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LOVERS!
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UK’S FAVOURITE CAT MAGAZINE FOR OVER 37 YEARS £4.99 OCTOBER 2018 n ISSUE 487

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2 TEDDY BEAR TIMES

Expert behaviour advice

 44

theinsidetrack
October 2018 l Issue 487
To reach us: Call +44 (0)1903 884988.
Or write to: The Editor, Cat World,
PO Box 2258, PULBOROUGH RH20 9BA
Great Britain
4 MEWS ROUND 50 BIG CAT TREK
email: support@ashdown.co.uk Felines making headlines Adventurers unite for big challenge
Website: www.catworld.co.uk
US office: Ashdown Inc., 68132 250th
6 OSTEOARTHRITIS 53 SHOW DATES
Avenue, Kasson, MN 55944, USA. Detecting and treating in cats Upcoming shows in the UK & Ireland
Tel: 507 634 3143
email: usoffice@ashdown.co.uk
10 SENIOR CATS 54 BOARDING HOUSE DIARY
Life in old age Some new residents arrive
Editor: Jill Mundy
email: jill@ashdown.co.uk 12 INDOOR SAFETY 56 AID FOR APRIL
Advertisement sales: Common household hazards Charity help for injured cat
UK office: Maria Fitzgerald
Email: maria@ashdown.co.uk 16 JOINT HEALTH 58 THE PURRING EFFECT
US office: Sara Vix Benefits of supplements Cats purr for more than one reason
Email: sara@ashdown.co.uk
Design: Richard Jennings & 20 A-Z OF LITTER 60 CONFESSIONS OF A CAT LOVER
Wendy Crosthwaite How to choose for your cat Two’s company, three’s a crowd
Subscriptions: 24 ON THE EDGE 62 PASHA & TANNI
UK: support@ashdown.co.uk
Family growing pains Making the most of things
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Published by ashdown.co.uk. ISSN 0961 - 0944 25 KEEPING MOBILE 63 FUN PAGE
Distributed to the newstrade by Comag.
Senior cats and mobility Cat-themed puzzle time
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European and worldwide prices will be The deplorable lion trade New from Malcolm Welshman
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details at www.catworld.co.uk or please 32 NATURAL AGEING 66 NATURAL HEALTH
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scriptions are handled by us at CW.
34 CONSERVATION 68 CATS AND HISTORY
The Asiatic Cheetah Dr Samuel Johnson’s fine cat
www.catworld.co.uk 36 CELEBRATION 70 ASK THE EXPERTS
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41 FERAL CATS
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42 TAMING THE WILD
rights worldwide, in all forms and in all media.
Pat finds patience pays off
© copyright ashdown.co.uk
44 MEET THE BREED
Ever enchanting Ragdoll

2 C AT W O R L D
afurrywarmwelcome 6

As Autumn arrives, life begins

to slow down a little but not be-
fore a flurry of activity getting
gardens tidied up and patio
furniture stored away until next
year. Spare a thought for any
wandering cats while you are
closing shed and garage doors
as it is easy for them to become trapped.
This time of year usually brings sunshine
and showers, blustery days blowing the
leaves off the trees and a slight nip in the air.
There are still plenty of days to be enjoyed
outside so make the most of them with your
furry friends - it has been such a good sum-
mer that the winter may well pay us back big
time. As usual, we will have plenty of advice
over the coming months for keeping kitties
safe indoors and out.
Safety is a luxury some of our big cats,
from whom our fab felines descend, are not
easily afforded, with an increase in trading for
body parts, loss of natural habitat and illegal
poaching. We have some interesting articles
about conservation this month plus an in-
sight into a challenging mountain trek from
someone who will be taking part dressed as
a lion - yes really! Let’s roar in support of cats
everywhere, big and small…long may they
continue to give us joy and friendship. 12 36
Till next month

Jill & the team

Want to write or report 50
for CW? We’d love to
hear from you. Email
jill@ashdown.co.uk

72 GORDY & ME
All the cats hate me…
74 CATS ON THE COUCH
Toileting troubles explained
77 SAFETY OUTSIDE
‘Look before you lock’ warning
78 KITTY CRAFT
Seasonal crafts for you to make
82 TAIL END
When we needed it most…

C AT W O R L D
3
 THE MEWS ROUND
OUR ROVING REPORTERS BRING YOU ALL THE CAT NEWS, GOSSIP, HEALTH AND MORE. EMAIL JILL@ASHDOWN.CO.UK

Seniors
are harder
to rehome
The RSPCA has
revealed that it
can take twice
as long to find a home for a cat
over the age of three than it does
a kitten. They currently have 59
Uproar over lion killings
older cats at their national centres Far from trying to conserve the spe-
and are urging prospective adop- cies, it would seem, the South African
ters to choose an older cat. Government has recently increased
RSPCA cat welfare expert Sam the number of lions it will allow to be
Watson said: “We would encour- killed for bone exports to 1500 from
age anyone looking to adopt a cat 800…a shocking increase.
to consider rehoming an older Cathrine S Nyquist, founder and
model who really needs a sec- managing director at Panthera Africa, than ever to continue our dedicated
ond chance. Many older cats can commented: “The new decision on work to change this industry and edu-
make wonderful, playful and lov- increasing the export quota of lions cate on the importance of protecting
ing companions but are usually from 800 to 1500 has shocked us and the lions and Mother Earth. As they say,
less intense than kittens. These just clearly shows that there is an enor- it is the darkest before the dawn, so
seniors can sometimes need a mous amount of work still to be done lets hope the sun is soon rising!”
little more care, medicine and in both spreading awareness as well as The big cat conservation charities
could require a special diet but getting people to recognise the lion as really need help and support from the
they will make such rewarding the King of Africa and a majestic being, public to ensure such disgraceful treat-
companions.” not a commodity to exploit for egos ment of these magnificent animals is
Cats like Isaac Newton (pic- and money! We are more determined brought to an end.
tured), a 17-year-old ginger
and white cat who really enjoys
company, or 16-year-old Gracie
SENSE garden
who loves lots of strokes and In last month’s magazine we incorrectly said the
snuggles. Both are currently with SENSE garden article was written by Jill Mundy
the RSPCA. when it was in fact written by Sonja K Steiner.
If you still need convincing, see Huge apologies to Sonja. This was such an inter-
our senior cat care features in this esting article. Please support BCWR if you can
issue. - Katie works tirelessly to help the cats in her care
but debts are mounting. www.bcwr-kittens.co.uk

Baggie keeps cool

I thought you might like this picture of Baggie
(left) our Selkirk Rex who was feeling very re-
laxed during the heatwave in July!
Janet Newman, Southampton

4 C AT W O R L D
 Gumtree change
pet policy
The online classified website
and app, Gumtree, is usually well
known for its ‘free to all’ advertis-
ing policy, making it easy to ad-
vertise any item, including pets.
On 7th August they announced
they had introduced a compulso-
ry paywall in a bid to discourage
the casual trading of animals. Any-
one wishing to place an advert in
their Pets category will now be
required to pay a nominal fee.
Gumtree’s General Manager
Cats tick the box Matt Barham said: “For the first
time in our 18-year history, we
We already know that because it makes them it seems, just can’t resist have taken the deliberate and
cats love to play or hide feel happy and safe. Cats this ‘virtual box’ and purposeful step to shift away from
in a cardboard box - they are not lovers of open there are photos galore our traditional ‘free for all users’
can have hours of fun. spaces. of cats sitting happily in- model in the Pets category in a
And just watch them do The latest feline side a square taped onto bid to rid Gumtree of illegal pets
the same with your suit- sensation on Twitter is the middle of a floor. trading.”
case when you’re trying #CatSquare - a square So if you want to make Canada’s leading online clas-
to pack! But they will also marked out on the floor kitty feel safe, give her a sifieds site Kijiji – part of the eBay
choose to sit in a box with coloured tape. Cats, box. classifieds Group, which includes
Gumtree – introduced a similar
paywall policy on a part of their
platform in 2014 which proved
RSPCA Vet joins
PAWS FOR
successful in reducing incidents
Cats Protection of abuse.

THOUGHT
Cats Protection has appointed James
Yeates as its new Chief Executive.
James, who is Chief Veterinary Of-
ficer at the RSPCA, will take up his
role at Cats Protection on 1 Novem- ‘Cats are
ber and will lead the cat charity at an
exciting time in its development. rather delicate
Cats Protection currently helps around 200,000 cats
each year and James will lead efforts to expand its
creatures and
rehoming, neutering, education and advocacy work to they are sub-
help many more cats in the future.
As a qualified vet with degrees in Veterinary Sci- ject to a good
Missing Sonny
ence and Bioethics, as well as a PhD, James is experi- many different
enced in ensuring the good welfare of all animals. He This is our cat Sonny. I love how
has been at the RSPCA since 2012 and owns a tor- ailments but this photo reflects his character;
toiseshell cat called Monkey. cheeky, clever and great fun.
Linda Upson, Cats Protection’s Chairman of Trustees
I have never He brought so much love and
said: “I am delighted that we are welcoming James to heard of one laughter into our lives but sadly
Cats Protection. His extensive knowledge of the animal he was killed when hit by a car
welfare sector, coupled with his love of cats, will make who suffered a few weeks ago. Always in our
him a great addition to our existing senior manage- from insomnia.’ memory.
ment team.” Sarah Trout
Joseph Wood Krutch

C AT W O R L D
5
 FELINE HEALTH

Detecting and treating

Osteoarthritis in cats
Osteoarthritis progresses slowly and gradually so that it
often isn’t noticed until the symptoms are quite severe
but there is plenty you can do to help

BY SARAH CANEY BVSC PHD DSAM(FELINE) MRCVS, RCVS SPECIALIST IN FELINE MEDICINE

O
steoarthritis, com- joints, most often hip and any signs of arthritis is critical. There
monly referred to as knee. Injury or trauma can are a few questions that you can ask
‘arthritis’, is a sig- also increase the chances yourself while you are watching your
nificant cause of pain of earlier development of cat go about its normal daily routine.
and discomfort, resulting in arthritis and while obe- For example:
decreased mobility and a sity itself may not cause l Is your cat just as able to go up and
reduction in quality of life. arthritis, increased weight down stairs, use the cat flap, or jump
Arthritis involves a grad- can add unnecessary onto or off surfaces as it used to?
ual loss of function in the stress to joints, accelerat- l Is your cat just as keen and enthusi-
synovial joint - these are ing the debilitating impact astic to play, to climb trees and fences
joints that allow for move- of arthritis. and use scratching posts?
ment. Where the bones meet to form We know from published studies l Does your cat still access its high
a synovial joint, the bones’ surfaces that the bony changes, typical of ar- vantage points or has it started to use
are covered with smooth cartilage (a thritis, are very common. In one study, lower, easier-to-access places?
flexible connective tissue), to cushion 90% of cats aged 12 years and over l Is your cat as flexible as it used to
them where they meet to form the had radiographic (X-ray) evidence be when grooming itself? If it becomes
joint. This joint also has a membrane, of joint disease1. More recent studies painful to turn around and to groom
surrounding the ends of the bones, have shown radiographic evidence certain areas of the body, then the coat
which contains synovial fluid that helps of arthritis in the limb joints affecting can become matted and scruffy or the
the joint move smoothly. Most joints between 60% and over 90% of cats1. cat may groom itself less often.
in the body are synovial joints, such So clearly a lot of cats out there have l Does your cat still enjoy you groom-
as the shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, a degree of arthritis, that may not be ing or stroking it or does it move away/
wrists, ankles and even toe joints; all obviously affecting their ability to get show displeasure?
are susceptible to arthritis. around but it does highlight how com- l Have you noticed any toilet accidents
Arthritis occurs when the cushion- mon this condition is. due to difficulty getting outside or dif-
ing cartilage covering the ends of the There are many challenges that we ficulty getting into a high-sided litter
bones gets damaged or wears away, face when it comes to diagnosing and tray?
causing inflammation and pain. Arthri- treating this condition in cats espe- Judging activity in cats can be dif-
tis can be caused by a number of dif- cially. Cats tend to subtly change their ficult because we think it’s normal for
ferent conditions but primarily, it’s due behaviour to compensate for a lack a cat to be sleeping a lot of the day. If,
to wear and tear and use of those joints of mobility and to hide pain. It is often when you reflect about your cat’s activ-
over a long period. only in advanced stages of arthritis that ity compared to previous years, you
There are some factors, however the owner notices that something is not think they are less active, this could be
that may increase the risk of your cat right with their pet. a sign of arthritis. Other signs to look
developing arthritis. These factors out for include a stiff or stilted gait, or
include things like breed type; some Be a detective a limp.
breeds are genetically predisposed to So from an owner’s perspective, un- The only definite way of diagnosing
having abnormal development of their derstanding how to spot if your cat has arthritis in your cat is by X-ray, how-

6 C AT W O R L D
 FELINE HEALTH

“Judging activity in cats can be difficult because we think

it’s normal for a cat to be sleeping a lot of the day.”
ever if your cat is showing any signs l Weight control is really important an appropriate level for the cat (ensur-
that indicate it may have the beginning because being overweight puts more ing it is secure).
of arthritis, your vet or vet nurse will of a burden on joints. l Make sure that you offer your cat a
be able to suggest some options that l Provide a bed that the cat can just litter tray, even if it previously preferred
will make life easier for your cat and, walk on and walk off or some steps up to go outside to urinate and defecate.
where appropriate, help to reduce the to your cat’s favourite resting place. The ideal litter tray has a low access
pain associated with OA. l Raise the food and water bowls to point, is open, and roomy. Changing
relieve the pressure on spine and the litter to a soft, sandy clumping type
How to help elbows. You can purchase raised bowls will be more comfortable for the cat to
So what can you do at home to help from pet shops or simply put the feed stand on and easy to keep clean.
your cat? bowl on an upturned bowl or a box at l If your cat is having difficulty getting

C AT W O R L D
7
 FELINE HEALTH

out of doors through a cat flap, perhaps there are many cats that may still be l Sarah Caney is an internationally rec-
you can leave a door open for your cat in significant discomfort and this is ognised specialist in feline medicine
at certain times of day or accompany where anti-inflammatory/pain-relief who has worked as a feline-only vet for
them outside. But make sure they have medications have a role to play. Some more than twenty years. She trained as
all the things they need inside at all medications are better than others for a specialist at the University of Bristol
times, such as food, water and a litter long-term treatment of cats in chronic and is one of fourteen recognised
tray. arthritic pain and your vet will be the specialists in feline medicine work-
l Encourage play and stimulation. best person to offer advice and pre- ing within the UK. Sarah has written or
There are all sorts of toys your cat can scribe the most appropriate pain relief. co-written four books published by
play with, some combine feeding with A combined use of diet and exercise her business Vet Professionals, includ-
play such as little puzzle feeders. This can also be useful in helping to reduce ing ‘Caring for an elderly cat’. Sarah
exercise is good for mental function the dose of anti-inflammatories/pain conducts online owner surveys and
in older cats and can help delay the relief medication that may be needed. has published much of her research
onset of cognitive dysfunction (‘brain So in summary, arthritis in cats is a results in the Journal of Feline Medi-
fog’) and improve mobility. very common condition but it can be cine and Surgery. Her website is www.
All these are very simple things that hard to spot gradual changes. Try to vetprofessionals.com
you can do to make life a bit easier for look at your cat critically every now
your arthritic cat. It is also worthwhile and then, maybe keep a diary to moni-
discussing with your vet whether a tor your cats’ enthusiasm to do certain
specially designed mobility diet or things, monitor for any changes in your 1 ISFM 2018, Arthritis and degenerative joint
joint supplements might be helpful. cat’s agility or behaviour - and if you disease in cats, viewed 11th May 2018,
Whilst environmental modifications spot any changes, don’t hesitate to dis- icatcare.org/advice/cat-health/arthritis-and-
can be of great benefit to our cats, cuss them with your vet or vet nurse. degenerative-joint-disease-cats

8 C AT W O R L D
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 SENIOR CAT CARE

Keeping cats looking

good and living well
As our cats approach their senior years, changes to their
health and daily routine are inevitable that but with the
appropriate care, many can live well into their teens

BY DR LINDA SIMON, MVB, MRCVS

A
s cats get older it is inevitable together. They can find it tricky to use become more prevalent with age,
that they will begin to suffer with litter trays as they used to and many including chronic kidney disease,
certain health issues, many of owners find that they need to purchase hyperthyroidism and some cancers.
which will mean that they need trays with lower lips and move trays Once cats reach their teenage years, a
more care and attention than they ever to more accessible locations that are veterinary check-up every six months
did before. A cat can be considered lower down and downstairs. is advised. Their weight and muscle
‘senior’ when they are about 11-14 Similarly, with sore backs and hips, mass can be recorded and it may
years old, with cats over the age of 15 cats find it increasingly difficult to be a good idea to have their blood
classified as ‘geriatric’. groom as they used to. Their fur may and urine sampled at the same time.
The process of ageing can take become matted, so in order to prevent Kidney disease can now be detected
a big toll on a cat, just like it can on this, they should be groomed gently earlier than ever via a new blood test
people. Their hearing, sense of smell with a brush on a daily basis. Ar- that checks for a biomarker called
and eyesight worsen, often meaning thritic kitties may begin to ‘heat seek’ ‘SDMA’. If picked up early, we can im-
that we need to modify our homes for - searching for the warmest part of the prove an affected kitty’s quality of life
them. Their routine should be kept as home to help ease any aching joints. and increase their life span by modify-
consistent as possible and the house- Heated cat beds can be a great help, ing their diet and via the use of certain
hold furniture should not be moved and many modern pet beds are also medications and diet supplements.
around too much. Food and water designed with thick, padded foam; During these old age check-ups,
bowls should be kept in the same similar to an orthopaedic mattress for many clinics will now also offer a blood
place and filled up at the same time humans. It’s always worth discussing pressure check. Assessing a cat’s
each day. degenerating mobility with your vet blood pressure regularly is important
Many cats become fussy with their as a high number of our feline friends because cats with hypertension may
food as they get older but try warm- will benefit from joint supplements and not show any symptoms at all. Daily
ing it up to help release the aromas; a pain relief medication. tablets can reduce blood pressure
handy trick that can increase the appe- As cats spend more time indoors, to normal levels. This is so important
tite of a cat with a poor sense of smell. their claws can become overgrown. because uncontrolled high blood pres-
Osteoarthritis is incredibly common Elderly cats tend to have very thick sure can lead to a number of prob-
in elderly cats, with one prominent claws and these can curl around and lems, including sudden blindness and
study claiming that over 90% of teen- grow into their pads if not trimmed seizures.
age cats have some degree of arthritis. regularly. Claw clipping should be While our senior cats may need a
Stiff joints make it more difficult to stay introduced early in a cat’s life to ensure little extra TLC than before and will
balanced when jumping and to run that they will tolerate this ‘alien’ proce- likely start visiting the vet more often,
away from trouble quickly. This tends dure. most felines can live well into their
to mean that an older cat stays closer On top of the natural deterioration teens while still enjoying a very good
to the house or stops going outside al- that occurs over time, certain diseases quality of life.

“The process of ageing can take a big toll on a cat, just like it can on people.”
10 C AT W O R L D
SENIOR CAT CARE

C AT W O R L D
11
 INDOOR SAFETY

Not all hazards for

cats are outside
When we think of cats getting injured or maybe poisoned,
we often imagine accidents outside but there are potential
dangers in our own homes that we should be aware of

BY CORINNE MANSFIELD

C
ats have nine lives for a rea- sure you close the doors of washing Detergents etc.
son…we regularly read stories machines and tumble dryers and While most cats are fussy about
of flighty felines that have put check inside them before filling with what passes their lips and so are un-
themselves in a dangerous clothes and switching on. Cats have likely to drink any cleaning fluids, it is
position and need to be rescued. They been known to go through a wash cy- wise to be cautious. If a bottle leaked
just seem to have a knack of finding cle and survive but no-one would ever or a top was loose and the bottle got
trouble and certainly keep our animal want their cat to suffer such trauma. knocked over, the cat could tread in
rescue services and veterinary sur- the fluid then ingest some of it during
geons busy all year round. Oven-top hobs the process of grooming himself.
It’s been a wonderful summer Ideally, cats shouldn’t be allowed to Always make sure lids are replaced
here in the UK but it won’t be long wander on kitchen work surfaces for tightly and keep anything like clean-
before our thoughts turn to autumn, hygiene reasons. However, a cat will ers, bleach, disinfectant and tablets for
darker evenings and our feline friends usually go where a cat wants to go and washing machines and dishwashers in
spending a little more time indoors. Of we can’t always be at home with them a secure cupboard.
course, we love their company! What 24/7 so if you have been using the
we don’t want is for them to hurt them- hob, close the kitchen door to make Sewing items
selves or become ill while spending sure your cat doesn’t have the oppor- Whether you sew as a hobby or just
time in the house. tunity to take a jump up and discover have a basic repair kit, needles and
Some cats are kept as indoor pets just how painful burnt paws can be. thread left lying around may get stuck
all the time, rarely having any ac- in a paw or could be swallowed which
cess to the outdoors. This is often a Irons and other electrical items can lead to threads getting wrapped
conscious decision by the owner to Don’t wander off and leave your iron around the cat’s tongue. Keep such
reduce the risks of the cat ending up and board unattended while the iron is items in a secure box.
in a serious situation away from their warming up. Take care to store the flex
home. Security and safety are impor- safely as a cat’s inquisitive paw may Christmas decorations
tant to all cat owners and kittens in give it a tug. Even when cold, it could Although we won’t be getting these
particular are very inquisitive, poking inflict some hefty injuries. out for a while, some stores start sell-
their tiny noses and paws into all sorts It is possible to purchase an iron ing Christmas decorations almost as
of places. So here are some of the plate cover for just a few pounds that soon as the children go back to school
potential indoor hazards and ways in will allow you to store the iron away after the summer! If you are tempted
which we can prevent them. while it cools. to make a few early purchases, put
There are several options to keep them away in a box where your cat is
Washing machines flexes and wires on electrical equip- unable to reach them until you start to
When the weather outside is fright- ment, including televisions, neatly decorate your house. Tinsel in particu-
ful, the open door to a warm washing coiled out of sight, including cable ties, lar is often a major cause for concern,
machine, recently emptied or lined reels, tubes and cases. Not only are as if ingested it can become tangled in
with warm, clean items, can be an in- long wires tempting to play with but a the cat’s intestines and may need to be
viting place for a snooze. Always make young kitten may also chew them. surgically removed.

