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A NURSE’S NOTES JANET PENNINGTON REPORTS FROM THE FRONTLINE OF A BUSY VETERINARY PRACTICEJanet Pennington tells how the survivor of an airgun attack achieved celebrity statusC ats have often been silence. be removed as it had been and he even appeared on given inappropriate “It’s a pellet,” the vet completely destroyed by television. names. Sometimes the pellet. it’s an obvious joke eventually said, bitterly. However, this storythat a black cat is called We were sad and angry Lucky recovered nor- doesn’t have a happy end-Snowflake or a white one mally and decided to have ing. Five more cats wereShadow. But Mrs Neil’s that this should have a couple of naps. At this brought in suffering fromcompanion Lucky was the happened. There were stage he didn’t seem to airgun injuries over thevictim of more than irony. enough diseases and acci- notice that he was short next few months. Most of dents in the world without of an eye. In the morning them were not too serious It was not often that we shootings. things appeared different. – in as much as the pelletscame across cruelty in the He stood up in his kennel were imbedded in fleshyveterinary practice, par- Lucky had the fur and looked around. I told areas.ticularly where cats were trimmed away from him what had happened.concerned. around his eye and (I know, I know – but it A ginger cat called Tom the green sterile sheet doesn’t do any harm does actually had three pellet It was generally neglect was placed over him. I it?) wounds and one case wasthat cats suffered, being checked the anaesthetic very serious. A pellet wasabandoned when injured machine. He was breath- I gave him some break- found in the chest andin road accidents, not be- ing peacefully, poor little fast and noticed that his the vets were unable toing treated for parasites soul. whiskers were very for- remove it. The cat sur-and other minor ailments. ward. He ate it all and had vived but we were all veryOn a couple of occasions When the operation was a wash. Then he walked worried.we became the recipients over I cleared away the around his kennel. Againof dumped kittens. surgical instruments and his whiskers pointed out in The police and the RSP- began to clean Lucky’s front of him. His feelers. CA looked for the culprits However, this time even wound. I removed the tube and mounted a publicthe kittens’ plight paled in that linked him to the an- A little later the vet sug- campaign. One fifteen-comparison. aesthetic machine and put gested that I let him out of year-old boy was arrested him on the recovery table. his kennel to see how he but two more shootings Mrs Neil brought Lucky I asked the vet if I should coped walking in a less occurred while he was un-in one afternoon with a put the cat in the intensive confined space. Lucky able to commit them.severely injured eye. He care ward. started slowly, investigat-had gone out as healthy ing the way cats do, but Thankfully those daysas normal and returned “Yes, and can you stay soon he was just as nosy seem to be over now.an hour later injured. He with him for as long as as every other cat. So Maybe the boys con-was x-rayed immediately. possible? I need to know Lucky recovered well and cerned have grown upOur first thoughts were if he can cope with only went home. He came back and realised the harma car accident - blows to having one eye.” for the necessary aftercare that they were doing. Whothe head can sometimes and Mrs Neil was happy knows.cause eye injuries - or I was shocked. I hadn’t with his progress. But shemaybe he’d been caught realised that his eye had to was very angry that he Lucky is enjoying his lifeby a branch. had been shot, as we all in a full way, despite hav- were. ing lost an eye. He enjoys We were not prepared his celebrity status. Peoplefor what we saw next. A Lucky became a local recognise him when he’svet, a couple of nurses and celebrity. Mrs Neil took the sunbathing in his gardenthe radiographer looked story to the newspapers and he always gets aat the x-ray in a hollow stroke of recognition. 51JUNE 2016 ■ CAT WORLD

ADOPTION UPDATE Hester is training me to be a real cat person Keeping wet Growing up with dogs, I never imagined I would own a cat food fresher but falling in love has changed that and I am slowly becoming a cat person, with the help of Hester Sureflap, the pet-lifestyle prod- uct specialist, has revealed that BY KATHRYN SPICKSLEY cat owners are wasting up to a third (33%) of wet pet food, i grew up in a dog loving someone who did not like costing them an average of £120 family. My granddad dogs. I once saw him run a year. even trained dogs. in fright from an obese Growing up, I lived with Cavalier King Charles Felines like to graze through- two dogs. The first was a Spaniel, which was slowly out the day but wet food does spaniel called Rosie. My and with great effort at- not stay fresh for long. parents told stories of her tempting to chase a tennis loyalty and calm nature. If ball that had unfortunately A study by the company she got lost on a walk, you rolled in my husband’s highlighted the need for a feed- could guarantee she would direction. It was clear to ing solution that prevents wet find her way home and be me in that moment that food from drying out and keeps waiting on the porch on my husband and I were it fresher for longer. The new your return. Then Dougal came along, never going to be a dog family. SureFeed Sealed Pet Bowl does a cairn terrier who was completely The compromise? A cat. So this just that. untrainable. He was a master criminal is the story of me unlearning all my and escape artist. Various neighbours prejudices about cats and becoming The bowl is motion-activated, would regularly turn up at our house a cat person. I’m not quite there yet – I meaning it opens when a pet with a guilty-looking Dougal on a have been known to coo at the dachs- approaches and closes once makeshift lead and say “Is he yours? hunds on Gogglebox – but I’m on my they have left, keeping pet food He’s been terrorising our guinea pigs/ way. This is in no small part down to smells locked away. It also keeps he’s eaten our cake/he’s dug up our Hester. flies at bay, especially as warm- flowers…” (usually followed by “… One day I rang our local RSPCA er weather approaches. again.”) We adored him, despite his to see whether they had any kittens ● The SureFeed Sealed Pet Bowl various excesses and misdemeanours. for adoption. “Yes, we’ve had some retails at £49.99 and is available A family, to me, meant a happy collec- tortoiseshell kittens come in this morn- to buy at www.sureflap.com, tion of individuals in a house including ing. And a tabby. I would think they will Amazon and most pet retailers. a dog - or alternatively a bored collec- be reserved by tomorrow though.” tion of individuals in a house, waiting My husband and I jumped in my car52 CAT WORLD ■ JUNE 2016 for a dog to come along. to head over to the rescue centre. The kittens were in the very last pen. One Cats were persona non grata. Own- tortie was curled up in a corner with ing a cat involved dirty litter trays, the tabby and another was venturing smelly cat food, wailing, pawprints down a plank to explore the outside (and worse!) all over kitchen tops, fleas area. We asked to see the little ex- and heartache. Dogs are loyal, cats are plorer and I was passed this tiny little selfish. Dogs can be trained, cats can’t kitten and told she was called Daisy. even be contained. I held these beliefs She flopped out on my arm, obviously close and considered them unshake- exhausted from whatever ordeal she able truths, until I accidentally married

ADOPTION UPDATEhad gone through the day previous. So what is it about Hester that has I manage to get things right, I amShe didn’t look like a Daisy to us, so released me from years of being a dog rewarded by various trills, purrs andwhen she came home with us a week person? Hester can’t take all the credit. chirrups that are all new to me – it waslater, she became Hester. Dougal paved the way by being a dog quite dim of me as a dog person to who acted almost entirely like a cat. think that the only noise cats made was Hester is a calico cat, tortoiseshell But Hester’s loving nature, fastidious- a meow!and white. When she is lying on her ness and communication skills haveside, she looks like a white cat wear- definitely contributed to my develop- Hester has shown me that in a cat,ing a superhero mask. Her tail is like a ing love of all things feline. And I love you have an intellectual equal andstripy ice-lolly and her back endear- her independence and personality. not just a fluffball to cuddle. This wasingly asymmetrical – almost right but After years of hiding food from dogs evident in her careful observation ofnot quite. Her ears were huge when who will indiscriminately eat anything, an Anthony Hopkins documentary andshe was a kitten. I thought out loud to a Hester (despite not being posh) will her subsequent swift dismissal of ‘Takevet’s receptionist once that she might turn her nose up if she knows some- Me Out’. As a reforming dog person,have some pedigree heritage but was thing better is available (indeed, while I have a lot more to learn in my jour-told sharply that ‘There isn’t anything I write this she is in a grump because ney towards becoming a cat person,posh about that moggie.’ Maybe not, I had tuna for lunch, and less than she and not only about what television tobut calico cats are considered lucky desired made it her way). watch…and I’m looking forward toin many cultures. In Japan, fishermen learning more from my little calicokept them on boats to ward off ghosts She has a wicker bed, a sleeping teacher!and calico cat figurines called Maneki- bag, an igloo bed and a radiator bedNeko or ‘beckoning cats’ are kept in but seems to prefer the sofa or ourhomes and restaurants to bring good bed – under the blankets, of course.luck. Checking for a small, breathing lump before sitting down has become rou- In America, calico cats are some- tine in our house. Hester loves to playtimes referred to as money cats, and will demand her jangly star stickalthough Hester seems to have eaten or a game of catch on the stairs in theup more money on toys and treats than most direct manner, almost to remindshe has brought to my door. I feel very me who is in charge. Get anythinglucky to have adopted little Hester and wrong in Hester’s house and a sharpshe has definitely transformed me into meow will be directed your way. Ona cat person, in a very short space of the other hand, during the many timestime. 53JUNE 2016 ■ CAT WORLD

