CAT460

BECOMING A BREEDERfive queens.You can then mate three of There may be a restriction on selling often stipulate that this is done.the girls to your own stud and put the the kittens (e.g. no male kittens to beother two girls to other people’s studs sold as breeding cats for the first year), The waiting game(outside studs).You then have a choice and you need to be happy to acceptof unrelated kittens if you want to keep these restrictions. Breaking a contract Don’t be at all surprised if you havesome for yourself for breeding in the will at the very least give you a bad to wait for the girl you really want.following years. reputation with other breeders and at When a litter is born there are only a the worst could end up with you being small number of kittens, if any, that are‘On the active’ taken to court, so it is very important to suitable for breeding. Also you may know what you are going to commit to need to wait until a new litter is a few Most importantly, do make sure that before handing over a deposit. weeks old before the breeder canyour future queen or stud is registered make a sensible decision on which ofwith one of the governing bodies (e.g. There should also be something in the kittens is suitable for breeding.TICA, GCCF etc). She must also be the contract to cover what would hap-registered ‘for breeding’ (also known pen if the kitten you are sold is found If you are looking for a cat from aas ‘active’). If the queen (or the stud to be not suitable for breeding. A good particular bloodline and you haveyou use) is registered as ‘inactive’ or breeder will contract to replace the preferences on colour and pattern, you‘not for breeding’, then you will not be cat if a genetic fault is found subse- may have to wait a while until a suitableable to register their kittens. quent to sale. kitten is born. Many breeders will have a waiting list. Sometimes it is better toThe contract However, breeders will not normally go on a waiting list to get the kitten you replace cats that pick up an infec- want, rather than taking one that does Before paying any deposit when tion after they have gone to their new not meet all of your requirements.buying a stud or queen, you do need home, so it is important that you taketo ensure that you understand the your new kitten to the vets as soon as So you have bought your first cat orterms and conditions of any contract possible after you have picked it up, to perhaps more than one. How will youthat you have to sign. have a health check. The contract will look after your cats? That’s our subject for next month. 51JULY 2016 ■ CAT WORLD

CoOf aNCFEASTSLIOOVNESR WITH ONE CAT KEEN FOR CUDDLES AND THE OTHER STAYING AT MORE THAN ARM’S LENGTH, IT IS DIFFICULT TO TREAT THEM BOTH EQUALLY try not to show favourit- She reckons I’m simply a I had to persuade Isabel and there was me asking sucker for a bit of attention (philistine that she is, she’s a large man with tattoosIism – trouble is, my cats and have fallen for Nut- more of a dog person) that if I could attend a feline- don’t make it easy. meg’s wily charms. we should get cats in the related emergency with a I sit down and Nut- first place, yet somewhere step-ladder in his garden.meg jumps onto my lap, Maybe that’s true? I along the way Parsleypurrs loudly and gazes up know I should bestow equal has become her cat. I’ve The other on-goingat me, wide-eyed and ador- attention and fuss on both become, to use a business source of conflict betweeningly. Parsley will stay put of my cats. It’s hard, though, analogy, a minority stake- Parsley and me is what’son another sofa, keeping when one seems to genu- holder in one of my own come to be known in thisher distance, watching the inely like me and the other pets. house as ‘scratching post-pair of us disdainfully. views me as little more than gate’. In a rare fit of DIY a necessary complication People tell me I need to enthusiasm – and in a bid Nutmeg runs to greet me in her life. be more patient with her to curb our burgeoningwhen I return home, follows (the cat, not Isabel), not cat-related spending – Ime round the house and Parsley also has no crowd her, let her come carefully constructed themiaows to be picked up. qualms about displaying fa- to me – and I can see the aforementioned item fromParsley won’t condescend vouritism of her own. She’ll logic in this. She definitely off-cuts of wood and carpet.to such blatant currying rarely settle within arm’s likes her own space. She’sof favour, preferring her length of me, yet she’ll mer- a worrier. She broods. Her Nutmeg immediatelyown space and wearing a rily clamber onto Isabel’s bouts of cystitis could, ac- loved it and uses it daily.permanent – almost profes- lap and spend hours there. cording to the vet, even be Parsley – surprise, surprisesional – look of being hard To make matters worse, she triggered by stress. To use – won’t go near it, optingdone by. typically faces away from the modern jargon, she’s instead to utilise items of me, leaving her tail (and got issues. furniture (it seems there are My other half, Isabel, worse) on full display. bonus points if the furnituresays I’m a typical man. Nowhere is this differ- is new). ence in the two cats’ tem- peraments more evident Not only does Parsley that when they’re outside. decline to use my ‘deluxe’ Nutmeg’s got a street sav- construction (anyone would viness, strutting into nearby think she didn’t see the gardens, winding all and hammer-bruise I incurred sundry up into a frenzy, on my finger making it) but then scampering home. she tries to poison Nutmeg Parsley once climbed onto against it. The look she a neighbour’s pergola, dis- gives her sister when she’s turbed their dog, panicked, enthusiastically enjoying it then froze. I had to troop is one of:You little creep. round and ask, child-like, if I could get my cat back. It Friends tell me I wouldn’t have been so bad shouldn’t hold her aver- but we’d only just moved in sion to my scratching post against her. Having seen my other attempts at DIY,52 CAT WORLD ■ JULY 2016

she’s probably merely wor- curl up on my lap when I’d prise you with a completely anywhere in a hurry. It tookried it’ll collapse mid-use. only constantly pet her and unexpected display of her several years to come poke her when she can get affection. Very occasionally, to terms with living with us; They also say I should an uninterrupted kip some- she’ll rush at you, meowing she’s not about to up sticksfocus on her attributes – where else? desperately for a fuss. Then and move.because she is a cat with she’ll do that kneading onplenty. She’s certainly more I often joke that Parsley your stomach or chest in Of the pair of them, Pars-self-contained than her isn’t exactly Oxbridge such a frenzy that she’ll go ley also has the strongersister. More philosophical. material but she’s smart markings. She’s the oneMore stoic. And animals are enough to have worked out, cross-eyed and who’s got potential as alike humans, aren’t they: it’s with math- almost tip herself Christmas card or calendarall too easy to overlook the ematical over. model.merits of the quiet ones. precision, the sleep- It pains me to Truth is, they’re both She’s definitely more ing spots say it, too, but I equally great and fun todiscerning, taking longer that offer doubt Nutmeg have around and I’d hate toto trust people. Somehow, the optimum would be the be without either of them.though, when you get a combination most loyal catpurr out of her, it’s worth of warmth, – the prospect There again, as I typemore. comfort and of a warmer ra- this, Nutmeg is stretched awkward- out on the desk next to me I admire the way she’s ness for me to diator or a few purring like a little en-one of life’s watchers, tak- reach. more chicken gine. Parsley is in the hall,ing everything in, reflect- treats could beyond my reach, her backing. She has a certain She’ll also persuade her to me, her rear-end on fullregal aloofness. It’s as if have moments to relocate display.she can’t be bothered with of utter charm whereasmy ridiculous antics. And when she’ll sur- Parsley isn’t Sometimes it’s hard towhy would she, after all, avoid showing just a tiny bit about to go of favouritism... 53JULY 2016 ■ CAT WORLD

HOSPICE CARE Knowing when the time is right to finally go This devoted owner went above and beyond to help her six beloved cats live as good a life for as long as possible, aided by a dedicated hospice vet r. Andrea Wraith, from Forest BY SUSAN GREGERSEN front garden, in the sun. Just before she went, she touched her nose to Susan’sD Row, Sussex, adopted six cats bring them both home. hand… Was she saying thank you? more than 13 years ago then lost Oddball was a kitten full of con- them all in just 24 months Then Imlach developed an unusual fidence and character, and as he paralysis in his front legs. SpecialistsThe owner’s story: matured he became a swaggering could not find a cause, so Susan took megalomaniac who ruled the local cat over his care. This gentle, kind cat with As I write this, Iliana lays curled next community. With me, though, he was silky black-and-white fur had cometo me as if asleep, wrapped in grey an affectionate and loving friend, fall- to live with me in 1999 with his sisterand white faux fur, snowdrops from ing asleep on my chest with his front Iliana, brother Waverley and Iliana’sthe garden next to her and a scented legs wrapped around my neck and his daughter Molly. Imlach always greetedcandle burning. Six cats gone in two cheek resting on mine. I miss him. me when I came home from work, tailyears… and all but one had lived with high and quivering, trilling.me for more than thirteen years. The Such a connectionbonds were very deep and it is only In September 2014 Oddball took anow, with the death of the last, that I am In the summer of 2013 I noticed turn for the worse. Susan helped merealising just how difficult it has been. Oddball was losing weight. Multiple keep him pain-free and when the time vet visits found nothing but Oddball was right sent him gently on his way. Some people can’t understand the and I had such a connection that I Curled up next to me on the bed hedepth of grief that the loss of a pet knew something was wrong. Eventual- purred happily, from the first injectioncan cause. To them it is only a cat and ly he was diagnosed with a malignant to his final breath.‘you can get another one’. My cats are form of bowel cancer and underwentnot my children, nor are they posses- major surgery. Many months of hop- Imlach had been slowly deteriorat-sions - they are independent, thinking, ing followed but when a scan revealed ing over that same summer and whenfeeling creatures with personalities the tumour was back, I decided to October came I knew there was noand preferences. I deem it an honour go down the palliative route and was hope. Again, he passed away at hometo have spent time with them, to have lucky enough to find hospice vet Dr thanks to Susan’s gentle care.built a wonderful, interspecies bond of Susan Gregersen.trust and to have seen a glimpse of the Extensive surgeryworld through their eyes. When she came to see Oddball she noticed Isabelle did not look well. Her I hoped all was well with my remain- Oddball was the first to fall kidneys were failing and a few months ing three but at the turn of 2015 I foundill. He and his mum, a small, hard lump on Iliana’s side. TheIsabelle, had been stray later she was quietly vet assured me it was nothing to worrycats in Jerusalem. I had euthanised at home by about but as May approached, Ilianaseen Isabelle from my Susan. I was extremely started pawing at her mouth. Nothinghotel window while at a grateful; Isabelle was ter- was found in her mouth but the lumpconference there in 2000. rified of everyone except proved to be a fibrosarcoma - an ag-She was limping, so I had me, so a trip to the vet gressive tumour. She had extensiveto help and after many for euthanasia would surgery to remove the mass - whatshenanigans I managed to have been cruel beyond was visible on the surface was the tip belief. She was on my lap when she died, in the54 CAT WORLD ■ JULY 2016