12 C AT W O R L D
 INDOOR SAFETY

“Always make sure you close the doors of

washing machines and tumble dryers.”

C AT W O R L D
13
 INDOOR SAFETY
take flight if thy find themselves in a
situation that frightens them or causes
stress. Indoors, this could be a stranger
who comes to visit, young boisterous
children if they are not used to them,
workmen, decorators, etc. If you have
plenty of spaces around your home
where your cat can feel safe, like a cat
tower with high platforms, or the top of
a wardrobe, your cat is more likely to
head there when he feels threatened
and hopefully less likely to jump out
of windows, onto worktops and hobs
or anywhere else that danger may be
lurking.
With a little forethought and organi-
sation, you can make your home as
safe as possible for your loved ones.

Case in point
Nicole Stevens, from Hitchin, Hert-
fordshire, has two young kittens, Kara
and Marley. On Wednesday July 25th,
she woke up to discover that Kara had
fallen out of her daughter’s bedroom
window on the second floor. Although
she was rushed to the vets, sadly Kara
died the following day.
Nicole said: “I would like to help
get the message out there that this can
happen. We had never seen the kittens
go near the window before but when
I got up this morning, poor Kara was
outside and was dragging her back
legs. I am shocked that an accident
like this can happen and other owners
need to be aware that their cats can fall
“If you live in a flat or have several storeys from any open window.”
to your home, it would be advisable to not While it is generally thought that cats
can right themselves if they fall from
have windows opened wide.” a height, this young kitten was clearly
injured as a result of the fall and it had
the worst possible consequences.
Dangling baubles and flickering That being said, this would have been Caroline Allen, RSPCA London vet-
lights may be too entertaining for a unbearable during our heatwave this erinary director, said: “In the summer
young kitten to resist! summer. Window screens can be months we do seem to see an increase
purchased that fix securely to your in the number of cats being brought
Windows and balconies window frames, allowing the windows into us which have fallen from a bal-
Most cats are adept climbers and to be opened so fresh air can come in cony or window.
will cope with getting in or out of an but making it impossible for a cat to “It is unfortunately a relatively com-
upstairs window if you have a high get out. Balconies can be made safer mon condition that vets see during
fence, porch or flat roof that allows ac- too with cat-proof mesh…there are a warm weather. It’s possible that when
cess up to bedroom height. However, if few companies that will measure up, distracted or playing cats may fall from
you live in a flat or have several storeys supply an install this for you. open windows and balconies from
to your home, it would be advisable Kittens are probably the most curi- many floors up, which can cause seri-
to not have windows opened wide. ous of felines but cats of any age can ous injury and even death.”

14 C AT W O R L D
 PROFESSIONAL
PARTNERS

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 HEALTH

Taking supplements
for joint health
Joint problems are more common nowadays in
our pets than they are us, with both young and
older cats being affected

BY DAWN PRIME, ANA AND AWARD WINNING RSQP

i
f your cat does get a joint problem (friction). This increase in friction can
it can significantly affect their day be caused after ligament damage,
to day life and to maintain good damage to the cartilage/abnormal
joint health is a lifetime commit- cartilage development or by a trauma
ment. So how do we do this? Well, first- such as a fracture – this is similar to
ly, it is important to give our cats the the discomfort that we humans experi-
right joint supplement, containing the ence.
right ingredients, in the right composi- Another important factor to healthy
tion that the cat will effectively absorb, joints is synovial fluid - this lubricates
getting the full benefit from the sup- (feeds) the joint, a bit like oil does on
plements which will help to support a bicycle. When the joint becomes
the joints – sounds easy doesn’t it? inflamed, then the synovial fluid be-
Well let’s try and understand it. comes less effective, which in turn re-
A joint supplement is a neutraceuti- duces its feeding of the joint, causing
cal - neutraceuticals are substances stiffness and pain. In response to this
that are required for the normal body pain the cat’s body tries to stabilise
structure and function. Neutraceuti- the joint by building new bone around Why do we give joint
cals are given orally in a purified form it - leading to the cat suffering from supplements?
which can help improve the health further pain and stiffness. Well, giving a cat joint supplements
and the well-being of the cat. How- Some signs are obvious but some- can help maintain healthy joints by
ever it’s important to remember that times signs of joint problems are more stimulating the cartilage. These sup-
it’s not medication but a feed supple- subtle. plements, containing different ingredi-
ment which is designed to support the l Signs to look out for include: ents, also help support the joint.
healthy function of a joint. Look at your l Limping Glucosamine is one of the main sub-
cat now, and imagine that inside the l General stiffness stances involved in the joint cartilage,
cat’s joint, the bone surface is covered l The cat has difficulty getting up and with its main action being to stimulate
with a thin layer of smooth cartilage jumping the formation of new cartilage and
which is lubricated with a small amount l General changes in behaviour help promote the production of col-
of joint fluid. This joint fluid allows the l Licking a limb or joint - this could be lagen in the cartilage – with glucosa-
bones to glide quite freely over one a sign of the cat being in pain mine hydrochloride being the purest
another with minimum friction. l Sleeping more form of supplement, giving the cat the
The most common joint problem is l Restlessness, as the cat cannot get greatest benefit. Glucosamine also has
arthritis - this is normally seen in older comfortable in one position a mild anti-inflammatory effect with
cats but it can develop in younger cats These are the obvious tell-tale signs many companies pairing glucosamine
too. Cats that have got arthritis can suf- but if there’s another symptom that’s with chondroitin, as the two substances
fer discomfort, as the cartilage within not on the list and you are worried, have complementary benefits.
the joint becomes less smooth and this then please go to your veterinary Chondroitin adds the elasticity
results in the bones rubbing together surgeon. element to the joints and gives the car-

16 C AT W O R L D
 HEALTH

“The most common joint problem is arthritis - this is normally

seen in older cats but it can develop in younger cats too.”

tilage in the joint its shock absorbing Vitamin E can be added in the Remember, it is most important that
properties. The action of chondroitin joint supplement as this supports the we follow the recommended strength
perfectly complements the actions of normal structure of the joint’s carti- and give the correct dosage - as some
glucosamine and the result is a healthy lage. Zinc has the properties to heal joint supplements need a loading dose
joint. the body and is also required for the to ensure that the active ingredient
Other ingredients that can be found production of collagen; as I’ve already reaches a beneficial level in the cat’s
in joint supplements include: explained, collagen is the main sup- system - before the cat goes down to a
Green lipped muscle. This contains portive protein found in the cartilage, maintenance dose for long term use.
a large number of active substances ligaments and tendons in the joint. As owners it is important that if we
which can help relieve stiffness and So what do we need to look out for? have any concerns about our cat’s
can improve joint mobility. Firstly they are available pretty much joints then we seek veterinary advice.
Joint supplements can also contain everywhere and come in many differ- Sadly, joint problems like arthritis are
omega-3 fatty acids, similar to those ent forms, like a chewable tablet, liquid unable to be reversed; however the
found in human supplements; these or as a powder in a capsule. These can discomfort that the cat feels can be
can aid in an anti-inflammatory action be given as a treat, be mixed with food managed and they can continue to
to help soothe stiff joints. or ingested directly into the cat’s mouth. lead a good quality of life.

C AT W O R L D
17
 Emerisle - RAGDOLLS
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Available in a range of standard sizes, however, we’re well known for
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dog kennels, bird aviaries and poultry housing.
Other examples of our cat chalets and bespoke runs -
Visit our
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18 C AT W O R L D
 Hillier Garden Centre, Dept. CW10, Woodhouse Lane, Botley
Nr. Southampton SO30 2EZ. Tel: Botley (01489) 781260/781811

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C AT W O R L D
19
 A-Z OF LITTER

We’ve come a long way

from soil and newspaper
With so much choice when it comes to cat litter, what type
you choose for your cat can depend on several different
factors and you may need to reach a compromise

BY MANDY WILLETT

O
nce upon a time, litter trays were gloves when cleaning the litter tray as
lined with newspaper and soil. several bacteria present in cat faeces
Over the years there have been can be harmful to humans, particularly
more and more different cat those with weakened immune systems
litters introduced to the market so that or pregnant women.
it can be quite baffling. Factors such
as where you live, whether or not you C - Clumping
drive, your budget and personal pref- A litter that forms into clumps when
erence will all need to be considered wet is the easiest type of litter to
but at the end of the day, your cat may manage but it can also cling to a cat’s fur and may end up anywhere in your
well have the deciding vote. paws, meaning it gets transferred on home. If you have a long-haired cat,
to your floors. It also gives off a dust you may prefer to stick with a heavier
A - Availability that could be breathed in by pets and type of litter that won’t be carried far
Once a cat is happy with a type of humans alike - something to be wary from the tray.
litter it won’t be too happy to change of for anyone with breathing problems.
so make sure that the litter you choose G - Gel
is readily available to you and not D - Disposal Favoured by some and hated by
about to be taken off the shelves. How easy a litter is to dispose others, silica gel litter can be more
of should be carefully considered convenient for owners as it lasts longer
B - Bacteria as some can be quite heavy when than most other litters before it needs
It is very important to wear rubber dirty. Litters are available that can be changing, although it does need stir-
flushed down the toilet and this may ring to prevent pools of urine forming.
suit your lifestyle better. Cats, however, can find the crystals
uncomfortable on their paws and may
E - Environment refuse to use the tray as a result.
We are all so aware of the
effects of global warming these H - Hygiene
days and manufacturers have re- Hygiene is of course very important
invented some products to be for you and your cat. Cats do not like
more environmentally friendly. to use a soiled tray so make sure solid
Biodegradable litters can be waste is removed daily and the litter is
made from a variety of products replaced with a fresh supply and the
and can be either recycled or tray cleaned out on a regular basis.
composted when used.
I - Internet
F - Fur The internet has made comparing
The light and dusty types of cat goods of a similar type before placing
litter are prone to clinging to a cat’s an order much easier. You may want

20 C AT W O R L D
 A-Z OF LITTER

to look online at some of the various she has been using so that you can tray on carpet as it will make it easier
options, read about the products and hopefully use the same at home. Any- to keep the area around the tray clean.
consumer reviews before making your thing familiar to the kitten will help her
decision about which litter or tray to to settle in with you more easily. N - No clumps
buy. Do remember though that just be- Non-clumping cat litter absorbs
cause numerous other cats preferred L - Location urine without clumping. It is not pos-
‘Wonderlitter’, your cat may not like it Where you site the litter tray may sible to scoop out the soiled litter on a
at all and there will still be an element also require an element of compro- regular basis as it holds the urine until
of trial required before settling on your mise. It will need to be positioned the tray is cleaned out which means it
final choice. somewhere that is easily accessible can be more smelly than other types
to your cat but still offering him some of litter. It does tend to be less likely
J - Judgement privacy. While many people choose to cling to paws and fur though so you
No matter what your personal choice the kitchen because it is an easy floor may prefer it for this reason.
of litter is, if your cat does not approve, to keep clean. it is not the most hy-
he won’t be keen to use his tray and gienic option. Nervous cats may prefer O - Odour
may end up using somewhere in your to be well away from noisy or busy Any unpleasant odours from the
home instead. For this reason, try a thoroughfares too. If your cat is elderly litter tray will bother you and your
sample first if you can to make sure or ill, you will probably need to have cat so make sure litter is changed
you don’t waste money on a huge bag a litter tray in more than one location frequently to prevent the build up of
of litter, only to discover your cat won’t around the house. unpleasant smells. Don’t be tempted
tolerate it. And once your cat has made to try to disguise any nasty niffs with a
his judgement, try to stick with that type M - Mats room deodoriser as these can be quite
of litter if you can to avoid any stress. If you choose one of the dustier harmful to cats.
litters or your cat is particularly prone
K - Kittens to making a mess around the tray, P - Problems
If you are acquiring a kitten, make you may wish to place a special mat One of the advantages of your cat
sure the tray you buy will be easy for underneath to prevent the mess being using a litter tray indoors is that it can
her to get into. If you are buying from tracked away from the tray. This can be easier for you to detect signs of ill
a breeder, ask about the type of litter also be useful if you are placing the health. It will be obvious if your cat has

C AT W O R L D
21
 A-Z OF LITTER
an upset stomach for example or pos- to be one that suits your cat and your
sibly something more serious if you home. Use our handy check list to
notice blood in the tray - in which case consider which types could be most
you should consult your vet straight appropriate and then give them a try.
away.
W - Wood
R - Recycling Wood litter often releases a pleasing
Some types of litter are made from pine scent - but this may not be pleas-
recycled paper. Easy to dispose of ant for the cat. It can also disintegrate
down the toilet, these eco-friendly when wet to become sawdust which
litters are becoming more popular as then clings easily to a cat’s paws and
they are less harmful to the environ- fur, meaning more mess for you to
Quick guide to litter ment than those that stay in landfill clear up after your cat has used his tray.
Biodegradable - usually made sites for decades to come.
from plant material such as wheat, X - X-pert advice
barley, wood shavings, peanut S - Self-cleaning If you notice your cat’s toileting hab-
shells, straw or recycled paper. Consisting of a mechanised scoop its change suddenly, he starts avoiding
Available in clumping and non- that removes soiled litter from the tray his tray and using other parts of the
clumping varieties and may be by sliding it off to a compartment at house instead or you are concerned
composted at home. the side, self-cleaning trays can be with how often, how much he is urinat-
Clay - made from 100% natural convenient if you want to avoid direct ing or the consistency of the stools,
clay, this type of litter is very contact with the litter yourself. How- you should consult your vet for advice
absorbent and has been available ever, they can be noisy which may put as it could be an indicator of a medical
for many years. It is easy for the your cat off using one and they do still or behavioural problem that requires
cat to bury faeces and soiled litter require cleaning out regularly to pre- further investigation.
can be removed by the owner vent odours and bacteria building up.
with a slotted scoop. Y - Your home
Can be dusty and tracked T - Transport Do consider your own needs and
around the house on paws. Bags It is usually cheaper to buy cat litter preferences when choosing a litter. If
can be heavy to carry. in larger packs but if you don’t have you have trouble lifting, then a heavy
Clumping - made from a clay a car, this will be less convenient and litter may not be suitable; if you are
base that clumps together to form you may need to choose a slightly less busy most of the time, clearing up lots
‘balls’ when wet, the clumps are preferable or affordable cat litter just of mess around the tray or the rest of
easy to remove from the tray. because it is easier for you to transport the house could make you unhappy.
Can also track around the it home. Of course there is the facility
house on paws although some these days to order from a supermar- Z - Zero
brands may be better than others. ket and have them deliver it to your Hopefully you will find a litter that
Crystal - non-clumping door but you will have to pay a deliv- suits you and your cat, leading to zero
silicone-based pellets absorb ery charge. mess and zero stress
urine, moisture in the faeces and for both of you.
related smells. More expensive U - Undercover
but generally, less litter is re- Cats that like to have a little more
quired in the tray. Colour change privacy than an open litter tray offers
or pools of urine indicate when could be happier with a covered tray.
the litter needs replacing. Some Litter boxes mean the cat is completely
cats dislike the feel of this litter so enclosed when he is using it and there
won’t use their tray. is much less chance that any loose
Recycled paper - One of litter will be kicked outside of the tray.
the most popular biodegrad- Choose carefully if you have a large
able litters. Large pellets don’t cat as litter boxes tend not to
get caught in paws so there isn’t allow much room for move-
much risk of tracking. Very absor- ment inside.
bent, dust free and as it is made
from recycled paper, it is kinder V - Variety
to the environment. There are so many litters
available that there is bound

22 C AT W O R L D
 LITTER

PETTEX HAVE IT COVERED

W
hen choosing cat litter, micro granule cat litter that is longer sive range of cat litters and acces-
there are many varieties lasting than most other litters. sories. Readily available throughout
available to suit even the SO-KLEEN Heavyweight Grey the UK at small independent shops
most discerning felines - here are a Cat Litter: If you’re on a tight budget, through to large pet stores and retail-
few examples from Pettex who supply this is ideal for the price-conscious ers, the products can also be found
many pet stores and retailers around consumer, with effective clumping and online from a number of designated
the UK. odour control, it is suited to the higher sellers - see www.pettex.co.uk for
PAMPUSS Woodpellet Cat Litter: volume user. more details.
unique recycled, pine-fresh wood pel- Pettex Premium Grey Cat Litter:
lets that are highly absorbent, light to The Pettex original formula benefits
handle and easy to dispose of. from a unique serving system that
Pettex Paper Cat Litter: ultra-light, boosts the already excellent clumping
ultra-absorbent paper granules, manu- powers. All fines and dust are removed
factured exclusively from recycled prior to packing to ensure consist-
materials make this paper-based cat ent, top quality granules. Free from
litter environmentally friendly. additives with the ability to minimise
Pettex Silica Cat Litter: A revolu- bacterial activity, Premium Grey is fully
tionary product that, after absorbing biodegradable.
liquid, remains dry to the touch as well
as neutralising odours. l Pettex are one of the UK’s largest
CLEAN PAWS Cat Litter: A high manufacturers and suppliers of pet
quality, 100% natural, super-clumping products, including their comprehen-

C AT W O R L D
23
 ON THE EDGE
THE ADVENTURES OF TWENTY-SOMETHING CAT LOVER KATY EDGE
Putting all our Megs in one basket - when we became kitten fosterers
we didn’t really consider failure but…we have failed

I
t’s official – we’re failed a slightly larger-than-last- Meg certainly seems to
fosterers. By which I time foster home. have detected the subtle
mean that Foster Kitten It’s odd, though – you’d power shift, and nothing is
Number 17 won’t be going think we’d be used to safe – countertops, toilets,
back to the rescue centre. kittens, what with the 16 the hob. I’d forgotten what
By which I meeeeean … others we’ve had over a death-trap household
that we signed the adop- the past year, but having appliances can be to a
tion papers this Tuesday ‘foster kittens in a room’ small fuzzball. I have to
and Meg is now part of the is very different to hav- make sure Meg’s out of
family!!! Whoop whoop! ing ‘resident kitten in a the way before I turn on
Of course, we’re not house’. Our previous the roaring suction pit, I
REALLY failed fosterers charges have socialised mean the vacuum cleaner,
because we’re still going with our other pets on and she hasn’t accidentally
to foster. I’ve got the kitten occasion, once we were climbed into the churning than-average cat.
room cleaned, hoovered sure they were healthy but water chamber of doom, What she lacks in size,
and ready to go (litter they’ve been very much uh, dishwasher. though, she more than
trays: scrubbed, bowls: based upstairs; we only Still, it’s wonderful to makes up for in personal-
disinfected, newspaper really had to kitten-proof have a tabby about the ity. She’s into everything
stocks: replenished, walls: one room, rather than the place again. (Widget may but she checks up on you.
wiped of poo splatters – whole house. Note to self: kid himself he’s a ginger She sleeps under the sofa.
wait, what?). We still want a room that is Golden tabby, I mean red tabby, She climbs more than she
to help tiny orphaned kit- Retriever-proofed is not but he only makes a half- jumps. She makes this
tehs. We just happen to be necessarily kitten-proofed. hearted effort at it.) Those weird half-mew, half-purr.
of you who remember She bats noses. And she
our beloved brown tabby does this hilarious low
Squee will understand slink where her legs scut-
why this makes Meg that tle but her back seems to
extra bit more special. flow along – making her
And she has her own lit- look like a feline millipede.
tle quirks, too. Luckily her Yes, we may have failed
runny eye has cleared up as fosterers - but I think
but she was born with an we’ve definitely won in
overbite that’s particularly the ‘awesome cat’ stakes.
noticeable when she looks We just have to agree
up. We think it may partly what Meg is short for – my
explain why she was so theory is that she’s named
difficult to wean and this after Megara in Hercules
– together with a horren- (strictly the Disney ver-
dous two-week spell of sion), whereas my boy-
explosions from both ends friend is more keen on
*shudder* – seems to Megatron or Megalodon…
have made her a smaller- *facepalm*

24 C AT W O R L D
 SENIOR MOBILITY

Managing mobility
in senior cats
Older cats can remain active for many years but care
should be taken to monitor them and look for signs
that they are struggling with their mobility

C
ats who are reaching their sen- notice they are starting to become them out when needed. If you work
ior years can be just as playful, more irritable and short tempered throughout the day, you could ask a
loving and affectionate as they Reluctance to jump One of the neighbour to pop round. Also make
have been for their whole lives, more obvious things to look out for sure there is enough food, water and
continuing to offer loyal companion- in your cat is a reluctance to jump up toys to keep your cat entertained if
ship every day. However, as with and down. They may usually be very you are out, as well as providing warm
humans, life can slow down our older quick on their paws and enjoy explor- comfortable bedding.
cats, especially if they are experi- ing hard to reach areas, inside and out Weight and exercise management
encing stiff joints. To help cat owners Scruffy coat One of the more easily Make sure to closely monitor your
support their feline friends, Lintbells, missed signs is a scruffy coat, as this cat’s weight. Where possible try to
manufacturers of premium natural pet can mean your cat is unable to groom make sure they are still getting enough
supplement YuMOVE Cat, have put to- itself as often as it requires it. exercise, within their limits. Encourage
gether a useful guide to spot the signs them to go outside and walk around
of joint stiffness and identify what you How you can help or enjoy some play time with them
can do to help. There’s no need to worry if you inside the house. It’s of course impor-
(If you remain concerned about the have spotted any of these, as there are tant to make sure they are comfortable
mobility of your elderly cat, always several ways you can help to support throughout and don’t push them too far.
consult your vet to make sure there your cat to ensure they lead a happy Grooming As your cat may not be
isn’t a further underlying problem) and healthy life: able to groom themselves as much, try
Changing the environment Pro- to help with this where possible. Make
Spotting the signs vide food in several areas or floors of sure they are kept clean by bathing
Learning to understand your cat’s the house, placing bowls both down- when necessary and keep their coat in
body language is key to identifying stairs and upstairs. Also, where pos- a good condition by using high quality
any changes or anomalies to their sible, raise the food to avoid your cat shampoos and brushing regularly.
usual movement or behaviour. straining their neck. Do ensure Supplements Another way you can
There are a number of they have easy access to a support the mobility in your senior cat
areas to check as an large litter tray in case they is to consider using a premium sup-
owner to make sure you can’t make it outside and plement such as YuMOVE Cat. This is
identify the signs early: to avoid accidents around a triple-action joint supplement made
Sleep We know that the house. specifically for cats who are stiff or
cats love their sleep but If your furry friend can’t getting older. The high-strength ingre-
if you start to notice that use the cat flap anymore, dients support joint structure, promote
they are sleeping more you need to make sure mobility and aid stiff joints.
than usual, this could be they have another way of
due to joint stiffness accessing outside. This l For more information about Lintbells
Irritability Your feline may mean monitoring please visit www.lintbells.co.uk or to
friend is normally full of them more than usual and speak to a member of the vet team
love and affection but you opening the door to let please call 01462 416866.