BIG CATS Celebrating 50 years on the wild side A series of special events will take place at Longleat Safari Park this year to mark the 50th Anniversary of this world famous attractionV isitors to Longleat Safari Park BY JILL MUNDY Historic Longleat this year are in for an extra special treat. As part of the “Without the cage I wouldn’t have In 1966, the park, set in the 50th Anniversary celebra- been able to get the intimacy and grounds of the Wiltshire statelytions, renowned TV wildlife presenter, perspective I wanted to achieve when home, became the first of its kind tophotographer and cameraman Simon photographing the great preda- open outside of Africa.King has been getting the low down on tors,” said Simon. “I wanted to be in asome of the Park’s current residents. position to literally get lion noses up So began a revolution in zoologi- against the lens – and the cage helped cal collections that has since spread ‘On The Wild Side’ is a very spe- me succeed in this!” around the globe. For the first timecial photographic exhibition. Simon animals were able to move freelyhas been busy all winter, immersing Having removed the door of the across hundreds of acres of land andhimself in the world of the Safari Park Land Rover and fitted the cage to its to interact naturally with each other.animals and secreting himself in their side, Simon was able to use the hy-enclosures in order to capture breath- draulic lift to lower himself to ground For those of us who have growntaking images of them from a whole level and use a small opening at the up with Longleat Safari Park, it isnew perspective. bottom to get the shots he wanted. difficult to imagine the furore that occurred when Longleat’s plans for Simon used a specially-constructed “I hope the images will offer a new an initial 100-acre lion reserve weremetal cage to capture a series of and exciting perspective into the lives made public. There were warn-stunning big cat images at Longleat. of the animal inhabitants of Longleat. ings of big cats running wild in theThe purpose-built hydraulic cage was Visitors to the Safari Park and the other Wiltshire countryside, clergymenmounted to the side of a Land Rover, animal collections get a truly wonder- were up in arms and there wereenabling him to get within centimetres ful and intimate experience amongst even questions asked in the Housesof a range of the famous safari park’s creatures that are very well looked of Parliament.residents – including lions, tigers, rhi- after and who lead lives close to thatnos, monkeys and giraffe. which they might lead in the wild. The Times observed: ‘No amount of soothing assurance can persuade Simon, who lives close to Longleat, “I wanted the images to take the sensible people that a quite gratui-said: “I’ve known and visited Longleat viewer even deeper into their world tous and unnecessary risk to life issince I was a kid in the late ‘60s. Hav- – to help them become a part of the not contemplated.’ing the opportunity to help celebrate pride!” he added.their 50th anniversary is a real privi- In spite of the fears however, thelege and doing so through images of The exhibition also features the win- ground-breaking concept of thethe animals that captivated me then ning images from Longleat’s Photogra- drive-through safari park, aidedand still do to this day, makes it all the pher of the Year Competition as well as perhaps by the storm of publicity,more special.” a series of historic images of the Safari proved hugely popular. Fifty years Park, revealing what life was like on the on, Longleat remains one of the The results of his efforts form part of park 50 years ago and how things have country’s leading wildlife attractionsa new outdoor photographic exhibition changed. and continues to be at the forefront ofto mark the anniversary of the park zoological innovation.first opening to visitors back in 1966. ‘On the Wild Side - A photographic celebration of Longleat’s famous ani- mals’ is on display in the Main Square at Longleat.54 CAT WORLD ■ JUNE 2016

PHOTOS: WWW.LONGLEAT.CO.UK BIG CATS 55JUNE 2016 ■ CAT WORLD

ADOPTION Paw-some pair are a real knockout duo These tiny kittens have a total of 12 extra toes between them, giving Fingers and Thumbs perfect knockout appeal T he pint-sized pair‘ BY JILL MUNDY through her milk. Had she were both born with been vaccinated, these three polydactyly – a rare “We don’t see polydac- kittens may not have died.” genetic trait that gives them tyl cats very often, it’s a really extra digits on each paw. unusual quirk of nature. Hav- Fingers, Thumbs and their While their oversized paws ing extra toes is neither an remaining two littermates may look unusual, the con- advantage or disadvantage will all soon be available for dition is simply a quirk of for cats and, so long as they rehoming – fully vaccinated nature and does not cause don’t get their extra claws and they will also be neu- them any harm. caught on things, it shouldn’t tered. present any problems.” The paw-some duo were Sonia added: “Poor Zoot handed in to Cats Protec- Although Fingers and was an unneutered, unvacci- tion’s St Helen’s Adop- Thumbs have thrived since nated stray doing her best as tion Centre in Merseyside they were handed into the a new mum to a large num- after being found at just centre, their tough start in ber of kittens. Fortunately all two weeks old, living under life meant three of their lit- eight came to us, otherwise a bush in a garden with their termates - two of which were all the kittens, if they had stray mother and five litter- also polydactyl - were not survived, would have had a mates. Their condition is not so lucky. Sonia added: “The bleak future trying to survive shared by their mother Zoot kittens were among a litter of as strays. Neutering is vital to who has the correct number seven which were found be- reducing the number of un- of 18 toes - five on each front ing cared for by their stray wanted kittens and the stray paw and four on the back. mum Zoot under a bush in population, while vaccinat- a garden. Despite it being a ing is a simple and effective Cats Protection’s North rather large litter, Zoot had way to protect your cat from West Adoption Centre Man- done a tremendous job in serious illnesses.” ager, Sonia Scowcroft, said: caring for them. “Fingers and Thumbs are The Cats Protection centre everything a kitten should “Sadly, within a couple of will be caring for Fingers, be – fun-loving, adventurous weeks of arriving, three of Thumbs and their remain- and inquisitive – they just the kittens became very ill ing two littermates until they have that little bit extra in the with feline parvo virus. It’s a are ready for rehoming – form of their huge paws! widespread virus which kit- fully vaccinated and they will tens are particularly suscep- also be neutered.‘ The condition is simply a tible to, given their immature quirk of nature and does immune systems. While it’s ● Cats Protection is the UK’s a common virus, it’s easily largest cat charity, helping not cause them any harm. prevented by vaccination but 205,000 cats every year as a stray cat, Zoot had not through a network of 250 been vaccinated and there- volunteer-run branches and fore she couldn’t pass on 32 centres. her protection to her kittens56 CAT WORLD ■ JUNE 2016

CATS IN ART FELINE FRAMESHow Harry created In a barbershop with monkeysthe first LOL cats A barbershop where monkeysIf you think photos of cats with funny captions is an groom cats? What?Internet trend, you’re about 150 years behind the times.Meet Harry Pointer, who was doing this in the late 1800s For Abraham Teniers, paintings like this were part of his artistic BY BRITA MOORE signature. This one, ‘Kapperszaak met apen en katten’ (Barbershopt he Internet loves cats. But the current cat culture with monkeys and cats), was part (CCC) existed long before the ’net, as evidenced of the ‘singerie’ genre which he by these photos from the 1870s. Harry Pointer had helped spread. been photographing his pet cats in your average petposes—sitting, resting, licking. Apparently he got bored Born in Antwerp in 1629,with that and switched to putting them in funny, more Teniers became part of a fam-human-like poses, such as roller skating or sitting on a ily dynasty. His father was Davidtricycle. Ultimately, he realised the great phenomenon of Teniers the Elder and his broth-putting a funny caption on a normal cat photo and creating ers, David the Younger, Juliaan III,comedy gold. and Theodoor, were also painters. David the Younger was the prin- Not all of Pointer’s pieces were humorous, of course— cipal practitioner of the singeriemany of them were just sweet photos to be used as cards, genre and probably taught it towishing people a happy new year or a nice day. Harry his younger brother Abraham.had realised that his photographs could “go viral,” so tospeak, when used as cards, and that he could have more ‘Singerie’ means ‘comicalcommercial success with generic greetings. The captions grimace, behaviour or trick’ inread: “The Compliments of the Season”; “A happy new French. The genre was initiatedyear”; “Very many happy returns of the day”; and “A in Flanders in the 16th century,Happy New Year”. These all were carte de visite prints, featuring monkeys dressed inwhich were small portraits just a few inches by a few human clothes, and spread ininches. Antwerp particularly. We love that at least in this painting, Teniers Harry lived in Brighton, Sussex, so the series as a chose to make cats part of hiswhole was known as “The Brighton Cats” because the monkey scene.term “LOL” hadn’t been invented yet. The photo on thetop is Pointer himself. It is thought that he produced over 57JUNE 2016 ■ CAT WORLD200 prints in the series; He later ventured into photoswith dogs and other pets as well, at one point havinga photo consisting of 19 cats, 6 dogs, 3 foxes, and onemonkey—“and a piece of roast beef,” according to hisregistration at the copyright office. His work was largelycommended, and he received much recognition, thoughnot any awards or medals. While Pointer was certainly the most well-known andearliest example of LOLcat-style photographs, he wasby no means the only one. Harry Whittier Frees and Wal-ter Potter both followed his style and today, of course,you just need to open a browser to brighten your daywith a funny cat pic.