HOSPICE CAREof the iceberg. diagnosed squamous cell carcinoma grief after the death of a beloved cat At about the same time my big, of the tongue. It was so large it was you need to know you did everything inoperable. More lumps had appeared you could to help them live as good ablack, gentle giant, Albert, deterio- on her side - the original tumour rear- quality of life for as long as possiblerated and was admitted to hospital. He ing its ugly head. Again, Susan was a but - and I feel this very strongly - youhad already been diagnosed with dia- godsend in helping keep Iliana com- need to know when to stop. They dobetes and an enlarged heart but scans fortable but when she started having not understand why they have beenshowed he also had brain tumours. difficulty breathing I knew I had to help left at the vets, why people are sticking her go. Susan came, and Iliana died on needles in them, why they are being No sooner had he come home my lap. manhandled by strangers… They justthan my last healthy cat, Molly – a shy, want to be at home with what is famil-grey tabby - fell ill. She was so timid Buried in silk shirts iar and safe, and to be with us, theirthat every visit to the vet was a major guardian.trauma, so I decided just to treat her I will bury Iliana the way I havesymptoms. Four weeks later she col- buried the rest, wrapped in one of my We are our cats’ advocates andlapsed at home and died. silk shirts, with a lock of my hair and should always try to do what is in their best interest. We should not allow our With Susan’s expertise, Iliana and flowers. I will take a lock of wish for them to stay with us for asAlbert maintained a good quality of her fur and a few whiskers long as possible to muddy the waters:life until just after Christ- as keepsakes, I will take we must let them go when it is best formas 2015. When Albert impressions of her paws. them. Once a diagnosis comes backcollapsed I called Susan She will be laid to rest in a as terminal, it is important they have asand he was euthanised Cretan terracotta pot that I dignified and gentle a death as pos-lying on the sofa with a log will plant with flowers that sible and that the journey to that deathfire burning. is as comfortable and stress free as reflect her character. When possible. And now we arrive at I move house she willIliana, an elegant old lady come with me, as will all So, will I get another cat? Life with-who would flounce around my furry friends. out a cat is, in my view, an empty life.as if on ballet pointe. At So what have the past three years So yes, I will… but not just yet.the start of 2016 the mouth taught me? To be able to deal with thepawing got worse and a vet dentist 55JULY 2016 ■ CAT WORLD

The vet’s story: HOSPICE CARE er a gentle and dignified goodbye. Over this long period of intermittent Dr. Susan Gregersen, the UK’s first build a deeper relationship. Hospicehospice vet, is founder of Vets2Home care provides a blessed, peaceful time intensive care, I would joke that Andrea– Peaceful Pet Goodbyes, the in-home, - of weeks, months or more - without had become my trainee hospice vet. Asend-of-life and euthanasia service for stressful journeys to a vet, during a human doctor, she used her knowl-pets and their owners in Sussex and on which the owner receives the neces- edge and skills on her own animals, in-the Kent/Surrey borders. sary guidance, medication and sup- cluding administering injections, giving port. oral medication and changing bandag- Since becoming a dedicated hos- es. I even added to my own knowledgepice and emergency vet four years Andrea’s cats (and dogs) are the top through her creative and thoughtfulago, one of my most dedicated and priority in her life and she therefore inputs and as a medical professional,actively involved clients has been Dr. chose an integrated and collaborative Andrea went many extra miles for herAndrea Wraith. She is an anaesthetist approach by using various (expen- cats. We don’t expect this of pet own-and dentist with a soft spot for aban- sive) specialists simultaneously. This ers generally, nor are they capable ofdoned, neglected or unwanted animals collaboration is something those of us this level of care, as she certainly set- and for cats in particular. in animal hospice very much encour- the standards of hospice care (but not age as a way to attain the best in the love) at an almost unattainable level When she first contacted me in the every aspect of palliative, comfort care for a ‘normal’ owner to follow. As suchlate autumn of 2013, I had just started and quality of life. Andrea’s animals it has been a wonderful learning curveoffering in-home hospice care after certainly receive a level of care and for both of us.spending over six years as a general attention I have rarely seen in my 10mobile vet. She wanted help caring for years as a personal, in-home special- Only weeks after the loss of Iliana,Oddball, who had previously under- ist vet. I suspect it is a combination of Andrea’s healthy, healing journeygone surgery and chemotherapy for her training as a doctor, her priorities through the help of animal hospice hasabdominal lymphoma, which had now when knowing what is possible, and a enabled her to feel ready to take on asadly returned. This time Andrea felt very big heart. new generation of rescue cats. She hashe would do better with a less stress- just taken on three new rescues, two offul, in-home palliative and comfort care Quality of life which are quite elderly and unwanted,approach. I suspect that as a doctor bless her but they will be the luckiestshe knew that palliative care can add Both Oddball, Imlach, Albert and felines in the world, receiving the veryextra months of good quality of life Iliana’s personal hospice care plans best care and companionship, with noafter a terminal diagnosis. typically involved increasing amounts effort or expense spared. Well done, of medication for appetite and differ- my surrogate trainee hospice vet. This was to be the start of us provid- ent types of potent pain relief, some ofing comfort in the form of palliative which had to be injected, to keep them Have time and say goodbye inand hospice care for all Andrea’s ailing comfortable among many other ad- peace. A full 1-hour unhurried,cats. They seemed to fall terminally ill justments. Andrea was given support quality-of-life home consulta-one-by-one, almost as if they were in whenever she requested it (we offer tion with Susan and Vets2Homean end-of-life queue, politely taking this seven days a week) plus instruc- – Peaceful Pet Goodbyes is £195.turns to receive one final, full-on dose tions on how to make sure suffering More urgent same-day appoint-of her committed and attentive care. was avoided using clear parameters ments for gentle in-home eutha- for quality of life. nasia, when the end has comeIncredible journey more suddenly, is available at all In Oddball’s case, these signs times, with normal prices starting Andrea’s capabilities and confi- involved him still being well enough at £175 for cats and with no priordence in caring for her first hospice to venture out into rural countryside registration needed.cat (Oddball) through to her last (Ili- and chase the wild life - very impres-ana) marks the cornerstones of animal sive for a cat with late stage terminal For more information, see www.hospice that my practice, Vets2Home, cancer. peacefulpetgoodbyes.uk, call/texthas successfully imported to the UK 07962 423567, or email contact@from the US. For three years, Andrea In Iliana’s, once all her other fam- vets2home.co.uk if less urgent.was on an incredible journey, with me ily members had gone, her ‘job’ ofmaking house calls and suggestions keeping them in check was obsolete.by text, email and phone. It demon- Instead, she concentrated on beingstrates how education, knowledge cuddly and sleeping on top of Andreaand support as to how to best look every night, I was reassuringly told.after an animal facing the end of life –whether through a terminal diagnosis When it was evident in both cats thator old age - empowers an owner to these favourite activities were compro-confidently provide excellent care and mised, and other signs such as severe weight loss, inactivity and appetite were factored in, it was time to consid-56 CAT WORLD ■ JULY 2016

A NURSE’S NOTES JANET PENNINGTON REPORTS FROM THE FRONTLINE OF A BUSY VETERINARY PRACTICEJanet Pennington discovers feline and human mums can suffer from a similar condition t’s the most natural and told her to hang on while slightly offended. “She’s after all. I brought the vet to the going to be fine. When I stayed with her for aI wonderful thing in the ‘phone. I heard that she had six world and we just take kittens I wondered if it was while to check that she it for granted: mother- Inside ten minutes Mrs puerperal tetany. Looks wasn’t too distressed,hood. In the animal king- Green and her seven cats like it was.” but she was doing well. Idom they tend to get on rushed through the prac- brushed her fur and shewith it and we never give tice door like a hurricane. “Milk fever!” I ex- purred for me. I managedit much thought. It’s been claimed. I knew about this to get out of an afternoon’shappening every day for “Please help,” the lady condition as it was, unfor- duty of reception work bymillions of years. wailed, “I think she’s dy- tunately, not uncommon volunteering to take care ing.” amongst dairy cows, But of the half-a-dozen kit- Giving birth can some- cats? tens that were temporarilytimes be a bit traumatic, I scooped the mother abandoned. At two weeksmostly for the onlookers, cat into my arms and “After having six kittens, old, they certainly neededbut cats are quite adept at asked the receptionist to I’m not surprised that attention!that. I have known only a carry the box of kittens poor old Trixie couldn’tcouple of occasions when into the prep room. I could cope. It’s a calcium de- They spent the nighthuman intervention has feel Trixie become rigid. ficiency. Anyone can get together at the surgery forbeen necessary where As I laid her gently on the it, even people. It’s also observation but we knewthe kittens, or one of them, table, her hind legs began called eclampsia.” the vet’s diagnosis was thehave been breech. to spasm. right one. Sure enough, Trixie recovered quickly the happy family went Once the babies have I pressed the emer- but we left her in a comfy home next morning withentered the world we gency button and the vet kennel until we knew she no more problems.expect maternal instinct to ran out of the consultation was eating properly again.take over and take care of room. The ‘magic’ potion the vet Some years later I facedeverything. Usually that is had given her was simply impending motherhoodthe case but I remember The vet looked into the calcium. She needed all myself. On one of myonce a disturbed owner cat’s eyes then raced to her strength, checkups with the midwiferang the surgery to say the drugs cupboard. she told me why I had toher two week-old kittens have regular blood-pres-were unwanted by their I managed to restrain sure tests.mother. It was an affront the jerking limbs longto nature, I thought, and enough to take her “We’re watching out forthis owner, Mrs Green, temperature. It was something called eclamp-was obviously confused. dangerously high. sia. Have you heard ofMaybe mum was simply Trixie was by now hav- that?” the midwife asked.having a break. I passed ing convulsions thatthe call onto the vet. He looked like a full-blown “Oh yes,” I replied, “Iwould surely put her right. seizure. knew someone called Trixie who suffered that. A short while later Mrs “Hold her still,” the She had six you know. IfGreen called back. vet said as he slowly she coped with that many emptied a syringe full I’m sure I can cope with “Trixie’s started to of something magical one.”stagger and she still won’t through an injection.eat,” the distraught lady The thing is, I don’tsaid and began to cry. I Trixie looked peace- remember if I mentioned ful. Had he euthanased that Trixie was a cat… her? “No!” the vet replied, 57JUNE 2016 ■ CAT WORLD

