chloe, but Chloe is the boss of the house and likes to make her presence felt each morning upon waking with a thud of her paws and a loud purr. Ayla is also very vocal and often miaows repeatedly, as if she’s singing. When no-one else is around, Chloe likes to crawl under the duvet and catnap beneath the covers.

! Picture perfect Toby belongs to Brenda – sister-in-law of Alan Jubb from Ashton-Under-Lyne, Lancashire. He was abandoned as a stray and taken in by a local vet; they put his picture in the window to appeal for a new owner to be found and Brenda’s sister couldn’t resist taking him home.

Don’t forget, Cats’ Tales is sponsored by Felix so, if your cat gets onto this page, you’ll receive a month’s supply of delicious Felix pouches from the As Good As It Looks range*. Your furry friend will find it irresistible at every mealtime.

Felix As Good As It Looks is available in eight flavours, you will find them at your local supermarket or pet store. For more information log onto www.catslikefelix.co.uk *please note that pouches can only be delivered to a UK address.

Unfortunately due to ill health, she was unable to continue caring for Toby and he now has a permanent home with Brenda, who dotes on him. Looks like Toby has come up smelling of roses!

Sponsored by

Photo: 123rf.com/Eugene Bochkarev

‘Studies have suggested having a cat can even go as far as reducing the chances of heart attacks and cancer’

Pet prescription feature

Can cats contribute to a healthy lifestyle?

Francesca Watson investigates…

I

Photo: istockphoto.com/Jared DeCinque

t will come as no surprise to those with the feline incline that owning pets, and cats in particular, could have proven health benefits. Studies have suggested that these can go beyond the

most obvious benefit of decreasing stress in their owners and even as far as reducing the chances of heart attacks and cancer.

At the American Stroke Association’s 2008 International Stroke Conference, Dr Adnan Qureshi of the Minnesota Stroke Institute reported on a study he had conducted with over 4,000 Americans.

More than half of those taking part either owned or had owned a cat in the past, the remaining participants had never owned a cat.

Researching death from all causes, including heart attacks and strokes, Dr Qureshi stated: “Over a 20-year period, people who never owned a cat faced a 40 per cent greater risk of death due to heart attack than previous or current cat owners.”

Stress and anxiety Naturally, there are those who query the findings of this study, pointing out that results could be related to the personality or lifestyle of the cat owner and not necessarily due to the fact that they owned a cat.

Living on the edge?

“The logical explanation may be that cat ownership relieves stress

Get a cat!

and anxiety and subsequently reduces the risk of heart disease,” Dr Qureshi offers.

The Baker Medical Research Institute in Australia studied over 6,000

On a slightly different note, there is a school of thought – led by

people. Its findings indicated that those with pets had lower blood

the Fauna Communication Research Institute in America – that asks

pressure and lower cholesterol. Intrigued by the results W P Anderson,

whether sound and vibration therapy through a cat’s purr can help halt

one of the study’s authors, says “The possibility that pet ownership

osteoporosis. It seems that human bones heal best at a range of 50hz

could be added to other non-pharmacological means of lower heart

– a measure of frequency – and, by chance, cats purr between 25 and

disease risk factors is exciting and should stimulate further research”.

50hz and can even go higher. Scientific achievements astound us every

Karen Allen, PhD studied 48 high powered New York stockbrokers who were on hypertension medication; they were in highly stressful

day, so anything is possible!

A study published by the American Association for Cancer Research

jobs and had lived alone for five years. All were prescribed blood

found that owning pets could cut the risk by almost one third of

pressure medicine while others were also asked to adopt a cat or dog.

developing non-Hodgkins lymphoma, a cancer of the immune system.

When monitored in stressful situations she found that those who had

Two American universities studied more than 4,000 patients and

adopted a pet showed smaller rises in their blood pressure. “When we

found that pet owners were almost 30 per cent less likely to have

told the group that didn’t have pets about the findings, many went out

non-Hodgkins lymphoma than those who had never had pets.

and got them,” Dr Allen said.

The exposure to allergens from both cats and dogs is thought to boost the immune system.

Research shows that cats are good for kids

Boosting the immune system There have often been scary headlines stating that the presence of cats in the home can increase your child’s likelihood of developing asthma or eczema so it is heartening to see that research from The Lancet medical journal states that cats can be good for children. Similarly, a study by the University of Virginia studied the response of over 200 children to mite and cat allergens. Researchers mild viral infections and bacteria that felines carry, can help develop a child’s immune system by providing a natural ‘vaccine’ that helps protect against asthma and allergies.

Niels Pedersen, Director of the Center for Companion Animal Health at the University of California says, “If [the immune system] is heavily stimulated during early life, you’re much less likely to see problems later in life with allergies.”

However, caution must prevail, as Asthma UK’s Dr Matthew Hallsworth points out: “There is no simple relationship between allergen exposure in early life, sensitisation to allergens and the subsequent risk of developing asthma.”

A strengthened immune system can also help protect us from the more common maladies of coughs and colds. A recent five-year survey commissioned by Cats Protection has shown that cat owners are significantly less likely to suffer the physical and emotional symptoms of the ‘winter blues’.

Study data showed that cat owners suffered 60 per cent fewer headaches, were 21 per cent less likely to catch a cold or the ‘flu, suffer fewer sleep problems and feel more able to relax, helping them be less tense, impatient or miserable.