HTHEOBOUASREDDIINAGRYEntertaining regular visitors is always a pleasure but life can still befull of surprises as some of these cats were keen to demonstrate BY JILL MUNDY ome of the cats have A self assured cat with Rosa and Silver potential customer ar- rives for a visit. Silver isS visited me several a permanently upright The two Burmese sisters trapped in the bedroom, times now and are her every move blocked not phased by their tail, Margot likes to spend Rosa and Silver arrive, as by Rosa. She hovers hope-new temporary surround- fully in the hallway butings. Just when I think the day in a semi-alert they do this time every Rosa produces a low growlthings are settled though, that prevents Silver fromthe cats can remind me snooze. Occasionally she year, looking a little bit crossing the threshold. Ohwho is really in charge. dear, I thought, not a great will wander into the front older and wiser. advertisement for my catMargot boarding business, one cat room and remind me that As kittens they were held hostage by another. Invigorated by her early But I needn’t have worried;morning bike ride, her it’s feeding time by look- inseparable, spilling out of as soon as my guest satbasket strapped firmly to down, Rosa hopped intoher owner’s back, Margot ing ernest and licking her their baskets and heading her lap and nestled underhopped out of her carrier her jacket.and immediately came lips. If this fails to make off together to explore. To-and said hello. I noticed Silver resigned her-her tail had lost none of its dinner appear she will fol- day however Silver imme- self to the bedroom andtrademark quiver as she when we went to visit herheaded off in the direction low me, emitting a series diately disappears under she purred, preened andof the bedroom. Not put stretched with delight, roll-off by the closed door, she of tiny meows. If, however a chair with Rosa aiming ing back and forth whilepushed it open with one we tickled her tummy.paw and disappeared to she wants a chin rub she a haughty hiss after her. Rosa sat sheepishly in theher favourite spot under bedroom doorway rub-the bed. will approach me with a Gazing out, partially hid- bing the underneath of her chin thoughtfully on the throaty purr and extend a den by a floor cushion, I edge of the door. soft and furry paw. notice that Silver’s face has Later that evening my friend Steph popped over. Margot spends her first become more chiselled As we drank wine over the kitchen counter, Rosa night with me sleeping at over time, the detail of hopped onto her mini skirted lap and purred the foot of my bed and I her eyes, nose and mouth contentedly. When Silver wandered absentmind- wake up to find her star- softly outlined with black. ing at me with questioning They both have clear eyes. I am just falling back green eyes but Rosa’s face to sleep when she trots up has grown plumper. Her my body. Margot peers brow, lashes and nose are at me over the top of the covered in powdery white quilt, double checking I and pink smudges that suppose, that it’s still me. spread across her body. I wake at daybreak and Their diamanté collars Margot is sitting on the sparkle against their soft window ledge watching grey fur. the sun come up. She is As soon as Silver can, completely oblivious to she escapes into the me as another impos- bedroom leaving an irate sible breakfast flies past. Rosa to claim the front Her chirruping purrs room as her own. The blend perfectly with the situation hasn’t improved morning birdsong. when a few hours later a58 CAT WORLD ■ JUNE 2016

edly into the kitchen, mounting suspicion for her Cats rule atRosa’s purr changed to sister. When I pulled backa low growl. Steph’s eyes the cover to expose Rosa Heritage Craftswidened as Rosa’s claws snoozing, they both yelpedpopped out, making with surprise, colliding h eritage Crafts has been producing beauti-instant ladders in Steph’s with each other before ful counted cross stitch designs since 1987.tights. As I detached her, sprinting off in opposite Peter Underhill is a very talented artist whoRosa wiggled out of my directions. has brought humour to the world of crossarms, chasing Silver back stitch. The latest designs from Peter for the ‘Catsinto the bedroom. Annoyed, Silver made Rule’ range are as follows: herself scarce for the rest Rosa’s mood softened of the day. When I discard- Cats Rule! - A fabulous collection of cool catsover time and she pre- ed my slippers, throwing from the ever cheerful Peter Underhill.tended not to notice as them into the shoeboxa chastened Silver slunk under the bed, they im- Design: ‘Spring is Here!’. Isback into the front room. mediately flew back out, a very cute addition to theAlthough fractious, their followed by an irritated ‘Cats Rule’ range.relationship was soon Silver. She gave me a with- Design size: 11.5 x 11cm (4back on equal terms. They ering look as she headed 1/2” x 4 1/4”) RRP: £17.85often slept together in an back to the shoebox toarmchair, coming into finish her nap. Design: ‘Don’t let it Beat You!’.the bedroom in the early A lovely tabby cat has hurtmorning only to enquire Eventually the sisters his tail and has to wear a collar so that he is notabout breakfast. establish a routine. Early tempted to try to undo the bandage with his teeth. morning they both hop However, with the collar on it is very difficult to One morning Rosa onto the bed, Rosa duck- get at his food, but he’s not going to let it beat him.awoke earlier than Silver ing under the covers and Those of us who have catsand crawled under the Silver atop. who have been in this situ-covers with me, warming ation know that they alwaysherself against my skin. As day breaks they do manage to get at theirFive minutes later Silver gather in front of the win- food!appeared looking with dow and wait for the sun to Design size: 14.5 x come up. 11.5cm (5 3/4” x 4 1/2”) RRP: £17.85 THE CAT FACTS: Design: ‘Baking with Crazy Cat Lady’. Crazy CatThe Notting Hill Cat Company Lady is proudly holding up a cake which she hasemail: [email protected]: www.nottinghillcatcompany.com just finished icing. Five of herCall: 0781 354 7461 cats have been helping her and are hoping to help her eat it. Everything is cat related from her apron to the purple timer and the wooden spoon. Design size: 20 x 20cm (7 3/4” x 7 3/4”) RRP: £22.40 Each kit contains Zweigart fabric, DMC stranded cottons sorted on to numbered cards, a needle, instructions and clear charts. You can see the full Cats Rule range at www.hcrafts.com 59JUNE 2016 ■ CAT WORLD

