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BRITAIN’S FAVOURITE CAT MAGAZINECatworldIssue453 DECEMBER 2015 £3.25FspeestciivaelGIFT IDEAS FOR YOURLOVED ONE THAT YOUWON’T WANT TO MISS 7TIPS FOR A STRESS FREE CHRISTMAS HATS OPTIONALwww.catworld.co.uk 12 CHARITY CHEER: SO MANY9 770952 287125 > WAYS THAT YOU CAN HELP

contents 38 STRESS-FREE CHRISTMAS4 MEWS ROUND 18 CIRCUS TIGER RESCUED Start preparing for a happy, stress-freeWhat’s been happening in the cat A growing call for a UK ban on wild Christmas nowworld? animals in circuses 40 PETS APLENTY6 NEW ACANA REGIONALS 20 AGAINST THE ODDS An extract from the latest book byA new class of cat foods from Tales from a busy veterinary surgery Malcom WelshmanBern Pet Foods 22 THE FELINE SENSES 44 FUN PAGES8 WONDERS OF ANTIBIOTICS Understanding the feline senses More puzzles and teasers for youAntibiotics are a valuable asset in the - part onetreatment of feline illnesses 46 ENERGETIC BUNDLES 26 BENGALS & BUTTERFLIES10 KATY EDGE A breed profile of the lively, The inspiration behind Butterfly loveable SiberianThe cats - and dog- help with a Cat Jacketsspot of DIY 53 HYPERTHYROIDISM 28 THE FUNDRAISING CAT12 CHARITY FOCUS One of the most common and A true celebrity feline superstar successfully treatable feline diseasesThere are many ways in whichyou can help a charity 30 KEEP CALM: BE MORE CAT 56 SHOW REPORTS14 LIONS ARRIVE ‘HOME’ Lorraine Schofiled thinks we could The latest results from Carole Kemp all learn a thing or two from ourBorn Free delivers two lions from unphased felines 59 SHOW DATESBulgaria to South Africa 32 CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE Forthcoming shows around the16 ANGEL IN DISGUISE UK and Ireland Get Christmas shopping all wrapped upThe dedication of pet carer Mike Sladen with these cat-themed present ideas CAT CLASSIFIED 726K6ITTENS FOR SALE Britain’s leading breed-by-breed guide to kittens for sale 76 BREEDERS DIRECTORY The UK leading directory of pedigree cat breeders 79 STUD DIRECTORY Find a suitable stud, together with details of parentage2 NOVEMBER 2013 catworld.co.uk

welcome BY THE time you are reading this, the clocks will have gone back and the Christmas countdown will have begun (I know many shops start it early - far 60 KIM’S WORLD too early, if you ask me!) The festive season can Christmas shopping and a massage be really wonderful for many people but for some, - Kim or the cats? they are left lonely and alone. We have a heart- 63 MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE warming story about someone who is determined Adopting a cat from a rescue centre one such lady enjoys her Christmas day, every year, 64 ASK THE EXPERTS no matter what - a real Christmas angel. More worries and concerns addressed by our experts Our Christmas gift guide has lots of ideas to 66 GORDY & ME take the stress out of Christmas shopping and Laney has both cats under Litter there is a seven-step plan to help your felines be Box Watch this month stress free over the festive period too. 68 WELL, THAT’S A LITTLE ODD But if it’s still too early for you to think about A funny five minutes or something more serious? the December holiday, there’s plenty more to enjoy 70 THE ART OF NAPPING in this issue. We look at how you can help your Cats are born snoozers - but there is favourite animal charity; and don’t miss the feature good reason about a gorgeous Selkirk Rex called Joshy, who is 82 PHOTO FINISH helping a charity in his own way. He’s a real cutie! I’ll let you discover the rest at your own pace - draw the curtains, settle down for a kitty cuddle and a good read. Jill Till next month Jill Mundy, Editor • [email protected] Contributors: Write for Cat WorldJill Mundy Alison Logan, Inga MacKellar, Sonja K Steiner,[email protected] Elaine Mead, Lorraine Schofield, Katy Edge, ykotttWoonaauloulreeehw’nntrfeeeittlateearfadtmdolhfwgrreteooaewmybfoarsimsfiltlyplipooeneoaomgucfrk,i.taaciaiWnlcioilnsgunredtlitfacweorarhisbrraappiunrrtaedeetescoa@rswsisirao,a.slww.slSnyhSoriftdowiothioefarifwranycsnytonatout.tiocnsouo,t-jhdohw.euieaxineknvppk’deatohnulaodrve Kim Rogers, Emily Fowler, Kim Houston,Media Consultant Yolanda Wessels and Clare Wells All editorial contributions in the form of articles, lettersMaria Fitzgerald and photographs (b/w or colour print or transparencies)[email protected] Carole Kemp - Show Reporter are welcomed by Cat World but cannot be returned unless accompanied by a stamped addressed envelope.Designer: UK office: In any event the publisher can accept no responsibilityWendy Crosthwaite PO Box 2258, PULBOROUGH for loss or damage to contributions. All material [email protected] RH20 9BA Great Britain solely on the basis that the author accepts the assessment Tel: (01903) 884988 of the publisher as to its commercial value. All material submitted to the magazine is accepted on the basis that Subscriptions copyright in the work will be vested in the Publisher who 1 year (12 issues): assumes all rights world-wide, in all forms and media. UK £42.99 iMAG £43 © Copyright Add the iMag Digital Library to your catworld.co.uk NOVEMBER 2013 3 subscription for only an extra £38 per year. Printed in the UK Distributed to the newstrade by Comag DECEMBER 2015