Dr June McNicholas, a leading health psychologist, who led the study said: “The findings are quite spectacular and show that cat owners are much better equipped to deal with the depressing months of January and February.

“Medical opinion has long held that, in times of stress or anxiety, one of the most valuable assets is a supportive relationship. This study suggests that cats are just as able to provide that support as humans.”

Scientists continue to research the positive effects of cat ownership on human health and have yet to come up with a definitive reason why cats can make such a difference. Every piece of research seems to be counteracted with salient points offering alternative reasons behind the feline effect.

Other tales may lack medical research but they still show just how important and restorative a cat’s presence can be to those around them.

Photo: Louise Mudd

found that daily contact with cats, along with the usual

Feline lifelines The 2003 Cats Protection ‘Rescue Cat of the Year’ is a great success story. Mitzi was taken in by Woking & District Cats Protection and soon placed in a loving new home. A life of leisure was not considered by Mitzi as she showed a very special talent becoming a therapeutic volunteer, first on a unit for elderly patients at a local hospital and later at her current workplace, Woking and Sam Beare Hospices.

She has been an immediate hit with patients who had previously been withdrawn or depressed. She was recruited by Mary Morgan, Volunteer Services Manager, who says, “every one of our volunteers is precious and valuable … but I have to admit that Mitzi holds a particular special place on my register and is only just below Ward Sister in the hierarchy!”

Similarly, Speedy is just what the doctored ordered for her owner Christine Payne. Christine suffers from a range of health conditions including progressive spinal ataxia and epilepsy, which leaves her prone to sudden seizures. Speedy senses when Christine is about to have a seizure, alerts her parents and then sits with her until she has recovered. Her devoted companionship gave Speedy the titles of Hero Cat winner and Overall winner of Cats Protection’s Rescue Cat Awards in 2008.

Lyn Stewart from Dorset has very good reason to appreciate a stray cat she adopted. Lyn, who is disabled, is used to having her own carers but she thought that Bobby would give her something to care for. It soon turned out that Bobby would more than return the favour. One morning Lyn found herself lying in bed, unable to move. It was a catatonic trance and, no matter how much she tried to move, she could not even blink. Bobby appeared and came straight to her face, staring into her eyes. He then patted her on the mouth and this action immediately knocked her out of the paralysis.

She continues to have similar episodes and if she passes out she comes to with Bobby stroking her mouth. At night, lying on her back is, for Lyn, dangerous and Bobby has taken it upon himself to prevent this danger. Lyn explains: “He will curl up tight against my spine preventing me from lying on my back. When I need to move onto my other side he changes over. Should I remain at any stage on my back, it is the paw on mouth with a deafening purr to wake me up.”

Lyn and Christine need no official study to tell them that cats are beneficial to

Lyn Stewart and

their owners’ health – they already know their felines’ worth and the amazing

her lifeline Bobby

difference they’ve made to their lives. Whether it is scientific fact or just wishful thinking there can be no doubt that our enjoyment of life is increased by the companionship these dedicated felines provide. Perhaps it is as Niels Pedersen

Photo: Lyn Stewart

believes: “If we love and we know we’re loved, we’re going to live longer.”

pawsforthought

age-old An

question Reader Judy Smith asks how cats grow old gracefully

M

y vet loves old cats. As my beloved mother and faithful pet

So, forget pity. Just because one’s fur is thinning and one’s bowels

both negotiate their twilight years with varying degrees

aren’t as regular as they used to be doesn’t mean one cannot enjoy

of success, it is easy to see the endearing parallels. Forget

quality of life. So what exactly is “quality of life” for an old cat?

Lloyd-Webber’s image of the battle-weary Griselda climbing the rope ladder to the big litter tray in the sky, my cat broaches no such pity. She has, of course, long since stopped biffing uninvited Lotharios with her rhetorical handbag and has not been seen ‘giving it large’ for a good while, nor indeed giving it very much at all. She has, as it were, traded in her

Regular tiddling and number twos? Extra mashing of the Sheba? A stair-lift perhaps? Per-leeeeez! Rather, one prefers Classic FM, if you please, and, no, “we don’t do” cat mint. I can date this revelation precisely to the time I planted two tubs full of the stuff, unaware that I had the only cat in Christendom who not only fails to be seduced by the scent, but hates it, as the Queen would turn up her

nights on the tiles

nose at instant coffee.

for the winceyette

No, give her a whiff

and cocoa, and

of Chanel any day.

qualifies for Saga

Unfortunately, the

membership.

local nursery has yet

As I watch

to develop a hybrid

her totter along

equivalent. Very

my – correction,

remiss.

her – garden

Forget patronising

path, gone is

her, too. Just because

the swagger of her youth, when one paw would be placed precisely in front of the other, like a trained model to accentuate the sway of her drunken – while trying desperately hard to be dignified – gait, reminiscent of an old movie star with smudged pillar-box red lipstick and pencil skirt tucked obliviously into size 18

no need to shout like one’s some sort of foreign dog, or something. The simple pleasures of a pingpong ball provided – I thought – endless hours of fun during her kitten years. Now in her dotage, when I innocently toss her a ball to see whether she is still ‘interested’, she responds sympathetically, not for her own sake, you understand, but recognising that it is

knickers. The trick, of course, is to carry it off with aplomb, as any self-

good for someone of my age to have some regular mental stimulation.

respecting cat would. In reincarnation terms, she has progressed from

The love of loyal and devoted pets really is selfless, you see?