FELINE HERO Salem - my saviour and purrfect soulmate Animals can be very intuitive and when Salem’s owner lost both her parents, Salem was a true friend and comforter BY LORRAINE SCHOFIELDE verybody has heard of the clock, Salem was adopted by Susan Willow and Salem settled into a work- phrase ‘a man’s best friend’ in at the tender age of just five and a half able state of peaceful indifference, relation to dogs but I know from weeks. although Susan admits that when poor personal experience that this can Willow passed away a few years ago,equally apply to cats. Admittedly, cats Opposites attract Salem seemed happier to be back onmay be less overt in their displays of his own again.affection and are rather more inde- Despite being only a few weekspendent than dogs but that is not to old, Salem was already litter trained Naturally rather timid, Salem hasdeny the strong and unique bond that and soon settled in well with Susan also been the victim of bullying whenmany a treasured cat forges with its and her parents with whom she lived another local cat began to attack himowner. This is certainly the case with at the time. Furthermore, he soon quite regularly so that he consequentlyregard to a friend of mine, Susan, who acquired a surrogate mum, albeit a came home suffering with abscessesshas been owner to her gorgeous black canine one, when Susan’s dad began and with great tufts of fur missing.cat Salem for almost 15 years, during to mind a friend’s dog called Jess who Eventually, the situation did resolvewhich time not only have they become was an Airdale/Doberman cross. Jess itself and Salem is no longer bulliedinseparable but more recently Salem treated Salem like her baby and would by this neighbourhood cat much tohas been her saviour carry him in her mouth, play with him, Susan’s relief.throughout a devastatingcouple of years during groom him and protect Watching Susan with Salem it iswhich she has last lost him as though he were her quite clear that he is doted upon. Hisboth her parents, very puppy, which was both coat is glossy and shiny and he isclose together, as a result touching and amusing to resplendent in a beautiful red collarof terminal illnesses. watch and also proves with a little bell. Susan told me that heSalem has thus served that cats and dogs can is rather a fussy eater and she has toto be a constant source rotate his type of cat food regularly orof strength and comfort bond strongly with each he will refuse to partake! For instance,during a very difficult and distressing other. Indeed, Jess and he only likes cat food in gravy andtime. Salem were firm friends when it comes to chicken it has to be for eleven years until Jess without skin and only the breast meat Susan and Salem are in many re- sadly passed away in 2012. will suffice, as Salem will pointedlyspects the perfect soul mates because, However, when it comes to feline turn his nose up at any darker meat!like Susan, Salem has also encoun- friends, Salem has not always been as Similarly, he rejects regular cat treatstered difficulties and overcome adver- accommodating because when Susan and instead likes tiny dog gravy bonessity in his fifteen years. Susan originally kindly adopted a local stray called on which he loves to chew. He wasadopted him just before Halloween in Willow, when Salem was around six also very partial, when he lived with2001 from Oldham Cat Rescue, after years of age, he was far from happy Susan and her parents, to her mum’sSalem had been found as a new born and would resort to regularly hissing at steak and onion gravy, although shekitten abandoned on the streets with him. Poor Willow had been abandoned later learned that onions can be toxicno trace of his mother or siblings. by someone in the village where Su- to cats.Thus, after being bottle fed around the san lives who had decided that as she had a new baby, poor Willow was sur- Salem, it seems, has his own ideas plus to her requirements. Fortunately, about things and insists that Susan60 CAT WORLD ■ JUNE 2016

FELINE HEROcaters to his every whim. Indeed,Susan told me how he has his own lit-tle routine, to which he adheres eachday, which consists of retiring to bedwith her in the evening before wakingher at 2am with a pat on the face sothat he can go out on the prowl! Thisis followed by his return at 7am sothat he can get back under the coversand snooze the time away while Susangoes to out work. On her return in theevening, Salem is always pleased tosee her and likes nothing better thanto settle on her lap for a cosy cuddle.Link to the past to deal with any unwanted presents, endured and she openly admits that despite living in a beautiful rural area without him she would have felt even Undoubtedly, during the heart- which for most cats would be a hunt- more alone and bereft. He really isbreaking times that Susan has lived ing paradise! Indeed, Susan wonders if a special little cat who has providedthrough in the past couple of years, his lack of a killer instinct is a result of Susan with much pleasure and happi-Salem has proved to be her rock. his inadequate socialisation as a kitten, ness as well comfort and solace duringSusan insists that he understands when when he was separated from his mum a very difficult time in her life. Hope-she is down or upset and will respond at barely two weeks old. fully, they can now both look forward toaccordingly by remaining loyally at her much happier times ahead and longside, soothing and comforting her with Salem has certainly proved to continue to enjoy the special bond thathis furry presence and his resounding have been Susan’s saviour during the they share.purr. Salem also provides a tangible difficult times that she has recentlylink to her parents who always lovedand fussed over him, especially whenhe once lived in their home. In fact,when Susan eventually moved into herown home within the same village, ittook Salem a good six months to adaptand adjust to his new home, showingthat he had very much loved livingwith both Susan and her mum anddad. Salem is now approaching 15 yearsold and naturally Susan worries abouthis health and well being as he ages.Salem unfortunately suffers from ar-thritis which is a legacy from when hewas clipped by a car when he was 18months old. Fortunately, by taking themedication Metacam, it serves to easehis discomfort but during the wintertime it is definitely a struggle for Sa-lem. However, most days and especial-ly on fine days in spring and summer,he likes nothing better than to enjoya spot of sunbathing on a bench inSusan’s front garden as well as a nicestroll through the nearby fields andalso the the local graveyard. Salem,much to Susan’s relief, has never beena hunter so that she has never had 61JUNE 2016 ■ CAT WORLD

KITTEN CAREMeeting your new kittenand bringing them homeWhether you decide to adopt from a rescue centre or buy from abreeder, here are a few things to consider before you choose yourkitten and some tips to make sure they are happy and healthy BY SONJA K STEINERi t is an exciting time for a will be able to check for Cats have a very short to maintain protection.You family, knowing they are these. socialisation phase, usu- should be given a vaccina- going to be welcoming ally between 4-16 weeks, tion card with your kitten a little bundle of fluff and Mouth - Very gently therefore it is important they which shows what vaccinesmischief into their home. check inside the mouth to are handled very early on they have had. The vet-Before making the decision ensure there are no signs of and preferably with differ- erinary surgeon will haveand choosing a kitten it is redness, bad teeth or bad ent people. A nervous kitten signed and dated the cardworth considering the fol- breath. may be a sign of poor early and many will also stamplowing questions so you can socialisation. the card with the veterinarydecide which cat is suitable Skin/coat - Part the kit- practice’s stamp.for you and your family. ten’s coat to check for signs Bringing your kitten● Will they be an indoor or of any skin problems or home It is advisable to keepoutdoor cat? fleas and parasites. your kitten indoors for at● Are you looking for an The age you will be able least a week after they haveactive cat or a quieter breed Under the tail - Check to to bring your kitten home completed the primary vac-who is more laid back? make sure the kitten’s bot- can vary from eight to 13 cination course.● Do you work during the tom is clean and dry, with weeks depending on whereday or are you at home? no signs of diarrhoea and you adopt or buy from. Flea/worming● Have you children or other staining. treatmentpets? At eight weeks they● Are you looking for a Choosing your kitten should have had a health It would be expectedshort, medium or long check from a veterinary that your kitten would havehaired cat? If you are choosing your surgeon. already had their flea and● Do you want a bog stand- kitten from a litter, it is worth worming treatment beforeard moggy or a pedigree? asking some questions. A kitten will require a you get them as they can Have they been seen by a primary course of vaccina- be treated from eight weeks It is important to ensure vet and had a health check tions which consists of two old.that the kitten you want to and, depending on their injections. These are for Catwelcome into your family is age, have they been vacci- Influenza (known as feline Your veterinary surgeonnot only healthy but sociable nated and wormed? viral infectious respiratory will be able to advise on thetoo; here are some of the disease), Enteritis (feline best products to use.things to look for: What type of environment panleucopaenia) and Feline has the litter being kept in? Leukaemia. Feeding Eyes - Their eyes should Have they been brought upbe bright, open and free in the house or elsewhere? At nine weeks it is recom- It is important that yourfrom any discharge. Have they had much human mended that the first vacci- kitten is fed kitten food as contact? nation be given, followed by this has extra nutrients to Ears - Should be free the second vaccination 3-4 help with growing bonesfrom dirt or discharge; weeks later at 12/13weeks. and teeth. When you getmites are more difficult to After this course of vacci- your new kitten, it is worthsee so your vet or vet nurse asking either the rescue nations, they would then centre or breeder what they have an annual booster62 CAT WORLD ■ JUNE 2016

KITTEN CAREhave been feeding them ‘ It is important they‘and continue with this food are handled verywhilst they settle down into early on andtheir new environment.You preferably withcan then decide whether different people.you wish to continue withtheir existing diet or changeonto a different brand. Aswith any dietary changes itshould be done graduallyover a period of at least 10days to avoid any unneces-sary stomach upsets.Neutering When adopting a kittenfrom a rescue centre, neu-tering is generally coveredin the adoption fee and aneutering voucher is givento owners to be used at aparticular veterinary prac-tice. Neutering is generallydone from the age of fivemonths; however the veteri-nary surgeon will be ableto advise if it can be doneearlier.Microchipping It is advisable to get yourkitten microchipped then ifthey do escape or go miss-ing, it is easier to reunitethem with you.Insurance A lot of the rescue centresand breeders have arrange-ments with pet insurancecompanies which gives anew owner some weeks offree insurance when theycollected the kitten, with anoption to continue with this.It is always best to insurewhen there are no healthproblems otherwise the in-surance company are likelyto impose exclusions. Thereare different types of coverto suit most budgets andthese have been covered inearlier editions of Cat World. 63JUNE 2016 ■ CAT WORLD