MEWSROUND CAT NEWS & GOSSIPWinter? Bring it on! Interactive App from Vets NowTemperatures may be Vets Now has launched a new interactivedropping but Dora App aimed at helping pet owners locate their nearest vet in an emergency.knows how to stay The App features a GPS powered navi-cosy and snug. gation tool which will direct UK pet own- ers to their nearest local vet when their Joining the jet-set pet needs a vet right away, offering reas- surance and peace of mind for pet own- There was a stowaway in the hold of a plane ers day and night, and also when they are landing at Birmingham airport - a cute gin- away from home and not close to their ger kitten was spotted by staff unloading registered vet. an aircraft that had just landed from Cairo. The female kitten, estimated to be six weeks The App also enables pet owners to old, had survived the 3,000 mile journey keep a note of important information very well. She was immediately taken into including local vet details, pet insurance, microchip details and even their pet’s quarantine facilities and was kept under birthday. Further features include helpful observation. tips and advice to help owners keep their The management of Emirates Airline pet safe, happy and healthy. The App also agreed to fund a further three and a features stories of the brave pets who half months of quarantine, after which have previously been treated by Vets the kitten will be transferred to a rescue Now, with users also able to share their centre where she will be cared for until own stories. she can be put up for adoption. Hopefully Vets Now founder and chairman there will be a new loving owner just waiting Richard Dixon said: “The App demon- to take her home when she is ready. strates our continued ongoing commit- ment to provide the best emergency vet experience to both pet owners and the wider vet profession.”Cat found in snareDog walkers in Brecon, Wales recently made a shocking dis-covery when they came across a cat found dead in a snare. Itwas one of several snares found at Brecon Cemetery. Wheninformed of this by the RSPCA, the council who run the cem-etery were completely shocked. Sadly the cat wasn’t microchipped so the owners wereunable to be notified. Traps are usually set to catch foxes or rabbits but theirvictims can include badgers, cats or dogs. The Wildlife andCountryside Act 1981 governs the use of snares in England and Wales and whileit is illegal to set snares for badgers, birds and deer, the snares are unable to preventother animals becoming caught in their mechanisms. Legislation is minimal and the RSPCA would prefer all traps to be banned.4 DECEMBER 2015 catworld.co.uk

Strictly Fever comes to BatterseaWith sequins and glitter balls all overBBC tv every weekend, there are someperfect pairs at Battersea Dogs & CatsHome just waiting to be adopted.Hoping a loving new owner will quickstep their way to adopt them as a pairare youngsters Bonnie and Berty, bothoriginally from Portugal, and Tigger andFritzy, an older partnership.Fashion collar warning Cats and dogs at European ParliamentAnimal charities and welfare experts The EU Dog & Cat Alliance held its first event in the European Parliament on the 22ndare warning of the dangers that can of September. Throughout the day, members of the Alliance also had in-depth meet-arise from cats wearing ‘fashion’ col- ings with MEPs.lars studded with diamantes or similar.Many of these collars have a buckle The event saw over 30 MEPs and 11 dog and cat welfare organisations from acrossfastening, meaning they will not come the EU come together to lobby the EU to introduce welfare legislation for dogs andoff easily and a cat can suffer serious cats, particularly in relation to commercial practices. Currently, national legislation var-injury as a result of the collar getting ies greatly across EU member states, with strict legislation in some countries, and verycaught on a branch, for example. little in others. The