C AT W O R L D
25
“Make life rosy for black cats too”
Lindee Lu USE.qxp_Layout 1 27/03/2018 11:41 Page 47

ETSY
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Lindee Lu have been designing and manufacturing Catteries and Kennels for licensed
boarding, rescue groups and private individuals for over 40 years.

www.lindee-lu.co.uk

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C AT W O R L D
27
 BIG CATS

Struggling to deal
with the lion crisis
The number of lions in South Africa has rapidly declined,
with illegal trade in body parts a big part of the problem
yet the government refuse to ban the trade

BY CARLA GREENWOOD

t
he lion is synonymous with South Asia, who use the parts for pendants, a suspect was arrested in Vietnam
Africa, yet the species has un- amulets and traditional medicines. with 680 tiger claws brought into the
dergone a catastrophic decline country from Laos; however, after
in recent years. According to The bone trade DNA testing it was later discovered
the IUCN, wild lion populations have Antique and craft markets scatter that the claws were actually sourced
plunged in Africa by 43% since 1993, the outskirts of Beijing, selling every- from lions. Debbie Banks, leader of
to only 20,000 in 2014. Habitat loss and thing from ceramic statues to classic the Tiger campaign launched by the
the reduction of the lions’ wild prey by style furniture. Among the many stalls, Environmental Investigation Agency,
the bush meat trade have forced these you will find vendors selling jewellery; says: “The Demand for ‘tiger’ claws
animals into dangerous contact with pendants made from bear and wolf and teeth used as expensive jewel-
humans and their livestock, causing teeth, tiger canines decorated in silver lery and charms is huge in China and
friction between the species. Yet lions or engraved and big cat claws sold as South-East Asia. It’s totally out of con-
now face an even bigger threat. Dur- ornaments. trol and Africa’s lions, wild and captive,
ing the past three years, increasing Tiger parts are very much sought are entering that market. Without DNA
numbers of captive lions have been after across China and Southeast Asia testing, it would be impossible for law
killed and mutilated for their claws but with the tiger now listed as endan- enforcement and consumers to dif-
and teeth, likely to satisfy the huge gered, traders are finding new ways ferentiate between lion and tiger bone,
demand from China and Southeast to keep up with demand. In May 2016, teeth and claws.”
South Africa has been selling lion
bones to Asia for the past few years,
sourced from both wild and captive
lions, and the country now dominates
the lion bone market. According to the
CITES database, South Africa sold over
2000 complete lion skeletons to Laos
between 2009 and 2015. This excludes
the 2300 bones and 40 skulls sold
separately as ‘incomplete skeletons’.
In 2016, conservationists called for
a total ban on the exports of African
lions but this was rejected by South
Africa and others. The compromise

Above: Paul Funston with lion guardian

David Nchinda. Picture: Lovemore Sibanda.
Left:Panthera scientist Paul Funston with
Longshields and Cattle Corral.
Picture: Panthera.

28 C AT W O R L D
 BIG CATS

Above: Lion and cub. Picture: Paul Funston -

Panthera.
Right: Male lion. Picture: Paul Funston -
Panthera.

made by South Africa was that it would

stop the exporting of body parts from
wild African lions and instead set an-
nual quotas for the number of captive-
bred lions they would export. South Af-
rican lions are listed under Appendix
II which means that their products can
be traded internationally but only if the
trade is not detrimental to the survival
of the species in the wild.
According to the Department of En-
vironmental Affairs, the sale of captive-
bred lions will reduce the demand for
wild lion parts from a growing market
for exotic products such as tiger bone
wine. The worry is that if the supply
from captive breeding facilities is re-
stricted further, then dealers may seek
alternative sources, either through ille-
gal access to stock piles or by poach-
ing both captive-bred and wild lions.

C AT W O R L D
29
 Above: Lion cubs. Picture: Paul Funston -
Panthera.
Left: Panthera scientist Xia Stevens with lion
skin. Picture: Panthera.

tor parks across the country, although

conservationists believe the actual
number could be much higher.
According to the EIA, a new global
commitment is needed to save all big
cats that are threatened by trade in
their body parts. Debbie Banks says:
“This has to start with a declaration
of zero tolerance from presidents and
prime ministers, primarily of big cat
consumer countries such as China and
Vietnam. Laws and regulations then
need to be strengthened to prohibit
domestic trade in parts and deriva-
tives of big cats, and stockpiles of parts
should be destroyed. Working with
behaviour change experts, govern-
The poaching threat the Mystic Monkeys & Feathers Wild- ments and donors then need to launch
Despite the regulations put in place, life Park, just north of Pretoria, South new campaigns to target the consum-
poaching is still a big problem in South Africa. The victims, four fully grown ers, while those governments that allow
Africa. In fact, many conservation or- adults and two six-month-old cubs, big cat ‘farming’ must stop any further
ganisations believe that the legal trade were poisoned and found with their breeding and work with experts to
in lion bones, teeth, claws and other heads and paws removed, presumably come up with time-bound phase-out
body parts from South Africa may have by thieves hoping to sell their body plans.”
actually stimulated the recent spike in parts on the black market. In fact, be-
illegal killings of lions for body parts. tween April and July this year, at least Project Leonardo
In June this year, six lions were killed at 15 lions have been poisoned in preda- There is no doubt that lions, as well

30 C AT W O R L D
Above: China Badaling Safari Park.
Copyright EIA.
Right: Botswana African Lion.
Copyright EIA.

as other big cats, are under threat and

something needs to be done before
we lose these magnificent animals all
together. Many of the areas set aside
to protect lions and other wildlife are
now occupied by people and even
well-protected parks have human
populations living on their bounda-
ries. In these areas, human-lion conflict
and lion population decline are at their
greatest.
Project Leonardo, set up by Pan-
thera, the global wild cat conservation
organisation, is the first conservation
plan that covers the entire African
range of the lion. Through the project,
Panthera seek to ensure the long-
term survival of lions across Africa by Panthera takes conservation action, or habitat conversion to agriculture. Pan-
increasing the total lion population by at sites where partners do so. Un- thera has been successful at mitigat-
50% over the next 15 years, to at least equivocally, illegal killing is the biggest ing human-lion conflict at a number of
30,000 individuals. Dr. Paul Funston, threat to lions in Africa and requires sites and is developing its expertise
Lion Program Senior Director for interventions including anti-poaching and experience at anti-poaching and
Panthera, says: “Project Leonardo has and anti-trafficking, and engagement anti-trafficking at six main sites, and
morphed into a lion conservation strat- of rural African communities in wildlife through partners at other sites.”
egy where Panthera attempts to simul- use policies and initiatives.
taneously address the suite of threats “The next largest threat to lions is l To learn more about Project Leon-
lions face at a select set of sites where human-lion conflict and associated ardo, visit www.panthera.org

C AT W O R L D
31
 MEDICAL MYSTERY

HELPING SENIOR CATS - NATURALLY

C
ats, in general, must be one of surgeon; however for prevention and in cats moving around less and having
the most taken-for-granted of support of common health issues then difficulty jumping up and down from
domestic pets. We fuss over herbal feed supplements are a useful raised beds. In some instances, in multi
our dogs, our rabbits, our chickens and and cost-effective tool. pet households, it can result in anxiety
other animals, whilst our cats come and There is one thing from which there if the cat feels vulnerable and unable to
go and we take their innate good health is no escape – for cats or humans – ‘escape’ from other cats or dogs with
as a given. Cats do however suffer from and that is old age! It’s impossible to which it shares its living space.
a number of common complaints, some keep our cats eternally young but it is Herbs such as Wild Yam, with its
of which are accentuated by our desire possible to provide support for them in anti-inflammatory properties, Cleavers
to impose on our domestic pets a the form of feed supplements that can and Dandelion root as effective lym-
lifestyle that fits in closely with our own, help manage the symptoms of advanc- phatic stimulants, can all be used very
often without a great deal of thought as ing years. effectively to ensure optimum circula-
to their true needs. Cats, due to their innate desire to tion, mobility and an efficient lymphatic
Cats are very adaptable and will hunt, are always at risk of some sort of system. As we’ve said, you can’t turn
thrive in a variety of environments, digestive upset but as cats age, some- back the clock but there is much you
from feral cats who spend their entire times their digestive systems become can do with natural supplements to
self-sufficient lives outdoors, to house less efficient. Herbs can play an effec- help your cat age gracefully and com-
cats who are dependent for their every tive part in helping manage chronic fortably, so look for these ingredients
need on their human companions. digestive conditions, whether it’s to in products to help mobility in senior
Somewhere between the two are the resolve a temporary upset tummy cats.
majority of domestic cats who rely on or to help maintain normal digestive When buying supplements for your
their owners for their food and safe function. Herbs such as Slippery elm pet make sure they are from a repu-
housing. A cat’s needs are relatively with its demulcent and healing actions, table manufacturer who can provide
simple in that they need somewhere Liquorice with its anti-inflammatory palatable, tried-and-tested products
comfortable and secure to sleep (and actions, and Echinacea to support an with researched formulations. They
ideally somewhere also to hide), some- effective immune system should fea- should also be able to provide expert
where to ‘toilet’, freedom to hunt and a ture in an effective digestive support advice either from literature, retail staff
suitable diet. However it is in attempt- supplement. or direct via an expert Helpline. Label-
ing to fulfil these needs that we some- Older cats, like all animals in the ling, including ingredients and dosage,
times create health and behavioural ‘autumn’ of their years, often suffer should be very clear. Follow recom-
problems for our cats. If you suspect from reduced mobility, generally due mended dosages carefully and if in any
your cat is unwell then your first port to arthritic changes in their joints and doubt about your cat’s health, contact
of call should be your veterinary muscle stiffness. This will often result your vet.

32 C AT W O R L D
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C AT W O R L D
33
 WILD CATS

Asiatic cheetah on th
Fewer than fifty of the critically endangered Asiatic cheetah
are thought to be left in the wild, all of them in Iran

BY YOLANDA WESSELS

S
cientists fear that without ur- from 34 to 54 kg, but the male is restricted their territories. This also
gent intervention there is little slightly larger than the female. leads to reduced prey and contrib-
chance of saving one of the The Asiatic cheetah preys on utes to the decline of the cheetah
planet’s most distinctive and medium-sized herbivores includ- population as breeding success
graceful hunters. Conservationists ing chinkara, goitered gazelle, wild depends on availability of prey.
have warned that the Asiatic cheetah sheep, wild goat and cape hare.
is on the threshold of extinction fol- They live in a wide range of habitats, Conservation
lowing a UN decision to pull funding such as isolated, rocky hills near the The Asiatic cheetah has been
from conservation efforts to protect plains on which antelopes live but listed as Critically Endangered on
it. With lack of funding, this means prefer areas close to water sources. the IUCN Red List since 1996. With-
extinction for these carnivores. out proper conservation efforts, the
The Asiatic cheetah (Acinonyx Threats chances are looking very slim for
jubatus venaticus), also known as The cheetah’s habitat is under these majestic felines to graze earth
the Iranian cheetah, is a Critically threat from desertification, increasing for future generations to come. In
Endangered cheetah subspecies agriculture, residential settlements recent years several measures have
surviving today only in Iran, mostly and declining prey, caused by hunting been introduced to help raise aware-
in protected areas. Historically, they and degradation in pastures by over- ness of the cheetah’s plight. Still con-
were also recorded across southwest grazing from introduced livestock. servationists are concerned that time
and central Asia but can now only be Due to increased farming, numbers is running out for Iran’s cheetahs.
found in Iran. were greatly reduced in the 19th In 2014, the Iranian national foot-
The cheetah thrives in open lands, and 20th centuries. They are often ball team announced that their World
small plains, semi-desert areas and hunted and killed by local sheep and Cup and Asian Cup kits would be
other open habitats where prey is goat herders, because cheetahs will printed with pictures of the Asiatic
available. The Asiatic Cheetah also occasionally kill and eat one of their cheetah. In addition, a crowd fund-
seems to survive in the dry open animals. Several herders have killed ing conservation project was set up
Baluchistan province of Pakistan cheetahs for trophies, trade and fun. and 31 August was declared National
where adequate prey is available. The increase of farmers leads Cheetah Day. Despite this, the ani-
Females, unlike males, do not estab- to prey being pushed out as herd- mal’s decline has continued.
lish a territory. ers enter game reserves with their Implementing measures to protect
herds. The cheetah is affected by these last vestiges of cheetah terri-
Characteristics loss of prey as a result of antelope tory has proved extremely difficult.
The Asiatic cheetah is slightly hunting and overgrazing from in- Iran has faced heavy international
smaller and paler than its Afri- troduced livestock. The animals are economic sanctions since 1980 and
can cousin. It has a fawn-coloured known to roam over considerable international agencies have been
coat with black spots on its areas of Iran and cross highways, encountering a lot of problems trans-
head and neck, and distinctive where they are run over and killed ferring money into the country for
black tear marks running from despite signs being erected along many years. This problem has been
the corner of each eye down the sides of roads. The opening up compounded by cuts made by the
the side of its nose. It can weigh of new mining operations has also Iranian government to the budget of

34 C AT W O R L D
 WILD CATS

he brink of extinction
Photo: by Behnam Ghorbani. Creative Commons (CC)

The cheetah is affected by loss of prey as a result of antelope

hunting and overgrazing from introduced livestock.
its Department of the Environment, vores, since these were the main young conservationists to build their
which has responsibility for protect- causes for livestock kills. career in saving animals, making Iran
ing the country’s threatened animals Another incentive in the region is the most productive country across
and conservations efforts are to be the formation of young core groups the Middle East in terms of published
run by Iran single-handedly. of Cheetah Friends, who after a papers in biodiversity conservation
A training course for herders was short instructive course, are able to peer-reviewed journals. Iranian gov-
initiated to train this significant target educate people, organise cheetah ernment remains highly committed
group which generally confuses events and become an informational to save the cheetahs.
the cheetah with other similar-sized instance in cheetah matters for a Help from international agen-
carnivores, including wolf, leopard, number of villages. Young people cies is needed to help the country’s
striped hyena, caracal and wild cat. have expressed growing interest in conservationists as soon as possible.
On the basis of the results of conflict the issue of cheetah and other wild- The cheetah is, and will be, a con-
assessment, a specific Herders Train- life conservation. servation-dependent animal. Unless
ing Course was developed in 2007, Iran coordinates its governmental something is done within the next
in which they learned how to identify conservation work through a cheetah couple of years, it will be impossible
the cheetah as well as other carni- project. The cheetah inspired many to save the Asiatic cheetah.

C AT W O R L D
35
 CELEBRATION

Willow reaches another

amazing milestone
Regular readers of Cat World will have been following
Willow’s remarkable progress since being diagnosed with
feline lymphoma and he is still defying all the odds

BY SONJA K STEINER

J
uly 25th 2018, another milestone in May and I am wondering whether and no matter how I tried to disguise
year for Willow. Seven years the change of temperature from cold it, he was having none of it. There was
- yes, seven years - since his to very warm had any bearing on Wil- only one solution and that was to use
diagnosis of lymphoma and the low’s frequent trips to the litter tray, re- a pill popper but it would need two
18 months of treatment that followed sulting in nights of broken sleep. I was of us, so it was my friend Amy who
seems like a distant memory. relieved that he continued to have his once again came to the rescue. She
This cat, who was once a stray normal appetite although I did put him got it down in seconds flat, with a
roaming the streets looking for scraps on the blander flavours of the Natures bewildered Willow wondering what
of food, has now adorned the front Menu brand. on earth had just happened! Later
cover of Cat World magazine, as well As the weekend approached so did that evening and after his Reiki, Wil-
as appearing in numerous articles the anxiety; what would happen if I low jumped down from chair. As he
since 2012 and last year he was made needed an out of hours vet.? Especial- was walking into the hall he looked
the first cat brand ambassador for Na- ly one who I don’t know. So, to alleviate awkward, rather ataxic. I checked his
tures Menu cat food. What an achieve- my stress levels, my friends Amy (a vital signs, respiratory rate, heart rate,
ment for a ‘bog standard moggie’, as qualified veterinary nurse) and Rob eyes - all fine but still he was ataxic
his vet very eloquently described him! Reid, (a veterinary surgeon), were on so in a panic I rang Amy and told her
Cat World readers have got to know hand for any advice, even though they about Willow. She asked Rob for some
Willow quite well over the years and were on their way to Scotland. In case advice. We suspect he could have
there is no doubt his life revolves I needed an out of hours vet over the jumped awkwardly from the chair and
around food, cuddles, sleeping and weekend, Rob had briefed his col- thankfully the effects did not last long;
walks in the garden; I strongly suspect league about Willow and his history. he was back to normal by bedtime,
food comes top of the list! Thankfully this was not needed as he such a relief. I was so grateful to Amy
As time has gone on, Willow has remained stable over the weekend and Rob for their support. Phew panic
without a doubt got more vocal, es- but it was reassuring to know I had a over!!
pecially where meal times are con- back-up plan. We have certainly had some inter-
cerned. When his first feed of the day We ended up missing the majority esting weather in 2018, from the ‘beast
is due, he runs down the stairs meow- of the Royal Wedding as we headed to from the east’ to the endless rain in
ing as he goes, in eager anticipation the veterinary pharmacy to get Willow spring and finally, for the first time in
of his first meal. That does keep him some more Pro-kolin paste. Just to be years, it actually feels like we have had
quiet until his next meal is due. It is on the safe side I took him to the vets a proper summer, except it has been
comical the way he sits in front of the on Monday to get him checked out a tad too hot! Even at Willow’s first feed
food cupboard and runs back and and after a thorough examination noth- some days it has been simply too hot
forth from his food bowl as if ‘just to ing untoward was found so I had to for him to go outside. Having a south
remind me’ and if I do not get his din- continue with the paste and probiotics. facing garden, we have no shade until
ner quickly enough, his meows sound Thankfully, after a few days it settled after 3.30pm and there have been
like the cat Charley from the 1970’s but I was advised to worm him. The many days where it has been like
campaign ‘Don’t talk to strangers’! first attempt failed as Willow spotted walking into an oven - not ideal for
We had some lovely warm weather the strange tasting wormer in his food a cat with lots of fur. Like many cats,

36 C AT W O R L D
 CELEBRATION

Willow would have no concept that lan- carpet doesn’t it!!) before he lies down my face and then gently squeezed my
guishing in the sun could lead to heat and suns himself whilst keeping a finger with his paw, followed by end-
stroke and dehydration. In this heat it is beady eye on the resident wildlife that less head nudges and cuddles. What a
amazing how quickly this can happen, fly nearby. lovely way to start my birthday! When
so I have only let him go outside when Willow was in his element last week I say I love you, he meows and gives
it has been much cooler, plus every with the monthly visit from the win- me another head nudge, he just knows
meal time I have added a little bit of dow cleaner. He was already sat by what I am saying. When he is sitting
extra water. Even in the evenings the the window watching the birds when on what is now known as ‘his chair’, he
temperature has been hot and muggy, all of a sudden, this brush came out gives me a high five before I have to
with Willow flaked out near the window of nowhere. Willow was making his give him some gentle persuasion to
or the fan. meow normally reserved for the birds share or when he climbs onto the chair,
When I say “Willow would you like and was jumping up and down at the I get a high five before he jumps up.
to go into the garden?” he runs and window, pawing at the brush in an at- Willow is the most remarkable cat in
sits at the back door waiting for his tempt to get to it, which of course he so many ways and I am so grateful to
harness to go on. His excitement is could not as it was the other side of the Mark Buxton BVetMed, MRCVS, his vet
clear to see as he runs down the steps window but it was so amusing to watch from Vets4Pets and Tim Couzens BVet-
to the bottom of the garden, with me and this time I managed to capture it Med, MRCVS, VetFHom, CertVetAc, his
lagging behind with eight lead ropes, on video. Priceless. holistic vet from the Holistic Veterinary
to eat from his grass bush and visit his Last week was my birthday and Medicine centre for all their support
favourite scratch post (well it saves the when I woke, Willow placed his paw on over the years.

www.naturesmenu.co.uk
C AT W O R L D
37
 BIG CATS

New US welfare bill

will protect big cats
In a bid to prove the keeping of big cats as pets is cruel
not cool, new legislation in the US has been welcomed
by animal welfare organisations country-wide

BY CARLA GREENWOOD. PHOTOS COURTESY OF BIG CAT RESCUE

i
n June this year, animal welfare Susan Bass, Director of Public them as backyard pets. They are often
organisations across the US cel- Relations for Big Cat Rescue, who are purchased as babies but by the time
ebrated the introduction of the Big part of the coalition of animal welfare they are fully grown, they are too dif-
Cat Public Safety Act (BCPSA) in organisations that support the Big Cat ficult for private owners to manage. As
the United States Senate. Lions, tigers Public Safety Act, says: “States vary a result, they are frequently left in sub-
and other exotic felines are commonly greatly in their laws to protect captive standard conditions and are deprived
kept as pets or used as photo props big cats. A few states still have zero of basic welfare needs.
and roadside zoo spectacles across protections for big cats and about Roadside zoos often separate cubs
the U.S. However, in recent years there 30 states have laws that technically from their mothers so they can charge
has been a shift in perspective and make it illegal to own big cats as pets the public money to pet and play with
concern is now being raised over the but there is a loophole that allows a them. However, this practice can lead
welfare of these animals. Championed person to purchase a USDA exhibitor to psychological and physical harm,
by Senator Richard Blumenthal of Con- license and circumvent the law. The as it interrupts the mother-cub bond-
necticut, the Big Cat Public Safety Act cost is $40-300, depending on number ing process. Despite their small size,
would ensure that unqualified indi- of animals. It is very easy to obtain cubs are also capable of causing
viduals are prohibited from obtaining and almost impossible to have taken harm to the public who come to see
and keeping dangerous big cats and away. The Big Cat Public Safety Act is them. Once the cubs become too big
would restrict direct contact between a federal bill that will finally create one to be handled, they often end up in the
the public and these animals. law for all 50 states to protect big cats exotic pet trade, kept in sub-standard
by ending the private ownership of big zoos or euthanised and sold for parts.
A growing concern cats, ban most captive breeding of big Most of the people who take on
Recent headlines have documented cats and ban the public from having these animals simply don’t understand
public outrage at the inhumane dis- direct contact with cubs.” how to handle them so the cats often
play of a tiger at a high school prom Big cats are wild animals and they become destructive and dangerous
and alarm as federal agents discov- suffer when people attempt to keep as they grow bigger. According to the
ered a tiger cub stuffed in a duffel Animal Welfare Institute, there have
bag. Although these are disturbing been at least 365 dangerous incidents
headlines, they do show the growing involving captive big cats since 1990;
concern over animal welfare across 19 adults and four children have been
America. An estimated 10,000-20,000 killed, while numerous others have
big cats are currently owned as pets been mauled, with injuries including
or kept in ill-equipped roadside zoos loss of limbs. To make the situation
across the US. However, exact num- worse, some owners release their
bers are a mystery as there are no ‘pets’ into the wild or some escape
effective federal laws to regulate the their enclosures. Either event can
possession of big cats; instead it is up quickly damage local ecosystems as
to state and local laws to control the well as cause serious safety risks for
problem. local people.