Bette Davis to Bet Lynch.

Illustration: Rasoul Hudda

hips. Instead, she has a rather

one’s a tad deaf, one’s not stupid and there’s

Wood artist Perry Lancaster talks to Tom Briggs about cat-themed carvings and why he swapped England for France

‘I love the laid-back lifestyle here and artists are much more respected than in the UK’

M

any of us have contemplated making a living out of our hobbies, while an even greater number harbour dreams of one day leaving the frankly abysmal British climate behind –

well, this was written in February – to live in another country. But how many of us have contemplated doing both? Professional woodcarver Perry Lancaster has done just that. Having developed an affection for France at an early age, Perry discovered that he also had a talent for wood sculpture and has since upped sticks to combine his two passions.

When he was approached to produce the trophies for Cats Protection’s inaugural Volunteer of the Year awards last summer, Perry completed a circle of sorts. Having traded the south of England for the south of France in 2002, it was something of a surprise to receive a call from close to where he purchased the motorbike that ultimately took him from the rolling hills of Sussex to the valleys of the picturesque Dordogne region.

The artistic process…

Photos: Perry Lancaster

Here is a quick glimpse of how Perry made the Volunteer of the Year trophy. Please note that this doesn’t show all the stages!

Perry starts by cutting a ‘blank’ of cocobolo

With the blank held in a vice, Perry starts

The tool marks are evident as the cat starts to

into rough shapes on the bandsaw

shaping the trophy with a mallet and chisel

take shape…

feature

Tour de France

sculptures ever since. “It seemed quite a nice thing to be doing and

For Perry, the move across the English Channel came somewhat serendipitously; “The girl that owned the flat I lived in decided to sell and I had always wanted to live in France anyway,” he explains. “I picked up a motorbike and toured around France with the idea of getting a place and having a holiday at the same time and, on the last day, found the perfect place.”

As soon as he was back in England, Perry made an offer and was soon in possession of a one-way ticket to the Dordogne. “I love the laid-back lifestyle here and artists are much more respected than in the UK.” He now divides his time between producing work for art galleries as well as orders and, having moved home again, renovating his second rural retreat which had previously been empty for an amazing 35 years.

“The French think you’re crazy for buying an old, abandoned property and doing it up!” he laughs. “But when you’ve moved from the UK, you’re not used to seeing old houses left.

“So many people have moved away from the countryside and into the towns, but now the British, Dutch and Parisians have moved in and it’s being regenerated which is great.”

Perry’s ‘Martha’ cats

John taught me the method that I still use today” he says.

Perry’s carvings are predominantly of cats – “they have such a range of how they position themselves which I incorporate into my work” – although he also makes a whole range of other items including birds, dolphins and polar bears. All of his creations are characterised by their smooth profiles and minimal surface detail, which allows the quality of the wood they are made from to contribute to the overall effect.

They are made from a variety of timbers including the native walnut and more exotic hardwoods such as Santos rosewood, cocobolo and Macassar ebony, all of which are seasoned beforehand to ensure that the wood is sturdy and won’t develop any faults.

“My work is stylised and has its roots in the way John Fox did things,” he explains. “After he died I tried to keep these roots in as much as possible, but with my own style too.” Indeed, one of Perry’s most popular pieces, the ‘Martha cat’ – that seems to combine art with functionality as it can be used as a ring stand! – is named after his late mentor’s own pet cat.

… and real ones!

However, it’s not all about wooden cats for Perry who has a real feline companion of his own. “When I moved here, some stray cats decided they were moving in and, even though I’m a little allergic to them, I was happy to have them around.”

Unglum – “She got the strange name because she’s so moody!”

– and Walnut – who sadly disappeared last summer – arrived within a month of Perry. As well as providing companionship and reducing the rodent population that comes as part and parcel of the rustic environment, Unglum also comes in useful when it comes to Perry’s work. “It definitely helps having her around; I work day after day on a similar design and, although no two are the same, they do start to change after too long and get a little abstract so when I see a real cat it certainly helps!”

Carved cats…

So as someone who seems to have followed his dreams, what advice

Perry’s clear affection for the countryside and its bucolic charm goes hand in hand with his lifelong love of animals and, when he met woodcarver John Fox in 1988, he discovered another affinity. Sadly, John died in 1991, but he had already made a lasting impression on Perry who was soon combining his new-found talent with his fascination for the natural world and has been producing his wood

would Perry offer to anyone thinking about doing the same? “I’m not sure I’m the best person to follow!” he laughs. “I do try and follow my dreams in a roundabout sort of way and try never to let an opportunity pass me by however small, whether that means a meal with friends on a Monday evening or moving to France on a Friday afternoon.

Obviously I would say to anyone, if you feel like doing something and you get the opportunity, do it!”