situation can have serious consequences for animal welfare, but also for animal health, human health, consumer protection and the functioning of the While it is a legal requirement that internal market.a dog should wear a collar and ID tag,there is no such legislation for cats, There are an estimated 61 million owned dogs and 66 million owned cats in the EUmeaning a cat that wears a collar does but there is very little EU legislation to protect their welfare. UK organisations attend-so at owner’s choice. In some instanc- ing the event included Dogs Trust, Blue Cross and Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.es a collar can be a good choice for acat - a reflective collar will give the cat Paula Boyden, chair of the EU Dog & Cat Alliance said: “We were delighted to seemore chance or being detected near a so many MEPs from all across the EU, join us to collectively call for EU action to betterbusy road during hours of darkness. protect the welfare of dogs and cats.” If you do choose to put a collar The EU Dog & Cat Alliance will be working with MEPs to put pressure on theon your cat, make sure it is one of the European Commission to take action on the findings of a study, to be released inquick release style collars that snap November. Since the Alliance was launched in 2014, they have already worked withopen instantly if it gets caught on any- MEPs to table several Parliamentary Questions on dog and cat issues.thing. As a guide, two fingers shouldfit snugly between the collar and the MEPs were asked to choose to have their photograph taken at the event with acat’s neck. Team Dog or Team Cat paddle, to show their support for EU action. At the end of the evening there wasn’t a clear winner between Team Dog and Team Cat, suggesting that both dog and cat welfare is important in the eyes of MEPs. Help for young entrepreneurs Pets Corner recently announced it would be donating £50,000 to the Peter Jones Foundation to help budding young entrepreneurs succeed in business. The family run business and ethical pet retailer is no stranger to entrepreneurial spirit. Managing Director, Dean Richmond, started out making bird feeders in his bedroom as a teen- ager then bought the business from his parents in 1998 when it consisted of seven stores. The company now has over 100 shops, employs more than 650 staff and has developed a range of innovative and market leading products. Dean Richmond said: “I strongly believe that there are many young people out there who have the potential to achieve something great, but because they are at a huge financial disadvantage or lack support they consequently struggle to get the backing they need in order to flourish. By working with the Peter Jones Foundation I hope to be able to channel my own success into enabling others to create theirs.” catworld.co.uk DECEMBER 2015 5

NREEWGIAOCNANAALSA new class of cat foods to mirror three times as much meat as in most catyour cat’s evolutionary diet! foods available. Just take a look at theYour cat will love it. ingredients and you will see the differ- ence!Y our cat is a natural predatory following day. A rich variety of authenti- hunter evolved to survive on cally fresh poultry, fish and meats is the Your cat’s natural diet would contain a diet of a variety of fresh foundation of ACANA’s Biologically very few carbohydrates and no cerealwhole meats. The physical structure of Appropriate™ foods. grain. That’s why ACANA replacestheir teeth, jaws and digestive system cereal grains and high glycaemic carbo-scientifically classifies them as carnivores, Worlds away from conventional cat hydrates, such as potatoes and rice, withadapted for a diet rich in meat and foods, ACANA not only features excep- regionally sourced fruit and vegetablesprotein. tionally high and various inclusions of which provide fibre and antioxidants in fresh whole meats but also excludes high- natural form. ACANA Regionals cat foods adopt glycaemic grains and vegetable proteinsthe Biologically Appropriate™ concept that don’t belong in their diet. ACANA cat foods are prepared withwhich mirrors the quantity, freshness and nourishing botanicals which boost metab-variety a cat would naturally hunt in the ACANA features a diversity of cage- olism, strengthen organs and help cleansewild. free poultry, free-range red meats and the body of toxins. wild-caught fish, all delivered fresh to the Consider the variation of your cat’s kitchens of Champion Petfoods where Champion Petfoods have been pre-natural diet from eggs today, a duck or they are prepared. In fact, ACANA is paring ACANA in their award-winninggoose the next and maybe a fish on the loaded with 70% meat which is up to kitchens for over a quarter of a century. They prepare every recipe themselves, in their own kitchens where they per- form every detail of food production from where and how the ingredients are sourced, to every cooking, packaging and quality process.6 DECEMBER 2015 catworld.co.uk