38 C AT W O R L D
 BIG CATS

The Big Cat Public Safety Act

If enacted, Big Cat Public Safety
Act (BCPSA) would amend the Cap-
tive Wildlife Safety Act to prohibit any
person from breeding or possess-
ing lions, tigers, leopards, cheetahs,
jaguars, cougars or any hybrid of these
species in the exotic pet trade. The
BCPSA would close the loopholes pre-
sent in the current laws, whilst provid-
ing exemptions for qualified wildlife
sanctuaries and exhibitors licensed
by the U.S. Department of Agriculture
that meet basic standards intended to
protect the public and animals. The
introduction of this bill may also have a
positive effect on conservation efforts
outside of the US.
Kate Dylewsky, Senior Policy Advi- have demonstrated that an illegal trade demand for these items, thereby actu-
sor for the Animal Welfare Institute in big cat parts, including skins and ally increasing the demand as people
in Washington, D.C, says: “Private bones, does exist in the U.S., making increasingly come to desire big cat
possession and breeding of big cats it highly likely that parts from big cats parts as status symbols or medicinal
contributes to illegal international wild- bred in the U.S. are being funnelled items.
life trafficking. Undercover operations into this trade. A supply like this from “Furthermore, not having a ban on
by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service the U.S. would feed the international private big cat ownership in the U.S.

C AT W O R L D
39
 BIG CATS

weakens our international negotiating the January 2018 issue was accompa- ing the word and supporting animal
power on wildlife issues. Other nations, nied by a letter saying the magazine welfare organisations, we can expect
such as China, will not entertain sug- was finally shutting down. further success. Susan Bass says:
gestions for shutting down tiger farms It can sometimes be difficult for us “We are encouraged that the media
as long as the U.S. does not address to see the progress that has already is finally reporting on the inhumane
the big cat problem within its own been made when unsettling stories of treatment of captive big cats. This is a
borders.” the abuse of big cats still plague the recent development in just the last five
As of July this year, the Big Cat news. However, there are a number years or so. Before that, almost every
Public Safety Act has gained 138 of examples, like the one above, that article about big cats was glamoris-
co-sponsors and received support demonstrate the accelerating trend ing the abuse rather than exposing
from a number of animal welfare or- in awareness of the mistreatment of it. The public is finally awakening to
ganisations including Born Free USA, exotic animals. By continually spread- the realisation that big cats should not
The Animal Welfare Institute and the be kept as pets, forced to perform
International Fund for Animal Wel- unnatural acts in circuses or exploited
fare. It has also received endorsements as photo props and for selfies. Now we
from first responders like the National see, when a celebrity visits a psuedo-
Sheriffs’ Association and the National sanctuary and is photographed hold-
Animal Control Association, as well as ing a tiger cub, there is an outcry from
a number of AZA accredited zoos. The the public; they understand more and
critical next step is to get a hearing in more each year that it’s cruel, not cool
the House and Senate. to exploit big cats as entertainment.
“Education is and has been the key.
Education is key At Big Cat Rescue we give guided
For 34 years American publication educational tours of our sanctuary
Animal Finders Guide printed clas- in order to educate the public at a
sified ads for sellers and buyers of grassroots level about the issues facing
exotic animals and its owner ranted captive and wild big cats. We also use
incessantly against animal welfare our substantial social media platforms
regulations. The number of ads has to educate millions around the world
slowly dwindled in recent years, then about the issues. And it’s working.”

40 C AT W O R L D
 SLOWLY DOES IT WHEN DEALING WITH FERALS
If you discover a group of feral cats, taking them in is not an option so
here is what you can do to ensure their health and wellbeing

BY BARBARA MASON

i
f you notice a feral cat living near- most animal life and feral cats are no shelter, such as under a porch, a dog
by, they are probably not alone. In exception. Begin feeding meals by house filled with straw or an acces-
fact you can be fairly sure there leaving food and water out for about sible shed or other outbuilding. Cats
are other cats living with them that half an hour then taking away the grow heavy winter coats just like
you don’t see because feral cats, as excess. other wildlife but, unlike other wildlife,
opposed to stray cats, tend to be more they have no house/den building skills
timid. Food and can die from hypothermia if they
This is really the difference be- Pick a convenient time, ideally get wet and cannot dry off.
tween a feral group and a lone stray in the daylight. It’s important to be
cat. Feral cats are usually not appro- dependable and consistent. If you’re Breeding
priate to be rehomed so removing unavailable, have someone stand in Once you have the colony man-
them would often result in euthana- for you. aged, it is time to trap the cats and
sia. Most major animal groups today Feeding in this way is a manage- get them spayed or neutered. This
recommend feral cat management ment tool in as much that, over time, limits the colony size and keeps the
over removing cats as the most effec- you will meet the entire colony and cats healthier. Intact tom cats fight and
tive and humane way to reduce their can monitor them for kittens and new- their injuries eventually catch up with
numbers. Here’s how it works: comers, which is vital to the care and them and females become emaciated
ultimate containment of the group. from repetitive pregnancies. If kittens
Location Once the group trusts that an are born before the colony is com-
If we assume there is nobody else amount of food is available through pletely neutered, you can either leave
caring or looking out for these cats you, you may be able to talk to your them to sterilise when they are a few
and you would like to step into this vet about the possibility of putting months old or, preferably, pull them at
role, first of all - leave the cats where medication in the food to eliminate a very early age (under 10 weeks) to
they are. They have made a home worms, fleas and other parasites. become socialised and rehomed.
there and adapted to it. All you need Managed feral cats can live for over
to do is make small steps to improving Shelter 10 years so it is a big commitment but
their quality of life. In the winter months you will also caring for them can be very reward-
Regular food intake is welcome to want to make sure they have adequate ing - for both you and the cats!

C AT W O R L D
41
Taming the wild and
The cats that have been abandoned and left to fend for themselves are often written off
by many people but not Pat…she relishes the challenge of getting to know them better

L
ong before I became in- rehomed. During this time she also whether he was touched or not.
volved in animal rescue, I taught me how to approach her and Moved into the bathroom, the only
trained as a mature student eventually to hold her and stroke room available without other cats
to be a teacher. I found myself in a her without damage from flailing and always my last-ditch stand, he
classroom on the roughest of es- claws. She was the first of many. was made comfortable and left
tates facing 36 youngsters not at all I was called to a building site in to sleep quietly. Despite being at
anxious to learn anything. one of the many colleges in Ox- death’s door, he finally staggered to
This was the kind of place where ford, where I was living at the time. his feet and peered out.
everyone had given up trying - the Apparently a cat had gone for the Gradually he got stronger and
parents, the teachers and the chil- foreman and they wanted it re- ventured down the stairs where he
dren themselves. I was warned on moved, along with its four kittens. would sit watching, later nipping
the first day that two of these seven- Cats abound within the university as back to ‘his’ bathroom. One night
year-olds were beyond redemption students frequently take them on as he slid down the stairs at mealtime.
and I wondered what was in store. I kittens when they start their courses Overcome by the smell of our din-
had children of my own but this was then leave them behind, either with ners, he jumped onto the arm of
different. casual people who vow to care for John’s chair, walked along the back,
There followed six of the happi- them but get fed up with it or the over his shoulder and right onto his
est months of my entire teaching cats are simply left to their own plate. Picking up a potato, he then
years and necessity taught me how devices and run wild. proceeded across John’s lap and
to deal with the really difficult ones. The cat in question on this occa- away over the other end of the set-
Needless to say this factor remained sion was a huge fluffy tabby, ex- tee with his treasure.
on my CV and future head teach- tremely handsome and, as it turned I have had many calls about cats
ers made sure I had their problem out, a male. The kittens were obvi- going in through other people’s cat
pupils. And I didn’t mind! ously not his but he was looking out flaps, stealing their animal’s food
Perhaps it was this introduction for them and I managed to catch and sometimes roughing them up.
to handling awkward situations that them all and take them home. Even- Inevitably they are domestics either
gave me my empathy with, firstly tually christened Oliver, this chap abandoned or lost who have got
the children, later with offenders on was magnificent and quickly tamed desperately hungry. Rescued, fed
community service, no-hopers - in down. He and the kittens all readily and neutered, they become gentle
their own minds - in prison and then found homes and I moved on to the again and find no problem settling
on to animals. I found I enjoyed the next lot. into a new home.
challenge and the rewards in steer- Probably the wildest I ever had Lacey was living in an appalling
ing them to more hopeful frames of was Pushkin. Living with a number shed on a building site with three
mind were enormous. of relatives under a terrapin on the beautiful kittens. When they all
And so it was with feral cats and same estate where I taught my first came out after dark to play with the
domestics who had gone wild; class, I was not surprised he was autumn leaves, I managed to trap
these became my favourites. As it wild, given his environment. For them all at once, which was a bonus.
happened, my very first cat in care three years he resisted all attempts Two of the kittens found homes
was Lucy, a really wild, pregnant at friendship and this was the long- together and I kept Lacey, together
feral. I learnt such a lot from Lucy est it had ever taken me to bring a with D’Arcy, and they both trav-
who had her kittens, litter trained cat round. elled down to Wales when I moved,
them, fed them and taught them the Eventually he was taken very though sadly they are no longer
ways of the world before they were ill and couldn’t have cared less with me.

42 C AT W O R L D
nd wonderful
Lacey was so loving, with no
hint that she had once been totally
wild. I have heard people swear
that feral cats can’t be tamed. This
is not true, as many folk who had
adopted these cats from me can
prove. I also have some wonderful
photos of cats lounging on rugs,
backs of settees and beds, all of
which were holy terrors on their
arrival at chez Clements.
I still love the problem ones
and have just completed a ‘pro-
gramme’ with a large cat who
started out watching activities
here from three fields away and
who, over the months, has crept
nearer and nearer and now feeds
with my cats and enjoys being
stroked at the same time.
Flute is a large black-and-
white male who clearly enjoys the
company he finds here, although
he has a home on a farm some
distance away.

C AT W O R L D
43
 BREED PROFILE

Powerful and majest

Ragdoll is gentle gia
Since Ragdolls arrived in the UK three decades ago, they have become one of the most
popular breeds which, given their placid temperament and good looks, is no surprise

BY JILL MUNDY (WITH MANY THANKS TO THE BRITISH RAGDOLL CAT CLUB)

T
hese colourpointed cats with acquire three of Josephine’s kittens ther early American Ragdoll imports
endearingly sweet expres- she believed were suitable to breed arrived in the UK. These had the
sions will tug at the heart- from and began line breeding. The original recognised colours and are
strings of any cat lover. Ragdolls are eventual result was the breed she universally known as Older Ameri-
large, powerful cats with an elegant named Ragdoll. can Traditional lines. Red and Tabby
appearance and will make devoted The breeding programme was series Ragdolls were imported in the
family pets. strict and produced colourpointed, mid to late 90s, adding more vari-
The first Ragdolls in the UK arrived pitted and bicolour patterns from the ation of colour to the
in 1981 but the breed’s beginnings three original cats, Daddy Warlocks, breed in the UK.
were a decade or two earlier in the Guiana and Buckwheat, and their
USA. It is believed that they may have offspring. Temperament
evolved as the result of an accident Registering body the International The Ragdoll tempera-
that befell a semi-feral cat. Ragdoll Cat Association (IRCA) was ment is probably the breed’s most
In the 1960s, Ann Baker of Califor- set up by Ann in 1971 and in 1975 popular characteristic. Large, placid
nia was breeding experimental Per- she patented the Ragdoll name. She and relatively undemanding, they are
sians while also working at a laundro- also franchised breeding stock under tolerant to most situations but, due
mat. There were many semi-feral cats very strict contracts. to their trusting nature, are definitely
roaming around her place of work, Fast forward to 1981 and two indoor cats as they are not streetwise
one of which was an ‘angora-type’ breeders, Lulu Rowley and Pat Brown- by nature.
white cat called Josephine. sell, imported 12 Ragdolls from US Kittens are lively, inquisitive and full
Mrs Pennels, who owned the breeders Laura and Denny Dayton of fun. As they mature, they become
laundromat, nursed Josephine back of Blossom Time Ragdolls. Breeding completely devoted to their owners
to health after she was hit by a car then began to establish a ‘home- and make the perfect house pet; they
and Ann believed this accounted for grown’ line of British Ragdolls. are keen to play so are very good
Josephine’s relaxed attitude towards Cats bred purely from the 12 origi- with children. A once-held belief that
humans. This same attitude seemed nal imported cats, in the original col- Ragdolls feel no pain has thankfully
to be passed down to the litters ours of seal blue, chocolate and lilac, been wiped out by the concentrated
of kittens Josephine subsequently are commonly known worldwide as efforts by breed clubs around the
produced, who were large and docile ‘Old English’ Traditional Ragdolls and world to educate the public about
with soft fur that didn’t mat. She had are still celebrated for the look and these wonderful cats.
several kittens before she was sadly temperament of the first imported
put to sleep, having become a nui- cats and further back, Ann Baker’s Appearance
sance to the Pennels’ dog. foundation Ragdoll cats. Ragdolls are ‘pointed’ cats in the
Fortunately Ann had managed to As the 1980s drew to an end, fur- three recognised patterns of Colour-

44 C AT W O R L D
 BREED PROFILE

stic
ant

pointed, Mitted and Bicolour in the more; females are equally stunning Grooming
colours of seal, blue, chocolate, lilac, but generally much smaller. Weekly grooming and mainte-
red, cream, tortie and tabby. Choco- A Ragdoll should have a body of nance is required to keep the long,
late and lilac are now being bred my good length with a long tail, strong dense coat soft, silky and tangle and
more breeders in the UK following a bone structure and large, round stain-free, especially the white fur
recognised outbreed programme. tufted paws to support the frame. of the mitted and bicolour varieties.
Ragdolls have a silky, semi-long- The head silhouette shows a broad, Excess dead hair, especially dur-
haired coat, with ruff, knickerbockers flat plane across a wide ear, set with ing moulting, can cause potentially
and plumed tail. Their sweet expres- good width of cheekbone, tapering harmful hairballs if the Ragdoll is not
sion and captivating blue eyes only down to a softly curved muzzle which groomed on a weekly basis.
add to their charm. They give an depicts the famous Ragdoll smile on Although nowhere near as de-
overall impression of elegance, power profile. A gently curved ‘retrousee’ manding as a Persian, a thorough
and strength - especially the males, nose completes the charming ap- combing weekly with a wide-toothed
who can reach a weight of 20lbs or pearance of the Ragdoll cat. comb is recommended.

C AT W O R L D
45
 BREED PROFILE

Far left: Imperial Grand Champion

Magisragis Piggy Malone - The British
Ragdoll Cat Club Ragdoll of the year for
2017. Sunbathing!
Left: Imperial Grand Champion
Ragzndreams Perfect Match - Overall Best
in Show at the Celtic Longhair/Semi longhair
show, January 2018.
Top: Champion Emerisle Pixies Puzzle -
Overall Best in Show at The British Ragdoll
Cat Club Show, April 2018.
Above: Grand Premier Karamearags Esme’s
Diamond - Overall Best in Show at the
Cambria Cat Club Show. Also competed
against Best in Show of the Bristol and District
show to win Best of the Best, June 2018. This is
the first time a Ragdoll has done this.

46 C AT W O R L D
 ADVERTISING
It’s about looking good
The forward thinking friendly cat club for anyone
with an interest in the Ragdoll breed.
Own a breeding cat, a show cat, a pet or just have
an interest? Join our club and make friends with
like minded people.

For a membership application form go to www.prbcc.co.uk

and click about us, or contact our membership secretary
Patricia Wyatt on 07905700965; alternatively
e-mail Kyetsipat@hotmail.co.uk

If you are looking to create a good impression with the readers of Cat
World, whether it be to promote a food range, toys or equipment,
call Maria on 07730 622416 or email: maria@ashdown.co.uk

The British Ragdoll Cat Club

Mitted • Bicolour • Colourpointed
(Founded 1987)
Members of the GCCF

Founded in 1987, The British Ragdoll Cat Club is the largest

Ragdoll Cat Club in the UK and formed the Ragdoll BAC.
We are a very friendly and active club which caters for everyone who
has an interest in Ragdoll cats, from the potential pet owner,
to the show scene, to the most professional breeder.
For a reputable breeder list and a regularly updated kitten list please
visit the TBRCC website www.tbrcc.co.uk.

The Club operates a rescue and re-home service. If you are interested
in re-homing a Ragdoll or can help in any way please contact Anne
on 01677 425929 or see the website for more details.
To join our friendly club or for further information please contact:
Anne Bradley 01677 425929 or Margaret Lynch 0161 2488940 (evenings only).
You can also find us on Facebook! WWW.TBRCC.CO.UK

C AT W O R L D
47
 BREED PROFILE

Above: UK & Imperial Grand Premier Denena Lily Le-Lou - Overall Best in Show
at the Colourpoint Society of Great Britain Show, March 2018.

most popular but chocolates and lilacs in tone but, like red, legs and feet will
are more commonly seen than they often be paler. Body colour is off-white.
once were.
Since then, red and cream, tabbies Tortie point
and tortoiseshells have been intro- A mix of the four traditional solid
duced. Ragdolls come in four colour colours with red and/or cream. Breed-
divisions: Solid Point, Tortie Point, ers aim for the ‘broken’ tortoiseshell
Anyone intending to show their Tabby Point and Tortie Tabby Point. effect in order to meet the show stand-
‘Raggy’ should take special care not ards, although large areas of red or
to allow grease to build up in the fur Solid Point colours cream may show a few bars or stripes.
and prevent staining, especially on Seal - matching deep seal brown
those white paws! Bathing is therefore points with a contrasting beige body Tabby point
recommended for cats competing on colour. Must show distinct markings for
the show bench. Blue - grey-blue points with a showing - a clearly defined ‘M’ on the
As with all cats, claws should be bluish-white body colour. forehead, spectacle markings around
checked and clipped every week or Chocolate - milk chocolate brown the eyes, broken stripes or rings on the
so and the ears examined and kept matching points with an ivory coloured legs and rings on the tail with that all-
clean. body. important solid coloured tail tip. Tabby
A scratching post is an essential Lilac - pinkish-grey points and a pointed colours include Seal Tabby
item and will help prevent damage to magnolia body colour. (Lilac is some- Point, Blue Tabby Point, Chocolate Tab-
furnishings. times known as ‘frost’ in the USA) by Point, Lilac Tabby Point and Cream
Red - Points may be any shade of Tabby Point, giving points in Seal Tortie
Colours red but although they may match in Tabby and Lilac Tortie Tabby.
Only four colours were originally tone, the legs and feet are often a light-
included in the standard - seal, blue, er shade. Body colour is pale cream. Showing
chocolate and lilac, all solid pointed. (Red is often called ‘flame’ in the US) Following the arrival of the first Rag-
Seals and blues have always been the Cream - Cream points may match dolls in the UK in 1981, it took some

48 C AT W O R L D
 BREED PROFILE

time for the breed to achieve recogni- marked and with striking appearance. until 3-4 years of age, some degree
tion under GCCF rulings. A small and Rag doll cats should be relaxed in tem- of body shading is to be expected, as
dedicated group of breeders worked perament, gentle and easy to handle. long as there is still clear contrast be-
tirelessly to attract Governing Coun- Head: Broad head with flat plane, tween body and points. The slow road
cil’s interest and by the late 1980s, it not domed and with width between to maturity is well worth the wait, how-
eventually became possible to exhibit the ears. Cheeks well developed, with ever, and rather like the ugly duckling
Ragdolls at GCCF shows, leading to a rounded, well developed muzzle becomes a graceful swan, the Ragdoll
the breed being granted Preliminary and firm chin with level bite. The nose cat becomes more enchanting with
Recognition in 1990. The Bicolour rose should be of medium length with a age. You may just fall in love so much
to Provisional Status in 1996, with the gentle dip and slightly retrousee tip. that one Ragdoll will never be enough!
Colourpointeds and Mitteds following Ears: Medium in size, set wide with
in 1998. a slight tilt forward. They should be Ragdoll patterns explained
Twenty years later, in June 2001, the well furnished and rounded at the tip. Colourpointed: Colourpointed has
UK celebrated the Ragdoll breed, in Eyes: Large, well opened slightly deep matching points on its mask,
all three patterns and the original four oblique and set well apart. Blue in col- ears, legs and tail, showing a softer hue
colours, as being fully recognised at our - the deeper the blue, the better. on its body with no white colouring
GCCF Championship level, with Red Body: Long and muscular. Short whatsoever.
and Tabby Series Ragdolls following neck, heavy set. Broad chest. Mitted: Mitted is similarly marked
in June 2003 - they had achieved their Legs & paws: Medium in length and but with white chin, possible white
goal! Many outstanding Ragdolls have of substantial bone. Paws large, round, nose blaze, white ruff and underbody,
been shown and will be remembered firm and tufted. white mittens to the front paws with
in the archives of Ragdoll history, Tail: Long, bushy, slightly tapered to- white socks up to the line of the hock
alongside the diligent work of the wards the tip and should at least reach or beyond on the hind legs.
breeders and owners both past and the shoulder and be in proportion to Bicolour: Bicolour shows a striking
present who have helped to elevate the body. white inverted ‘V’ to the mask, white
the breed to the position it holds today. Coat: Silky texture, dense and medi- ruff and underbody with clear white
um in length. A ruff and knickerbockers legs. A soft muted coloured saddle,
Standard of Points are preferred on mature cats. A short often broken by white patches. Tail
Overall impression is that of a large, coat in the summer is acceptable. colour matching the ears and mask
powerful, imposing cat, distinctively As cats may not reach full maturity points.