KITTEN TALES Introducing trouble twins Pasha & Tanni Follow two gorgeous Siamese kittens on their journey from the nursery to their new home and see what chaos ensues BY INGRID HOOPERt he Siamese kittens were just one a kitten or cat to suit their personality The Big Day arrived when it was week old when I first met them or whether the name shapes them? time for the kittens to pack their bags and it was love at first sight! Although the name Pasha is Russian, in and leave for their forever home Blind and deaf, as new borns Euroland a guy who is a bit of a charm-are, they looked for all the world like er is known as a ‘pasha’. Somehow Sacha left for a home set in fivetiny pink sugar mice with poker tails. the name Pasha suits my little Siamese acres of woodland with the company ofThey mewed and clung to the two lilac point charmer! a Bengal girl. He had definitely landedmums who gave birth to three kittens on his four paws!on the same day. Sasha was the first Tanni was happy to play with Pashaborn, who arrived in the morning. He but being independent he was equally Meanwhile Pasha & Tanni movedwas the largest and most outgoing of happy to play with toys quietly on his into a pretty riverside village to sharethe kittens. Next came Pasha who ar- own. Tanni had a thoughtful air about the garden with a variety of featheredrived after lunch. Last but by no means him even as a tiny kitten. It was when and furry creatures.least, Tanni took his time and arrived I fell under the gaze of his deep bluelate evening. eyes that I knew without a doubt that With Saffi and Misa, the grown up he was mine. He had chosen me. I Siamese girls, running the household I was fortunate to be able to visit kissed him and told him his name was well for many years, nothing had quitethe kittens each week to follow their Tanni, A Scandinavian name which prepared me for the arrival of twoprogress from the nursery to their new suited my little white chocolate point small kittens. Life as we knew it washome. At first, like any new borns, they Siamese boy perfectly. about to slide into chaos!were completely dependent on theirtwo beautiful and adoring mums. But At first I was determined, againstweek by week I could see their per- advice, to carry on as normal. Butsonalities develop and flourish. Pasha it wasn’t long till it became obviouswas up for fun and it wasn’t long till he changes would have to be made. Aclambered up and fell into the toilet. blanket was thrown over the leatherWhile still tiny he struggled with a pipe sofa to protect it from claws and skidcleaner spider bigger than him which marks .Cloths were hastily put on glasswas tripping him up. I tried to help but topped tables. House plants were soonhe was determined to carry it off. On nibbled at or confiscated. Vases ofanother visit I noticed one paw was flowers were soon a thing of the past,twice the size of the other. We went together with candles and tea lightstraight to the vet who confirmed he holders. It seemed almost daily thehad been stung by a bee. I was begin- long list of things to put away grew. Anning to get the feeling he might be expensive table lamp became unrec-accident prone! ognisable and others hastily moved. There was never the slightest doubt Photo frames, decorative bowls,he was my cat. It was just meant to plant pot holders - all were fair gamebe. I sometimes wonder if we name for kitten play time. It wasn’t long till they had learnt how to open drawers and spill the contents. They jumped inside and down the back of drawers64 CAT WORLD ■ JUNE 2016

KITTEN TALESand were unable or unwilling to clam- have to melt! Suddenly everything else‘ The cats of the pylonber out. fades into insignificance. These historical cats from The mantle piece had to be cleared Welcome to the kitten world of Pa- Sydney observed the worldand the clock moved to a safer posi- sha & Tanni! from high above every day, astion. well as being quite the tourist ● Follow Pasha & Tanni’s kitten adven- attraction themselves I lay in bed at night only to be tures on their blog at www.CatsHave-woken by a sound resembling the wild Staff.co.uk Imagine living high above thehorses of the Camargue racing up and ● Cats Have Staff – The Saffi & Misa rest of the world, on a lookoutdown the stairs and around the house. Diaries by Ingrid Hooper is available point where you could see aOr the crash of something smashing from the above website or from Ama- beautiful harbour. For severaland breaking. The radio was regularly zon. Out now in paperback and Kindle. white cats in Sydney, Australia,knocked to the floor where it has made from around 1950-1971, this wasa dent in the kitchen tiles. ‘ Life as we knew it life. The Sydney Harbour Bridge was about to slide has pylons at each end that don’t Throws and cushions are routinely into chaos! serve any structural purpose butrepositioned on the floor. Pens go have added to it aesthetically.missing, only to be found in a cat bed. The southeast pylon opened as a museum in 1934. But when you see the sheer joy andhappiness of two exuberant, playful Yvonne Rentoul took overkittens, even the hardest heart would as manager of the museum in around 1950. Along with her came her family of white cats! They lived in a rooftop cattery, and soon became part of the southeast pylon’s tourist attrac- tions. It isn’t detailed how many cats there actually were, but there were at least two. Sydney’s Sunday Herald newspaper from 29 July 1951 names them as twin cats, Bridget and Pylon. “The twins are fed by attend- ants at the lookout who place their food and milk on the edge of the parapet,” the article says. “If one cat wants to pass the other, she risks death by leaping over her twin’s back.” The cats never came down from their lofty residence, which included a wishing well and merry-go-round for them. Un- fortunately there are none there today, although the museum still operates and carries a picture of them. Have you any historical cat stories you’d like to share? Email them to jill.mundy@ashdown. co.uk 65JUNE 2016 ■ CAT WORLD

CoOf aNCFEASTSLIOOVNESR AN UNDER PRESSURE TIM RELF EXPLAINS WHY TOY FANATICS NUTMEG AND PARSLEY CAN’T BE BOTHERED TO GO OUTDOORS MUCH arsley has started It’s kept her amused is with my cats: the pair of and a stand-off that made for weeks now – although them become obsessed the Cold War seem a posi-P targeting the post- her sister, Nutmeg, merely with a game, only to forget tively fast-moving situation. man. This is not good. looks on disdainfully (she’s it as quickly as they discov- He’s a nice postman. got bigger fish to fry than ered it. Knowing smileBesides, I thought it was postmen).dogs that are supposed to Hence the piles of toys I sometimes worry it’sdo that. Striped paw around the house. The some sort of condition – mantelpiece sags un- this inability of mine to pass It’s currently her favour- Royal Mail employees der their weight. Whole a pet shop without spend-ite game – she’ll make a aren’t the only target. Kids swathes of carpet have dis- ing money. When I go intowild lunge for letters as delivering free papers, appeared under them. I’m our local one, the ownerthey’re poked through takeaway owners leaflet- sure they’re deposited at breaks into a knowingthe box, paws and claws ing, neighbours leaving us spots strategically chosen smile. She sees me comeflailing. I have visions of all notes – they’ve all felt the to maximise the risk of trip- through the door and startsthe posties sitting round swipe of a large striped ping; negotiating the stairs planning her next holiday.in the sorting office (their paw. in the dark is like tackling Forget the recession, I musthands covered in plasters), an assault course. be single-handedly keep-discussing the dangerous It’s not without its advan- ing the economy afloat.creature at Number 2. tages because she’ll leap Circuit training Believe me, the expression at an estate agent dropping “Brexit debate” means One of them has defi- off a flyer before you can It’s hardly surprising nothing to Nutmeg andnitely made a positive ID say ‘free valuation’, but I’m the pair of them can’t be Parsley.because he recently asked, still hoping it’s a phase that bothered to go out much.with more than a hint of passes. There’s too much to do They have, of course, airony in his voice: “How’s indoors. This place resem- few perennial favouritesthat cat of yours?” That’s often the way it bles a kindergarten. when it comes to toys, alongside the dozens Their forays outdoors they’ve become fascinated rarely involve more than a by then lost interest in. little circuit training (a few leisurely laps around the Nutmeg loves a ball with garden), some high-wire a bell in it, particularly one walking (balancing on the with holes so she can play fence) and a bit of rock ‘fetch’. I was convinced, climbing (scaling the shed) when she first did this, that before returning to the she’d become famous – more interesting selection and I’d become rich – with of items inside. the world’s first retrieving cat, but I gather it’s not that Even next-door’s cats unusual. rarely persuade them to stay out, after an initial Parsley adores small meeting that involved four cloth objects of any shape. flared tails, a lot of growling She enjoys tossing them up66 CAT WORLD ■ JUNE 2016