DISEASE WATCH Caring for a cat who s rs ro ia t s Despite feline diabetes being a fairly complicated disease, cats that are diagnosed with it can live long and happy lives with the right treatmentf eline diabetes, something that’s BY EMILY FOWLER Managing diabetic cat’s weight more common in cats that are middle-aged and older and par- worried or squeamish! As well as a cat’s weight being an ticularly those that are overweight, Learning to inject your pet is simply important factor in managing felineis the inability to produce enough diabetes once it has been diagnosed,insulin to control blood glucose levels. a matter of confidence and once own- obesity can actually be a cause of theIt’s similar to Type II (non-insulin de- ers have started doing it regularly, it disease. In fact, getting an overweightpendent) diabetes in humans, meaning becomes second nature. Don’t forget cat down to its ideal body weight canproblems with the cat’s pancreas affect that cats are good at picking up on our sometimes be all that’s needed tothe production of insulin, and the cat emotions, so the more nervous you are resolve the diabetes! There are obvi-will also suffer with ‘insulin resistance’, about giving the injection, the more ously countless other problems thatmeaning the tissues in the cat’s body likely your cat is to sense there’s some- are caused by a cat being obese, sostruggle to respond to the insulin that thing to be anxious about. it’s always important to make sure ouris produced. cats are an appropriate weight wheth- The exact treatment regime is often er they have diabetes or not. Even if a A vet will usually diagnose diabetes different from cat to cat, with different diabetic cat isn’t obese, their diet playsfrom the results of blood and urine levels of insulin needed to stabilise the a crucial role in managing the diseasetesting and once diagnosed, it can condition depending on many varying and a very low carb diet has beencertainly be managed by a dedicated factors, which means a cat’s diabetes shown to be extremely beneficial but,owner who’s willing to put in the time is unlikely to be stabilised overnight. as with any change in diet, it’s some-and care needed to treat the disease. Once a diagnosis has been made it’s a thing you should take advice from yourWhile the thought of caring for a dia- case of regular monitoring and test- vet on.betic cat can seem daunting to some ing the cat’s blood glucose levels toowners, the actual treatment and man- check how well the disease is being Cat weight loss tipsagement of diabetes will quite quickly controlled by the insulin, and allowingbecome just another part of the daily the dosage to be adjusted until the vet Work closely with your vet, becauseroutine. is happy it’s under control. losing weight too rapidly can have severe consequences for a catInsulin injections Adjust the amount you feed as ad- A strict routine of insulin injections vised by your vetwill be needed, usually twice a dayalthough some cats will only need Don’t give your cat any extra treats;one daily injection. It’s quite often thethought of injecting their cat that wor- Signs of Feline Diabetesries owners but the needles that areused are only small. Cats usually won’t Increased thirstfeel anything and their vet or vet nurse Increased appetitewill happily teach the owner how to Increased urinationperform the injections – no need to be Lethargy Weakness58 CAT WORLD ■ JULY 2016

DISEASE WATCHany ‘treats’ during the day should betaken out of your cat’s regular dailyfood allowance Increase exercise levels slowly, mak-ing use of interactive toys to increaseyour cat’s daily activityOther lifestyle factors Routine is especially important fora diabetic cat and factors that canhave an effect on insulin levels includeweight, food, and frequency of feed-ing, so as well as the routine of daily ortwice-daily insulin injections, ownersshould follow a strict routine for feed-ing. Keeping a diary is usually recom-mended so vet and owner can worktogether to maximise a diabetic cat’streatment plan, recording things likeinsulin injections, the cat’s weight, ap-petite, and general health/demeanour.Adopting a diabetic cat “Any ‘treats’ during the day should be taken out of your cat’s regular daily food allowance” Tania Marsh, the Deputy Manager atCats Protection’s National Cat Adop- home, even though she would have to environment can cause. Tippex wastion Centre (NCAC), explained the give him twice-daily injections as well adopted by an experienced familydifficulties diabetic cats face when as keep him on a special diet. While from Somerset who had sadly lost theirthey’re looking for a forever home: she obviously did have experience of previous diabetic cat and were specifi- needles and giving injections (albeit cally looking for a cat with the same “Here at the NCAC we often take to humans, not cats!), staff at the NCAC condition to offer a home to.diabetic cats into our care and they are gave her some training and she wasone of the hardest groups of cats for able to adopt Maxwell with full confi- Maxwell and Tippex were bothus to rehome because of the nature of dence that she could easily manage lucky to have been adopted but dia-the condition and the restrictions it can his routine. betic cats, like many other cats withbring to any new owners; they have to special needs, are often overlookedhave a strict diet and very often two Tippex’s story when it comes to adoption. If you’reinjections of insulin a day.” looking to give a forever home to a Tippex was also newly diagnosed rescue cat you can find out more about Tania confirmed that with good as diabetic when he came to the the cats still available for adoption atmanagement of the condition, a dia- NCAC in January and immediately the NCAC by visiting the website herebetic cat can live for many years with a became known as a real character, www.cats.org.uk/ncac/adopt-a-cat, orgreat quality of life and told me about sociable with other cats and dogs and check out your local rescues. Specialtwo recent diabetic cats that were in very easy-going. So easy-going in needs cats, from diabetic cats to FIV+the NCAC’s care, Maxwell and Tippex. fact, that his diabetes stabilised very cats to tripod cats (cats with only three quickly after coming into the centre, legs!), often struggle to find a home,Maxwell’s story something quite unusual for dia- but adopting them is always extremely betic cats because of the stress a new rewarding. 12 year old Maxwell came into theNCAC after becoming unhappy whenhis owners moved from a big housewith a garden to a flat, making himan indoor cat. Despite only recentlybeing diagnosed as diabetic, Maxwellis a sweet and friendly cat just likeany other, loving playtime and cud-dles, and was adopted by a nurse whowas happy to give him a loving family 59JULY 2016 ■ CAT WORLD

ALLERGIESSheep specialist found a wayto beat the pesky particlesThe woman once known as the ‘mad professor’ recalls howhelping her cat-loving neighbour with her grandchildren’sallergies led to a worldwide business venture BY MARY LLOYD t all started when my mother found No, not a medical consultant - a Sheep I was a mad professor! Anyway, she Specialist! How can a sheep special- relented and let the children stay fori her elderly neighbour sitting in the ist help a little girl with asthma you an evening with the now cleaned cats garden crying. Being a kind lady, ask yourself? Well, as an animal loving and purified air. Great - no wheezing she asked her what the problem scientist, I was curious and did some – no asthma. A fluke we heard her saywas expecting to hear that she missed research. I discovered that allergic but next time, she let the children stayher recently departed husband. Much reactions to pets are quite common. overnight.to her surprise, Eirlys bluttered out “it’sthe cats or the children”. My mother The allergens came from the saliva, A few weeks later, Linda rang andwas bemused and waited patiently for the sweat glands and the urine of furry said, do you think you could makethe lady to explain. and feathery pets. When the secretions some more of that stuff to which I dry, the allergen particles get into the replied, of course. This went on for “Last night, Kirsty and Daniel came air and remain there where they are several years and then on New Year’sto stay and as usual, Sandals and inhaled or get onto the skin. The reac- Eve 1999, one of my friends said “YouHoney followed them to bed. Dan- tions - itchy eyes, runny nose, wheez- know that stuff you gave us, it reallyiel woke me up in the middle of the ing, asthma, eczema or hives. worked. Why don’t you start selling it?”night shouting “Kirsty no breathe”. Ijumped out of bed and sure enough, I discovered that these allergens By the end of 2000, I found myselfKirsty was wheezing and struggling for were positively charged particles and launching the products on behalf ofbreath. I had to take her to A&E. After even reducing the airborne load by 50 my own company, Bio-Life, and myan hour or two, the specialist told me per cent was usually sufficient to pre- life changed forever. Today we havethat Kirsty was allergic to the cats. Now vent these reactions. So, the next ques- products for people that are allergic tomy daughter tells me that the children tion, how do we get rid of these pesky dustmites, mould and pollen as well ascan’t visit unless I get rid of the cats!” particles? I thought, if the particle is pets and they are sold in 15 countries. positively charged then chemistry dic- But the best bit of the job are the thank At the time, I was a consultant at you letters I get from grateful pets (andEdinburgh University. tates that the particles are attracted their owners) and the pride I feel when to and combine with negatively I see them at the pharmacy or in the charged particles and what you vet’s surgery. are left with is neutral. By the way - just as well I invented That was the beginning of the them. My partner, whom I met in 2002, Bio-Life HomeCare range. I mixed turned out to be allergic to pets too a negatively charged surfactant and guess what – we have three dogs, with coat cleansers and condi- a cat and 16 sheep. No, the sheep do tioners to remove the allergens not live in the house but they would if at source and then formulated they could. a similar liquid that you could For further information, call the Bio- spray in the air. I made the stuff Life Allergy Helpline on: 01608 686626 in the kitchen and sent a sample (Open 8am to 8pm, 7 days per week) to Borth for Eirlys to try. or visit www.bio-life.co.uk Her daughter was convinced60 CAT WORLD ■ JULY 2016

Even the cutest of kittens can cause allergyproblems with children and adults alike. ButMary Lloyd has come up with a solution. 61JULY 2016 ■ CAT WORLD

MEET THE AUTHOR Top tunes are the cat’s meow pop pickers If music producer John Schroeder had ignored the mews of his pet cat, the pop charts could have been very different throughout the 70s BY JILL MUNDY egular viewers of the One Show he certainly seems to have had an ear Schroeder added: “Over the years I for a popular tune. have witnessed the therapeutic powersR on BBC 1 may recall recently of cats first-hand, especially in relation seeing musician Laurie Ander- Schroeder produced and co-pro- to my late father who, though blind, son playing music for dogs. duced 170 artists during his respected deaf and wheelchair-bound in his lastThe assorted canines did seem to be career covering music genres from years, found great comfort and solaceenjoying the experience and kept very orchestral jazz, to soul to black rock. through his pet cat.calm throughout. He was also initially responsible for bringing the Tamla Mowtown label to “That incredible bond has always But felines can be music lovers too. the UK. stayed in my mind and writing Buck-It has been revealed that many iconic ingham has been a true labour of love.chart hits from the 60s were carefully Schroeder’s life-long love of cats I see it as a celebration of cats and theselected by a cat. (at one time he lived with 11!) has incredible, positive effect they have on prompted the hit-maker to pen a novel our lives.” Ivor Novello Award-winning music celebrating the popularity of felinesproducer, John Schroeder, attributes and the ‘therapeutic value’ they have The benefits of owning pets and us-many of his hits to his pet cat, Treasure, for their owners. ing pets as therapy has certainly beenwho would meow loudly at the songs well documented in recent months andthat went on to become well-known Buckingham, which has just hit the there is further research being done tohits. shelves, is described as a lighthearted expand on this by numerous organisa- tale about a charismatic ‘therapy cat’ tions. Whether it is traumatised adults, With artists such as Status Quo, Cliff that inspires his owner to set up a busi- disadvantaged children or the elderlyRichard and Helen Shapiro among ness to comfort the sick and elderly. and infirm, there is no denying thatthose picked by this musical moggy, owning a pet can bring huge benefits. And cats are known for having a sixth sense after all.62 CAT WORLD ■ JULY 2016