C AT W O R L D
49
 BIG TREK CONVERSATION

Going head over heels

for Big Cat conservation
Plans are well underway for three intrepid adventurers and
the ‘Trek for Big Cats’ so we caught up with one of them,
wildlife photographer Gareth James Legg, for an inside story

BY JILL MUNDY

S
omething a little unusual could Don’t be scared to come and say hi sion for conservation and the Trek he
be seen in the Scottish country- and help pledge your paw print to the will soon be embarking on:
side recently as the Trek for Big conservation of big cats and their wild
Cats team prepare for their epic habitats.” CW: How long has it taken to plan
challenge in aid of Born Free - a new The lion, which is yet to be named, the Trek for Big Cats?
lion mascot was spotted! is the first of the mascots to be final- Gareth: Well this has been a lifelong
The team start their unique chal- ised, and will be worn by the project’s dream and a concept I have worked
lenge to conquer both Everest Base founder, Gareth during Trek for Big on for years to be able to give back to
Camp and Kilimanjaro in November Cats’ epic journey. conservation; the actual Trek For Big
and Gareth James Legg, Tracey Bruton Gareth’s lion will shortly be joined Cats expedition and planning is now
and Timothy Jansen Van Vuuren are by a leopard, to be worn by environ- running into almost a year of planning
proud to unveil their custom-built lion mentalist and Field Guide Tracey and and still daily we improve on the ex-
mascot. a tiger, worn by film maker and ranger pedition concept to ensure we can
Trek for Big Cats is the brainchild Timothy. The fantastic costumes have help create a massive global reach
of South African-born Gareth. Af- all been designed and made here in and awareness around the plight of the
ter spending many years as a safari the UK. world’s iconic big cats and their envi-
guide, his passion for the big cats and I was lucky enough to have the ronments.
their environments led him to this next chance to ask Gareth about his pas-
chapter in his conservation journey. CW: There are three of you taking
Concerned by declining big cat popu- part - all passionate about animal
lations due to hunting and habitat loss, conservation. Have you attempted
Gareth was inspired to take action and anything like this before?
raise money for UK-based internation- Gareth: We are all from a back-
al wildlife charity Born Free. ground of working in the bush, often
Gareth, who now lives in Edinburgh, in remote areas, and having grown up
says: “It was only when I put the lion being involved with scouts and spend-
mascot on for the first time that the ing most of our free time outdoors, we
reality and enormity of this special like to think we will be able to handle
expedition really sank in. I am even the extreme trekking conditions and
more determined now, with the help of will be a little more resilient on the
the mascots and my incredible team trail. There is not much one can do
members Tracey Bruton and Tim Van to prepare yourself for high altitude
Vuuren, to be the voice for the voice- sickness - it can affect anyone at any
less - our endangered and iconic big stage of the trek. We are however put-
cats and their environments. ting health and safety at the forefront of
“Most of my training has been in this expedition and will be taking ad-
the hills and braids of Morningside so vice from the professional and highly
look out for the big male lion mascot! qualified sherpas with regard to this.

50 C AT W O R L D
 BIG TREK CONVERSATION

CW: You were a safari guide for a

number of years so you have been
fairly ‘up close and personal’ with
such amazing wildlife - how much
has that influenced your participa-
tion in this project?
Gareth: It has played a massive
role in inspiring me to do something
of this nature, as well as a passion for
the African wildlife and bush which
was instilled in me from the early age
of five by my parents. I have been
very privileged to have spent many
years photographing and exposed to
these majestic and beautiful Big Cats
and have been guided by these Big
Cats to stand up and be a voice for
the the voiceless; they need our help
- time is running out, not just for the
Big Cats but for the environments they
call home. Our home…!!!

CW: What sort of training have you

all been doing?
Gareth: Most of the train-
ing has been just lots of walking mixed

C AT W O R L D
51
 CW: How can we follow you as the
treks progress?
Gareth: Our website is www.trek-
forbigcats.com and Facebook page
www.facebook.com/trekforbigcats We
also have twitter and Instagram pages
- people can follow us on www.twitter.
com/trekforbigcats and www.insta-
gram.com/trek_for_big_cats
We are hoping to do daily video
blogs of the cats’ activities as well as
the daily advocacies on big cat con-
servation via all the above platforms.

CW: Is there anything you will be

taking with you that might be a bit
unusual (a lucky mascot, photo, etc.)
Gareth: We will be carrying a
very special book called ‘The book
of Samson’ written by a dear friend of
Trek For Big Cats, Linda Park, a mas-
sive conservationist and campaign-
er for big cats. The book has given us
huge guidance and great support do-
ing our preparation and is a highly
recommended read.

CW: Thank you so much for your

time Gareth and giving us an insight
into what will be an exciting adventure.
with some general cardio, Pilates, sometimes technical areas to navigate I, for one, will be following with inter-
core strength and a lot of mental and very narrow trails at very high al- est and wish you all a safe journey on
preparation to ensure that we are not titudes. behalf of all Cat World readers who, I
just physically prepared but also men- am sure, will be giving you their sup-
tally and emotionally prepared for CW: I believe the general public in port too.
all eventualities for this adventure. various countries around the world
Meditation has proved to be most will want to join the stand to stop tro-
helpful, and spending large parts of phy hunting, for instance, and other
the training outdoors using the healing threats to the lives of big cats around
and nurturing affects that only nature the world. Where can people find out
can supply. about support events if they want to
take part?
CW: How much more difficult will it Gareth: There are currently numer-
be trekking in a lion costume? What ous petitions being shared on social
particular problems may this cause media. We want to create aware-
or may have to be overcome? ness and give people a call to action
Gareth: The mascots each weigh and possibly solutions. Some of these
around 7kg, so almost 14 pounds. are lobbying to local governments and
The material they have used is putting pressure to ban trophy hunting,
very thick so making the mascots po- canned lion hunting and the export
tentially very warm and on top of that, and import of animal parts for com-
the headpieces have a limited view mercial use. We will be helping to pro-
with no peripheral line of sight; this all mote any online petitions via our social
makes the mascots very challenging media and sharing ways people can
to wear on an already challenging trek, get more involved with big cat conser-
with altitude sickness plus rocky and vation globally.

52 C AT W O R L D
SHOW DATES CLUB EVENTS FOR YOU DIARY

GCCF South Western Counties Cat Club Turkish Van Cat Club
SEPTEMBER Wellsprings Leisure Centre, Bracknell Leisure Centre, Bagshot
SEPTEMBER 01 Chidden Road, Taunton, Road, Bracknell, Berks. RG12 9SE
Siamese Cat Club Somerset TA2 7QP
Perdiswell Leisure Centre, Bilford Tabby Cat Club
Road, Worcester WR3 8DX OCTOBER Sports Connexion Leisure Club &
OCTOBER 06 Venue, Leamington Road,
Tonkinese Cat Club White Persian Cat Club Coventry, CV8 3FL
Perdiswell Leisure Centre, Bilford Bracknell Leisure Centre, Bagshot
Road, Worcester WR3 8DX Road, Bracknell, Berks. RG12 9SE Egyptian Mau Club
Sports Connexion Leisure Club &
Wyvern Cat Club Havana & Oriental Lilac Cat Club Venue, Leamington Road,
Perdiswell Leisure Centre, Bilford Wistaston Memorial Hall, 75 Church Coventry, CV8 3FL
Road, Worcester WR3 8DX Lane, Crewe, Cheshire CW2 8EZ
OCTOBER 13
SEPTEMBER 08 Korat & Thai Cat Association Caledonian Long Haired Cat Club
Somerset Cat Club Bugbrooke Community Centre, Academy Sports Centre, Arboretum
Thornbury Leisure Centre, Camp Close, Bubrooke, Road, Edinburgh EH3 5PL
Alveston Hill, Thornbury, Northampton NN7 3RW
South Gloucestershire BS35 3JB Edinburgh & East of Scotland
Russian Blue Breeders Association Cat Club
West Country Cat Club Bugbrooke Community Centre, Academy Sports centre, Arboretum
Thornbury Leisure Centre, Camp Close, Bubrooke, Road, Edinburgh EH3 5PL
Alveston Hill, Thornbury, Northampton NN7 3RW
South Gloucestershire BS35 3JB TICA UK
Longhaired, Semi Longhaired SEPTEMBER 22-23
SEPTEMBER 15 and All Breed Cat Club NaturallyTICA and Felinology
Erin Cat Club Bracknell Leisure Centre, Bagshot (EW Regional), Walton-on-Thames
Sixmile Leisure Centre, Road, Bracknell, Berks. RG12 9SE
Ballynure Road, Ballyclare, OCTOBER 06-07
County Antrim BT39 9YU Maine Coon Breed Society LondonCats, Manchester
Bracknell Leisure Centre, Bagshot
SEPTEMBER 16 Road, Bracknell, Berks. RG12 9SE
Cork Cat Club (GCCFI)
Social Mhuire Gan Smal, 1 Shean Norsk Skogkatt Society
Lower, Blarney, Co. Cork, Ireland Bracknell Leisure Centre, Bagshot
Road, Bracknell, Berks. RG12 9SE
SEPTEMBER 22
North West Cat Club Seal and Blue Point
Leigh Indoor Sports Centre, Birman Cat Club
Sale Way, Leigh Sports Village, Bracknell Leisure Centre, Bagshot
Leigh WN7 4JY Road, Bracknell, Berks. RG12 9SE

C AT W O R L D
 BOARDING
THE

HOUSE DIARY
There are so many cats to care for, each one with its own personality and
charm but the priorities for all of them are food, comfort and sleep

BY DOMINIQUE URQUHART

i
have been looking Mornings she is up I close my eyes and twinkly eyes full of admira-
after Olivia Fernan- at just past 5am and she a few minutes later I am tion and sitting on his lap
dez- Hanna, or ‘Oli takes turns waking up my- awake again when Oli whenever he pauses for a
from the block’ as we self and my partner John, jumps from the window rest. John is smitten. But he
like to call her, for just circling us like prey before ledge and lands on John’s is not getting up at 5.30 am
over a year now, visiting making her move. Starting back. John wakes with a to give her breakfast so
her at her home when her with me, she sits in front start as she walks around here she is tapping on my
doting parents make short of my snoozing head on a us, her little paws gen- nose with her paw again.
trips away and boarding small corner of the mat- tly shaking the mattress. When she realises she
her with us when they tress and gently taps my Luckily she has already is not getting a response,
are away for longer. On nose with her paw. I open worked her significant she sits on top of John
this occasion this sassy one eye and she narrows charm on John - Oli from and starts her cleaning
tuxedo cat, adopted from hers, looking at me before the block is a number ritual and the bed rocks
the Bronx, New York with letting out a plaintive mew. one flirt. She follows John under her efforts. When
oodles of attitude and a Hopping off of the bed, about as he does odd jobs my alarm sounds at 6 am
gently persuasive nature, she runs hopefully towards around the apartment, she lands in front of my
is lodging with us. the kitchen. gazing up at him with face and bounces off of the
bed and into the hallway.
I follow her sleepily as
Oli from the block she waggles her bottom
and heads to the kitchen
for breakfast. Later, as
John and I drink tea and
chat in bed, Oli, breakfast
finished, hops up and
settles in between us, her
face pointing towards John
and her bottom towards
me. Every time I talk she
flaps her tail so it lands in
my mouth, filling it with fur
and shutting me up as she
continues to gaze lovingly
at John.

Sassy
Sassy, a tiny, fluffy grey
Munchkin cat that looks

54 C AT W O R L D JUNE 2016
like a cat version of a
sausage dog, arrives and Bibi
trots confidently out of
her basket. Her tail stands
straight, arching over her
back as she explores my
apartment, running from
one object to another. She
is a seasoned traveller just
over from Paris and has
no qualms about meet-
ing new people or going
to new places. With short
legs and a medium length
coat that falls to her paws
she looks as though she
is floating when she walks
and like a bullet as she
gathers speed.
She jumps onto the sofa
for a better view out of the Sassy is not on the balcony the sensations of looking her home daily while her
window and before long watching the world go by, at the world from a new owners are away and she
Sassy is exploring the bal- she will hop onto the sofa height. follows me, wrapping her
cony and rolling excitedly next to me, falling into an body around my legs as I
on the slate tiles. There she easy sleep. Bibi prepare her breakfast. She
stays for a few minutes, Sassy loves the morning Bibi, an exotic shorthair, is not hugely interested in
her paws in the air, gently and I wake to find her on is a small cat, mostly black food and is happier when
rocking and contemplating the window ledge chat- with random white patch- I have sat down on the
the world. She rolls back ting to the birds. She is an es. She has a completely floor and she can bury her
to an upright position and extremely gentle cat and is flat, round face with huge cheeks in the palms of my
looks around, her small happy to be carried from yellow almond eyes and hand. Standing on the tips
stature making the grasses window to window. Lean- whiskers that are curled of her paws, Bibi points
and ferns look like a tropi- ing her head against mine, in the style of Hercule her face upwards and
cal jungle. In the evening, if she stares out, enjoying Poirot. I am visiting Bibi in pushes it into my palm, her
tale swirling in excitement
Sassy like a snake behind her.
Bibi purrs like a refrig-
erator, revelling in the
attention and her almond
eyes glisten with pleasure.
Eventually Bibi collapses,
exhausted, and melts into
my side, her eyes closed
and whiskers curled into a
smile beside me.

THE CAT FACTS:

The Notting Hill Cat Company
Pampering Your Pets While You Are Away
email: nottinghillcatcompany@gmail.com
web: www.nottinghillcatcompany.com
call: 0781 354 7461

J U LY 2 0 1 6 C AT W O R L D
55
 STRAY CATS

Poorly eyes won’t stop these

cats looking for love
Two cats, both with eye problems, were taken into different
charities and after recovering well were now looking for a
happy ever after home with a caring owner

BY MANDY WILLETT

C
ats can be very adaptable to dis- postponed for the welfare of her save her.
abilities or compromise. After kittens. One kitten was born with a April went back to Keighley Cat
the heartbreak of suffering an severely cleft palate and sadly died Care but she was clearly missing her
illness or injury, not to mention within hours. April and her two remain- kittens, which was very upsetting. She
losing loved ones, they can be remark- ing kittens were kept at the surgery was exhausted, understandably, as in
ably resilient. Here are two stories overnight but were allowed to be tak- just a week and a half she had been
of cats who have very different eye en to the Rescue in Keighley, Bradford through several distressing events.
problems, both needing a loving new the next day. She had been prescribed With all the love and care shown by
home. an eye cream to be applied daily while the rescue centre, her lovely personal-
she was nursing her two kittens. ity began to emerge. However, she
April The three of them seemed other- was terrified of the other cats at the
On 13th April 2018, Keighley Cat wise very healthy but on 19th April, rescue. After a lot of deliberation, April
Care managed to trap and collect a one of the kittens died in his sleep. was taken to Battersea Dogs and Cats
heavily pregnant stray cat with a very Staff were heartbroken and then the Home, who have taken in many cats
poorly eye. The cat, named April, was following day, April’s eye became from the Keighley rescue, with a very
immediately taken to the vets to be ex- critical so she had to be admitted for successful rehoming rate.
amined but, whilst waiting to be seen, emergency surgery. Her kitten went Thankfully in June this year, April’s
tiny squeaks could be heard coming with her and the surgery went well. tragic story finally had a happy end-
from the covered trap. April had given Just five days after she came home, the ing - and a new beginning, as she was
birth! surviving kitten became very unwell adopted. A donation from Wetnose
Her eye was in a horrendous state and was taken to the vets. Sadly she Animal Aid helped Keighley Cat Care
and required surgery but this was also died, despite the best attempts to do all they could to secure a new and
enjoyable future for April.
Please consider helping the smaller
animal charities to help save the lives
of so many other unfortunate cats and
other animals who find themselves in
their care.

Igloo
A stray cat found wandering the
streets of North West London was
taken to animal welfare charity May-
hew by a concerned member of the
public. The one-year-old black feline
was named Igloo and on arrival she
was given a thorough health check.
Mayhew Vet, Dr Emma Robinson,

56 C AT W O R L D
 YEAR ROUND HEALTH

Casper overcomes severe

flea infestation
C
asper was rescued from a
home at just six weeks old, in
said: “When Igloo was first brought September 2016, and it was
in we noticed she had dried eye touch and go as to whether
discharge and mild conjunctivitis in he would survive. He was riddled
both eyes. Although they were initially with fleas and was really unwell. was no longer life-threatening.”
improving with topical eye treatment, MSD Animal Health is now shar- Casper was finally discharged
the eye discharge continued. ing Casper’s story as part of its Big on 9th October 2016 - 19 days after
“We suspected that this may be due Flea Project - an initiative to raise he was admitted. He was adopted
to a blockage of the tear ducts, mean- awareness about the dangers of by the practice receptionist, Helen,
ing that the tears do not drain from the fleas and encourage pet owners to who fell in love with the black and
eye as they normally would and end keep pets protected. white moggy during his stay in the
up running down the face. Casper was taken to The Vet- practice.
“Blockage can be due to abnormali- erinary Health Centre in Lytham, Helen said: .“Casper is now a fit
ties of the ducts from birth or due to Lancashire where practice owner and healthy young cat and happy in
damage from a virus. We were able and vet, Siuna Reid, described the his new home. I had lost my seven-
to flush the left tear duct under an- case as the worst she had seen in teen year old cat about four months
aesthetic, allowing drainage from that her 26-year career. previously and was still missing her
duct. Unfortunately the right tear duct Poor little Casper was whim- dreadfully when the RSPCA brought
is permanently altered, meaning that pering in distress as the parasites the tiny collapsed kitten into the
she will always have a mild discharge crawled all over his face. The fleas practice.
from the right eye. This does not cause had sucked so much of Casper’s “I had never seen as many
her discomfort but just means the area blood he was anaemic; his blood fleas on an animal before and was
around the eye needs to be cleaned sugar and packed cell volume shocked that he could actually die
and dried daily.” (PCV) levels were so low he was from the infestation. Over the next
After receiving medical attention dipping in and out of consciousness. few days he battled on and I sat
and care from Mayhew’s Vet team, Casper was given emergency with him, grooming out the flea dirt.
including vaccinations and neutering, life-saving treatment and everyone His fantastic little character be-
Igloo was put into the care of fosterer hoped for the best. gan to make its way into my heart.
Tessa, who said: “Igloo has been a joy Eighteen months on, Casper Casper is now a much loved mem-
to look after. She loves to play, scamp- now lives with the receptionist who ber of the family and I’ll make sure
ering down the hallway to hide just out checked him into the practice and he never has another flea again!”
of sight, inviting me to follow for games is happy in his forever home. Big Flea Project vet, Hannah
with her ribbons, shoelaces and feath- Siuna Reid said: “I vividly re- Newbury, from MSD Animal Health
ers. She is the sweetest friend and her member treating Casper. He was said: “Casper’s story is truly shock-
clear happiness when she is feeling brought in by the RSPCA one ing and highlights the dangers fleas
loved is a wonderful thing to share. evening after he was rescued from and other parasites can have. Flea
Igloo doesn’t miaow but she’s very a house. There was a point where infestations can occur in this way
expressive with her variety of enchant- it looked like we would have to put when we forget to treat our pets.
ing little noises.” Casper down but I wanted to do my At least 12 weeks’ continuous flea
Sadly Igloo wasn’t microchipped best to stop that from happening. treatment is needed to break the
and no-one came forward to collect His PCV levels were not condu- flea life cycle, so it’s really important
her so she is now looking for someone cive with life. We had to give him a for pet owners to keep on top of the
to offer her a loving forever home. De- protein fluid. It took around three or treatment process and to treat their
tails of all cats in the charity’s care can four days before Casper’s condition pets year round.”
be found on the Mayhew website.

C AT W O R L D
57
 UNDERSTANDING PURRING

Manipulative moggies -
cats and purring
It is the wish of most cat owners that their feline friend will
curl up on their lap, purring contentedly - but happiness is
only one reason why cats purr

BY LORRAINE SCHOFIELD

M
ost cat owners love to hear the process because purring creates duces endorphins to help soothe her.
contented sound of their cats vibrations within the body which help However, one piece of research
purring. Not only is it relaxing to heal wounds and bones as well as in relation to purring that I found the
to listen to but it also usually decreasing swelling. This I found fasci- most interesting was the fact that cats
demonstrates that your cat is happy nating as it shows that cats really are in are capable of producing a manipu-
and feels safe and secure. Personally, tune with their bodies and understand lative purr which combines purring
I find the sound very soothing and the link between body and mind in with a cry in order to persuade their
it reassures me that my cats are at generating a sense of wellbeing. owners to get up out of bed and feed
ease. Tibbles, for instance, produces Cats also use purring as a means of them! According to researchers at the
loud vibrating purrs which sound communication as kittens will purr to University of Sussex, cats have adapt-
like a mini motor bike and Mia also demonstrate to their mothers that all is ed their purring so that they have
has a fairly loud purr which is reas- well whereas the mother cat will use incorporated a sound which sounds
suring to hear because she is a very purring as a lullaby in order to com- very much like a baby crying into
nervous and jumpy cat who still, after fort and and soothe her kittens. Kittens their early morning purring routines.
four years with me, does not like to are born deaf and blind but can feel Thus, when faced with this persistent
be picked up or cuddled. Therefore, vibrations which means that purring is and manipulative purr, humans find it
when Mia purrs it tells me that she is at a vital way in which the mother com- hard to ignore, just as a crying baby
that moment in time content, although municates with her offspring. Further- demands immediate attention. In fact,
admittedly she can quickly change more, during labour, purring helps the interestingly, even non-cat owners
from purring to producing a resound- mother cat to deal with pain and pro- were able to differentiate between the
ing hiss if she has had enough strok- more urgent and persistent purrs and
ing, showing that purrs can sometimes regular purrs showing that cats have
be misleading. Meanwhile, Toby purrs really mastered the art of getting what
so quietly that it is very difficult to hear they want!
and quite often I resort to feeling un- From personal experience, Tib-
der his chin to actually ascertain that bles, my senior puss of 16, has really
he is indeed purring. mastered the art of the manipulative
However, having read up a little purr as every morning he wakes me
about why and how cats purr, I came without fail by climbing onto my pillow
across some very interesting informa- and purring and mewing loudly, as
tion. For instance, purring is not just well as licking my face until it has the
a way that a cat expresses pleasure desired effect and I reluctantly get out
but also a way that a cat self-soothes. of bed. More often than not, if it is early,
Therefore, an injured cat who is in I will go back to bed afterwards fol-
pain, will often purr to help it cope lowing which Tibbles is usually quite
with the pain and to lessen the impact content to join me now that he has a
of the pain upon it. Furthermore, purr- full stomach!
ing may also form part of the healing Nevertheless, although Tibbles

58 C AT W O R L D
 UNDERSTANDING PURRING

is obviously skilled at manipulating is not only comforting but also serves cheetahs and bobcats certainly do.
me, according to the research at the to remind me that he is content and Apparently, cats that do purr have
University of Sussex, the fact that a cat happy to be sat alongside me. a hard hyoid bone located in their
does so serves to prove that there is a Toby and Mia are both rather timid throats whereas those that do not, such
strong one-to-one relationship in place cats who like their own personal space, as lions, have a more elastic hyoid
between the cat and its owner. Cer- although Mia is rather partial to a bone which, while allowing them to
tainly having had Tibbles from a kitten tummy tickle and will purr loudly if she roar, prevents them from being able to
for 16 years, I definitely agree that we gets her way, showing the importance purr. This serves to show that all cats,
have a very close bond, although Tib- of purring in order for our cats to com- including big cats, have adapted ac-
bles definitely has the upper hand in municate effectively to us how they are cording to their circumstances, so that
the relationship. feeling. Toby is still a work in progress if it suits their needs they will develop
Purring however, is not just good with regard to purring but seems to the ability to purr.
for the cat but is also beneficial for its prefer to meow very loudly in order Ultimately, cats purr for a variety of
owners as it is not only soothing for to make his presence felt, especially reasons; manipulating their owners is
humans but also helps to lower stress when he is demanding some of his certainly one of them and it most defi-
levels. Stroking a purring cat can help favourite cat treats. Perhaps Toby has nitely comes in very useful at breakfast
to lower blood pressure and help us to not yet mastered the art of the ma- time! Nevertheless, although we cat
relax and this is one of the reasons that nipulative purr but as his frequent loud lovers know that they are wily crea-
I am such an avid cat fan. Cats know meows have the same desired effect tures, being much smarter than they
instinctively how to relax and although with regard to treats, he has no need actually appear, if you are anything like
unfortunately none of my cats are lap yet of the manipulative purr. me at all, you will recognise there is
cats, Tibbles loves to settle down next Interestingly, not all big cats purr. something so irresistible and beguiling
to me on the sofa of an evening and Any that roar do not actually purr. about a cat’s purr that it is quite impos-
the sound of his loud resounding purr Therefore, lions do not purr whereas sible to ignore it and not respond to it.