When you choose to feed your cat to the kitchens of Champion Petfoods, delivered to their kitchens fresh each day.ACANA, you can be sure that their food plus wild-caught perch from the cold For a pure and natural taste, ACANAhas been made with the same authenti- Northern lakes of Canada, all deliveredcally fresh ingredients, care and attention fresh each day. cat foods are infused with freeze-driedas a home-cooked meal. It’s guaranteed! meats and liver which are highly palat- ACANA Pacifica is packed with able and which cats absolutely love. ACANA Regionals are avail- 100% wild-caught fish, including her-able in three flavours; ACANA Wild ring, flounder and hake, all delivered Surprisingly, feeding your catPrairie, ACANA Pacifica and ACANA fresh from Vancouver Island. ACANA comes at a very reasonableGrasslands. price. Based on the recommended ACANA Grasslands is prepared with feeding guide for an average activity ACANA Wild Prairie is burst- ranch-raised lamb, cage-free duck, wild- cat weighing 4kg, it costs just 34 penceing with cage-free chicken, turkey and caught fish and nest-laid eggs – all raised per day to feed your cat ACANA Wildnest-laid eggs from Prairie Farms, local or fished local to Champion Petfoods and Prairie! ACANA Regional Cat Foods are only available in pet speciality stores. To find your local stockist, or for more informa- tion, please visit www.AcanaPetFoods. co.uk. For offers and competitions, you can also follow ACANA UK on Facebook. We think you will love ACANA. More importantly, we think your cat will too. catworld.co.uk DECEMBER 2015 7

TAHNE TWIBOINODTERICS SOFUsed sensibly and only when absolutelynecessary, antibiotics are a valuable assetin the treatment of feline illnesses By Steve EldridgeP O L IC Y A D V IS O R O N A N T IB IO T IC R E S IS T A N C E V E T E R IN A R Y M E D IC IN E S D IR E C T O R A T EH as your cat ever been prescribed cat, these ‘bad’ bacteria have multiplied the bacteria from reproducing, leaving antibiotics? If so, you may have enough to cause unpleasant symptoms your cat’s natural defences to fight off the seen how, in a few days, she which, if left alone, could cause her con- ones that remain.went from feeling very poorly back to dition to worsen or even die.her usual self. However, have you ever To help your cat get better your vetwondered what actually happened inside Because the structure of the bacteria will decide which bacteria are likely toyour cat to cause this transformation? and how they multiply varies, the way be causing the illness and prescribe an they need to be attacked also varies. This appropriate antibiotic. Because not all If your cat has been prescribed anti- is why there are different classes of anti- antibiotics are the same, it is importantbiotics by your vet it will be to treat an biotics, each designed to attack specific you only ever use them as prescribed -infection suspected to be caused by ‘bad’ types of bacteria in the most effective for your cat and for that illness. Don’t bebacteria (most bacteria are ‘good’ and way. Some will break apart the cell walls tempted to keep them for another time,are needed for good health). Inside your of the bacteria, killing them. Others stop or pass them to a friend for their pet, as8 DECEMBER 2015 catworld.co.uk

giving an inappropriate antibiotic could spread of intended bacteria.make your cat more unwell. resistance You can also help is to make On occasions the antibiotics pre- sure you give reduce resistance byscribed may not make your cat better. your cat the keeping your cat asThis could be for a number of reasons: correct dose healthy as possible.for example, it may be that a different and full course Providing good nutri-antibiotic is needed, or that the illness of antibiotics as tion, appropriate vac-is not caused by bacteria, but by a virus prescribed by your cination, suitable accom-(against which antibiotics don’t work). To vet. When your cat modation and regularhelp find out what is causing your cat to starts the antibiotics they veterinary health checksbe ill, your vet may want to take a sam- will set about doing their job, attacking will help maintain goodple to send off for testing. Although not the bacteria. The