To find out more about Perry and his work, visit www.perrylancaster.com

… before it is filed down towards its

The contours of the surface are then

… before finishing oil is applied to the

final profile

smoothed down with sandpaper…

completed pieces

Playing de A day in the life of a cat behaviour counsellor

‘Corpses’ in the kitchen? Vicky Halls investigates…

W

hen visiting a client recently I was confronted with a gruesome sight. A row of furry ‘corpses’ laid out as trophies, half chewed and discarded

on the kitchen floor. There was a large, grey mouse with a couple of legs and most of its innards missing, a rabbit with no head and an unidentified pelt of some sort, far beyond recognition. Had the situation been slightly different I would have been appalled but these were the remains of stuffed toys, decimated by a beautiful Siamese called Samson with a very particular problem.

Wool eating A relatively common example of this behaviour is referred to as ‘wool eating’ and is seen usually in Siamese and other derivative breeds. Many kittens arrive in their new home already chewing and sucking their bedding, but grow out of the habit as they become adult. However for some, particularly those with restricted lifestyles or who are susceptible to stress, the habit continues well into adulthood and is highly resistant to behaviour therapy.

Researchers believe there is a genetic component to the

Pica problem

problem and that, in some way, the susceptible cat’s brain

A small percentage of the referred cases I see each year

that the act of chewing causes chemicals to be released in

concern a problem behaviour called ‘pica’. This refers

the brain giving the recipient a feeling of intense pleasure.

to the consumption of non-edible materials. Favoured

This then becomes addictive.

delicacies include wool, rubber, plastic, leather and

works slightly differently to others. One theory suggests

This problem isn’t the exclusive domain of the pedigrees

cardboard. Some cats stop short of actually swallowing

but they are certainly disproportionally represented in

the stuff and remain perfectly satisfied with chewing and

cases of pica. For example, Burmese often like to chew

tearing, causing hundreds of pounds’ worth of damage

cardboard and even, alarmingly, electric cables. This

to their owner’s property. If the cat takes the behaviour

presents a serious fire hazard and risk to life and should

to the extreme, it will consume the material and risk

never be considered a charming idiosyncrasy.

emergency surgery to remove the resulting blockage from its intestines. This is not a cheap problem and it can potentially cause years of misery for owner and cat alike.

Samson – the Siamese In the case of Samson, there was a number of other issues that we needed to address. His owner was extremely fortunate as the target of his pica was highly specific: fur

Vicky Halls is a registered Veterinary Nurse and has worked closely with cats since 1988 in rescue centres and veterinary practices.

She started seeing behavioural cases whilst managing a veterinary practice and in 1995 was invited by Dr Peter Neville to work on his behalf as an associate of his practice. In 1998 she became a member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors and now consults mainly in London and the Home Counties dealing with the high demand for her specialist cat behaviour counselling.

Vicky is a member of FAB’s Feline Behaviour Expert Panel and the author of the bestselling Cat Confidential, Cat Detective, The Complete Cat and Cat Counsellor.

For more information see Vicky’s website at www.vickyhalls.net

fabric toys filled with Kapok. The stuffing he discarded – thankfully – by pulling and spitting it onto the floor and he even had the good sense to eat around the plastic eyes!

We agreed that we would allow him to have toys acquired from jumble sales and charity shops and, providing they only contained the appropriate stuffing and all plastic attachments were removed, these would satisfy his craving without risking the addiction spreading to more costly items – cashmere sweaters are traditionally a big favourite.

Interestingly, despite not treating this problem specifically, the behaviour modification programme put in place to reduce Samson’s stress levels resulted in a dramatic reduction in his stuffed toy habit.

healthcheck

detective…

Suitable deterrents

Prevention is better than cure

Not all pica habits represent serious addictions. For those cats that idly

As there is some evidence to suggest that pica can have an inheritable

chew rather than actively seek-out-and-consume it is often possible to

component, the responsibility lies with the breeders to be aware of it

deter them by using Olbas Oil – eucalyptus oil – or Bitter Apple – used

in their progeny and adjust their breeding lines accordingly. If owners

to deter animals from chewing at surgical sutures – to coat the item

have cats that develop or maintain this habit, it is essential to inform

of choice.

the breeder for just this reason. It is wrong to trivialise this issue, given the risk of intestinal blockage and the excessive distress and financial

Environmental stimulation Many cats that develop this habit maintain it into adulthood if they have little or no access outdoors. These cats need a great deal of stimulation indoors to give them things to do that are more rewarding

burden it places on the owners. Potential purchasers of pedigrees should certainly be aware that pica is a problem in certain breed lines and research their chosen kitten accordingly.

than consuming leather, for example. The ideal solution is free access

Non-pedigrees can chew too!

outdoors; if this isn’t possible then a secured garden or outside pen is

Pica is not the exclusive domain of the Orientals; all cat owners should

the second best option.

be aware of the signs. A good old moggy can chew a plastic bag or two under the right circumstances.

Dietary changes Diets high in fibre that make the cat feel full may be helpful in reducing the motivation to perform the behaviour, particularly if the items are invariably swallowed. Vets can recommend diets that would be suitable for this purpose. Some cats benefit from the provision of cooked lamb or beef knucklebone with residual gristle and meat on them, however, in my experience, cats that consume plastic and other man-made materials are not automatically drawn to something so obviously meaty. Small dog hide chews can be attractive to some particularly if they are soaked first in hot water and anointed with a

I have seen a number of domestic cats over the years that have indulged in rubber chewing, polythene eating and cardboard tearing.

The owners managed to resolve the situation in most instances by removing all materials that promoted the behaviour, reducing stress and providing a stimulating lifestyle that included access outdoors.