C AT W O R L D
59
 CONFESSIONS
of a CAT LOVER
LOVE IS IN THE AIR FOR PARSLEY IT SEEMS BUT NUTMEG
AND TIM - ESPECIALLY TIM - ARE NOT AMUSED

P
arsley has got a respectively in her head. official: I was worried. and I glanced out of the
boyfriend. This is not And anything beyond that is We should have known front bedroom window (OK,
easy to take. I mean, abroad. there was a male cat in- I may have been looking)
neither of my cats has Anyway, wherever she volved but we didn’t twig at and there she was. Except,
ever expressed any interest went, she disappeared. Ad- that stage. We discussed all she wasn’t alone. She had
in male cats before. Not a mittedly it wasn’t a full-on sorts of other theories. That another cat with her. The
sniff – literal or metaphori- week-long disappearance she’d got shut in a neigh- cat in question was a fine
cal. But that has clearly – one that involved posters bour’s shed or garage. That looking fellow, I have to
changed. on lampposts and calls to she’d gone beyond her ter- say. A big sleek black one,
Maybe it was the warm- the emergency services ritory and got lost. Become with the shape of a Jaguar.
er weather that prompted (by which I mean local vets involved in a protracted The animal, not the car –
it. I should have suspected and rescue centres). But stand-off with another cat. obviously. He wasn’t short
something like this was this most definitely consti- Naturally, we worried about of confidence, either. He
happening when Pars- tuted a disappearance as the worse-case scenarios stood his ground when I
ley went walkabout. This, far as Parsley was con- but didn’t talk too much walked out (OK, I may have
you should understand, is cerned. about those. One scenario run) to collect Parsley.
highly unusual. She is not a She went out the back we most definitely didn’t When she came in,
wanderer. When she goes door at 8am. She sat on discuss was ‘young love’. she was different. More
out, she tends to sit on the the patio (as usual). She And why would we? She aloof. I suspect there may
patio. If she’s feeling adven- sat on the garden table (as had never been interested have been some physical
turous, she’ll saunter down usual). Half an hour later in ‘men’. In fact, I’m not sure contact, because Nutmeg
to the table at the end of the I looked out – OK, I may she’d even met a male cat. either didn’t recognise her
garden. Very occasionally have checked – and she She once had a pen in the smell or smelt him on her
she’ll go as far as the alleys was gone. No sign at 10am cattery next to two rather because her reaction was
that surround the house. or 11am or noon, either. dashing Toms but the cat- aggressive. He’s been put-
We always joke that the No sign all afternoon. No tery lady said she’d spent ting in quite a few appear-
neighbours’ gardens are sign at six o’clock. By nine the week resolutely ignor- ances since. Most days, in
Wales, Scotland and Ireland o’clock that evening it was ing them. fact, he comes and sits in
Nutmeg’s behaviour has the front garden. He’s very
been altogether different. patient and just stares up at
‘Promiscuous’ is a dirty the door. There’s something
word – fortunately, they’ve romantic about it. Love’s
both been neutered – but young dream and all that.
she seems quite, how shall Except it’s not so young
I put this delicately, liberal because Parsley’s six, so
with her affections. She ap- distinctly middle-aged in
pears to know most of the human years.
male cats in the neighbour- I’ve tried to see the best
hood. in him – I’ve no reason to
Anyway, back to the boy- suspect he wasn’t a perfect
friend. It had got to 10pm gentleman. He brought

60 C AT W O R L D
her home, after all. Parsley, Yet I can’t help feel some
however, is now having sympathy. There’s some-
none of it. She ignores him. thing a little romantic about
I fear that she’s forgotten him: the tragic, devoted
him and already moved on hero. He waited for a few
in her head. I am starting minutes then departed. If it
to suspect she might have had been a Disney film, he
done that whole awkward would have probably had a
‘It’s not you, it’s me’ ex- tear in his eye.
change as she left him on I fear ours may not be
the doorstep. the only house at which
I’ve tried holding her he makes these evening
up to the window to see calls, although I’m not tell-
if there’s any reaction but ing Parsley that. She may
she reacted with disdain. be largely indifferent but I
She made the funny noise wouldn’t want to risk upset-
she makes when she sees ting her. I have spent her
a bird or moth, the broken whole life treating her as if
cackly one that’s midway she is special – it seems a
between a mioaw and a shame to break the illusion
hiss, and that was pretty for her now. Secretly, I also
much that. have to admit I’m glad she
As it stands, I still haven’t hasn’t got a boyfriend. She
identified the cat in ques- might have started coming
tion. He wears no collar. in late and got all surly. Plus
I have never seen him in I fear it could have led to
a neighbour’s garden. conflict between her and
Well, never consistently sister Nutmeg. Nutmeg
one garden in particular. basically wants everything
Earlier tonight, he turned Parsley’s got, so Nutmeg
up on the doorstep and would have tried to steal
waited for a few minutes. him. The net result could
Parsley was far too busy in have been some bizarre
the kitchen staring at the cat love triangle. I live in
corner of a rug to bother the suburbs so I suspect
herself with anything as enough of that goes on
trivial as a past conquest. anyway.

C AT W O R L D
61
 PASHA & TANNI

Season of mists and

planting bulbs...
The first whispers of autumn flutter gently on the breeze
and Pasha and Tanni join in the rituals that come with
preparing home and garden for the months ahead

BY INGRID HOOPER

A
fter a long, hot sultry summer eager anticipation of a garden fit to cooking in many shades of green. I tell
there is a scent of autumn in the challenge the Chelsea Flower Show the Siamese boys that cats don’t eat
air. From early morning mists next Spring. Pasha and Tanni enjoy the green. Then Tanni will happily mop
to the shorter days and longer times spent with their humans outdoors, up any left-over pesto on plates not
nights, nature is gradually winding especially the annual ritual of planting stacked straight away into the dish-
down and Siamese boys Pasha and up bulbs. Plenty of potential for walking washer to disprove my theory.
Tanni are picking up on this. all over the compost bags and sniffing Evenings sitting around the fireside
True, there is still warmth in the air at the bulbs. And for getting whiskers or spent catching up on TV beckon.
and on the ground, combined with wet in copious mugs of tea! Both Siamese boys enjoy curling up,
slightly shorter sunny days to look for- Climbing trees is made easier once one each side of my lap, to watch
ward to. Playing with the solar fountain leaves shrivel and fall, enabling Pasha wildlife programmes. Though what
can still be fun even if it doesn’t leap to brush up on his tree climbing skills Tanni sees or recognises in hippos I
quite so high up in the air as it did dur- and call to Tanni to come up and join just couldn’t say! Music programmes
ing those earlier long hot sunny days. him. Stretches of fence which previ- don’t interest Pasha and Tanni. The first
Hiding amongst the shrubs doesn’t ously were covered in honeysuckle, sound of a soprano singing in an opera
offer quite as much cover as it once clematis and wisteria are now easier to has Pasha making a quick exit from the
did, making it easier to see where the negotiate in order to get a full stretch room. Perhaps high octaves are too
Siamese pair are lying in wait ready to gallop along the fence – Pasha! much for sensitive Siamese ears?
spring out and ambush unsuspecting Tanni finds it easier to sniff out Now our Cats are spending more
young birds. mouse trails and hunt for frogs but time indoors it’s worth carrying out
But there are many plus points to the harder to conceal himself which must an up to-date safety check. Like many
arrival of autumn. For a start there is be a huge relief to the local wildlife. people we have blinds on the windows
more time for indoor play and for re- Dotted all around the garden are and it never occurred to me that the
connecting with what is new inside the spiders lurking in their webs ready to chain could be a danger to cats until
house to offer play potential. As well as catch the unwary. But the largest col- Pasha got tangled up in a blind chain
rediscovering old familiar haunts for lection of spiders seems to be hanging and couldn’t free himself. Fortunately
hiding and for being just curious. out in the garage, the Wendy house I was in the room and able to release
Soon it will be time to swap cool and the shed. I have lost count of the him quickly. Needless to say we now
summer beds for warmer winter ones. number of times I have walked into have childproof locks in place.
It won’t be long till Pasha and Tanni webs with an aggressive looking spi-
rediscover the joys of slipping under der in situ. As the autumn spider-fest l Follow Pasha & Tanni’s kitten
the duvet when the humans are asleep. brings these creatures out from unex- adventures on their blog at
Even better will be the thrill of stretch- pected nooks and crannies, I half hope www.CatsHaveStaff.co.uk
ing out full length, forcing the humans the Siamese dudes will deal with them. l Cats Have Staff – The Saffi & Misa
onto the edge of the bed! Instead they look up at me, waiting for Diaries by Ingrid Hooper is available
Unlike the hot sultry days and nights their human to take charge. from the above website or from
of summer, Autumn is the time for Indoors the smell of cooking per- Amazon. Out now in paperback and
working long hours in the garden in meates the air, even if it is just veggie Kindle.

62 C AT W O R L D
 FUN PAGES

FELINE FUN
Wordsearch Spot the difference
We’ve hidden all of the words listed below in the Can you find 6 things in the picture that are missing?
grid…except one! Can you work out which word
isn’t included?

S T N E M E L P P U S C X Y
A J Y U Y N H V F D O F Y A
K K Z C T Z Z H M C S W V R
G Z X H E R E L G H I V S T
E E E J P A I G C G B S O R
R P X R T I W T N W J P B E
G J Y P A J A R I K W I T T
R U A X K O Y J K O O U X T
N D X Q Q Z F A U D N T H I
WG S Q O I E G E U S P W L
C N R A P R F G S I R Q M O
O E F R P O R Q T F A V Q U
WS N C H A O I C A F E D G
Q L R I D U R C T E Y V Q E
MX T A M H G I S M Z B X M
U S B W T A I E B R Y L R X
H L V R Y J S G A K H A X B
Vecteezy.com

E P A B W P W O S V D N F G
G E R I A T R I C Q S K N F
L N U N G A Y P S U S E P P
Answers from last month
S T E L L E P F G H L T Z Y Criss Cross: Across: 2. Arthritis,
4. Scratch post, 6. Obesity,
L T O P W S F A L R P G I L 8. Sleeping Down: 1. Mouse,
2. Activity feeder, 3. Crepuscular,
5. Taurine, 7. Fishing
Spot the difference, left.

ARTHRITIS BLANKET
GERIATRIC HEATPAD
DID YOU KNOW?
SUPPLEMENTS LITTER TRAY
FOR AN OLDER CAT, ONE YEAR EQUATES TO FOU
GLUCOSAMINE BIODEGRADABLE R HUMAN YEARS, SO A SEVEN-YEAR-OLD CAT
DEMENTIA SCOOP BE CLASSED AS MIDDLE-AGED AND A 14-YEA WOULD
R-OLD CAT WOULD BE AROUND 70 HUMAN YEA
NUTRITION PELLETS RS OF AGE.

C AT W O R L D
63
 KITTY COVERS
THE BOOKS WE’RE ALL READING AND ROLLING OVER THIS MONTH

A Rampage of Rodents
An excerpt from ‘An Armful of Animals’, the new book
by much-loved author Malcolm D. Welshman

O
ur cottage, Willow Wren, under the TV while I was trying to
had become a refuge for watch EastEnders. Such distraction
the local rodent population from my favourite soap was not to
seeking to escape the ravages of a be tolerated. Enough was enough.
Sussex winter. What better than a tile- Hence Queenie arrived. A very at-
hung 18th century cottage, built on tractive looking chocolate and cream
bare earth that sharp teeth and claws long-haired Persian whose owners
could bury under. Lathe and plaster were going abroad; and the cat re-
walls to tunnel through. And a laby- quired rehoming.
rinth of nooks and crannies to nest in. In view of my antipathy towards
A perfect des res for mice. such creatures, her addition to the
Our whiskery friends certainly household actually worked out quite when Sabrina swirled in. She was
seemed a happy band, very content well. Queenie treated me with utter a large middle-aged feline, green-
with their accommodation. Even a contempt. Regal distain, as befitted eyed, with puffball white fur, pink
Pied Piper worthy of his tune would her name. To her, I was a mere un- nose and pink ears. A cuddly,
have had a hard job to give them derling not worthy of royal patronage. dreamy-looking cat – the sort you’d
their marching orders. Throughout She kept her distance. I mine. That associate with fairy castles and dam-
the winter and into spring, they led us suited us both. But we soon found out sels in distress. Only I discovered
a merry dance; having waited most that Queenie had no intention of sing- that lurking within all that puff was a
of the day they’d then set off to pat- ing for her supper or rather decapi- deadly deviousness capable of mak-
ter nightly across the loft and abseil tating a mouse or two for her dinner. ing a damsel demented. As for me,
down the walls. We were overrun. Far from it. Any murine movements in terms of being a knight, I found my
“It might help if we got a cat,” said in the house were totally ignored by armour sorely dented.
my wife, Maxeen. her. Despite her sugar-candy appear-
I grimaced. “You know I’m not She’d lie, stretched out along the ance, we’d been assured she was,
particularly fond of cats.” back of the settee and watch any unlike Queenie, an excellent mouser.
“Oh, for goodness sake. Don’t cavorting mice without batting an That was the reason Maxeen per-
be such a namby-pamby.” Maxeen eyelid. They were treated with utter suaded me to adopt Sabrina. Hon-
glowered at me. “Besides, having one distain. Clearly, she had no intention ourable intentions, for sure. Bless her.
round the house will help you under- of swooping down to conquer. Not for By now, Willow Wren felt as if it
stand cats more,” said Maxeen. “Just her a Boudicca-style charge to snatch had become an international centre
you wait and see.” a rodent or two. It was a no-go area. for murine movements. It was heav-
But I was still reluctant. Until the So the population of mice in Willow ing with mice. I swear there was a
evening a couple of mice started Wren continued to burgeon. large contingency from France as
playing ping pong with a peanut We hoped that would all change our Camembert, Brie and Roquefort

64 C AT W O R L D
would disappear with great relish in the top tread before Sabrina had
while the local Cheddar was never ripped the bottom one out. “She’s just
gorged. I began to dream of mice. sharpening her claws” said Maxeen.
There’d be one leaning against our “It’s not deliberate sabotage.” I was
pine dresser, a Gauloises stuck in the unconvinced.
corner of his mouth, while his fellow Then came the episode of the
compatriots, berets on their heads, water butt. It was during a hose-pipe
played boules with peanuts across ban. A common occurrence in this
the kitchen floor. Ooh … la … la … drought-stricken corner of West Sus-
“I reckon they’ll get along,” de- sex. I sneakily tried filling our water
clared Maxeen when Sabrina was butt illicitly by snaking the hosepipe
first presented to Queenie. She was through the herbaceous border to
right. After a few introductory sniffs, the kitchen tap. So what did Sabrina
a few wags of feathery tails swished do? She settled herself on top of the
from side to side like banners at a kitchen extension, peering down at
pageant, they got on fine. Royal as- the hosepipe trailing in through the
sent had been granted. And before window and proceeded to yowl. A
you could twitch a whisker, they’d spluttery caterwauling that in my
started plotting. A certain member of years as a vet I’ve never experienced
the household was not to be trusted. before.
You’ve guessed. Me. Though there Her rendition had our neighbour,
was no Tower to send me to, I could ticulate cries of pleasure. As Sabrina’s Rita, dash out to peer over the gar-
still be in for the chop. What lay transports of affection subsided along den fence, bewilderment creased on
ahead? I wondered. My head in a with those she’s evoked in Maxeen, her face. While Rev. James busy in
basket? she cocooned herself at the end of the vicarage garden across the way,
“You’re imagining things,” said the bed and fell fast asleep. Within dropped his shears and came run-
Maxeen when I first suggested that days, Queenie was copying her. ning. As both spotted the now nearly
Sabrina was out to get me, alienating There followed attempts to banish full water butt, Sabrina stopped her
Queenie against me in the process. me from the bedroom all together. caterwauling and proceeded to wash
“They’re only cats for heaven’s sake.” I was climbing our narrow staircase her paws. Job done. I’d been found
“But I swear Sabrina doesn’t like one evening, my head coming level out.
me.” with the landing, when I was suddenly As for mouse hunting, no way was
“That’s because she senses you’re aware of a silky white paw flashing Sabrina going to oblige; and never
not keen on her. That you don’t really out between the rails above me. did. Hence, my continuing rant about
like cats.” “Ouch,” I roared as claws scraped the rodents became music to her
“But I tolerate them,” I whinged. across my scalp before disappearing ears. And Queenie’s. Every note a
“But Sabrina’s really anti-me.” It was back onto the landing. winning score. Grrrrrr.
apparent within a few days of her set- There was no sympathy from Max-
ting paw in Willow Wren. een. “It’s just Sabrina playing games l ‘An Armful of Animals’ is available
One of the first rules of the house – with you.” But when Queenie started from Amazon as a paperback £7.99
no pet allowed upstairs – was bro- to join in it gave me claws for con- or ebook £2.99
ken. Blatantly violated. I was undress- cern. Two sets of them. www.malcolmwelshman.co.uk
ing one evening, Maxeen already in Maxeen’s solution was to throw a
bed, when a puff of white rolled into beanie at me. “Here, wear this.”
the room and floated up onto her Thanks, love. Malcolm has had a lifetime filled
side. There, it proceeded to wrap The supposed ‘games’ contin- with exciting encounters with
itself round her neck, lick her, rub ued when I attempted to lay a new animals. He shares all these
noses while giving vent to soft inar- stair carpet. I’d barely hammered fascinating experiences in a
gently humorous memoir that
will guarantee to tug at the heart
‘A most enjoyable insight into a fascinating life.’ strings while bringing a smile to
your face.
- Jim Wight, son of James Herriot.