more bacteria that are health, which will make your cat lessseeing your cat get better quickly can be destroyed or stopped, the better your susceptible to infection and less likely todistressing, please don’t expect that anti- cat will feel and symptoms will start to need antibiotics.biotics will always be appropriate, and do disappear. However, if your cat seemsallow your vet time to correctly identify much better before you have finished the • Every 18 November marks Europeanwhat is causing the problem. course, it does not mean all the bacteria have been destroyed. If you stop the Antibiotics Awareness Day (EAAD). Antibiotics are very important and antibiotics too soon, you risk leaving the The day is an opportunity to raisenecessary in treating animals and people. bacteria which haven’t yet been destroyed awareness around the importanceYou may also be aware that antibiotics to grow again and cause the infection to of antibiotics and the issue of resist-are losing their ability to treat infections. come back. If some of these bacteria have ance. The Antibiotic Guardian cam-Bacteria have many tactics to naturally become resistant, it may be harder to paign is an easy way for you to play aevolve and find new ways to become treat the infection the second time round. part in keeping antibiotics working.resistant to attacks from antibiotics that To become an antibiotic guardianwould normally stop them. Using antibi- The Government’s Veterinary simply go to www.antibioticguard-otics encourages this; every time your cat Medicines Directorate (VMD) author- ian.com and from the ‘Member oftakes an antibiotic there is a chance the ises all veterinary antibiotics available the Public’ box select ‘Pet Owner’.bacteria inside her will develop resistance in the UK and as part of that process This will then give you a numberto it. The more we use antibiotics, the evaluates scientific data to determine the of pledge options from which tohigher the risk that bacteria will develop correct quantity and duration of antibi- choose.resistance to them. otic needed to be effective against the One way you can help reduce theIf your cat seems much betterbefore you have finished thecourse of antibiotics, it doesnot mean all the bacteriahave been destroyed. catworld.co.uk DECEMBER 2015 9

ONTHEEDGE WITH KATY EDGERedecorating a home can test the best of usand when several furry felines and a dog areinvolved, there’s a lot in the mix - literallyT hings I have learned about doing month has been…educational. admit it but dragging herself from the DIY while owning cats: Since buying our first house a bed to the kitchen counter, to the laun- Cats are not interested in few weeks ago, my boyfriend and dry basket, to the top of the fish tank,paint, plastering powder or white I have been making some, erm, just to be as much of an obstacle asspirit – but a person painting a wall, improvements. We got as much possible, actually takes up a significantplastering a hole or cleaning paint- of the work done as possible before portion of her schedule.brushes in white spirit is THE MOST moving the pets in but, inevitably, weINTERESTING THING EVER. couldn’t finish everything and some jobs I’ve decided that, instead of doing have generated more jobs. DIY despite my cats, I’m going to do it If you hide anything in the cat in a way that celebrates them. I’m goingfood cupboard so that the cats can’t Our trio of cats have watched their to embrace the ginger hairs stuck to myget to it, it becomes THE MOST normally calm and collected owners windowsill. I’m going to pretend theINTERESTING THING EVER. transform into brush-wielding, scraper- Ocean Grey pawprints across the coun- using workaholics, who crawl home ter are deliberate. I might even make a If you paint anything, cat hairs are from their day jobs only to begin the feature of the claw marks on the skirt-mysteriously drawn to that thing before much more daunting task of making ing board.the paint has dried, even if the cats have our new home habitable.never been in the room or are unaware Well, it’s their home too, so theyof the room’s existence (ahem, not that Of course, the cats do not under- should probably have a say in the décor.I would hide an entire room from my stand our apparent compulsion to becats. Who would do that? Someone very busy. Cats are professional layabouts.insecure and very bothered about their Even when they’re in the middle ofsurfaces drying hair-free, that’s who). doing something, they have a way ofAnd naturally, in this scenario, the room making it look like they’re expendingtakes on