However not all picas are quite what they seem so any unusual eating habits should be discussed with the vet straight away.

If a cat starts to eat cat litter or lick concrete, for example, this can be an indication of ill health.

few drops of fish sauce or similar strong flavour. Green wood twigs can also be appealing but care should be taken not to choose sticks from trees that are potentially poisonous to cats.

Referral to a counsellor If cats do not grow out of this problem by the time they are adult, it is likely to remain a problem for life, particularly if they are kept indoors or with other cats. Although this behaviour is difficult to cure it is still worth the owner consulting a specialist, who will assess the cat’s lifestyle and attempt to reduce or remove any significant behaviourist – may prescribe a tricyclic antidepressant that will work alongside the behaviour therapy to ‘retrain’ the cat’s brain. Drugs such as Clomicalm (clomipramine hydrochloride) or Prozac (fluoxetine) are frequently used with variable results. This problem has a profound effect on the owner’s lifestyle as well as the cat’s. It is very hard to live ‘fabric-free’ and almost impossible to deny your cat access to all the variety of potential targets.

Photo: istockphoto.com/Skip O’Donnell

stressors. The referring veterinary surgeon – or veterinary

Feline fine in the

With food getting more expensive, why not try growing your own fruit and veg at home? Our gardening expert Graham Clarke shows you how…

R

emember The Good Life? The 1970s sitcom featured Tom and Barbara

UÊ Home-grown produce is infinitely fresher

to garden organically, you are putting

than shop-bought and remember that

across a generally ‘healthy’ message for

self-sufficient – growing everything they

some vegetables and fruits – especially

the planet.

needed for food and all in their garden in

if you buy them out of their normal

leafy Surbiton! Even though the series was

growing season – will have flown half-

incredibly popular, it wasn’t enough to kick-

way across the planet to get to the

start a particularly significant ‘grow-your-

shops here.

Good and their endeavours to become

own’ trend and certainly nothing like the one

UÊ Finally, growing your own food can save you money. Remember you will have to buy the seeds, the fertiliser, the compost and the hose-pipes as well

UÊ With freshness comes flavour and you can

as pest and disease controls, but even

choose to grow the more flavoursome

taking these into account, savings can

varieties; things like runner beans

be made – if you grow enough of the

and any of the Brassica family – which

right things. Tomatoes that come in

includes cabbages, cauliflower, broccoli,

abundance can save you a fortune if you

kale, Brussels sprouts and even turnips –

don’t have to buy them. But potatoes,

which tend to taste better soon after they

carrots and lettuce, for example, do not

have been picked. Growing your own also

offer particularly significant savings. On

conversation, reports were coming from all of

means that you can choose the variety

balance, therefore, growing your own is a

the other seeds firms with similar tales. Little

that suits you, rather than having to buy

good thing to do – and all the extra time

did we all think then that the grow-your-own

what the supermarket offers.

spent on your veg plot could be good

we are seeing at the moment.

Three years ago Tom Sharples, Marketing Manager at Suttons Seeds, told me that he had noticed a sharp rise in consumers growing their own vegetables. For the first time since the Second World War, he said, vegetable seeds were outselling flower seeds.

Within just a few months of that

phenomenon would explode in the way it has.

But why has this happened? There is no single factor responsible, but the popularity of growing vegetables, fruits and herbs can be summarised as follows:

UÊ It is a healthy hobby – digging a patch of ground gets the heart pumping and is

outdoor bonding time for you and your cat as well!

good aerobic exercise; also you are liable to eat more healthily and if you choose

Size doesn’t matter Gardeners with large or small gardens, or even just a window box, can grow salads, roots, brassicas and fruits. Modern gardens are so much smaller than those enjoyed by our forefathers and this, more often than not, means that there is no room for a vegetable plot.

You could apply to the council for an allotment, but these are often not available, are too far away, or just too time-consuming for our busy lifestyles. Also, you can’t easily take your cat with you! The answer is to grow vegetables at home in containers. Pots, tubs, bags, troughs, window boxes, hanging baskets – they can all be used with great results. If you feel like giving this a go in 2009, now is the time to stock up on what you need.

There is no real secret to growing good produce in containers and if you’re determined enough you can persuade just about any edible plant to grow in a container. Some plants positively thrive in them, often performing better than those planted in the open ground. Edible plants are easier to manage when they are cultivated in containers and, in many cases, there are dwarf or compact varieties that have been especially bred for growing in more confined spacing.

The following vegetables, and varieties, can certainly be grown in containers, but they will also do perfectly well in the open garden. So, even if you just have a balcony, there is no reason why you can’t try your hand at growing one of the following.

gardeningfeature I’ve just been skimming the surface

Try these!

here – there are many, many more types of

Cabbages – miniature kinds forming small heads that

zucchini. The only problem I’ve encountered

vegetable you could grow from aubergine to with cats while growing vegetables is

can be harvested before they mature. Try the varieties

that moggy will delight in scuffing up a

‘Hispi’, the autumn ‘Minicole’ and the red cabbage ‘Primero’.

nicely raked seedbed. However, this has

Cauliflowers – similarly, go for the smaller varieties,

when we didn’t have a cat ourselves and

only actually happened to me in the years neighbour’s cats did the scuffing! Even this

which can be harvested when they are tennis ball-

is easily resolved by laying a few twiggy

sized. ‘Idol’ and ‘Candid Charm’ are suitable for

branches over the seedbed and keeping them

close cropping.

there until the seeds have germinated.