“I sometimes wonder if that’s all I am to them: a big toy.”in the air, surprising herself which they had a habit of interested the cat will be. letting them do whatever ‘in the process (she’s not chewing as kittens. The Law of the Perpetually they want to me and, unlikethe sharpest knife in the Impossible to Please Feline, bought toys, don’t break,drawer), jumping on them Nutmeg will attempt to perhaps. fray or lose limbs.and springing upwards as if lick to death anything soft,she’d landed on a hot plate. particularly clothes. Wor- Of all these toys and I sometimes wonder ifAlong with savaging unsus- ryingly, she seems to have games, though, I’ve decid- that’s all I am to them: a bigpecting hawkers, pedlars a particular fondness for ed their favourite is me. Not toy. That, and a food ma-and postmen, it constitutes bras. because I’m particularly chine, of course.her main form of exercise. interesting – more because Other popular pursuits I’m available virtually on I suppose there are Catnip induces moments including biting borrowed demand, am a sucker for worse things to be. A post-of madness (and a frenzy book covers and cardboard man, for example...of rolling), furry snakes get boxes containing electricalbitten, chewed, licked and items or clothes that aresucked into oblivion and a due to be returned.bushy-tailed squirrel hasbeen mauled so frequently Conversely, wind-upit now is down to one leg. or mechanical items get treated with utter contempt, Toys that aren’t toys as does any toy anyonehold their own particular expects them to “enjoy onfascination. Top of this list demand”.are remote controls, sweetwrappers (Quality Street Obscure laware their brand of choice)and mobile phone cases. There must be someFrankly, we’re just grateful obscure law at work here:they’ve graduated to phone one dictating that the morecases from charger cables expensive the toy – and the more thought someone has put into buying it – the less 67JUNE 2016 ■ CAT WORLD

CRAFTY CATS Make cute Send a feline-themed greetings card for any occasion with one of these quick and easy makes BY JILL MUNDY F or the ginger cat Trace the cat shape in template 1; cut out and stick onto a piece of firm card Cut out the shape and place on your greetings card. Draw around it lightly with a pencil Carefully cut out the shape, remembering to open out your card first so you only cut through the front of the card. Open up the card and, on the inside, glue around the edges of the cat shape (or place a strip of double-sided sticky tape down either side). Cut approx. 1/2 inch (12mm) strips from your fabric and stick in place over the cat ‘window’, overlapping each one. Trim the edges so that all the strips fit neatly inside the edges of your card. Cut a rectangle from thick paper, large enough to cover the ends of the strips of fabric, and glue the paper in place over them, to hide them when the card is opened. Black and white cat Trace template 2; cut out and stick onto firm card. Place this onto your background fabric and draw aroundYou will need: ■ Cutting board and craft knife■ Greetings card blank (available Black and white catfrom good craft or art shops) ■ Piece of backing fabric, the■ Glue or double-sided sticky same size as your greetings cardtape ■ Small embroidery hoop (large■ Tracing paper and piece of firm enough to fit template 2 inside andcard leave room to stitch) ■ Length of thick knitting wool, ap-Ginger cat prox 50cms (M)■ Pencil ■ Embroidery thread or tapestry■ Scissors yarn in similar or contrasting col-■ Scraps of fabric the same width our, for stitching (C)■ as your greetings card ■ Oddments of embroidery thread■ Piece of thick paper the same for facesize as your greetings card ■ Large eyed needle or bodkin■ Small pair of sharp scissors ■ Embroidery needleOR68 CAT WORLD ■ JUNE 2016

CRAFTY CATScat cardsthe edge lightly but so you can see iteasily. (This line will be covered). Place the fabric inside your embroi-dery hoop and make tight. Thread a large-eyed needle orbodkin with the thick knitting yarn (M)and insert the needle from the backthrough to the front at point A, leavinga short length behind the fabric. Next, thread the embroidery needlewith your finer thread or yarn (C) andtie a simple knot at the end. Beginning just below point A, bringyour needle through from the backof the fabric, close to the main thread(M). Lay (M) along the drawn out-line and oversew with (C) at regularintervals, using a diagonal stitch. Keepstitches neat and close to (M), trying tokeep the same direction. A small stitch may be needed at of one or two stitches to hold in place places such as the points of the ears to and cut both threads. position the main yarn correctly. Embroider the eyes, nose, mouth Continue to use (C) to couch down and whiskers using the oddments of (M) until you reach the tip of the tail. embroidery thread. Insert the needle with (M) through Remove the fabric from the hoop from the back at point B and down to and give it a light press on the wrong join with the other leg. side. Couch this thread down with two or With the cat in the centre, cut a three diagonal stitches in (C) and fin- rectangle from the fabric so that it will ish with the needle at the back of the fit the front of your greetings card, with fabric. about a 1cm gap around the edge. As the picture will be stuck to the Use glue or double-sided sticky- greetings card, there is no need to tie a tape to position your picture on the knot. Slip the thread through the backs front of your greetings card. 69JUNE 2016 ■ CAT WORLD

CATS ONLINE An interview with felines of New York - Jim Tews Comedian Jim Tews is hitting the streets of New York City to find its wealth of feline personalities BY BRITA MOOREC ats are as diverse as humans CW: How did you start collecting that on weekends for probably two and are and since 2014, comedian photos? a half months. Now it’s just whenever I Jim Tews has been showing this can do it. to the world through his Felines JT:For the first month, about half ofof New York project. The website, them were from friends and relatives CW: What’s the most fun part of run-felinesofnewyork.com, features photos but then I started asking around for ning the site?of cats from all around the city, each people with cats and I would go outwith a witty quote to describe what and take the photos. So now all the JT:I like talking to the people when Ithey might be thinking. Tews takes the photos are mine. I don’t take submis- go to take pictures. They usually have aphotos and comes up with the taglines. sions. I might eventually but I’m picky sense of humour if they know what the about how I want it to look. website is and they like cats, so it’s fun The owner of two cats himself, he to talk to them.finds it great fun meeting other cat lov- CW: How do you find the cats youers. Since cats are arguably the most want to feature? CW: When you go take a picturebeloved creatures on the internet, it’s of a cat, does the owner give you theno surprise that it just took a little push JT:Lately it’s been friends or peo- quote to put with it?to send the website viral. I was thrilled ple who have emailed me. I put ato have a chat with him. Google form on the website and had JT: No, I write those. I’ll usually try people fill out which subway stop they and get a sense of what the cat’s like. CW: Hi Jim! Tell us how you got lived closest to and their availability, Sometimes it’s relative to the actual cat;started doing Felines of NY. so I started grouping people by train other times it’s completely fabricated. stop. I would go to each train stop and Or it’s based on some behaviour or JT:I was reading Humans of New spend the day going house to house. I thing the cat did.York and thought it was too serious, rode my bicycle everywhere and didso I thought it would be funny if I did CW: What are your favourite thingsit with cats. I had the idea for quite a about cats and owning cats?while but never acted on it and whenI finally did, I started the website on JT:Their goofiness. They have noTumblr with a bunch of photos that self-awareness but they’re also in-were sourced from friends and family. credibly vain, which to me is a funnyI decided to go out and start taking combination. And the fact that they dothe photos myself because I thought it their own things.would be funnier if it matched Humansof NY aesthetically. CW: What else would you like to share with our readers? I started doing that two weeks in andthat’s when Tumblr featured it. I went JT: Just to please check out myfrom 100 followers to 10,000 in a week- book and follow me on social media.end and it just kept going. BuzzFeed I have a couple of other Felines ofand major outlets like that picked up NY-related projects that I’ll be postingon it and I had probably a good month soon. I’m keen to keep it going.where it blew up. Visit Felines of New York on their website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Snapchat.70 CAT WORLD ■ JUNE 2016

inTvHeEsCAtTigLAaDtYes WITH ELEANOR FORRESTERCats play a huge part in Japanese culture. Eleanor Forrester brings us some of the many tales of one in particular - Maneki-Neko f there is one country in the ple. After a while the man noticed a things ahead, while gold, not unsur- cat sitting in front of the temple. The prisingly, is for wealth and prosper-I world that I have always wanted nobleman believed that it was beck- ity. There is a huge variety of colours to visit it is Japan, for its quirki- oning him to go inside the building. from which a person can choose, ness and its culture. The ancient As he moved forward towards the depending on their different needshistory of this land is one of intrigue feline, a bolt of lightning flashed and and situation in life.and mystery to western travellers. hit the tree. If the nobleman had notA common sight in Japanese shops moved at that moment, he would Maneki-Neko cats are clothedis a figurine which is made out of have been killed. in an array of finery such as collarsceramics or plastic, called, ‘Maneki- and bibs; this is because during theNeko’, which translates literally as, He was forever grateful to the Edo period, wealthy people would‘beckoning cat’. These felines are beckoning cat, who he discovered often dress their cats as a way of be-seen to bring good luck to their was called Tama, for saving his life. ing able to identify them and manyowners and I was determined to As a result of this event the noble- figurines represent this.discover the origins of Maneki-Neko man decided to show his gratitudeand the many folk stories which sur- by becoming the patron of the The cats will sometimes be seenround this moggie. temple. When Tama died, he/she holding things like a magic money was placed in the cemetery of the mallet which represents wealth or At the beginning of the Edo temple, now called, ‘Gotokuji’, in a carp that symbolises plentifulperiod, which started in 1603, a no- 1697. In honour of this feline, the first amounts of wealth and prosperity.bleman who had been out hunting Maneki-Neko statue was made. Thisended up travelling back in the rain is just one of many legends about The temple of Gotokuji is only aand so he decided that he would the origins this infamous cat. short journey from Tokyo station.take refuge under a tree near a tem- A peaceful spot not on the tourist There are a lot of meanings be- trail, it is a must visit temple for any hind the Mankei-Neko and one of cat lover where more can be learnt the biggest mistakes that western about the legend of Maneki-Neko. tourists make is that they think the cat is waving and this is not the case. The significance of the raised paws is deeply embedded into Japanese culture. If the left paw is raised it is a sign to attract the customers. If the right paw is raised it is a sign of good fortune. When both paws are up this is a sign of protection. The figures also come in a variety of different colours and these also symbolise special meanings, such as calico, which is considered to be really lucky. White is for purity and happiness and to bring positive 71JUNE 2016 ■ CAT WORLD