C AT W O R L D
65
 NATUR
NATURAL
ATURA
ATUR
TURAL
AL
HEALTH
L
LTH
Falling injuries can be many and various but Richard Allport has some natural
healing suggestions to help immediately or after treatment

I
f your cat falls from a win- the vet and on the way there, dies come in various forms. If using
dow seven stories up or and whenever you are able to tablets, it is preferable to use ‘soft’
higher, there is likely to be take your cat back home again, tablets, as these are absorbed from
less damage and fewer injuries there are some excellent natu- the mouth quite easily, unlike hard
than if that same cat had fallen ral remedies that will be helpful tablets which can take some time to
from a window below seven stories or even life-saving. dissolve.
high. Makes no sense? Well, it’s all Unlike most tablets, homeopathic
to do with terminal velocity (the Rescue remedy remedies don’t have to be swal-
fastest speed a body reaches on This is a combination of flower lowed in order to work; in fact they
falling) and the fact that as they fall, essences that is ideal at times of work better if they dissolve in the
cats stretch their legs and tail out acute trauma, shock and injury. As mouth rather than being swallowed.
and somehow ‘parachute’ down. it is formulated as a liquid, it can be
Falls from below the seventh floor given by mouth easily and is safe
don’t seem to allow cats to get into to give to an unconscious cat. The
the parachute posture, so they sus- bottle comes with a dropper and
tain more injuries. one or two drops or Bach Rescue
If, God forbid, your cat should Remedy in the mouth or directly on
drop out of the sky, what can you do the lips can be administered every
to help alleviate the shock, trauma five minutes until the patient is seen
and injuries that result? by the vet.
The commonest injuries are Rescue Remedy helps minimise
bruises, internal haemorrhage, shock, improve circulation and calm
fractures - especially limbs, pelvis anxiety and nerves.
and jaw - and external damage
such as cuts and lacerations. Arnica and aconite
Naturally the first thing you will do These are two homeopathic rem-
is call the vet - be prepared to take edies which, in combination, have
your cat to the vet rather than ex- the same kinds of effects as Res-
pecting the vet to turn out. Injuries cue Remedy - relieving shock and
from accidents such as these will stress and calming frayed nerves.
need treating at the vets, so valuable However, Arnica in particular is also
time will be wasted if you wait for excellent at a more physical level,
the vet to come out and then trans- by minimising bleeding and bruis-
port the cat back to the clinic. ing and helping to promote healing
While waiting to get through to of any injured tissues. These reme-
It is also advisable not to touch the tions should be given for the week combination is ideal for treating the
tablets while or before administer- to help minimise further trauma and effects of lacerations, cuts, bruises
ing, as this can remove some of the bruising caused by the injury. and any other skin or superficial tis-
active ingredients from the pills. What else? Here are a few sue damage.
Arnica and aconite are best given remedies that will come in useful,
frequently at times of serious ac- depending on the extent of injuries: Derma gel
cident and injury. Dosing every 5-10 This is a herbal skin gel, which
minutes while waiting to see a vet is Symphytum contains many herbs that can soothe
ideal - and arnica and aconite can A homeopathic remedy to speed and cool sore skin and promote
be alternated with doses of Rescue up the healing of fractured bones. healing. In areas where fur is lost, it
Remedy. Made from the herb comfrey, also will promote the growth of new fur
So, your cat has been dosed up known as knit-bone, symphytum the same colour as the fur that was
with Rescue/arnica.aconite and is a superb remedy to get dam- lost. (Fur often comes back darker
has reached the vet, been taken in, aged bone to heal more quickly. It than before, owing to a physiologi-
patched up and is now back home is also useful for eye injuries. Give cal change in the skin, including the
with you. What can you now give symphytum 30c twice daily for five difference in temperature).
to accelerate healing and help get weeks.
your cat back to the happy, active Rhus Toxicodendron
feline you knew before? Staphisagria and ruta graveolens
If the victim’s return is within a Another homeopathic remedy - These two homeopathic rem-
day or two of the accident, then re- for cuts and wounds, either deep, edies are known as Rhus tox. and
start the arnica and aconite, giving straight cuts occurring as a result Ruta grav. for short. They are ideal
these three times a day for a week. of the accident or incised cuts for damage to ligaments, tendons
If the poor patient has had to have made during surgery. Cats needing and muscles. So, if sprains, strains or
an extended stay at the vets, then staphisagria are often a bit moody any form of ligament/tendon/mus-
any bruising may have already worn or ‘resentful’ as they recover. cle injury is caused, then Rhus and
off. However, if an operation has had Ruta are the twin remedies to bring
to be undertaken - say a pinning Lavender oil into use. Give one of each, in 30c
or plating of a fractured leg - then This essential oil can be used potency, twice daily for three weeks.
undoubtedly the old ‘AA’ combina- on the skin directly, although better Rhus and Ruta are also available
mixed with a’carrier’ oil, such as as a gel to use externally on the ap-
sweet almond, first. It can also be propriate site.
used in an essential oil burner in the
same room as the cat. Manuka honey
Lavender stimulates healing Apply to wounds to promote heal-
of damaged tissue, soothes and ing. Medicinal honey preparations
calms anxieties and nervousness are available. Manuka honey is the
and helps restless patients to sleep. best type of honey for medicinal
Don’t apply more than twice a day - purposes and does the biz. It has
and don’t leave an evaporator on for a strong anti-bacterial and healing
more than 15 minutes, two or three effect.
times a day. However, lavender oil is So, to sum up. always carry some
one of the safest oils available. arnica, aconite and Rescue Remedy
with you, in case you find an injured
Hypericum/Calendula cream cat. Give these right away. Follow-
Hypericum and Calendula are ing the injury, think of which of the
two homeopathic remedies that can above remedies may be useful,
be applied to the skin directly and depending on the nature of the inju-
are often used as a combination. ries. All the remedies mentioned are
Hypericum relieves soreness and compatible with any conventional
pain in damaged skin, especially if medication or surgery your vet
there is damage to nerve endings may suggest but it will be wise and
with consequent severe discomfort. polite to mention to your vet that you
Calendula stimulates healing, so the using them.
 HISTORICAL CATS

Dr Samuel Johnson
an is e ne at
Famous characters throughout history have been fans of
felines and many of them, like Dr Samuel Johnson, owned
more than one cat during their lifetime

BY MARGARET BRECKNELL

D
r Samuel Johnson cheap and nutritious meal. he is a very fine cat, a very
is one of the most It becomes clear in the fine cat indeed”.
famous literary figures same passage that Hodge Sadly Boswell does not
of the 18th century. He was far from being Dr John- pursue further these earlier
is best known for compil- son’s first cat. James Boswell feline companions. In one of
ing the first modern English makes it clear that he his own letters Samuel John-
Dictionary, published in himself is not a cat lover but son does refer to a young
1755. He was asked to write does his best to ingratiate female white cat called Lily
the dictionary by a group of himself with his friend, Dr who was “now at full growth
printers in 1747, promised Johnson, by observing that and very well behaved”. As
it would be ready in about Hodge is “a fine cat”. Sam- for the others, sadly their
three years and it actu- uel replies, perhaps slightly stories have been lost in the
ally took eight. This delay by Scottish author, James unexpectedly, “Why yes, but mists of time.
may be forgiven when you Boswell. He tells us of I have had cats whom I liked James Boswell does give
realise that the first edition Samuel’s love for cats and better than this”. The story us another little nugget of
contained just under 43,000 one feline companion called goes that he then believes information about Samuel’s
different words and was Hodge, in particular. He Hodge to be put out by this relationship with Hodge,
compiled single-handedly recalls: “I shall never forget comment and so adds, “But however, and this is the one
by Dr Johnson. the indulgence with which
What is less well known he treated Hodge, his cat.”
about Samuel Johnson is He goes on to describe
his love of cats. Admittedly how Samuel would go to
his attachment to cats is not buy oysters for Hodge, rath-
immediately apparent from er than sending his servants,
the definition of a cat in his so that they did not take
aforementioned Dictionary: a dislike to the cat. Sadly
“A domestick (sic) animal we’re not informed whether,
that catches mice, com- on some future occasion,
monly reckoned by natural- Hodge inexplicably turned
ists the lowest order of the up his nose at the oysters
leonine species.” and in typical feline fashion
decided he would rather
So how we do know have some other fishy deli-
about his affection for our cacy! Incidentally, oysters
feline friends? Unusually may appear an extravagant
for the time, a biography meal for a cat but in the 18th
of Dr Samuel Johnson was century they were common-
written during his lifetime place and widely eaten as a

68 C AT W O R L D
 HISTORICAL CATS

Giving up
the boards
that I believe best shows when caressed
the man’s love for his cat. Warmly his gratitude
Boswell tells us that when expressed;
Hodge was reaching the And never failed his
end of his life, Dr Johnson thanks to purr

P
went out to purchase valeri- Whene’er he stroaked luto the theatre cat has appeared in
an (a plant similar to catnip) (sic) his sable fur”. many guises over his eleven years
to make his final hours more As Hodge is described at Battersea Arts Centre but like all
comfortable. as having “sable fur”, this good thespians, has decided to call it a day.
Because of Hodge’s would suggest he was a Pluto the theatre cat retired on Friday
appearance in Boswell’s black cat. 3rd August, after an eleven year run as
book about Dr Johnson, Remarkably Hodge’s head of security, front of house member and general
he became something of fame has lasted down the friendly face of the Battersea Arts Centre building.
a celebrity at the time. So years right up to the present Formerly named Hilton, he began his career by featur-
much so that after his pass- day. Outside Dr Johnson’s ing in an immersive theatre show, ‘The Masque of the
ing, a poet called Percival London home in Gough Red Death’, in 2007. He was perfectly cast for the role,
Stockdale wrote “An Elegy Square you will find a as one of BAC’s staff members explained: “We needed
On The Death Of Dr John- bronze statue of his beloved a cat who would lie in front of a fire and look moody,
son’s Favourite Cat”. This cat. This is a modern piece which he does very well!”
literary work can be easily by sculptor Jon Bickley When not performing on stage, Pluto made himself
tracked down on the inter- and was installed in 1997. quite a distraction and prankster, prowling (and purr-
net and is worth a read, if Hodge is sitting on a copy of ing) across desks. The box office manager recalled
for no other reason than to his master’s famous diction- him doing this while he was on the phone to a cus-
see how tastes in literature ary next to some empty tomer: “Pluto started trampling all over the computer
have changed over the last oyster shells. The inscription keyboard, adding zeros to the customer’s bill, to which
three hundred years. The on the statue reads “A very I spluttered ‘Pluto!’. This of course bemused the cus-
poet spends a considerable fine cat indeed”. tomer, who was even more startled when I said ‘Sorry,
amount of time compar- The statue is also a fitting it’s just the cat’!”
ing mankind unfavourably tribute to the good Doctor. So while audiences may no longer find Pluto
with cats, so frustratingly There is something very sprawling across the grand marble staircase or wan-
we learn little new about reassuring in the knowledge dering across the stage, he certainly has made his
Samuel Johnson and his love that long before the days of paw mark. He will spend his remain-
of cats. Cats Protection and all the ing years relaxing at the home of one
The following extract from other modern hardworking of BAC’s producers. For anyone who
the poem does, however, at cat charities, there were wishes to follow his retirement jour-
least give us a little further caring individuals out there ney. Pluto has a rather popular twitter
description of Hodge: willing to go the extra mile account - @Pluto_BAC
“Who by his manner for our feline friends.

C AT W O R L D
69
 ASK
the garden but she sits there strain-
ing for ages with nothing happening.
the She still eats and drinks well and
doesn’t seem to be in pain - some

EXPERTS
days are definitely worse than others
for her though.
I don’t want to take her to the
vets unless she shows real signs of
suffering as I feel she could be prod-
LET THE CATWORLD TEAM OF EXPERTS HELP WITH YOUR PROBLEMS ded and poked uncomfortably, with
the result being a hefty bill for me.
Yes she is a good age but she seems
otherwise well.
Is extraction necessary about your cat’s canine teeth. It will
Q: My cat has rather prominent involve a general anaesthetic and A: It seems you are coping well
canines and was recently told by will show any infection, etc. Depend- with your elderly cat and her old
the vet that this is known as ‘super- ing on the findings, your vet will then age but although you can see there
eruption’ of the canines. Could you discuss any further treatment he is a problem, you are loathe to take
explain a little about this as I’m not feels may be necessary. her to the vet in case additional
sure if the teeth will need to be It appears there is no cause for health problems are detected. You
removed. you to worry too much at the mo- are concerned that you may be co-
ment but if you are at all worried, do erced into further investigations and
A: Super-eruption syndrome, where ask to speak to your vet again. treatments which, as well as the cost
the canines extrude abnormally, is to you, may not be in your cat’s best
more common in middle-aged or Age concern? interests, given her age. At almost 18
geriatric cats and is a result of peri- Q: My cat Belle is nearly 18 years years old, she is certainly entering
odontal disease. There is no need old and has never been ill but I her final few years.
for the teeth to be extracted unless think she may be now. She has been Most vets get very concerned
there is also evidence of resorptive increasingly incontinent, which I can when pet owners feel they want to
lesions or an abscess at the root. cope with, but recently she has had carry out investigations just for the
This can be detected by an x-ray trouble trying to urinate and has sake of it. Their paramount concern
and your vet will suggest this course passed blood-tinged wee and a few is the pet’s welfare and any tests
of action if he is at all concerned tiny clots. She is still digging holes in and/or treatment will be advised and
based on that. They do not carry out
unnecessary procedures because
that would not be in anyone’s inter-
ests, especially not the animal’s.
In Belle’s case, it would certainly
be best to take her to see a vet
as she is showing all the signs of
cystitis. There may well be a more
sinister precursor for a bladder
infection and there could be other
old-age problems but cystitis is not
pleasant and will be, at least, making
Belle feel uncomfortable. Being a
female cat, infection can track up the
short, wide urethra from the outside
world into the bladder. A course of
an appropriate antibiotic should give
rapid relief.
Should the clinical signs of dif-

70 C AT W O R L D JUNE 2016
ficulty to pass urine and the passing
small amounts of blood-tinged urine
and/or clots recur, then there may
well be an underlying cause need-
ing investigation which, given Belle’s
age, you are under no obligation to
accept.

What are these dots?

Q: One of my cats appears to have
a couple of dark reddish-purple dots
on her gums. They are quite large
but the rest of her gums seem to be
in good condition and she certainly
doesn’t experience any pain when
eating! Should I be concerned?

A: Any pigmented spots on the

gums give worries about melanoma,
so you are right to ask about these
dots. However, although they have
only just been noticed by you, they
could have always been there and
are just part of your cat’s normal ap- Has she been spayed? Alternatively she may have been
pearance, so therefore no cause for Q: We have recently taken in a stray spayed via the ventral midline, i.e.
concern. cat who appeared in our garden a on her underside, so then there will
It would definitely be advisable few months ago and began calling naturally be no scar on the left flank.
to keep an eye on them. A good us. We had been leaving food and The presence of a scar running lon-
suggestion is to take a photo of them water out for her in the shade dur- gitudinally down the midline of the
so you can monitor them and, if they ing this hot weather and she is now underside will not confirm spaying
appear to be growing in size or coming into the house to sleep in a as her abdomen could have been
changing in colour or shape, then it chair in the shady lounge. She had examined there for another reason
would be best to get them looked at no forms of identification on her and with an incision or she may even
by your vet. I would like to know if she has been have needed a Caesarian delivery
Don’t wait until your cat stops eat- spayed or not - how can we tell? of kittens.
ing, as by that time it could be too I would advise you to take your
late for treatment; it would be reas- A: There are two ways of knowing cat to the vet, if you haven’t already
suring if your vet were to take a look whether or not a queen has been done so, to see if he or she can help
and say that these dots are perfectly spayed. Signs of her being in season you be more certain but this will
normal and innocent. will be obvious, characteristic vo- obviously be at the cost of a vet visit.
A cat’s sharp teeth and the risk of a calisation and rolling around, which However, your vet will also be able
nasty bite can sometimes put owners can often be mistaken for abdominal to scan for a microchip which may
off checking inside a cat’s mouth on a pain. Presumably you have known be present, even though you have
regular basis but it is really important her long enough to establish that found no visible identity tags.
to include a mouth check when you she does not have or isn’t carrying I presume you have tried to find
are grooming and checking the rest kittens already. an owner locally with no success
of your cat. Checking for irregulari- It is common for a cat to be and if the vet finds no evidence of
ties can help spot something early spayed via a vertical incision in the a microchip or the details on the
that might be otherwise unapparent left flank so clipping a window in the database are out of date, then hope-
and early detection of a problem, as fur on the left flank and revealing a fully you and your new pet will form
we know, means there is far more vertical incision mark is almost cast- a lasting and happy relationship
chance of successful treatment. iron proof. together.

JUNE 2016 C AT W O R L D
71
 &me
GORDY ME

&
ELAINE MEAD SHARES HER EXPERINCES OF LIVING WITH A CHALLENGING SPECIAL NEEDS CAT

Being a spoil sport will never make you popular and now,
for one reason or another, all the cats hate me!

A
s I sit here wondering what my nose in his ‘outdoor’ time and to realise that he can’t be out on his

R
to write after the last few spoil all the fun, so I like to sit at the own and I am always there with him.
weeks of beautiful hot, sunny table a small distance away and They play with him and teach him
weather, I am disturbed by watch him like a hawk. He can’t run hunting and stalking. One evening
the sound of heads knocking on the as fast as a ‘normal’ cat, although I was sat in the late sun, watching
door. Gordy and Freddy Bear are I do now have to break from a fast Gordy watching Miss ‘Mudge, who
play fighting... again! walk and he (as yet) has never run was very interested in something
This always makes me smile. for more than maybe 10-15 paces that was moving in the hedge. The
These two play for hours together so I am happy to let him have his birds were just starting to fly about
in the garden and in the house, ‘supervised freedom’. I now know after enforced rest in the heat of
although in the garden it does mean every whisker twitch and ear swivel the day. In and out the hedge this
I am chasing Gordy as he tries to that indicates he is either going to bird was going. There was a nest
follow Freddy Bear into the ‘no go move or pounce on a bee, butterfly, in there with babies. Both parents
zones’ which includes the compost wasp or, once, a big blackbird that were around, one on the roof of the
heap which has all sorts of ‘stuff’ - a was not amused to be caught out house shouting ‘Cat Alert’ at the top
wheelbarrow with a flat tyre, old not paying attention to a cat in close of his shrill little voice and the other
wood that needs sorting and chop- proximity. Had I not run across the collecting food to feed the hungry
ping ready to store before winter garden at that moment shouting babies who were squawking in the
comes, the old burny bin which ‘Gordy, Gordy, Gordy, No, No, No’, nest, causing Miss ‘Mudge to be
currently holds the bodies of two it could have been the end of him. overly interested.
dead squirrels and numerous mice, Gordy still hasn’t forgiven me. I do have a rule with my cats,
rats and shrews courtesy, mostly, of When the weather cools down in not that they listen, but birds are off
Freddy Bear. All this ‘equipment’ is the late evening, I take Gordy out limits. Ideally everything is off limits
‘artistically’ arranged to stop Defi for ‘exercise’. He is quite a size now. and they are not to kill anything, my
dog from getting on the compost A nice healthy cat size, all fluff and idea being, that they should just
and under the big tree to bark at the purrs and a tummy full of chicken. stand by the gate and in an orderly
horses in the paddock. We are still on three meals a day and manner encourage all rodents to
Gordy is fascinated by this area, Gordy is still thriving. Each day he pass by unharmed but, sadly, they
with tall nettles poking through the learns something new and becomes are natural predators and excellent
spaces they find and trails of thick more cat-like and ‘normal’. He no hunters. Freddy Bear arrived home
bramble vines coming off the hedge. longer wants to be cuddled and has one morning all cut and bruised. His
He has stung his nose and his paw become quite strong, pushing my eye swelled over the course of the
on the nettles several times, caus- arms out of the way so he can run day from what had obviously been
ing him to sneeze but he still goes off and play. The strength is owed to a well aimed boxer punch from his
back to stick his head in them again. Freddy Bear and his brotherly in- opponent but he was victorious in
It is a good job we have no imme- stinct, playing with his older sibling battle. That was the first of the squir-
diate neighbours as I am running and teaching him the ways of Cat. rel kills we had. Squirrels do fight
across the garden shouting ‘no no We are so lucky to live with these back it seems. Mind, I did remove
no Gordy...not again...’ when he sniffs creatures: an ex-stray with his own the tuft of Freddy Bear’s white chest
nettles or chases wasps and bees. issues and a Diva in Miss ‘Mudge, fluff from the mouth of a beautiful
He is so well and ‘grown up’ now both of whom treat Gordy as a but very dead mouse that the same
that he really gets cross when I poke normal cat, although they both seem cat brought in and deposited on the

72 C AT W O R L D JUNE 2016
bathroom floor this morning. bird was attempting to drive the cats struggling to get down. Now none of
I digress. This particular evening, away. Freddy Bear ran swiftly over to these three cats liked me.
Miss ‘Mudge was poised not quite Miss ‘Mudge and Gordy, taking his Teeko hasn’t fared so well in this
under the hedge, every muscle and position on the other side of Gordy. heat. He is old now, ancient for his
whisker straining for movement and Three Amigos, flicking tails and breed at 17 and ‘almost’ a half. (Bir-
noise. Freddy Bear was taking a well raised front paws, ready to rumble. man cats average a life span of 15
deserved rest under the bamboo, As much as I loved sitting there years according to their website). He
near to me, in the shade. He too was and watching Gordy learning from is all bony and his fur is no longer
watching Miss ‘Mudge. Gordy wasn’t two very accomplished killers, I the glorious glossy mane he used to
content to watch. He was copying. wasn’t going to let any of them hurt have; now it is a bit lifeless, dull and
He got behind Miss ‘Mudge, who the birds and things were getting matted, which causes problems as, if
wasn’t impressed at the competition noisy. The birds were seriously I go to groom him he has a ‘moment’
and gave Gordy a filthy look but she annoyed and worried and the cats and then has a fit.
allowed her big brother to join her, were determined so once again I I have kept him in a dark room with
even if her look did say ‘but you stay had to wade in shouting ‘no no no’ the fan on. I did start saying he was
behind me...’. Gordy stretched out and grab Gordy to remove him from going to become a vampire cat as
his body, his legs were the perfect his position. The birds both flew to the only time I allowed light into the
imitation of Miss ‘Mudge’s pounc- the top of the garage whilst the ba- room was at night when I flung the
ing stance. His tail was straight and bies went deathly quiet. Game Over. windows wide open for the breeze.
stiff, a perfect line running along Miss ‘Mudge threw me the filthiest Unfortunately for Teeko, Gordy
the spine of his back to the tip of his of looks and stalked off, throwing has figured out that his room is the
tail. His ears swivelled forward and herself down in the dusty gravel on coolest in the house, with lovely cold
his whiskers were taut and twitch- the drive and rolling over and over. laminate flooring in the bedroom, a
ing. His eyes darted back and forth, No doubt making sure she was fan and dark blinds, so he has taken
round and seeing. He was ‘cat- dusty enough to then go and walk to taking a nap under my daughter’s
ting’. I was so proud watching him. all over the furniture in the house to bed (which is really Teeko’s bed, as
The birds changed position. Now show her annoyance. Freddy Bear he is on it more than her) and snor-
mummy bird was on the garage sat down to have a wash as if to say, ing. Teeko is not amused and gives
roof yelling ‘don’t touch my babies ‘ it was just a bit of fun, nothing seri- me the eye every time I pass his
you horrible beasts’, whilst daddy ous....’ and Gordy was wiggling and room. So none of the cats like me.