As with all aspects of gardening, the

Lettuce – of all the salad crops, this is one of the

question of cat safety arises. Are there any

easiest to grow in containers. There are many different

fruit or vegetable plants that are dangerous

sizes of plants with different leaf shapes. I’ve seen

to cats? Well, the only edible plants I’ve seen

wonderful pots of ‘Blush’ – leaves tinged pink – and ‘Mini Green’ – a miniature crisphead type.

on ‘warning’ lists are tomatoes, potatoes,

Beetroot – you wouldn’t think that root crops are

herb rue – so I have not included them in

onions, peaches, apricots, avocados and the my recommendations here. It is extremely

appropriate for container-growing, but they are.

unlikely that a cat would consume sufficient

Smaller and suitable varieties for growing as mini-beet

quantities of any of these to cause him

include ‘Kestrel F1’, ‘Monaco’ and ‘Detroit 2 – Little Ball’.

damage, but you should at least be aware

Carrots – choose either round or stump-rooted carrot

from growing your own veg though, for

of the potential. Don’t let this risk deter you even if you avoided these things there are

varieties or grow more traditionally long varieties, but

plenty of alternatives for you to still enjoy

use taller containers. People growing carrots – and

The Good Life!

parsnips – for the show table even use drain pipes stood on end and filled with growing compost.

Leeks – these can actually be very successfully grown as mini or baby vegetables. Look for the ‘King Richard’ and ‘Jolant’ varieties.

Peas – grow these in as deep a container as possible and make sure the compost is well-drained. ‘Feltham First’ and ‘Meteor’ are compact varieties and ‘Half Pint’ is very dwarf.

Runner beans – these need large containers and a framework of canes to climb up. But dwarfer varieties, needing no support, are available. Look for the stringless ‘Pickwick’, ‘Hammond’s Dwarf Scarlet’ and ‘Hestia’.

Courgettes – modern varieties are suitable for pot growing. Choose the round, yellow-skinned ‘One Ball F1’ which is harvested when tennis ball-sized, or ‘Supremo’ and ‘Patriot’ which are harvested when the fruits are 6in (15cm) long.

Cucumbers – arguably best in a growing bag rather than a pot, these climbing or trailing plants are a bit more of a challenge. Make sure they get a plentiful

Peppers – sweet or bell peppers and chillies can be grown as neat, bushy plants, and usually crop very well in pots. There are dozens of varieties, but ‘Redskin’ is a fine compact form.

Photos: Graham Clarke

supply of food, water and heat.

makingmemories

What

larks

Share the memories of your beloved cats with other readers by writing to us at Making Memories, The Cat, National Cat Centre, Haywards Heath RH17 7TT. Alternatively, email editorial@cats.org.uk

Clare Hunt remembers the amusing antics of a much-loved pet

A

round 16 years ago, we were blessed with our first cat, Pippin.

a white lady cat named Snowy at the end of the street. One night, a

We chose from the litter of kittens the tiniest white fluff with

young lad was propped on the corner of the street, sharing his fish and

a streak of tabby and a bushy tail which made him resemble

chips with a greedy tabby and white boy sat at his feet – the image still

a mini Davy Crockett hat. Long after his siblings had finished dining he remained chowing down, only to stop when he dipped his paw

makes me smile.

He would sleep by my feet every night and I couldn’t rest without

unintentionally in the milk saucer to flip it in annoyance in the air. It

him there. He would start off in the bottom corner and by the middle of

was a sign of things to come.

the night I would wake, contorted with cramp, with him stretched out

He loved the great outdoors and couldn’t be housebound; there was

like Superman slap bang in the middle. He and I knew that he would

nothing he liked more than to feel the sun on his fur, chasing leaves

never be moved and I would half hang off the bed around him and go

and twigs and clambering up trees. So much so that he often point

back to sleep.

blank refused to come in at the end of the night. As we lived centrally,

We used to joke that Pips’ fur had an in-built stress relief. It was

I couldn’t rest until he was safely indoors, so would have to edge out

downy, like a rabbit’s, which he used to deposit in small white heaps

of the gate in my dressing gown to grab him – this would often result

around the house whenever he had a good scratch. That was the

in his favourite game of sitting just beyond reach then galloping into

downside and that everything you wore was always covered in fluff.

the distance when I was within a whisker. I would always win, marching

The upside was a cuddle that made all the day’s stresses dissolve in an

out into the hopefully dark street in my M&S finest; Pips bundled in my

instant, the scent of his fur buried deep against your cheek.

arms, grumbling his disdain.

Like most cats, Pippin suffered from selective deafness. He would often sit with his back to you, ignoring the outstretched hand and fussing coos, his ears twitching back like satellite dishes to the unanswered call of his name, yet he could hear a packet of ham

At just over 15 years old, we lost Pips to a road accident and we lost a true and hugely special friend. Nearly a year on, I still turn the corner and expect to see him sunning himself by the garage and then feel the same hole in my stomach when I remember why I won’t. Yet at the same time I remember being woken by a cold pink

being opened from another floor in the house – there was

nose in my face enquiring the whereabouts of breakfast

nothing he wouldn’t do for a slice of the pink stuff and he

and the best, warmest hugs and pneumatic purrs. The

was never refused.