“Of course he ignored thelitter tray I had providedbut, like I said, the floorwashes easily. “72 CAT WORLD ■ JUNE 2016

Car boot give-awayPat Clements is so glad she decided to goin search of some inexpensive booksI have to confess to being addicted “Hello, you don’t mind if I stroke within two weeks then I will report to car boot sales, mainly as I am your chest do you?” I quipped and the him. also a bibliophile and that’s the man laughed. I stroked the tiny bun-place to find inexpensive books. dle of ginger and white fur huddled I brought the baby home and made against him. him a quiet bed in the toilet! I’ve lost Unfortunately a lot of them start track of the number of people whoearly in the morning and I’m not able “No, I don’t mind,” he replied. “You rescue animals who reserve theirto get there in time. It’s usually 11am can ‘ave ‘im if yer want.” Precisely what toilet and bathroom for emergenciesbefore I have finished the animals and I had expected. such as this. Rarely do they have sparethat’s if I hurry. accommodation just waiting but these I gently grabbed the kitten and held two places are ideal as they usually However, with the onset of some him to me. “Yes, I’ll take him.” have washable floors and are awaydecent weather, a little gathering in from other animalsa nearby village started up again on The man seemed surprised. I thinkthe first Saturday in the month, begin- he had offered the poor little thing to My residents are quite used to new-ning at 2pm. I considered whether or a lot of shoppers and they had ‘oohed’ comers but some of them are big andnot I really had the time to spare but a and ‘ahhhed’ but walked off empty- their ‘love’ would be a bit boisterousfriend persuaded me and off we went. handed. initially. This way I can bring him into the living room at intervals and they The sale is held at the back of an Of course, you and I know I don’t can all get used to each other.old pub with good parking leading on need another kitten but I was not pre-to the field. We could see at once that pared for this little soul to be handed I was delighted when he ate histhere were lots of stalls and hurried to any taker. I tucked him under my first meal as I wasn’t even sure he wasforward. Sometimes, when the weath- cardigan, talking to him and soothing weaned. Then I was equally delighteder is not so good there might be only him until he fell asleep. when he went to the toilet as this isthree of four brave people shivering often a problem with very tiny ones.or sheltering behind their wares. He was barely old enough to leave Of course he ignored the litter tray I his mum. The man never even asked a had provided but, like I said, the floor I have a system for this kind of single question of me. washes easily.event. I like to turn right as I enter andwork my way down one side and up Someone nearby said: “I’ve got At the time of writing, forty-eightthe other. As I turned I looked across two off him.” I turned and recognised hours after his arrival, he is still eat-to the right-hand corner and spotted a friend’s mother. “He’s always doing ing well and is now coming up to mea man with something clutched to his this and he won’t get the mother neu- when I go in to see him - and he loveschest. tered.” Apparently she knew him quite to... curl up on my lap when I watch TV. well so she would be a useful source My friend saw it simultaneously and of information. Do you think these people ever givegrabbed me. “Oh, look. What is it? Is it the animals another thought? I don’ta guinea pig or what?” Now you might wonder why I didn’t think so. My only concession is that the have a go at him but there was a meth- man doesn’t drown them. I have seen enough kittens in my od in my madness. He might have hadtime to know that this was what he more kittens and if I upset him, I might But I can’t help wondering what thiswas holding and fear ran through not get them. Also, when I am certain kitten’s fate might have been. He couldme. Sadly it is not at all unknown for there are no more this time, I am going have been taken by a lady who, on ar-unscrupulous people to bring puppies to have another word with him. riving home, found her husband wasand kittens to sales. unwilling to have the cat, then what? Firstly I will try to get the cat neu- Ignoring my friend, I strode over to tered, even if I have to pay for it. Children might have tormented him,the man. Experience has taught me to Secondly, if he flatly refuses I will then he might have been taken then leftmake a light entrance otherwise there tell him that what he is doing is ille- somewhere, anywhere. I hate to think.is a risk of not getting the animal. gal and if he doesn’t provide me with Oh, if only neutering was the law! proof that he has had the mother done 73JUNE 2016 ■ CAT WORLD

FUN PAGES Stressful day? Relieve the pressure by completing this amazing dot-to-dot picture from the new book ‘Anti-Stress Dot-to-Dot’ by Emily Wallis (see book reviews for full details).You can colour it in too when it’s finished, for even more relaxation.74 CAT WORLD ■ JUNE 2016

FUN PAGESFELINE FUNWord search Spot the differenceThis month’s word search is all about the Can you find 5 things in the picture that rae missingthings your new kitten will need. Whichword is not in the grid?CURYHVA U J N F S Answers from lastU P J EHHD RE ONG months fun pagesDGL P T CA UE O F FD V L A T T T Y I AWN Across: 3. BORN, 4. GINGIVI-L ULDY E I TD HY R TIS, 6. HODGES, 7. INDIAE QUXR T A LOQ L L Down: 1. MAINE COON, 2.S ZQVH N I KO K S O ARTHRITIS, 5. GROOMINGNE T T I K L MF L L S Spot the difference, right.UWBC S Y M Z E L R QS SCRA TC HP OS TY AH R TWH HE T M FV S TCK N U HD S H PX YMVC S G K S Z L IV HUP B E D LMMXOH XMO J N G T R C E ENEUTER BEDVACCINATIONS FOODPLAYTIME LITTERSCRATCHPOST TRAYCATNIP CUDDLES 75JUNE 2016 ■ CAT WORLD

BECOMING A BREEDERSo you think you want totake up cat breeding?Have you ever wondered what it might be like to breed kittens?Former breeder Carol Hebden shares the ups and downs ofbreeding kittens and has some invaluable advice BY CAROL HEBDENW hen people buy a new kitten, pecially on the show bench. But most hausting trying to manage both. What some of them often think that breeders understand that it is only will happen when a queen rejects the breeder must be making their cats that are in competition with her kittens and they have to be hand- a good living from doing a job one another and many breeders work reared (two hourly feeds day andthey love. together, support one another and night) or when a cat is ill? If you are enjoy a great social network. lucky you will be able to take holiday The buyer is handing over their from work during these emergenciesmoney in exchange for a kitten and Your lifestyle but some employers are inflexible andmay see another four or five kittens you can be put into a life or death situ-in the litter. They do the sums in their Will breeding fit in with your life- ation with your cat or kittens.head, and think WOW! style? If you are extremely house- proud, then I doubt it. Part of your role The breed for you But unfortunately that is only half of will be teaching kittens what they arethe story and customers often don’t re- and are not allowed to do: using the So you have given it lots of thoughtalise the costs the breeder has to bear. litter tray rather than the floor, scratch- and decided you really do want to be aThe list is endless: buying a queen, ing the post rather than the furniture, breeder.looking after the cats until they are old not climbing the curtains, not peelingenough to breed, paying stud fees plus the wallpaper off the wall.You must be Deciding on what breed to havethe cost of vaccinations and registra- prepared for some damage whilst you is the first step. As with buying a pettions. And don’t forget food, litter, vets are teaching your kittens what is right for yourself, you need to find a breedfees, disinfectants, toys, bedding, hous- and wrong and be prepared for some that you love, and that fits in with youring and advertising. mess to clean up when they are first lifestyle. Breeds don’t just vary in looks; learning to use a litter tray. they also vary considerably in their Many breeders will be putting their characters.earnings or savings into their cattery, You also need to consider noise.so it is not something you should con- Breeding queens can be very noisy You should also investigate thesider as a way of generating income. when they come into season. Breeds vary considerably as to how frequent So why do we do it? From my point this is but it could be that your girl is inof view, it was because I love cats and season for a week, every three weeks,I adore having cats and kittens around and may be yelling her head off boththe house. It also gave me great satis- day and night. Studs may yell all of thefaction hearing about the pleasure my time and can have very loud voiceskitten had given to its new family. that carry long distances. Will you (not to mention your neighbours) be able But it is hard work and there is pain to cope with this?and sorrow, as well as joy and love.You must be able to deal with the tears Do you work full time? Many breed-when a kitten or your favourite breed- ers manage exceptionally well evening cat falls ill or even dies. though they are out at work full time. But it can be very stressful and ex- And of course, there is the socialside of breeding.Yes, we breeders arein competition with one another, es-76 CAT WORLD ■ JUNE 2016