CAT CAFEI’LL HAVE A CAT WITH MY COFFEECat cafes are popping up all across the globe, where people can meet cats to potentially adopt, as well as enjoy time with them and relaxi magine walking into a little cafe, BY BRITA MOORE people wanted more than just a cat where customers are curled up cafe; they wanted a permanent re- with beverages, muffins and some BBAWC President Anne Levin said. source centre where they can engage sweet new feline friends. “[We want to] make sure any kids who with animals and the community in a This scene is becoming more and come in maybe learn a little interesting more meaningful way.”more familiar, across the US and the thing about cats while they are havingworld. Visitors walk in and are greeted a good time.” A local veterinary clinic will pro-by a bevvy of cats and kittens who are vide medical care for the cats and twolooking for forever homes. The first She hopes visitors will find ‘infor- premium food brands will provide theirones appeared in Japan and now you’ll mation and resources in the form of food. Cafes generally require an admis-find them from Portland to Seattle and engaging talks, outreach opportuni- sion fee for a visit. Some require reser-San Francisco, London to Montreal, ties from local veterinarians and other vations, although Brooklyn does not.Manila to Turin. experts about pet ownership, animal rescue and advocacy.’ Levin also indi- Of course there are risks in operat- Cat cafes are a fairly new phenome- cated that she’d like to work with cat ing cat cafes. The Cat’s Paw cafe innon and we can certainly expect them rescuers, the ASPCA and other or- Tokyo, Japan recently had to shut downto keep popping up. One of the newest ganisations, learning from the pop-up for a month for violating the city’sones launched in Brooklyn, New York cafe’s success. animal welfare act. According to Theon 6 May, the first permanent one in Guardian, the cafe was cramped andthe New York City borough, after a suc- “It’s very important to us as the only many of the cats were in bad health.cessful tenure of a pop-up cafe in 2015. non-profit who is actually running and Customers reported the cafe for ani- operating a cat cafe in NYC. In just mal cruelty. Run by the Brooklyn Bridge Animal 10 weeks, our pop-up in Fort GreeneWelfare Coalition Inc. (BBAWC), the resulted in 60 adoptions and we had To aid with this, sometimes there areBrooklyn Cat Cafe will not only pro- over 4,000 visitors. To us, this was proof restrictions on what you can do withvide a space for customers to spend the cats. Cat Cafe Calico, another cafetime with cats and kittens as most in Japan, does not allow customers tocafes do, but will include educational hold them, just to gently pet them andopportunities about cats. they request that you don’t wake up cats who are asleep. Not all cafes are “A really important part of our goal geared toward adoption.is going to be outreach and educa-tion about how great animals are, what Most customers, though, are justpeople can do, how they can help,” happy to come in and spend time with the cats. And why wouldn’t you? 63JULY 2016 ■ CAT WORLD

HTHEOBOUASREDDIINAGRYWhile some house guests follow my shadow, others are far more inclined to contain their emotions, taking up a supervisory position in the house BY DOMINIQUE URQUHARTN eeps Vose, a hand- as if asking for permission He is very polite and ing not to notice while I some cat whose before giving me a cur- will always come when devoured chocolate cake. black fur is tinged sory sniff then rubbing his he is called. He wouldn’t with red, arrived cheeks against my legs. dream of standing on the The morning is the onlypromptly by taxi. His kitchen counter; instead time Neeps makes anyowner was fully laden Not caring for a fuss, he he chooses to sit opposite demands and then he in-with baggage, consisting inspected his carefully ar- me on a stool and watches sists on a cuddle. As I putof amongst other things, ranged belongings before patiently while I eat. on my running shoes hethree beds, a circus tent, a retiring for a nap in his slips onto the sofa besidedetailed feeding plan, an blue basket by the side of Neeps loves to perch on me, pushing his head andelectric blanket, a radio the sofa. the cat tree in the balcony much larger body throughand a three tier water and watch the traffic and the gap between my armfountain. Neeps settles in quickly people go by. But if con- and leg. Snuggling into my and soon moves from fronted by a sudden noise lap he purrs, resting his As his owner tried to sleeping under the bed or unexpected sound, he head in my hand and re-find the correct cables for to taking up residence on jumps in fright and scram- fuses to move until he haseach piece of equipment, the large purple armchair bles to a place of safety, had a proper snooze.I started arranging his in the front room. This his ears and tail quivering.dishes. Neeps Vose looked soon becomes his office When I get up he willaround with growing and from here he greets Always the perfect reluctantly head to hiscuriosity, his gentle nature guests, raising his chin gentleman, on my birthday armchair to continue hisreflected in his pale green towards them for a quick he accompanied me to nap, his paw hangingeyes. He looked up at me, face rub, performs his toi- breakfast, taking the stool neatly over the side. Occa- lette and naps on standby. opposite me and pretend- sionally he opens his eyes,64 CAT WORLD ■ JUNE 2016

leaning his face on his paw a well loved rescue cat, by dropping to the floor she runs between myand checks to see if I’m came to me early one and rolling on her back legs, tripping me up to getstill there. morning. She is a sweet with all four paws point- ahead. Pleased with her- little black cat with a fluffy ing skyward. Then like a self she sits in front of the In the evening when coat and a shadow over little gymnast she grace- treat cupboard and waitshe wants to be hugged her right eye, a war wound fully extends her front paw for her prize. Her dog-he puts his two paws up from a previous life. She is and, holding that position, like devotion doesn’t stoponto my leg and arches his immediately confident and follows it through with her there. While I wash up, sheback. When I lift him, he determined to conquer body, performing a series sits by my side and starescurls into my arms, bury- every shut door in my of perfect roly polys. up at me blinking throughing his his head away, de- apartment. splashes of water.termined to block out the Tiffany loves to berest of the world. I wrap She trots up to me and hugged and is soon follow- One of the sweetestmy arms around him and stops a few feet away. ing me everywhere. She things Tiffany does isgive him a proper hug as Cocking her head to one is becoming a permanent whenever I put my handhe purrs into the night. side, Tiffany gives me a attachment to my right leg, down, to pick something look that says ‘Come on, causing me to walk with a up or just to rest it on theTiffany stroke me then.’ Once temporary limp. I feel a bit sofa, she will run under- she has got what she like Long John Silver, only neath it for a quick cuddle. I have had a run of wants, she rewards you instead of a parrot on my When I go to bed I amblack cats lately. Tiffany, shoulder I have a cat on careful to put both hands my leg. under the covers or Tiffany will spend the night charg- Whenever I go to the ing across the mattress and kitchen Tiffany races me skidding beneath them. there. Determined to win by any means necessary All photos by Dominique Urquhart Read more on my blog ‘The Cat Diaries’ THE CAT FACTS: The Notting Hill Cat Company email: [email protected] web: www.nottinghillcatcompany.com Call: 0781 354 7461 65JULY 2016 ■ CAT WORLD

MOVING HOUSE Stress-free tips for moving house Moving to a new home is one of the most stressful events for pets and humans but by following these tips, stress can be kept to a minimum BY SONJA K STEINERa nyone who has moved house bowl and litter tray in the room so that in is available. Alternatively you could will know what a stressful situ- your cat gets used to spending time use a homeopathic remedy or Bachs ation it is but if you have cats, in their new surroundings and where Flower remedy to help with the stress. you have the added worry they feel safe and relaxed. A spray ofabout how they will cope and how to catnip always goes down a treat! On arrival put some food and freshensure that they do not get lost in their water down, along with their litter traynew environment. A home for a cat is Separate rooms and their bedding. Put a sign on thea place where they feel safe, secure door to ensure that removal staff andand relaxed and are surrounded by If you have more than one cat then family members do not go into thethe familiar scents, sights and sounds provide an extra litter tray to avoid any room, to allow your cat to settle and toof their own territory. Moving to a new toilet mishaps. For cats that simply do prevent them from escaping. This wayhome can cause disruption and stress not get on, you may have to consider you know your cat is safe and securebut there are a number of things you putting them in separate rooms or one and you can get on with the unpacking.can do to make them feel more com- of them in a cattery. Alternatively if youfortable during and after the move. have a family member or friend who The next few days knows your cat(s) and lives nearby, There is no doubt that preparing perhaps they could look after one of Allow a few days for your cat toto move house can be disruptive. them. familiarise themselves with the roomCats who are only used to family and and when you feel they are ready tofriends may get stressed at strange Prior to moving, decide which room explore the other parts of the house,people wandering in and out, unfamil- in your new home could be for your ensure that any windows, outsideiar scents and packing of furniture and cat; it would be beneficial if it could doors and cat flaps are firmly closed.this can all add to your feline friend be in a quieter area of the house to Try to establish a regular routine forfeeling anxious. avoid stress and where they can be left your cat and use food as an incentive; alone. The evening before the move, feed little and often to give reassur- Some people decide it is better to close the room door and windows to ance to your cat that everything is well.put their cat in a cattery to avoid the ensure your cat does not go wander- Knowing when and where they will beupheaval of a move, so make sure their ing off on his/her nightly escapades! fed takes the anxiety out of mealtimesvaccinations are up to date and you and it allows you to give them extra at-book your cat’s place in the cattery in The day of the move has arrived; tention and build up a bond.advance. feed as normal and ensure fresh water is available. However, if your cat is It is important that your cat feels However, some owners prefer to prone to travel sickness, it is maybe relaxed and secure in their new homekeep their cat with them during the advisable not to feed them for a few before they go outside. Spend timemove, so it is advisable to set aside hours before the journey. with them so they know you are not go-a quiet room in the house and leave ing to leave them. If you have concernsthis room as the last to be packed. A In order to try and alleviate the that your cat is desperate to escapecouple of weeks before the move takes stress for an anxious cat, you could and is used to wearing a harness,place, start feeding him/her in the new either use a spray in the form of a syn- perhaps put the harness on and allowroom so they become more familiar thetic pheromone or catnip and spray them to spend time in the garden. Ifwith it. Put their bed, toys, food, water their cat carrier and any unfamiliar they are happy on the harness you items and, for the room itself, a plug66 CAT WORLD ■ JULY 2016