the allure of THE MOST minimum effort. It’s hard not to feelINTERESTING THING EVER. resentful of your own workload when you’re manoeuvring heavy bookcases Things I have learned about doing around felines who are lying spread-DIY while owning dogs: eagled on the stairs, dislodging the kitty who is sunbathing on your wallpaper (1) Dogs will attempt to eat paint, stripper or explaining to your darling plaster, white pussycat that you need the paint swatch- spirit, walls, and es back and you don’t care whether his cats covered in tail is Ocean Grey or Laid Back Blue. paint, given half Cats can achieve great things – and a chance. attain an expert level of obstruction – So yes, this while giving the impression of barely moving. And this is really saying something, considering that cats are renowned for going out of their way to make humans’ lives difficult. “Hey, kicking a load of litter out of the tray after I’ve used it is going above and beyond but some- one’s gotta do it,” I can picture Charlie grumbling to himself. “You think I drag the jelly out of my bowl and eat it off the floor because I want to?” Widget grizzles. And Happee would never10 DECEMBER 2015 catworld.co.uk

Top cats deserve Premier cover Our new Premier pet insurance offers your cat long-term cover with our highest level of vet fees available. No wonder it’s Defaqto 5 Star rated. online mobile | tescobank.comTesco Bank Pet Insurance is arranged, administered and underwritten by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance plc.Defaqto is an independent researcher of financial products.Pets must be at least 8 weeks old when cover starts. Pre-existing medical conditions are not covered and certain breeds of cats and dogs are also notcovered. Full policy details are online at tescobank.com.

Cthheagriitfyt ofof cguivsi:ngThousands of cats in the UK owe their lives tothe dedication and hard work of the numerousanimal charities who need your help and supportI t’s that time of year when we start with present lists. Most of the main ani- Monetary donations thinking about present lists and mal charities have online shops where There are various ways in which you choosing gifts for friends and family, you can purchase gifts and other itemsincluding the furry members, of course. for your cat, friends, family and home. can donate money directly to your chosenMany of us feel more charitable around The variety of items you can purchase is charity.Christmas time as the festive spirit takes quite incredible: For humans there are Sponsorship: Most of the larger chari-over and the season of good will arrives. cushions, pens, aprons, bottle openers, ties operate a sponsorship scheme where hankies, mugs, even accessories to make you set up a direct debit with your bank As pet owners or just cat lovers, ani- your party go with a swing. If it’s cat for a fixed amount to be transferred tomal charities are bound to be high on gifts you want, there are toys in abun- the charity each month. You are given orour list of worthy causes, for which they dance plus scratchers, beds, bowls and asked to choose a particular cat that yourare all extremely grateful. The number much, much more. There really is some- money will help.of animals that arrive at rescue charities thing to suit every budget and you willeach year is around a staggering 250,000. know a percentage of what you spend It is likely that you will receive anSome may need veterinary care, micro- will go to the charity’s funds. email from your sponsored pet with achipping and possibly socialising before photo and a little background profilethey are able to be offered for adoption But let’s not forget the high street. about them. You can also receive monthlyand found a new loving home. Yes, drop- Most towns are host to numerous charity updates and will be notified when theyping some loose change in a collection shops and at least one of these will be for are rehomed. At this point you will bebox is always appreciated but there are the benefit of animals. Browse the many asked to select another cat to becomemany more ways in which you can help. items on display, which includes some your new sponsored pet.Shopping great Christmas cards and wrapping One-off donation: It can be fun to paper, or have a winter clear-out and organise or take part in a fundraising Let’s go back to where we started, donate some of your unwanted goods for event, knowing that you will be able to them to sell. donate a single sum, large or small, to the charity of your choice. Take a look at If you have some spare time on your the charity websites