One Christmas he was given a three-course meal, the finalé being a feline-friendly crème brûlée. In the blink of an eye he had hoovered up the wobbly dome and looked up with begging eyes

loss of a beloved cat is so great, yet the pleasure they bring over their time with you, no matter how long or short, will always, always outweigh.

for seconds and thirds.

in the path demanding a tickle of his ears. Passers by told me he was “a sound cat” and that he had been romancing

Illustration: Rasoul Hudda

Pips was renowned in the neighbourhood – he would loll out by the garages at the side of the street, often stopping pedestrians

Ali’scats

E

Alison Prince considers Paddy’s new-found sovereign status following the shed incident…

ver since his traumatic week

dirty his paws with that sort of thing. He even

imprisoned in a shed – The Cat, Winter

spurned some raw chicken the other day, on

2008 – Paddy has considered himself

the grounds that it had been in his dish for

to be a walking case of special needs –

two hours and he’d like something else. Some

particularly when it comes to food. He eats

hopes. He’s very keen on human-type food.

with serious attention and, since he doesn’t

In fact, our kitchen smells so delicious that

venture far from home, he gets very little

other cats sometimes lurk about outside,

exercise. I’m beginning to wonder, in fact,

looking hopeful.

if he isn’t getting a bit over-plump. He lies about like a Roman emperor, occasionally

An intruder calls

raising a lazy paw to wash his face and rolls

A couple of weeks ago, one of the lurkers

on his back happily when spoken to, but the

became an invader. Coming in late one

outside world has clearly lost its charm. I can’t

evening, I found the cat dishes so empty that

entirely blame him.

they looked absolutely polished. Paddy and

The whole island got buried in snow in

Fingal were grumbling a bit, so I gave them

mid-November, causing both Paddy and

their supper and wondered who had been

Fingal to stare glumly through the cat flap

in. A few days later, Paddy raised his head

and delay going out until dire necessity drove

sharply from his slumbers and listened, then

them to a patch of bare earth under the sea-

crept to the kitchen door and peeped round

holly. Why don’t I provide a litter tray, you

it. I crept as well, and switched on the light.

may ask? The answer is my cats won’t

Something large, brown and furry shot out

use one.

through the cat flap so fast that I only got

Anyway, Paddy has turned into a

a glimpse of a white hind paw. Then Fingal,

prodigious eater. He’s still choosy, though.

who had been out, came in looking ruffled

If his imagination is running along fishy

and cross and inspected the empty dishes

lines, there’s no use offering beef. And there

with marked disapproval.

are times when he is plainly yearning for something fresh and raw. Fingal has that sort of thing fairly constantly in mind, but provides himself with the odd mouse or vole.

Paddy the emperor does not

The threat of raids from cat number three has had its effect. My two tend to eat everything up rather than snacking throughout the day – but I’ve cut down the rations a bit, having found out that our marauder gets lots of food in his own house. Paddy is still a bit roly-poly, but we’re not into excesses, thank you. ‘Fat Cats’

Illustration: Alison Prince

have a bad name these days.

ts a c g n ri e b m e Rthreougm h helping others by helping others. Donations go towards pens for our This section offers readers the chance to pay tribute to a beloved cat Please send your donations to: Remembering branches, which help house cats and kittens while they wait for new homes.

Haywards Heath RH17 7TT. Tributes will be printed Cats, The Cat magazine, National Cat Centre, Chelwood Gate, errors (no more than 20 words). Thanks to in the next available issue. Please print your tribute clearly to avoid readers of The Cat, 309 pens have now been bought.

MONTY 20.10.03. Miss you every day my darling boy. Wait for me on Rainbow Bridge. Sweet Dreams – Mum x

JOEY, SAM, GINGER, CHARLIE, JASPER, GARFIELD and BUNTY. Sadly missed, I love you all. Always missed so much. Joy & Jeannie

TIMS – ‘lost’ to me since

27.01.08 and also MONTY,

LAURA, OLIVER, AMBROSE, CHERRY, PENNY, MERLIN and all of

you. Never forgotten. Love you all. Jeannie & Joy

BLACKIE (1955-1973), GILLY (1973-1991) and NEVIS

GREY CAT 16.12.08. A fine,

FURRY PURRY PTS 31.10.08

gentle cat who appeared for food

aged 21. Our beautiful sweet pea,

and affection. Died peacefully on her own patch of land.

much missed. Also remembering

CHARLIE, HENNY and POPPY. Lots of love, Mummy

In loving memory of TIMMY

and Daddy

together again. In our thoughts

Remembering CLEO 26.03.92

30.03.91 and TOPSY 27.03.96 – and hearts always and forever.

– 20.08.06 and TOBI 20.03.98 –

Love Mummy and Daddy

22.12.00. ‘Whilst we live you shall

(1991-2008). Remembering the

not die’. Gill, Rosie, Billy, Timmy,

KATEY – pretty, feisty little lady,

wonderful three in fifty-three

In loving memory of CHLÖE

always ready with a miaow and

years of cat ownership. I have

02.03.05. Our beautiful girl. In our

a purr! Now in pussy paradise.

been truly blessed. Nicola Marlow

thoughts and hearts always. Love

MR ARTHUR 19.03.96. All

Mummy, Daddy, Perry and son Leo

cats teach us something, courage

Always loved fussing you. Maria

and dignity were your gifts to me.