MOVING HOUSE 67JULY 2016 ■ CAT WORLD

MOVING HOUSEcould even take them for a walk so and to ensure it is the correct fit - you you can go and collect the cat. How-they get used to the neighbourhood. should only be able to fit two fingers ever, if your cat keeps returning to underneath the collar. For security your old address it is best to start from If you let your cat out too soon after reasons, only put your surname and scratch and keep them in for a fewmoving there is a risk they could go telephone number on the collar tag. more weeks as this indicates that theymissing, some find their way back to simply have not bonded enough withtheir old house. Ideally cats should be Tempt him back the new house.kept indoors for up to a month; thisallows them to feel safe and secure in When the day has come for your If your cat is persistent then foodtheir new home and to build up a scent cat to be allowed out alone, it is best to is always the greatest tool. Establishprofile which would help them find do this at a quiet time during daylight some routines so they know a particu-their way back. hours, when there are no other cats lar signal means mealtime and one that around and just before a meal time, your cat can simply not resist; a hungry Unfamiliar smells in the new house when he will be hungry and you can cat is more likely to be tempted back.only add to your cat’s anxiety. When tempt him back in with food. Do this Food is a very good motivator where aa cat feels secure they will rub their daily and gradually lengthen the time cat is concerned!heads and bodies on furniture, doors, your cat is outside to allow them towalls etc and none of these smells will adjust and so they associate feed time If you are living near a busy mainbe present in the new house.You can with going back into the house. To give road and are worried about your cathelp by taking a soft cloth and rubbing them confidence, owners should be going out, it may be worth consider-it gently around your cat’s face to pick nearby and leave the door open so ing ‘cat securing’ your garden. Thisup their scent profile.You can then rub that if they want to go back in they can. way, your cat has the freedom to roamthis around the room at cat height, and Some cats take longer than others to around the garden and stays safe atwhere your cat will be kept initially, accept their new surroundings so it is the same time. As long as your fenceand repeat this throughout the house to best to err on the side of caution. is five foot or more, then a barrier canbuild up your cat’s scent. be secured to the existing perimeter If you have not moved far from your fence and cats cannot jump or climb It is advisable to have your cat mi- old house and the new residents are over the cat barrier from inside thecro-chipped so that if they do go miss- cat lovers, it would be worth giving garden. If you are considering this it ising, they are more likely to be traced them your new details in case your perhaps worth having a chat with yourand reunited with their owners. Don’t cat wanders back and ask them not to new neighbour.forget to update your new address and feed or encourage your cat to stay ortelephone number on the company’s allow them in the house. Ask them to For more details look on the Pro-database system. If your cat wears a chase your cat away or to call you so tectaPet website, www.protectapet.collar, try to get a safety release collar com.fence2168 CAT WORLD ■ JULY 2016

inTvHeEsCAtTigLAaDtYes WITH ELEANOR FORRESTERThis month I have traded my deerstalker for a knitted ski cap and travelled to the frozen climes of Scandinavia to look at the mystic moggies of Norse mythology n 1220 AD a collection of Nordic part of setting up the household mates. They have a shiny glossy top because they were good at control- coat and water shedding hair, andI tales were put together by ling the vermin population. In many an insulating under layer of thick the Icelandic historian, Snorri archaeological sites, cat skeletons fur. They are large cats who have Sturluson, which featured the from the Viking period have been an immense climbing ability due toGoddess, Freya or Freyja. In pictures found; they were often skinned and the fact that they are big boned andshe is often depicted with two rather were used for making garments have strong claws.large cats who are often pulling her such as gloves and hood lining.chariot. They were given to Freyja Their ancestry is one of a pick-a-by Thor so that she could travel to These tales have helped estab- mix selection. During the latter parther lover Baldur’s funeral. Freyja lish the Norwegian Forest cat as of the 11th century, the Crusaderswas a goddess of many things; from a popular breed that is over one are believed to have brought longhunting to warfare, as well as love thousand years old. The Norwegian haired cats over to Norway. Sub-and beauty. Cats were her sacred Forest cat’s origins, by its mere sequently these long haired catsanimal. name, suggest that they come from bred with the short haired black Scandinavia and these hardy cats and white variety that the Vikings Nordic mythology features an ar- are perfectly adapted to the cold cli- brought over in 1,000 AD andray of cats. One myth has Thor lifting these cross breeds would go on toa giant serpent that is disguised as become what we now know as aa huge cat. He is challenged by the domestic Norwegian Forest cat.giant king, Útgarða-Loki to lift thecat as a test of his strength. Although It’s hard to believe that during theunable to raise it above his head, he Second World War the Norwegiandoes succeed in lifting it clear off the Forest cats almost became extinctground which was described as an but were saved because of a catimmense feat. fancier by the name of Carl Fredrik Nordance who realised that the During the Viking period, from breed was endangered and took8th century to the 11th century, action to preserve them by estab-the cats became ratters on farms lishing a breeding programme. Inand in ships and they were called, the 1970s the Norwegian Forest cat‘Wegie’. These cats have got a real was registered with the Europeansort of mystical quality about them Federation Internationale Feline.and people back then believed thatsome used to be fairies that could The legacy of Freyja’s famous fe-turn into trolls. These fairy cats could lines pulling her chariot still inspiresclimb sheer rock walls which other many cat owners and breeders tocats could not. this today and they will often name their feline friends after the famous It was common for Viking brides Norse gods and goddesses.to receive kittens when they weremarried as they were a symbol of Next time I will be donning mylove associated with the goddess, Toga as I explore the myths aboutFreyja. They were also an essential Roman cats. 69JULY 2016 ■ CAT WORLD

CRAFTY CATSMake a catnip mouA simple sewing project you can fill with catnip to give your felinefriend a toy to play with and pounce on for maximum enjoyment BY JILL MUNDYSew with wrong sides together so Sew a few short straight stitchesseam is on outside. below each ear for eyes. Trace the templates onto tracing Cut a 10cm length of wool or stringpaper or greaseproof paper. and tie a knot in one end. Sew the other end securely to the bottom of the Pin the body and base to the main mouse to make a tail.colour felt and cut out. TIP: If you don’t have wool or Pin the ears to the contrast colour felt string thick enough to make a tail,and cut out. cut three longer lengths of thread and plait together until it meas- Pin the curved edge of the mouse ures 10cm. Cut and attach to thebase to one straight edge of the body. bottom of the mouse bodyStitch by machine or hand. You will need: Pin the two curved body edgestogether and stitch. ■ Acrylic felt in two contrasting colours ■ Thread to match Cut two small squares (3x3cm) from ■ Wool or string for tailthe cotton fabric and sew around three ■ Soft toy stuffingsides. ■ Old hanky or 10cm square cotton fabric Fill with a small amount of catnip andsew the remaining seam closed. Pin the remaining edge of the baseto the straight edge of the other bodypiece. Stitch half way along and secure.Place the bag of catnip inside themouse. Stuff firmly with soft toy stuffing, try-ing to push it around the catnip parcelto keep that secure in the middle of themouse. Sew the remaining part of the seamclosed. Take one ear piece and pinch slight-ly at base to make a crease. Secureat base edge with a couple of smallstitches. Repeat with other ear. Sew each ear in place on top of thehead.70 CAT WORLD ■ JULY 2016

CRAFTY CATSuse Give to your cat, sit back and watch play begin! 71JULY 2016 ■ CAT WORLD

ADOPTION UPDATEFrom the ugliest toysto feelings of guiltAs a new cat owner I welcomed the advice given on careleaflets but do they contain all a newbie needs to know orare there other feline fancies that should be covered? BY KATHRYN SPICKSLEY have recently ‘rescued’ a cat. Well – I live constantly in a climate of fear sleep on yours anyway. that this hideous toy might break, de- Hester is an indoor cat. Luckily,Isomeone else rescued her really, I spite its drastic effect on my interiors. just picked her up from the RSPCA, Lesson 1: look for the most diabolically she dislikes the outside as much as I changed her name from Daisy to designed toy in the pet shop and buy dislike the idea of her being outside.Hester and mollycoddled her. As a three of them. I work as a primary school teacher.novice cat owner, I was given a shop- Most days I am out of the house at halfping list and a basic care guide. On Cat beds seven, unless I accidentally lock Hesterreflection, these are the three pieces of in the cupboard while digging out ac-advice I wished were on the guide. If you are a person who feels things ceptable work attire and then spend deeply, getting a rescue kitten will be ten precious morning minutes trying to Aesthetically, I am a fan of hessian, incredibly hard on your wallet. I don’t find her to say goodbye.willow, beige and brown. By no means know who abandoned Hester and herwas I expecting my cat to completely two siblings before they were depos- When I return from work Hester iscommit to my interior design prefer- ited at the RSPCA, but I know they sometimes peeking out of the windowences but my thinking on this mat- arrived with a terrible flea infestation upstairs watching for my car. I openter was quite logical. I assumed that and were clearly underweight. I adore the kitchen door and she meows toas cats in the wild would be hunting greet me or berate me, I’m not sure.natural coloured beasties, my Hester and one of the ways Either way, I feel terribly guilty forkitten would approve of natural I show both my adoration leaving her alone all day.wooden toys with beautifully for her and my displeasurestitched maroon and brown at her previous treatment When I have weeks off I annoy Hes-miniature ducks or racoons is by buying far too many ter. I move about the house. I disruptattached. Tastefully designed beds. her sleep. I clean and she meows,cat toys would both appeal annoyed and frustrated. I bring visi-to my cat’s natural desire to First, she had a simple tors around, who want to fuss her. Shehunt and complement the beige colour cat sofa made out of a box retreats to worm under my bed coversscheme that I had carefully developed and a cushion, alongside a cubby-hole upstairs with distain. And as a result, Iin my home. in a climbing tree. Then came the cat feel guilty. Her lovely, quiet, peaceful sleeping bag for upstairs. When the house is ruined. My husband, who of- Unfortunately this was not the case. sofa was too small, a wicker basket ten works from home, assures me thatAt best, Hester tolerates these Mon- was bought. Then came the radiator she sleeps all day when I am at work. Itessori inspired toys. Her favourites bed. A couple of months ago, Hester suggest a companion cat, he remindsare lurid, plastic creations, fluorescent decided to start sleeping under a me of Hester’s territorial nature. ResultFrankenstein monsters of the cat toy blanket, so I wondered if she might – more guilt.world. like a more enclosed space and bought her an igloo bed. My husband At work? Cat guilt. At home? Cat Her favourite toy is of ‘fishing rod’ and I have one bed, four less than Hes- guilt. Lesson 3: Get used to it!construction, a bright blue plastic stick ter. Guess where Hester sleeps mostwith what appears to be a radioactive of the time? You guessed it. Lesson 2: I was advised to get a cat by ayellow star attached, surrounded by One cat bed is enough, they will just friend. It was excellent advice. In fact,lime green ribbons. forget the three lessons above and just get a cat.72 CAT WORLD ■ JULY 2016