for ideas of things hands, why not ask about volunteering you can do to raise money, from tea par- at your local animal charity shop? It’s a ties to bike rides; sky dives to sponsored great way of meeting people and need knit-ins. only be for a morning or afternoon a Gift Aid: By allowing the charity to week if that’s all you can manage. include gift aid on your donation means Collection points that they can claim back the amount of tax that will have been deducted from Many supermarket car parks, amenity the money you have donated. There is tips and community sites these days have usually a box to tick to show that you are at least one charity collection bank where willing for them to do this. you can deposit unwanted clothing, Wills: It’s an incredible figure but around 50% of a charity’s funds are believed to shoes or books. come from legacies left in wills. If you Ask around the haven’t made a will yet, just make your area or perhaps intentions clear when you do so. If you at your local have already made a will, don’t worry. library to see if Did you know that you can make a anyone knows simple change to your will by adding a of one specifi- Codicil? This is a written amendment to cally for an ani- a will and it must be signed, witnessed mal charity.12 DECEMBER 2015 catworld.co.uk

Support supermarket or go to the rescue centre to ing new owner. help with routine jobs. Take a look online However you decide you can help, If you’re considering giving sup- at the charity websites as most will have a port to an animal charity or charities, list of volunteering opportunities and you each and every charity will be very thank- how can you be sure that the one can always call them for more informa- ful for your donation, no matter what you have chosen is reputable? The tion. size and in what form. Without the help Association of Dog and Cat Homes Fostering and support of animal lovers, they would (ADCH) maintains a register of animal be unable to give the care to animals so rescue shelters that comply with The high number of cats being taken desperately in need and who knows what their code of practice and have been to rescue centres for rehoming often would happen to them then? approved after a visit to the prem- means that there isn’t room for them all. Rehoming ises. Membership is voluntary but this Rather than turn an animal away, the is one way to ensure the charity is charity will have a network of foster car- Of course, offering a rescue cat a lov- reputable and that it maintains good ers who are able to look after a cat or ing home is a great way in which you can standards regarding animal welfare. kitten in their own home. If you think help an animal charity. Think carefully The charities vary in size from the this might be something you could do, first as the costs of rehoming a cat can be large, nationally well-known ones to be prepared to look after them for just quite significant: disinfectants to prevent those that are perhaps more localised a short period of time and that you may the spread of germs and diseases, veteri- or much smaller concerns. have to nurse them, give medication and nary treatment, insurance, food, bedding be withh them to build up their confi- and litter all add up. However, once you The ADCH states on their website dence. Parting with a cat or kitten you have made the decision to go ahead, and that: ‘Whilst in the care of our mem- have been caring for can be hard but you the rest of your family approve, you will bers we expect all animals to receive will know that you have given them the not only have a new companion for life the best possible attention including best possible start to a new life with a lov- but will be helping to ease the burden on exercise, enrichment and appropriate the rescue centre too. basic training. Through the commit- ment and dedicated hard work of our members we hope to educate the public so that those considering a new family dog or cat will take on a rescue pet or purchase through an accredited breeder. The alterna- tive is to support the irresponsible and unnecessary breeding of animals which simply increases the number of dogs and cats awaiting rehoming from rescue centres.’ You will find a list of current members plus contact details on their website; members are situated throughout England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands. You may also like to contact one of the many breed clubs in the UK if you would like to rehome a pedi- gree cat. Some of the clubs have a Welfare page on their website where you will find details of cats who, for various reasons, may be seeking a new home.and dated. There is no charge for addinga Codicil.Time All charities owe an awful lot to thegenerosity of its volunteer helpers, wheth-er they work at the rescue centre or inone of the shops. Perhaps you have a fewhours to spare and would be happy tostand with a collection box at your local catworld.co.uk DECEMBER 2015 13