In memory of our beloved cat

JOHNNY – a gorgeous tomcat!

PHOEBE, who died in October

Our dearest PABLO, suddenly

Big in size and big personality!

2008. Love, Anita and Robin

taken from us on 03.10.08

Now in pussy paradise. I’ll never forget you! Maria

JACK – died 24.10.05 – my lovely black boy. Thank you for ten wonderful years. You will be remembered always. Gwen

LADY and her mischievous son BEN, reunited and causing

aged 12. Our beautiful boy will

PUSS – loyal and faithful pet; ten years have gone by and I miss

Love Mum

In loving memory of our

always be loved and missed. Still

precious DAISY, PTS 22.12.08

heartbroken, Jill & Ray xx

aged 14½. Miss you terribly my

mayhem in puddy cat heaven!

Sadly missed by the Jones family.

Cookie

Remembering BOBBY – went missing 02.04.07; greatly missed.

Hope you are happy and well. ‘Til we meet again. Peter, Sooty, Tiggy

angel. Reunited with Harry.

Love always from your family

TIGGER – beautiful, trusting and gentle. A large heart gave

In loving memory of JENNY

you more than ever. 25.04.99

door 30.03.00. Loved and missed

killed on 29.11.08 aged eight. Miss

Six wonderful years.

always, two good friends not

SALLY – went to Jesus 16.03.93 and CHLOE 17.07.06. Loved and

you desperately. Love you forever

Mum and Auntie

forgotten. Helen

remembered everyday. Mummy

darling boy. Mummy, Samedi and

05.03.00, also MITTENS next

My gentle KARMA, tragically

you, and took you from us.

Zao xxx

In loving memory of our precious SAMANTHA aged

BETH 01.06.02 – 12.11.08. Our

KITTY 27.10.08 aged 18, left a

precious little “special needs” cat,

big hole in our lives, we loved you

I miss dear BLACKIE so very

17. Still think of you constantly,

we miss you every minute of every

so much. Jean and Derek

much, I shall never forger our

forever your loving Mum

nine wonderful years together,

and Dad

day. Kim and Phil xx

best friends, greatest company

NEVIS 09.11.08, aged 17. My

BUGSY 06.01.94 aged 20. Our precious little girl, your name and

and always there for me. Now

darling third cat and loving little

manner will be forever scratched

reunited with GINGE, his dear

friend through good times and

into our hearts. Love Mom, Dad,

twin brother who died aged 16

bad. So greatly missed. Nicola

John, Topaz, Murphy and Milo

months, March 2001.

Marlow

xxxxx ½

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The Joy of Cats

By Celia Haddon

Celia Haddon is a selfologist and renowned cat lover This offering from best-selling anth the musings of celebrated Taking us on a journey through proclaimed feast of cat worship. le and Mark Twain, ardo da Vinci, Florence Nightinga historical figures including Leon cats so much. This title will er the question of why we love The Joy of Cats attempts to answ ’ side of proceedings and e who want to examine the ‘why be an instant hit, both with thos use’. have already settled on the ‘beca the cat lovers of this world who Tom Briggs

by Hodder & Stoughton The Joy of Cats (£7.99) is published 6000) (www.hodder.co.uk Tel: 020 7873

Dewey – the small town library cat who touched the world

By Vicki Myron

fame after being t a cat who achieved world-wide This is a heart-warming read abou g kitten. Vicki Myron paints slot of his local library as a youn abandoned in the book returns Iowa, charting the local life and that of a small town in an evocative picture of both her ptional cat made. the unique contribution this exce community’s ups and downs and re film adaptation and there is soon to be a featu Dewey’s legacy lives on in this book starring Meryl Streep.

Francesca Watson address marked ‘Dewey’ to give away, send your entry and We have three copies of this book h RH17 7TT Chelwood Gate, Haywards Heat to The Cat, National Cat Centre, .99 Hardback) is published cat who touched the world (£14 Dewey – the small town library dder.co.uk Tel: 020 7873 6000)

by Hodder & Stoughton (www.ho

There are cats in this book

By Viviane Schwarz

tions and they can’t ne Schwarz’s fun-loving feline crea Moonpie, Tiny and André are Vivia urging you to turn the the three playful friends appear, wait to meet you! On each page pillow fights, hide ’n’ them in their colourful world of pages, flip open the flaps and join ly quirky and full of e are cats in this book is gorgeous seek and floods of fish waves! Ther both young and old. smile to the faces of cat-lovers interactive fun that will bring a Gemma Bather 9) is published by Walker Books There are cats in this book (£9.9 0909) (www.walker.co.uk Tel: 020 7793

How to Own a Human Read by Ellen Dryden and Brian

Hewlett

for cats. There are stories, tion of writings about cats and How to own a human is a selec for cats on how to train s interspersed with instructions poems, proverbs, quotes and fable ts and children alike. rtaining audio CD perfect for adul their humans. This is a lively, ente Francesca Watson published by Crimson Cats How to Own a Human (£9.99) is 9 854 888) (www.crimsoncats.co.uk Tel: 0137