KIM’S WORLD KIM ROGERS KEEPS US UP TO DATE WITH HER CAT-CENTRIC LIFECats will be cats and this can have inevitable consequences which has been the case just lately for Cyril and TippsC yril and Tiptoes de-stress from the day’s are really strong for such little ones have a scratching events. It’s very good and their mums even more so and problem! They for you to switch off for we cannot stop them if they decide have never had a short period every to push past us and run off. There isfleas as they don’t come day and it really does a little black lamb which is smallerinto contact with other make my head feel a than the others due to the fact thatanimals but Tiptoes re- little lighter. I always sit his mum could only nurse one lambcently caught a shrew and so this one had to be bottle fedalthough I took it away in the same place in the when he was a baby. The owner didfrom him, I think perhaps garden, next to my rose the bottle feeding so now the lambthis may have been the cause. Cyril garden near my beloved thinks that the farmer is his mumhas scratched his ears so much that Felix memorial. Tiptoes has already and follows him about, bleating atthe fur has started to come off. He got used to this routine and runs out him wherever he goes. It’s verylooks a bit sad like this so I’ve been before me to get his position on the sweet but the lamb is a little boy sosearching through their coats each chair before I sit next to him. He will unfortunately he won’t be kept.day looking for mites or bugs. stay sat with me for the whole half an hour and just look around the I thought about this for a few days I did the old trick of standing garden or at me if I am talking to and watched the lamb chasing afterthem on a piece of white paper and him. He’s such a little person, I don’t the farmer, bleating his little heartbrushing their fur back and forth, think he realises he’s a cat some- out when the farmer went indoors.but nothing. I’ve looked into their times; he makes me laugh the way I get on really well with the farmerears but I can’t see anything. A trip he behaves like a human. so one afternoon I said how much Ito the vet was called for, for me to Cyril spends most of his time thought the lamb loved him and howget some spot-on type treatment to near the garden fountain - anywhere sweet it is. It has a funny little lop-sort it out. I will be visiting the vet water is, Cyril will be. He loves it sided walk which makes him evenagain to tell them it’s not worked. and I had only just got the fountain cuter. I asked if I could keep him if put up for the summer before he I paid for the lamb and then for his They have always got a bit was there waiting for me to fill it with keep for the next however manyscratchy in the spring when out- water. He will sit next to it for hours years he would live naturally. I saiddoors. I think perhaps the bugs just watching the water trickling that I couldn’t bear to see him soldand flies that land on their fur make from one pot to the next. When the as he loved the farmer so much. Hethem itch and so they race around sun goes in and the water stops laughed and agreed that he was athe garden trying to run away from flowing (it’s solar powered) he looks very cute lamb andthe itch. If only it were that simple! at me sadly, thinking it’s broken, I yes he also had aThey usually run to me and ask me guess, until the sun shines again and soft spot for him,to scratch them all over with my it will trickle back into life. so he would keepnails or brush them, which they en- him indefinitely. Ijoy. I can’t brush one though without Life saving also didn’t have tothe other rushing over for a brush pay him, althoughas well. The lambs in the field are getting he thought it was bigger day by day. I have helped sweet of me to offer. They love being outside in the the chap who owns them to treat I breathed a sigh ofsunshine and every afternoon I them for fly strike and also to cut relief - a life saved!make a coffee and sit outside to their fleeces and mark them. Theyrelax for half an hour and try to 73JULY 2016 ■ CAT WORLD

Snoring Knickers shou As darkness falls, it seems every surface in Pat Clement’s living room becomes a cat placeM any cats have secret places Night-time is interesting. Cats are dogs who share these quarters – two unknown to their owners. supposed to sleep for eighteen hours collies and a dachshund – to venture Would that we could have out of twenty-four and that may be so. forth.somewhere similar to creep off to when But it certainly isn’t all on the samethe world and people get too much. spot. At least not with mine. Of course some arrive fully conver- sant with canines but others are a bit The indoor cats have fewer choices After supper they generally go dubious at first. It gives me great funthan those outside. The toughies who to their play station first. Maybe it’s and pleasure to watch each eveningbrave the elements, usually at their the light, or changes thereto, that and see how they progress.own insistence, have the hay barn, a alters their preferences. Once I havemobile home, three cars and assorted completed the feeding programme, Star, the Scottish Fold, had no expe-pony boxes and caravans, all provid- indoors and out, I like to settle down rience at all and spent several nightsing their own unique des res. with a book and the television. If it is the latter I prefer to turn the lights out, My large living room is the main generally illuminating the room withcompact and bijou residence for five, an aromatic oil burner. I suspect thissometimes six, furry friends. The sixth shadowy environment tempts thoseone is Sacha, a Birman, the last of the who are not quite sure about thegang of thirty I brought to Wales fromOxford all those years ago. Sacha is very independent andhas an eclectic taste in pastimes.Part of her day is spent in thekitchen with Daisy the Yorkie.Usually a peaceful area, she canalso come and go through thewindow when it’s warm enough toleave it open. On colder days shemakes it clear when she wishes toperform her ablutions. This lovely lady has never shownthe slightest animosity to any animalnew or old. She likes to sit on a lapand be stroked but has very definiteideas about being picked up. In factit’s just one idea – don’t. For the other part of her day sheprefers to join the five in the livingroom but is somewhat in awe of thefive bustling Yorkies who inhabit theGaza Strip she is obliged to cross toreach the door. The only answer is forme to sweep her up and run with atwisting bundle of flesh and fur, drop-ping her quickly over the thresholdand closing said door.74 CAT WORLD ■ JUNE 2016

ould work in an airportbeneath the giant fish tank. Then, un- from the remote. All was well. If she were more amenable to tabletsder cover of darkness, she ventured a The three Persian Chinchillas - Mi- - only a quarter at a time - she wouldyard or two to the food then shot back improve.to safety. rage, Sophie and Sheherazade - seem to wait for the lights to be extinguished I don’t think I need go into details Gradually this distance increased and make a bee-line for my chair. about attempting to disguise tabletsand now she adores Megan, the wall- Results depend on whether I have with salmon, ham, tuna, pilchards – youeyed collie, and can be seen tempting actually taken my seat by then. If I have name it. I’m certain every cat ownerher from the settee so that she can rub gone to get coffee before settling I re- has been there!her head along the body, huge beside turn to find every bit of room taken upthe blue-cream cat. Strangely, Megan by wall-to-wall white fur. It has all the Knickers would make a good snifferseems to adore the attention and she, appearance of an expensive, elegant cat, like the dogs. I can visualise herin turn, had never seen a cat before chair. trawling through airports sniffing outcoming here. drugs and the like. She can find that I have sussed out that perching per- quarter of a tablet no matter how devi- One night I was watching televi- suades them to gradually move over ous I am with it.sion and the remote simply would not and I feel less guilty. They don’t actu- work. Swearing softly - the parrot ally leave the chair. Because of the noise she makes she has no chance of slinking away. Some- listens to everything I say - I kept More elegance evolves as they take times she joins Sophie along the back trying to change channel. Then I up an arm each and Sophie drapes of the chair and snores right in my ear. realised there was no light on the herself across the back. Something I remember someone else who did front of the digital box and the along the lines of an Egyptian throne. that...but I got rid of him. The darkness hides the fact I am no penny dropped. Cleopatra! I called Star even though Poor Knickers, the silver tabby, has a I couldn’t see her. It was as I nasal problem which makes her snore. thought. She detached herself from the gloom under the set, where she had been sitting on the shelf, blocking the beam 75JUNE 2016 ■ CAT WORLD

NEW HOME Adapting to a new cat a ta s ti Moving house can mean your cat loses or gains a cat flap. SureFlap have some top tips to make the transition as smooth as possible for the pet who may be stressed BY JILL MUNDY hen you move house, you’ll Introduce the Microchip Cat Flap to your cat prior to installation so that W want to keep your cat indoors your pet can get used to the sight and for the first few weeks – this smell of it before he needs to use it. will give you time to decide Leave it on the floor for a while for him where to install a cat flap. to inspect. This is also the perfect op- portunity to program your cat’s micro- If your new house already has a cat chip into the cat flap. flap, be sure to block it up whilst your cat acclimatises to his new home. Before installing the cat flap, don’t forget to update the address associ- It will take you some time to get to ated with your cat’s microchip. know your new neighbourhood but even if you don’t see any other cats The SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap around, it’s best to install a SureFlap can be installed in doors, windows or Microchip Cat Flap to eliminate any walls, so you may want to tie in the in- possibility of intruders.Your cat is stallation with any renovations you wish likely to be stressed by the move and to do to your new home. having the neighbour’s cat entering your home through a standard cat flap If possible, install the cat flap in a lo- will cause more stress. cation that opens out onto a sheltered area of garden instead of a wide open space so that your cat feels secure go- ing in and out of his home. If your cat has to exit the house into an open area, he may feel vulnerable to ambush from other animals. If you are limited by where you can install the cat flap and the areas around the cat flap are too exposed, give added protection around the cat flap by positioning plant pots or a bench nearby, which can act as hiding places when your cat goes in or out of the house. Give your cat plenty of time to learn to use the new cat flap once it’s in- stalled.Your new garden will be alien to your cat, so it may take a bit of extra time for your cat to get the hang of us- ing the cat flap.76 CAT WORLD ■ JULY 2016

KITTEN TALES Pasha & Tanni: We are into everything! More mischief and mayhem ensues and it becomes easy to follow the kittens’ wanderings by the trail of devastation they have left behind. Action is called for BY INGRID HOOPER t seems each day the two playful learnt how to replace treasures with a high cabinet via the table to explor- things which were either dispensable ing the forbidden kitchen work tops. II Siamese kittens acquire new skills or which frankly would bounce! could always tell where party night had to keep me on my toes! Pasha the taken place by a trail of things knocked firstborn is the instigator, eyeing One night I heard an almighty clatter over or of flowers strewn around! Itthings up and trying them out. Full of and knew this was warfare on a larger soon began to feel like an early morn-confidence and bravado, he is always scale. I tiptoed nervously downstairs ing treasure hunt all it’s own.eager to have a go, sometimes with to find the state of the art digital radiohilarious results! A natural at jumping warped and on the floor. Beneath it It hasn’t been without it’s hilari-and climbing, my lilac point boy is full lurked a dent on the kitchen flooring. ous moments, such as when Pashaof naughtiness, mischief and fun and jumped into the bath and took a swimit’s impossible to be cross with him for Gradually I began looking at the while I was in it! I didn’t know what tovery long. world through kitten eyes and what a do first - whether to jump out wet and fun place it has turned out to be! What grab him or grab my leather make up Meanwhile Tanni, my chocolate and to me is a curtain tied back with satin case, now floating in the water. In thecinnamon boy, is a perfect little angel, ribbon, to a playful kitten appears to event, he splashed around a bit beforeaffectionate and light on his paws. be a perfect hammock. Cushions art- jumping out and running into the livingTanni’s role, it soon became clear, was fully placed on sofas and beds can be room, shaking himself like a wet waterto aid and abet Pasha in his various creatively re-arranged on a daily basis spaniel. I learnt from this which makemisdemeanours. on the floor. up brand is water tight and which most definitely isn’t! Those with experience of kittens A chest of drawers has endlessadvised me to put away my treasures, possibilities for jumping inside and Then there was the time when Pashaespecially those which are breakable scaring the humans! Drawers are there jumped up on the forbidden kitchenor had sentimental value. I agreed to be opened and the contents strewn work surface straight into a plate ofwhile inwardly smiling to myself and around the floor! pesto & pasta.thinking my two Siamese boys are sowell behaved that butter wouldn’t melt Creative thinking Tanni became a hero on the playin their mouths. Or so I thought! Reso- circuit, perfecting his skills of stalkinglutely I stuck to this opinion as, slowly Expensive cat toys were often and pouncing, preferably under coverat first, the list of breakages emerged. passed over in preference for home of the houseplants! Tanni is a sprinterDecorative dishes, photo frames and made entertainment. I learnt to tap and moves in a low slinky manner. Itvases were the first to invite Pasha & into my creative side, making pipe is said every cat has at least sevenTanni’s inquisitive instincts. Numerous cleaner spiders and using ribbon from names and not for nothing do I callplant pot holders and plants hit the garment labels to make fishing rod Tanni my chocolate boy, Tanni Lindordecks. After a while I began to wise spiders. I bought kitchen foil to turn Lynx! While Pasha goes by the name ofup and box things up and put them into kitten balls. I persuaded friends to Pasha Snow Leopard.away. Gradually the living room began part with cardboard boxes, cutting outto resemble a hotel room, devoid of portholes for paws to get into. Never a They are such totally different lit-personal touches moved from the dull moment! tle characters and both such fun. Imantelpiece and window sills. Soon I wouldn’t be without my boys for the It was interesting watching their list world. of skills emerge from jumping up onto 77JULY 2016 ■ CAT WORLD