JUNE 2016 C AT W O R L D
73
 CATS ON
THECOUCH
WITH LEADING BEHAVIOURIST INGA MACKELLAR

When a cat stops using its litter tray it will inevitably ‘go’
somewhere else. Finding out why can help the owner
resolve the situation for everyone’s benefit

I
t could well be that there are on a covered tray, place a cardboard effort to ensure that the litter tray was
hundreds and possibly thousands box with a hole at one end over the in a corner location but placed the
of cats in the UK that have all sorts normal tray and see whether your cat tray behind the kitchen door - every
of behavioural problems - but a cat is happy to use it. time the children came rushing in,
urinating or defecating in the house More often than not, only one tray is the door was flung open and banged
seems to affect the owner/cat rela- provided for the cat. Cats, when they straight into the litter tray. Not sur-
tionship the most. In many cases this are outdoors, will urinate and def- prisingly, the cat started eliminating
will be due to our human repulsion at ecate in different places so it makes elsewhere.
soiling in the house, coupled with the sense to give your cat two trays, one Trays placed near a dog’s bed are
health and hygiene aspect, as well as for each elimination function. If you also likely to cause problems - not
the inconvenience and hassle of hav- have more than one cat. a good rule least if the dog displays coprophagia
ing to clear up after the cat. of thumb is one tray per cat plus one (eating faeces) as, when the cat is at
Owners seem to be able to toler- extra. is most vulnerable defecating in the
ate other problems more readily but tray, the dog may come over to inves-
often take the cat’s inappropriate toil- Location tigate, resulting in the cat finding itself
ing very personally and feel the cat is Many of the cases that I have seen a more private and quiet location.
doing it to spite them or that the cat where cats have stopped using their Therefore, the ideal location for a
‘should know better’. This is not the litter tray are down to location of the litter tray is in a quiet location, well
case and there are a number of things tray. Humans like to have everything away from household ‘traffic’ (chil-
that can affect a cat’s toiling habits. neat and ordered and very often, a dren, dogs, other cats or people com-
If your cat has a problem I would corner of the kitchen is the dedicated ing past) and well away from food and
recommend that you consider if the area where food and water bowls and water facilities.
following factors could be causing the the litter tray are placed. The owner is Some years ago a cat I saw for a
problem. pleased and feels that everything that different problem had a wonderful
the cat could want is neat and tidy tray location. There was an old, un-
Trays and in one location! But from the cat’s used walk-in larder in the kitchen and
There are many different types of point of view, the litter tray location is the owner had cut a hole in the door
trays available on the market today totally inappropriate; cats would not and placed the litter tray in the empty
- covered, with a cat flap, uncovered, choose to eat near their latrines (do larder. The cat was able to use its tray
shallow, deep, large, small… Differ- you eat your dinner in the toilet?). in peace and quiet, smells were kept
ent cats have different preferences. I Another common mistake is plac- to a minimum and the young children,
would always advocate starting with a ing the litter tray in a busy or exposed who couldn’t open the door, didn’t
cheap, large tray. Before splashing out location. One client made a great disturb the cat and were kept safely

Cats are very scent-orientated animals

74 C AT W O R L D
away from the tray for their own been scientifically proven in some Many years ago I really liked the
health. research on litter depth. A number of wooden pellet litter as it was clean
cats were given a choice of identical and easy to handle - my cats hated
Litter litters but at varying depths and they it. Wooden pellet litter can be a real
Even if you get the perfect loca- preferred to use the deep litter. So problem, particularly for indoor cats
tion for the litter tray, what and how don’t be tempted to put a thin layer of who have very soft pads. Pellets are
much you put in the tray can make a litter in the tray - depth is good. really painful to stand on (try it!) so
huge difference. The owners of one Type of litter can also be impor- imagine how it must feel for a cat
cat I saw showed me a litter tray with tant. I am exceptionally lucky as my squatting and straining whilst it tries
a plastic liner and a few grains of lit- cats are perfectly happy with super- to defecate. However, having said
ter. I presumed that the tray had just market value litter. However, gener- that, many cats are happy with this
been emptied and asked the clients ally, the finer the litter the better. type of litter.
to fill the tray as normal. I was aston- Most builders will tell you that they
ished to hear that the amount of litter hate cats as they can guarantee that Cleaning
in the tray - literally one small hand- as soon as they have a pile of sand Health and hygiene are important
ful - was normal! Suffice to say that delivered, every cat in the neigh- if you have litter trays in the home.
when the tray was filled properly, the bourhood appears out of nowhere to However, over-zealous or lack of
cat started to happily use it and the use the sand as a latrine. Sand is very appropriate cleaning can be detri-
problem was totally resolved. fine and very easy to dig in. Quite mental. Remember that cats are very
Cats need to be able to dig in the often, litters are manufactured to ap- scent-orientated animals. Trays that
litter and have sufficient depth to peal to the humans who are buying are not regularly ‘scooped’ will be re-
cover their faeces - this has actually the litter, rather than the cats. pellent to most cats and the cat may

C AT W O R L D
75
 the cat likes to eliminate on a par-
ticular surface. More often than not,
this will be something soft, such as
carpet, clothing or soft furnishings.
This preference may develop
for a number of reasons. If the cat
doesn’t like the litter tray location
or type of litter, it may urinate on
the carpet. The cat may have been
unwell and ‘accidentally’ urinated on
the carpet. Over time the cat may
start to prefer the carpet to litter as it
is much softer.

Medical problems
More often than not, toileting
problems can be quickly and easily
resolved by considering the fac-
tors talked about, however, some-
times the problem can be due to
a medical reason. For example,
then try to find somewhere cleaner or someone knocking into the tray Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease
to eliminate. Equally, being too fas- as the cat is sitting on it. One of the (FLUTD) will often cause cats to
tidious and constantly washing and main aversion reasons is down to urinate inappropriately, so always
freshening the trays will introduce humans. Pills can be difficult to give speak to your vet to check that your
lots of ‘foreign’ smells that may be to cats so many owners will wait until cat is healthy.
equally aversive to the cat. the cat is on its tray, at which point One final word: whatever you do,
I would recommend scooping they grab hold of it, prise its mouth never tell your cat off for urinating
out any faeces or urine-soiled litter open and ram a pill down its throat. or defecating outside the litter tray.
as soon as possible and topping No wonder the cat stops using its This may cause the cat to become
up with fresh litter. I always ensure tray! anxious and it may then develop ad-
that a few grains of urine-soiled ditional problems such as spraying
litter remain in the tray so that the Age - but that’s a whole different subject!
cat recognises the scent and con- As cats get older they may have
firms that the tray is the cat’s latrine. mobility problems, loss of control of
Periodically wash the tray out with their bladder or get forgetful. If you Tip of the month:
warm water and refill with totally are experiencing problems with Once you have found a litter
fresh litter. an older cat, think about providing your cat likes, try to stick to
In my opinion, litter fresheners are additional trays around the house to it. As we all know, cats can be
for human sensibilities and not cats which the cat can have easy access. very fussy. Although different
- if you clean the tray regularly and If the cat has mobility problems and brands or makes of litter may
appropriately, the tray won’t smell. has been given a deep tray, replac- look the same to us, cats are
Some will tolerate a slightly soiled ing it with a shallow-sided tray may highly sensitive and will realise
litter, others will only use a totally make it easier for it to step into the that there is a difference. A
clean litter tray; some cats will share tray. My old arthritic Persian-cross change of litter from one brand
trays, others not. The important thing had to have a shallow tray but would to another may be the trigger
is to know your cat. If in doubt, clean sometimes ‘miss’ when urinating so that causes the cat to stop us-
it out. I would surround the tray with news- ing its litter tray.
paper to catch any overspill. If you are experiencing
Aversion behaviour problems with your
The easiest way to stop your cat Substrate preferences cat, to find your nearest APBC
using its tray is for something nasty If the toileting problem has been (Association of Pet Behaviour
to happen to it whilst it is on the tray. ongoing for some time, the cat may Counsellors) member, visit
This may be something accidental, develop what is termed a substrate www.apbc.org.uk
such as the dog running at the cat, preference. This simply means that

76 C AT W O R L D
 OUTDOOR SAFETY

Charity urges you to

‘Look before you lock’
More cats than normal have been reported as missing
this summer - they may have gone into a shed or similar
building seeking shade, only to become trapped

BY CORINNE MANSFIELD

W
ith temperatures soaring this Manager. “They are notoriously curi- missing from her home in St Albans on
summer, and expected to ous creatures that like to investigate 7 May and Molly feared the worst. De-
continue to be warmer than their surroundings and unfortunately spite doing all she should and could
average until October, Cats this can result in them getting trapped do in such circumstances to alert
Protection are warning that cats are in outbuildings. And because cats people to her missing cat, Wispa (so
likely to roam further afield. “The ten- won’t always meow for attention if they named because she does not miaow)
dency for cats to wander further away are afraid, the risk is they go unnoticed did not appear.
from home when the weather is warm so we’re asking people to have a really Twenty days after she went missing,
explains why there has been an in- good check before locking up, par- a neighbour of Molly’s called her to
crease in reports of missing cats dur- ticularly if you are aware of any cats say he had found a cat in his garage
ing this recent heatwave,” said Nicky missing in your area.” and thought it might be Wispa. It was!
Trevorrow, Cats Protection’s Behaviour Molly Rayment’s cat Wispa went Molly raced there straight away and
knew immediately it was Wispa but
she was really concerned by her ap-
pearance. “She was desperately dirty
and thin. I think she must have been
living off of rain water that had leaked
in and maybe some insects or mice.”
Molly took Wispa to the vets for
a check up where they found she
weighed just 1.9kg - 2kg less than her
usual weight. She was put on a drip
initially and then had to be fed just tiny
amounts every few hours by Molly
over the next few weeks until she re-
gained her health.
By early August, Wispa was almost
back to her normal healthy weight
and Molly is so thankful she is still with
her. Please check inside your garages,
sheds and any other outbuildings
thoroughly before locking the door,
especially if you are then going on
holiday for a week or two.

“They are notoriously curious creatures that like to investigate their surroundings
and unfortunately this can result in them getting trapped in outbuildings.”
C AT W O R L D
77
 KITTY CRAFT

In celebration of
all black cats
It seems impossible to believe that rescue centres
still find black cats difficult to rehome - here are some
black cat craft projects that everyone can love

O
ctober means Halloween and Such a softie the head and the base.
whether you are a fan of trick or By Debbie Booth Thread a needle with black sewing
treating and candlelit pumpkins Trace the pattern onto plain or thread and stitch kitty closed.
or not, it is sad that many people greaseproof paper (you will need two Using white embroidery thread, sew
still associate black cats with bad luck. shapes). Pin onto the black fabric and a couple of cross stitches for eyes and
To celebrate these gorgeous black cut out around the solid black line. a few straight stitches close together
felines, why not make this soft fabric Place the pieces of fabric right for a nose. (These can be drawn on
cat that could be carried in a handbag sides together, pin and sew around your fabric first if you prefer).
or attached to a keyring; the trio of the edge, leaving a 1/4”/0.5mm seam Whiskers: without knotting the
mini black cats would look great glued allowance. thread, take the needle and go in a
to clothes pegs as memo-holders Trim around the edges, fairly close little way from the left side of the nose.
or stuck on to a greetings card for a to the stitching. On the back side only, Pull the thread through a little bit until
black cat fan. Have fun! make a small cut through the fabric*. there is 1/2”/1.25cm of thread on the
Using the opening you have just left and right side of the nose. This will
made, carefully turn the kitty right be trimmed down but not yet. Repeat
sides out. Then take a very small piece two or three more times. Cut thread
of polyester stuffing and stuff kitty and trim whiskers to 1/4”/0.5mm on
You will need firmly. Use a spoon handle or chop each side of the nose.
Cat pillow: stick to push the stuffing into each ear, Tie your length of coloured ribbon
5”/12.5cm square black cotton
fabric
Polyester stuffing (clean old
tights will do too)
Sewing needle
Black sewing thread
White embroidery thread
12”/30cm ribbon in colour of
your choice

Cat triplets:
Stiff black card or mount board
Tan, black and white paint
Small paint brush
Length of narrow ribbon or
cord
Glue
Clear varnish (optional)

78 C AT W O R L D
 KITTY CRAFT
toothpick and white paint to add eyes.
Let them dry and add tiny spots of
black in the centres.
If you like you can add a spot of
clear varnish to the eyes when they are
dry to make them shine.
Cut out the back supports and glue
in place if you want your mini cats to
stand up or glue onto a greetings card
just as they are.

Think about different designs for

all year round; Christmas could be
white cats with silver glitter on the tops
of their ears. Spring could be Cali-
cos (using the light tan paint to make
patches) with lavender bows…let your
imagination fly!
around kitty’s neck and make a nice Trim them to different heights (I
bow. Trim the ends and that’s it! have them at 1 1/4”, 1” and 3/4”)
* As an alternative, if you didn’t want Go down about 1/4” at the tops and
to cut the fabric, leave a small gap in cut the cats’ ears.
the stitching at the base of the kitty, Sand the edges of each cat with fine
secure the threads either side and turn sandpaper.
right sides together through the gap. Paint the edges with a very light tan
Sew closed after stuffing. for definition.
Cut the ribbon to about 6” long and
Cute set of triplets tie each one into a tiny bow.
By Auralea Krieger Put a spot of glue on the back of
Cut a strip of stiff black card to the knot and glue in place on the cat’s
1/2”/1.25cm wide x 4”/10cm tall. (You neck. Trim the ends and add a spot of
can change the measurements if you glue if your ribbon is likely to fray.
wish for a fatter or taller cat). Once the glue has dried, use a

C AT W O R L D
79
DIRECTORY THE UK’S LEADING BREED-BY-BREED GUIDE TO CATS AND KITTENS FOR SALE

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Listed cattery breeder of British Cornish Rex kittens, vari-
+ 44 (0) 1903 884988 or
Shorthair Silver Tabby/Spotted ous colours, home reared, well
WWW.CATWORLD.CO.UK Email: maria@ashdown.co.uk
socialised and used to dogs.

80 C AT W O R L D
OF BREEDS TO BOOK YOUR ADVERT IN THE DIRECTORY OF BREEDERS CALL US ON 01903 884988

LEAHSBLUES. Maine Coons RAGDOLL

- Silvers, Blues, Torties & Reds.
EMERISLE CATS. Mrs Jeanette
USEFUL ADDRESSES
British Shorthair - Blues, Blue THE GOVERNING COUNCIL OF THE INTERNATIONAL CAT ASSOCIATION
Fitzpatrick. Ragdolls - all patterns THE CAT FANCY,
Points, Chocolates, Reg/Vacc/ Phil Cornwell, Regional Director, 31 Louthe
& colours. *Seal Colourpoint, 5 King’s Castle Business Park, The Drove, Way, Sawtry, Cambridgeshire PE28 5TR
Ins. 01442 236860/07866 Bridgwater, Somerset TA6 4AG. Tel: 01487 800014
*Seal Tabby Colourpoint,
266477. Tel: 01278 427 575 www.tica-uk.org.uk
*Blue Bi-Colour, *Cream, *Seal www.gccfcats.org/contact.html
johnbaxter@leahsblues.fsnet. ASSOCIATION OF PET BEHAVIOUR
Mitted, *Blue Mitted. *Tiffanies. COUNSELLORS
co.uk web: www.leahsblues.com BLUE CROSS
*Scottish Fold. *British Shorthair. The Animal Hospital, Sheppard House, For details of a behaviour counsellor
LUNARIS. Mrs Jean Brown Reasonably priced. TBRCC or High Street, Victoria, London SW1V 1QQ. in your area, send a SAE to:
Tel: 020 7834 1128 PO Box 46, Worcester WR8 9YS.
Aldwincle Maine Coons - Quality PRBCC Breeder of the year Tel: 01386 751151
home reared kittens sometimes 1999- 2011. TBRCC breeder of FELISBRITANNICA
Office of the General Secretary, 63 Fingal THE BLUE CROSS ANIMAL
available to approved homes. the top Ragdoll 1993, 1995/96. Street, Greenwich, London SE10 0JL WELFARE SOCIETY
01832 720359 Best Opposite Sex 1995/96. Tel: 0208 858 5318 Shilton Road, Burford, Oxon OX18 4PF
Email: felisbritannicasecretary@gmail.com Tel: 01993 822651
ronbrown10@supanet.com Breeder of Supreme Show 1999
www.felisbritannica.co.uk
www.lunaris.uk.com Top Ragdoll & sire of the first THE PET BEREAVEMENT SERVICE
FELINE ADVISORY BUREAU Run jointly by the Society of Animal Studies
Ragdoll to win the UK Grand Taeselbury High Street, Tisbury, and the Blue Cross.
Title 2003. Breeder of the Best Wiltshire SP3 6LD Freephone: 0800 096 6606,
NORWEGIAN FOREST kitten, adult & neuter 1999-2003. Tel: 0870 742 2278 Fax: 01747 871873 (between 8.30am and 5.30pm)
Email: catteries@fabcats.org
ELFENTANZ. Mrs Elinor M B Established 27 years - our beau- www.fabcats.org
Herbert Kirkcaldy. Norwegian tiful cats feature on ‘Its a Cats
Forest Cats - Brown Tabby, Life’ video, appeared on Granada
White and Black kittens Live TV and photographs regu-
01592 267002 larly feature in all cat magazines. ALNAKEED SPHYNX world VARIOUS
01943 461852 07774 650217 Champion babies to loving
elfentanz@btinternet.com EMERISLE KITTENS. Ragdolls
fitzpatrick.jeanette@googlemail. indoor homes. Kittens often
www.elfentanznfc.co.uk from breeder of the year 11yrs
com www.emerisle-cats.co.uk available. All colours including
running, Tiffanies, Scottish Fold,
Lilac. Tel: 01383-721311/07939
British Shorthair. Reasonably
ORIENTALS OAKMERE HALL AMIGAMIA 116861. alnakeed@aol.com.
priced.
BENGALS AND RAGDOLLS. Find me on Facebook under
MS MARJORIE DAVIDSON- 07774-650217/01943-461852
Alison Newman. Family reared Carole Langham.
SMITH, Hatfield. Ootha. www.emerisle-cats.co.uk
indoors, well socialised, affec-
*Siamese, Foreign White &
tionate from multi champion E nsure your pet’ s final days are happy &
Oriental SH. Kittens sometimes
lines. GCCF/TICA ref TBRCC/ comfortable with professional and respectful
available. 01707 264450 pet euthanasia in your own home.
PBRCC VACC/INS.
pentirah5@ntlworld.com
www.amigamia.co.uk Cloud 9 V ets are trusted UK nationwide providers
Mid-Cheshire 01606-883528. of dedicated at-home end-of-life veterinary
RAGAMUFFIN care and gentle euthanasia.

h ttps : / / cloud9 v ets . co. uk

SIAMESE
Or telephone 08000 3 54 999 to speak with

UK RagaMuffin Ms Marjorie Davidson-Smith,

Hatfield. Ootha. *Siamese,
one of our carefully selected Care-Coordinators

Foreign White & Oriental SH.

Cat Society Kittens sometimes available.
01707 264450
For Authentic pentirah5@ntlworld.com
RagaMuffin kittens
Phone 01730 300692 SPHYNX
www.ukrmcs.co.uk WOOZLES Mrs Sue Bloxham,
Colchester. Sphynx - Happy
outgoing personalities. Indoor
homes. Various colours.
01621 815769
sue@woozlessphynxcats.co.uk
www.woozles.uk.com

C AT W O R L D
81
 CATTY CHATTER

TAIL END
A rescue cat brought joy to Terry Jones and his mum when they needed
it most and they gave her the love she craved and deserved

S
ome people With that formality right cat for me and my the other passengers
would argue for over and done with, I mum. Apparently, she were just as upset as I
and against keep- was led to the cattery. had been dumped in a was but once that train
ing a cat in the house The biggest upset was field inside a cardboard arrived, things became
but for both me and seeing the abandoned box and just left to die. far worse. Smudge was
my mum, this became or rescued cats in vari- Fortunately a man who getting really stressed
vital because my dear ous-sized cages. Some was taking his dog for out by then and started
father and best friend of the poor little mites an early walk had spot- crying even harder.
had died and we both were still too poorly for ted the box and taken I was so relieved
desperately needed to the vet to allow them to the pathetic contents to when I eventually got
try to fill the massive be put up for adoption the rescue centre. her safely home. As
hole blown through our until they had received Once all the official soon as I got indoors,
shattered lives. all the care and treat- red tape had been my mother rushed to
Shortly after dad ment they needed. This taken care of, I bought the carrier box and let
died, mum and I de- was a stark reminder of Smudge a nice new Smudge out to see her
cided to look around the abhorrent cruelty red collar and a box to brand new abode.
for a suitable pet and that can and, unfortu- take her home on the Initially she looked
decided that a small nately does, occur when train. Smudge was nine around quite mystified
cat would, perhaps, be no-one is looking and it years of age and I had a but the very first thing
ideal. However, finding is quite true to say you feeling she had suffered she did was use her lit-
a cat proved not quite never can tell what goes quite enough disruption ter tray, which delighted
as simple as we had on behind closed doors. in her life. I sensed and us no end. We made
anticipated. The cat that caught feared she might not quite sure she had a
It then occurred to my eye more than any of make it if she suffered magnificent dinner of
me to contact the local the others was a Brit- any more distress. So red salmon, followed
rescue centre. Arrange- ish Shorthair brindle our journey home was by chicken and cheese
ments were made for tortie called Smudge, an ordeal for both of us. treats.
me to go over and because she had a cute, Smudge started to Smudge settled in
choose a cat from the inch-long smudge of cry pitifully while we fairly quickly and was
many they had avail- bright orange fur just were on the station the most loveable lady
able for adoption. It above her top lip. When platform, waiting for a you could ever imagine.
was quite early on a I entered the cage, train that never seemed The love, the fun and
Saturday morning when she ran straight up to to come. I honestly did her crazy little antics
I caught a train to the me and immediately not know what to do to melted our hearts -
rescue centre and was started to purr away like relieve her stress but I this smashing wee cat
interviewed and made a well-oiled engine. I whispered comfortingly definitely filled the hole
to fill in an ‘adoption’ decided there and then to her through the air in our lives and softened
form. that Smudge was the vents in the box. I think the hurt of our loss.

She immediately started to purr away like a well-oiled engine

82 C AT W O R L D
 E X CI TI N G N E W G I F TS Y O U
W O N ’ T W AN T TO MI SS

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JUNE 2016 C AT W O R L D
83
 DON’T LET YOUR
LOVED ONES BE THE
HOME FOR WORMS.

EXPERTS RECOMMEND THAT CATS ARE

DEWORMED AT LEAST EVERY 3 MONTHS.1
Cats can easily get worms through any contact with their surroundings.
Tiny ingested eggs can turn into harmful worms in as little as 30 days.2 Experts recommend
that cats are dewormed at least every 3 months.1 Ask your vet about personalised worming
advice and find out more at www.wormwise.co.uk

1
ESCCAP Deworming Frequency Advice. http://www.esccapuk.org.uk/professionals/downloads/proleaflets/003_Deworming_frequency_advice.pdf (accessed 03/11/17)
2
ESCCAP Guidelines 3rd Edition July 2017.

For further information call Elanco Animal Health on +44(0)1256 353131 or write to: Elanco Animal Health (the animal health division of Eli Lilly and Company Limited), Lilly House, Priestley Road, Basingstoke,
Hampshire RG24 9NL, United Kingdom. Elanco™ and Milbemax® are trademarks owned by or licensed to Eli Lilly and Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates. © 2018 Eli Lilly and Company.
UKCAHMIL00148a. Advice should be sought from the Medicine Prescriber. Use medicines responsibly www.noah.co.uk/responsible