BECOMING A BREEDERproblems associated with that breed.Every breed has different health orgenetic problems and it is worth find-ing out what they are and how (or evenwhether) you can avoid them. You can find lots of informationabout breeds on the internet and inbooks but don’t just rely on that. Con-tact other breeders and talk to them.You will soon find out which breedersare open and honest about the prob-lems of a breed without exaggeratingthe issues and whilst doing that, youare finding out which are helpful andwilling to offer advice or mentor you. Try to shortlist the breeds you areinterested in and then go to at leastone cat show. Before you go, get acopy of the ‘Standard of Points’ for thebreeds you are interested in – theseare usually available on-line from thegoverning bodies websites, such asTICA or GCCF. They describe in detail 77JUNE 2016 ■ CAT WORLD

BECOMING A BREEDERwhat the perfect cat for that breed your cats, then you need to join one of with the new governing body. So it isshould look like. Watch the judging at the governing bodies (cat fancies) or worth investigating the rules and regu-the show and look carefully at the cats an affiliated cat club. lations of each one, talking to otherthat are winning, to identify what is breeders and going to cat shows forspecial about them, so you know what You also need to apply for your different ones, to decide which is bestto look for in your first purchase of a prefix (your breeder name) from the for you.breeding cat. governing body you choose to use. Your prefix But do bear in mind that the most The two largest governing bodiesbeautiful, successful show cats do not in the UK are The Governing Council You need to think about your prefixalways make the best parents. It is the of the Cat Fancy (GCCF), and The as soon as you have decided that youparents of the winning cat who have International Cat Association (TICA), want to be a breeder and have de-produced that beauty. though there are several others. cided on your breed.Your prefix will be included in the name of every kitten So it is useful to get a copy of the Talk to other breeders about which you breed and identifies that you bredshow catalogue so that when you see governing body they prefer. My main that cat.a cat you like, you can see who the sire reason for registering with TICA wasand dam are and perhaps then use the the format of their cat shows and the Also, when buying a cat from an-internet to find out who the owners of fact that the majority of Bengal breed- other breeder, you can add your prefixthose cats are (i.e. what ‘lines’ they are ers use TICA; but many other breed- to the end of the cat’s name, as a suffix,from). ers prefer GCCF or one of the other to identify the cat as owned by you. governing bodies may be the favourite Having decided on the breed for one for a particular breed. For the GCCF you must have been ayou and armed with a list of breeders member of a GCCF affiliated cat clubyou would like to deal with, you are If you get it wrong, don’t worry. In for one year before you can apply fornow ready to start your big adventure. some cases you can dual register your your prefix. If you have to register any cats (register with two governing bod- kittens with the GCCF prior to gettingThe Governing Body ies) or you can change to another later your own prefix, then the kittens will on. However, this can be an expensive be given an administrative prefix by If you want to register your kittens task if you already have several cats the GCCF.as pedigree cats or you want to show and you might not get the same prefix78 CAT WORLD ■ JUNE 2016

BECOMING A BREEDER‘I get great satisfaction from hearing about the ‘ pleasure my kitten has given to its new family.For TICA you can apply for your words you would like to use, just in favourite has already been used.prefix immediately you become a case someone else has already taken You will also probably want to usemember of TICA. If you have to reg- the one at the top of your list. your prefix as your email address,ister any kittens before you have your The TICA website has a list of pre- and the URL for your website, so youTICA prefix, they will be registered fixes already in use by TICA breeders, may want to investigate whether thatwith just their name (no prefix). so that you can check whether your is available for purchase, or whetherYou need to give some thought to it is already being used by someoneyour prefix. It must be different to any else. But don’t go spending any moneyother prefix used by any other breed- on websites and email addresses untiler, and each governing body has its you have your prefix confirmed.own set of rules about what words can The next step is to buy your firstand cannot be used. breeding cat and we’ll cover that nextYou should also be careful about time.how many letters are in your prefix, asthe governing bodies specify a maxi-mum length to kitten names (includingprefix) and every kitten name must beunique. If you use a long word for yourprefix, you are limiting yourself as tohow long the names of your kittens canbe. Try to keep your prefix as short aspossible, to allow plenty of spare let-ters for the kitten name and for anyonebuying your kittens to add their ownsuffix.It is a good idea when applying foryour prefix to send in a selection of 79JUNE 2016 ■ CAT WORLD

DIRECTORY THE 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 ■ JUNE 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. 81JUNE 2016 ■ CAT WORLD

CATTY CHATTERTAIL ENDAnna Crowhurst swapped camera for keyboard to write this tribute to Solly, a very loving, loyal and intelligent SiameseS olly! Get off!” My bellished my email, Solly dow. With some effort he did you get this?” It was handsome Blue decided he would go out managed to dangle it pre- then I noticed the kopen Point Siamese, ‘on a job’. Having noticed cariously from the window window next door. For-Solly, was always strolling the kitchen window next ledge and then drop it tunately my neighbouracross my computer key- door was open, he went neatly into the grass below. Christine loved Sollyboard. He knew only too to investigate. Next thing Next thing he was drag- and was very tolerant ofwell that if he kept doing he jumped in through the ging the bag back home. this wayward creature. Ithis, I was bound to give window, his graceful agil- knocked on her door within. He looked very smug, ity enabling him to land Arriving at the cat flap, a rather flushed face.knowing how easily he without a sound. he concluded he wouldcould distract me. have to ‘reverse-in’ tail end “Solly brought this pork Once in, Solly jumped first, so as not to lose grip joint home and I think it “Now look at my letter! up on the Welsh dresser of the handles of the bag. might be yours. It doesn’tIt’s full of funny symbols from where he could Safely in he then skillfully look like he’s actually ‘got’and things! How can I pos- survey what was on the negotiated the entire bag to any of it,” I said, relievedsibly email that?” worktops. He noticed a through the flap to join him when Christine saw the shopping bag and decid- on the other side. funny side of it. Solly was a typical Sia- ed he’d have a rummage.mese, constantly seeking Excited by what he had It was then I decidedattention and never giving With one graceful leap, accomplished ‘single- Solly needed something toin until he got what he and a ‘stylish’ little skid, pawed’ he let out a loud take his mind off pilfering.wanted. However, Solly did he landed on the worktop meow to alert me to the A companion was prob-have one particular vice. and promptly set about fact he was home. As I ably the solution. I found aWhilst most cats go out investigating what was on tended to ignore the odd Siamese breeder not toohunting mice and birds, offer. Soon all that could meow or two, he sat there far from where I lived.Solly liked to ‘steal’ for be seen of Solly were his yowling away. Unable toa living, often fluffy toys back legs and tail stick- ignore the incessant cater- That very same even-pilfered from unsuspecting ing out from the top of wauling any more, I came ing I brought home a littlechildren playing in their the shopping bag whilst down to see what all the fourteen-week-old femalegardens. He frequently he delved deep inside. commotion was about. Seal Point Siamese that Icame home carrying more It wasn’t long before he had fallen in love with thethan just his guilty look. came across a small Solly was feeling very moment I saw her and plastic bag. proud of himself Solly did too. I called her He was often seen lurk- Sniffing it despite the fact his Sasha.ing in bushes and then he decided jaw probably achedreturning home some ‘this’ was from dragging the From that day Solly’stime later with ‘something’ definitely bag. days of crime were num-firmly gripped between worth taking. I looked in- bered as he became toohis jaws. His large sap- side and couldn’t busy playing with Sasha.phire blue eyes would dart He hauled believe my eyes. The two cats adored eachsuspiciously from side to the bag along It was a pork joint other and always sleptside lest anyone had seen the surface together with sage cuddled up together. Thehim. and managed and onion stuffing! only downside was that I to pull it up to “Oh no! Solly! had an extra set of paws One particular day, not the open win- Where on earth assisting me with mysatisfied with having em- emails!82 CAT WORLD ■ JUNE 2016

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