SHOW DATES CLUB EVENTS FOR YOU DIARYGCCF Maine Coon Cat Club JULY 16 Wilnecote Community Leisure Balinese & Siamese Cat ClubJUNE 04 Centre, Tinkers Green Road, Samuel Cody Specialist SportsBristol & District Cat Club Wilnecote, Tamworth, College, Ballantyne Road,Thornbury Leisure Centre, Staffs. B77 5LF Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 8SNAlveston Hill, Thornbury, SouthGloucestershire BS35 3JB Ulster Siamese & All JULY 23 Breeds Cat Club Humberside Cat ClubCambria Cat Club Bangor Aurora Aquatic & Leisure George Stephenson Ex Hall,Thornbury Leisure Centre, Complex, 3 Valentine Road, Newark Showground,Alveston Hill, Thornbury, South Bangor BT20 4UT Lincoln Road, Newark-on-Trent,Gloucestershire BS35 3JB Winthorpe, Newark, Nottinghamshire NG24 2NYMerseyside Cat Club JULYSutton Leisure Centre, Elton Head Lincolnshire Cat ClubRoad, St Helens WA9 5AU JULY 02 George Stephenson Ex Hall, Wessex Cat Club Newark Showground,JUNE 11 Oasis Leisure Centre Swindon, Lincoln Road, Newark-on-Trent,Abyssinian Cat Club North Star Avenue, Winthorpe, Newark,Tiddington Community Centre, Swindon SN2 1EP Nottinghamshire NG24 2NYMain Street, Stratford-upon-Avon,Warwickshire CV37 7AN Wiltshire & District Cat Club Airedale Agricultural Society Oasis Leisure Centre Swindon, Show (Exemption Cat Show)JUNE 18 North Star Avenue, Myrtle Park, Bingley,Lakeland & District Cat Club Swindon SN2 1EP West Yorkshire BD16 1HBKendal Leisure Centre, Burton Road,Kendal, Cumbria LA9 7HX JULY 09 TICA Eastern Counties Cat ClubOriental Cat Association Wood Green Animal Shelter, JUNE 04/05Pitsford Sports Hall, Gate 4 Moulton King’s Bush Farm, London Road, VanTICA, WareCollege, Pitsford Road, Godmanchester, Huntingdon,Moulton, Northampton, Cambridgeshire PE29 2NH JULY 24Northamptonshire NN3 7QL TickedTICA, Maidstone Kensington Cat ClubSiamese Cat Association Wood Green Animal Shelter,Pitsford Sports Hall, Gate 4 Moulton King’s Bush Farm, London Road,College, Pitsford Road, Godmanchester, Huntingdon,Moulton, Northampton, Cambridgeshire PE29 2NHNorthamptonshire NN3 7QL Bombay & Asian Cats Breed ClubJUNE 25 Wood Green Animal Shelter,East Sussex Cat Club King’s Bush Farm, London Road,Lockmeadow Market, Barker Road, Godmanchester, Huntingdon,Maidstone, Kent ME16 8LW Cambridgeshire PE29 2NH78 CAT WORLD ■ JULY 2016

FUN PAGESFELINE FUNCriss cross Spot the differenceThere’s a medical theme to the puzzle this Can you find 6 things in the picture that are missingmonth but don’t worryU-naltlitthleeadnswers can befound in this issue of CW 12 3 456 78 9Across causes diabetes Answers from last month4. Dangerously overheated Down2. Fleas and ticks are types of ? Wordsearch:rously overheated7. This should be washed if fleas1. Red3u.ceCdhporooduscetiotnhoisf thflisocoaruisnegs diifabyeoteus CATNIP. Spot the differ-ould be washed iaf rfleeafsoaurenfdound 2. Fleaths iannkd tyicoksuarheatyvpeesaofc?a?t?allergy ence, right.o sit in when it’s h8o.t Safer to sit in when it’s hot 3. Cho5o.seRtehids fulocoerinygoifuyoructhaint’ksywouehigavhetawcaitthallergyseverely overweig9h.t Being severely overweight 5. Redpucleenyotyur ocaft’?s weight with plenty of ???? 6. The6y.caTnhceayusceaLynmceas udisseeasLeymes diseaseDown1. Reduced production of this 79JULY 2016 ■ CAT WORLD

DIRECTORYTHE UK’S LEADING BREED-BY-BREED GUIDE TO CATS AND KITTENS FOR SALE AUSTRALIAN MIST You have seen the rest, Telephone: reared with love. Registered, now ask the 'BEST' Valerie: 01652 654574 Vaccinated, Insured,ROSE VALLEY. Australian Mist Sharon: 02476 684350 Microchipped. Own stud.kittens. New breed to the UK. We are a group of dedicated, Tel 0161 281 6482.Claimed to be the perfect family experienced and well Email: koorahk_korats34@hot-cat. Special price to promote the respected breeders of the mail.combreed. Spotted or marbelled in British Shorthair Cat. If you Web: www.koorahkkoratssix colours. Tel 0118 9811109. need help, information or advice direct.co.ukAlso Burmese kittens in choosing the ‘purrfect’ companion for you, whether you would like a kitten or MAINE COONS BENGALS an older cat, please contact us. THE MAINE COONOAKMERE HALL AMIGAMIA www.bestofbritishshorthairs.co.uk CAT CLUBBENGALS AND RAGDOLLS.Alison Newman. Family reared LARNIKAT. British Shorthairs [email protected] GCCF AFFILIATED, ESTABLISHED 1985indoors, well socialised, affec- kittens, Colourpoints in all www.gazzellacats.co.uktionate from multi champion colours, + Tabby Colourpoints, For general information aboutlines. GCCF/TICA ref TBRCC/ selfs in Blues and Lilacs, COLOURPOINT the breed or the club,PBRCC VACC/INS. sometimes Spotties andwww.amigamia.co.uk Tabbies. Reg/Vacc/Ins. Home- AMORAMIST COLOUR- contact Steve Butters onMid-Cheshire 01606-883528. reared. PKD-negative tested. POINTS, chocolate torties and 0114 2692306 01922-620505.W.Midlands. red points available. PKD nega- BIRMAN [email protected] tive. Micro chipped. For details of kittens available www.larnikat.com 01326 240907 countrywide, contactJANDOUGLEN. Mrs Ann V [email protected] Val Kaye onC Mott Bury St Edmunds. LEAHSBLUES. British Shorthair www.amoramist.com 01484 666728*Birmans - Seals, Blues, - Blues, Blue Points, Chocolates,Chocolates, Lilacs, Reds. Also Maine Coons - Silvers, Blues, CORNISH REX Or visit the club’s web site atTabbies in these colours. Torties & Reds. Reg/Vacc/Ins. www.maine-coon-cat-club.com01359 221200 01442 236860/07866 266477. Curly coated [email protected] [email protected]. Cornish Rex kittens, vari- AMORAMIST MAINE COONSwww.ann.mott.freeuk.com co.uk web: www.leahsblues.com ous colours, home reared, well Maureen Holden Ritchie. socialised and used to dogs. Breeding solid whites, tabbies BRITISH SHORTHAIR BURMESE This unusual breed makes fun with and without white, and loving, affectionate family pets. solids. Champion lines. PersiansCROWVALLEY. Mrs Betty KATSACUTE BURMESE, most GCCF Reg/Vacc/Insurance/ and colourpoints. (winner ofWilliams Pontypool F.A.B. colours. Bred for temperament, Flea & Wormed/Microchipped. Supreme). All PKD negative andListed cattery breeder of British substance and quality. House Enquiries welcome, contact: reared underfoot.Shorthair Silver Tabby/Spotted reared with children and dogs. 0208 641 5695 or email: 01326 240907and Black Smoke. All kittens are Fully Vacc/Ins/Reg. Responsible [email protected] [email protected] reared with Ped/Reg/Vac/ homes only. Tel 0118-9811109. co.uk www.amoramist.comIns.flea & worm treated. www.katsacute.co.uk FOREIGNParents can be seen. Hants/Berks.border. LEAHSBLUES. Maine Coons01495 785546 MS MARJORIE DAVIDSON- - Silvers, Blues, Torties & [email protected] BURMILLA SMITH, Hatfield. Ootha. British Shorthair - Blues, BlueCrowvalleycattery.co.uk *Siamese, Foreign White & Points, Chocolates, Reg/Vacc/ GAZZELLA. Burmillas & Asian Oriental SH. Kittens sometimes Ins. 01442 236860/07866KERNMERE BRITISH BLUES, Smokes - Experienced breeder. available. 01707 264450 266477.Creams, Silvers, Colourpoints, Cats tested PKD negative Home [email protected] [email protected], Torties. reared, vaccinated and micro- co.uk web: www.leahsblues.comTel: 02476 681335 chipped kittens sometimes avail- KORATSMobile: 07519972046 able. See website for current LUNARIS. Mrs Jean BrownEmail: jeanette.Knapp@ details. KOORAHK KORATS often Aldwincle Maine Coons - Qualitybtinternet.com Gloucester 07507 649294. have kittens available. Home home reared kittens sometimesWeb: www.kernmere-cats.com available to approved homes. 01832 720359 [email protected] www.lunaris.uk.com80 CAT WORLD ■ JULY 2016

OF BREEDSTO BOOK YOUR ADVERT IN THE DIRECTORY OF BREEDERS CALL US ON 01903 884988NORWEGIAN FOREST 01943 461852 07774 650217 USEFUL ADDRESSES [email protected]. Mrs Elinor M B com www.emerisle-cats.co.uk THE GOVERNING COUNCIL OF BATTERSEA DOGS & CATS HOMEHerbert Kirkcaldy. Norwegian THE CAT FANCY, Tel: 020 7622 3626Forest Cats - Brown Tabby, OAKMERE HALL AMIGAMIA 5 King’s Castle Business Park, The Drove, Bridg- LOST DOGS & CATS LINE:White and Black kittens BENGALS AND RAGDOLLS. water, Somerset TA6 4AG. Tel: 0901 477 847701592 267002 Alison Newman. Family reared Tel: 01278 427 575 (calls cost 60p per minute)[email protected] indoors, well socialised, affec- www.gccfcats.org/contact.html BEHAVIOUR ADVICE LINE:www.elfentanznfc.co.uk tionate from multi champion Tel: 0905 020 0222 lines. GCCF/TICA ref TBRCC/ FELISBRITANNICA (calls cost 25p per minute) ORIENTALS PBRCC VACC/INS. Office of the General Secretary, 63 Fingal Street, www.dogshome.org www.amigamia.co.uk Greenwich, London SE10 0JLMS MARJORIE DAVIDSON- Mid-Cheshire 01606-883528. Tel: 0208 858 5318 EVERYCAT UKSMITH, Hatfield. Ootha. Email: [email protected] 41 Randolph Road, Gillingham, Kent ME7 4PP.*Siamese, Foreign White & SIAMESE www.felisbritannica.co.uk Tel: 01634 575278Oriental SH. Kittens sometimes FELINE ADVISORY BUREAU www.everycat.co.ukavailable. 01707 264450 Ms Marjorie Davidson-Smith, Taeselbury High Street, Tisbury,[email protected] Hatfield. Ootha. *Siamese, Wiltshire SP3 6LD ASSOCIATION OF PET BEHAVIOUR COUN- Foreign White & Oriental SH. Tel: 0870 742 2278 Fax: 01747 871873 SELLORS RAGAMUFFIN Kittens sometimes available. Email: [email protected] For details of a behaviour counsellor 01707 264450 www.fabcats.org in your area, send a SAE to: UK RagaMuffin [email protected] THE INTERNATIONAL CAT ASSOCIATION PO Box 46, Worcester WR8 9YS. Cat Society Phil Cornwell, Regional Director, 31 Louthe Way, Tel: 01386 751151 SPHYNX Sawtry, Cambridgeshire PE28 5TR For Authentic Tel: 01487 800014 PETSEARCH UK RagaMuffin kittens WOOZLES Mrs Sue Bloxham, www.tica-uk.org.uk Nationwide network of free helplines and register Phone 01730 300692 Colchester. Sphynx - Happy CATS PROTECTION for lost and found animals. www.ukrmcs.co.uk outgoing personalities. Indoor National Cat Centre, Chelwood Gate, 851 Old Lode Lane, Solihull, West Midlands. homes. Various colours. Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH17 7TT. Tel: 0121 743 4133 RAGDOLL 01621 815769 Tel: 08707 099 099 Fax: 08707 708265 [email protected] Helpline: 0300 12 12 12 THE BLUE CROSS ANIMALEMERISLE CATS. Mrs www.woozles.uk.com www.cats.org.uk WELFARE SOCIETYJeanette Fitzpatrick. Ragdolls BLUE CROSS Shilton Road, Burford, Oxon OX18 4PF- all patterns & colours. *Seal ALNAKEED SPHYNX world The Animal Hospital, Sheppard House, High Tel: 01993 822651Colourpoint, *Seal Tabby Champion babies to loving Street, Victoria, London SW1V 1QQ.Colourpoint, *Blue Bi-Colour, indoor homes. Kittens often Tel: 020 7834 1128 THE PET BEREAVEMENT SERVICE*Cream, *Seal Mitted, *Blue available. All colours including Run jointly by the Society of Animal Studies andMitted. *Tiffanies. *Scottish Lilac. Tel: 01383-721311/07939 the Blue Cross.Fold. *British Shorthair. TBRCC 116861. [email protected]. Freephone: 0800 096 6606,or PRBCC Breeder of the year Find me on Facebook under (between 8.30am and 5.30pm)1999- 2011. TBRCC breeder of Carole Langham.the top Ragdoll 1993, 1995/96. SHOWCASEBest Opposite Sex 1995/96. VARIOUS your special catBreeder of Supreme Show 1999Top Ragdoll & sire of the first EMERISLE KITTENS. Ragdolls Give your cat the recognition heRagdoll to win the UK Grand from breeder of the year 11yrs or she deserves with a spot in CatTitle 2003. Breeder of the Best running, Tiffanies, Scottish Fold, World’s prestigious breed gallery.kitten, adult & neuter 1999- British Shorthair.2003. Established 27 years - our 07774-650217/01943-461852 [email protected] cats feature on ‘Its a www.emerisle-cats.co.uk call: 01903 884988 (opt. 2)Cats Life’ video, appeared onGranada Live TV and photo- WWW.CATWORLD.CO.UKgraphs regularly feature in all catmagazines. 81JULY 2016 ■ CAT WORLD

CATTY CHATTERTAIL END Janet Smith imagines the possibilities if a machine really could translate mews into newsA few years ago eyes, I just want to purr. need to be night classes expect dialogue with our Japanese scientists Problem is I’ve been dat- and dictionaries. cats about the state of the claimed to have ing Ginger for a week now universe. It is said thatinvented a machine to and he’s madly jealous.” I expect the cat transla- possessing a vocabularyinterpret cat talk. I remem- tor would translate a cat’s acts as building blocksbered this recently and it Understanding cat chat speech into that of its host for thought as we knowstarted me thinking about could give you greater country. But what about it. But while humans thinkthe kind of things a cat insight into your pet’s breeds such as Burmese in words, animals com-might say to its owner. character. It might turn out and Siamese? It was a dis- municate quite differently, to be a right old grouser. appointment to me when gauging information about Imagine, at the start of a “I don’t believe it, I simply the ballooning promise of what is important to them.day: “Good morning.You don’t believe it. Sardine the cat talk translator wascan’t seriously be thinking terrine again. Special offer pricked. The capacity of On the other hand –of feeding yourself before on, is there?” the gadget was hardly as what if the scientists didme!” Later possibly: “The long as a short piece of actually discover more?tabby next door really Or pedantic. “Well there string. What if the exercise hadgets on my nerves. I’ve was I on the garage roof the potential to be abatted it around the ears a when, no I tell a lie, I was It was Barbie talk; its political bombshell? Catsfew times and sent it pack- on the windowsill – or wait range extending to around demanding freedom toing.” Then: “As I’m a bit full a minute, wasn’t I inside?” six well-known phrases roam; seats on the par-up with mouse, half a slice or sayings such as ‘I’m ish council; hereditaryof old bread and a spar- Your cat might be a bit bored’, ‘I’m hungry’ or rights; anti-discriminationrow, I thought you might scatty. “I jumped in the car ‘I’m lonely’. laws; a national cat daylike this spare rat.” boot because the bags of of celebration? The list of grass trimmings looked Now I know and you possibilities is endless. With the ability to turn so comfy; then before you know that most cats saymews into news, perhaps could say cat nap, I was much more than this. Returning to the subjectthe wonderful machine being tipped out at the And one hardly needs a of fiction, in a short storycould translate snippets of recycling depot.” translator to tell you when by Saki, Tobermory, thegossip? they are hungry or fed up; cat of the title was actu- Or catty. “Well, look body language does that. ally taught to speak. But, Your cat, returning from what the cat’s dragged in. much to the consternationits tour of the neighbour- Night out on the tiles, eh?” But what about all the of house guests, it toldhood window ledges other little phrases? Those the truth. Before it couldand gardens, could spill The news about the the scientists have omit- spread its skills to the sta-the beans as to who was cat translator leads one to ted? The ‘watch it, you ble cat and beyond, plotsgrowing the tallest sun- think about how to best nearly sat on me then’ were afoot for its downfall.flower, the fattest mar- respond to your cat. If it mew; the ‘nice weatherrow, hadn’t dusted for a comes up to you saying: we’re having for this time Yes, the more I thinkfortnight.Your cat could “I’m really worried about of year’ pleasantry; the about it, the more I feelconfide in you. “I adore my claws and you don’t ‘this dinner stinks, I tell there may be reasons theJohnny. When he looks at like it when I scratch the you’ yowl, they don’t even scientists came up withme with those big yellow furniture,” it would be the get a mention. only six phrases! height of churlishness to ignore it. There would Perhaps we shouldn’t“Well, look what the cat’s dragged in. Night out on the tiles, eh?”82 CAT WORLD ■ JULY 2016

WEXOCNIT’ITNWGANNETWTOGIMFTISSSYOUSubscribe today! Don’t miss our amazing new gifts... free to new subscribers. Your cat will love cuddling up in this cosy blanket and playing with this exciting mouse toy. Subscribe to the print edition of Cat World for one year and we’ll send you a beautifully cuddly cat blanket. Subscribe to the print edition for two years and we’ll send you the blanket, plus a wonderful mouse toy that your cat will go crazy for. Your loved one will go crazy for these gifts. Demand is bound to be great so subscribe now while stocks last. BRITAIN’S FAVOURITE CAT MAGAZINE BRITAIN’S FAVOURITE CAT MAGAZINE new look! www.catworld.co.ukCatworBbBeeiarllmouvtaidefCnudS slbh yaag g ytworldCatworldGPStrackersAPRIL 2016£3.25www.catworld.co.uk MAY 2016 £3.25 www.catworld.co.uk Issue 457How they Issue 458Subscribe today at www.catworld.co.uk monster 7could saveand claim your free gift. your cat’s life £4.99 JUNE 2016 ■ ISSUE 459Or call us at the CW office on 0800 435553 NFIARTSUTRAAIDL(calls are free in the UK) AKTLNHLEOYWBORUAEEBNDWOSOEUEUHNCDYTEHTMISAOANJIOENVYE.E.CARONEODNNOWSUHAGYRHE UK’S FAVOURITE CAT MAGAZINE KAntielimltettehdee:tnofaropSdmlvpaiycefoetciomyidaoeul tips fmcloiavurtilLnOstahgiuaurrgetohtphecaiornlucdmatcnlirivsyetssOutside UK: +44 (0)1903 884988 US: 1-866-606-6587 DFroeetTfuOn Dpaotttern Chmaaavnneyytoocuoats?One year magazine subscription (12 issues): UK £59.99 Ybeesh, asvaiyosuoriusrt Hlooswingtoacloopveedwoitnhe 06PRICES/OFFERS SUBJECT TO CHANGE & AVAILABILITY. OFFERS APPLY EGaGtRwUOeIlOlD.. MlEooTIkNOgGood 9 770952 287132 >ONLY TO NEW SUBSCRIBERS TAKING AN ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION 04 CAT BREEDING ADVICE0 5 HEALTH TIPS NEW SHOPPING PAGES 6 TEDDY BEAR TIMESwww.catworld.co.ukPLANTHEPURRFECTGARDEN 9 770952 287125 > 9 770952 287125 > 83JUNE 2016 ■ CAT WORLD