aRrersivcuee‘hdolmione’sTwo lions rescued by The Born Free Foundationhave been on a 10,500 mile journey fromBulgaria to South Africa via the UKI nternational wildlife charity The will be most rewarding.” Born Free Foundation confirmed The first leg of the journey was a that Jora and Black, the twoex-circus lions rescued from Bulgaria, flight from Bourgas airport to Londonhave safely arrived to begin a new life in Gatwick, courtesy of Thomson Airways.their ancestral home of Africa. The two Born Free Foundation Co-Founder andseven-year-old brothers were rescued legendary actress, Virginia McKennaby Born Free in July this year, with the OBE, met them on arrival at Gatwickassistance of animal welfare organisation and said: “Born Free has successfullyFOUR PAWS, and an appeal was moved many captive animals but eachlaunched to aid their transfer ‘home’. occasion is unique in its own way. I am really happy to have seen these two lions Launching the appeal, Coronation at Gatwick before they headed to theirStreet actress, Helen Worth, said: “It is African homeland. I hope their storytruly incredible that these majestic ani- will inspire people to treat wild animalsmals have spent their lives from being with respect and understanding, andsmall cubs cooped up in a circus trailer. never subject them to totally inappro-I am so excited to be part of this incred- priate existences in captivity. Jora andible venture to rehome them to the won- Black are flagship animals for the end-derful Shamwari Game Reserve. The ing of all wild animals in circuses. Letpublic response has been heart-warming all countries follow Bulgaria’s example.”and to see them set foot on African soil From Gatwick, Jora and Black travelled by road to Heathrow in an approved quarantine vehicle where they then embarked on the longest part of their journey, flying from Heathrow to Johannesburg. On arrival in South Africa the two lions were transported by a convoy of Land Rover Discovery vehicles and trailers to their new home at the (Continued on page 21)14 DECEMBER 2015 catworld.co.uk

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IANCHDRIISSTGMUAISSAENGELMike Sladen’s role of pet carer extends tohis two-legged friends, even over thefestive season By Melanie WhitehouseE very Christmas Day, Mike Sladen suggested a couple of cats,” said Mike, to be there for an hour but it’s always visits Thelma Holmes at her home 62. “I went to the local rescue centre, longer. She’s even had me vacuuming in Rhyl, North Wales, just as he videoed some cats that were up for re- and emptying the washing machine! Idoes every other day of the year. He homing and showed Thelma. There was never thought this would be part of mycleans out her cats’ litter trays, feeds them a ginger tom called Tigger and a dark job as a pet carer but I do it because I– and then he makes Thelma’s lunch, tortoiseshell called Pickles. She loved like her.”prepares her tea and does any other little them immediately and said she’d takejobs that need doing. them. They moved in with her a few days Until he was 55 Mike was a store later and she finds them great company. manager for Halfords but in 2008 he Thelma, 75, has severe arthritis and and his wife Jenny, 46, went to Cruftshas been bedridden for the past four “As well as going in every day to feed and came across Animals At Home, whoyears. She originally employed Mike as them, I take them to the vet for their sold franchises. “We’d always had dogsher pet carer when she became too ill to boosters and I always make Thelma her and cats and my daughter had horses.walk her sheepdogs, Misty and Shep. tea. On Christmas Day last year I made I thought, ‘This is for me’ and applied.After the second of the pair died last her soup and she had a special Christmas It cost £15,000 but for that you get eve-September, Mike realised how lonely pork pie and a truffle cake. She can’t eat rything: the backing of a great nationalThelma would be with no other living a lot, so she doesn’t go for a traditional company, an area to operate in, a goodcreature in the house. lunch. And I always prepare fruit for her website which brings in business - and breakfast the following morning. their expertise. You get contacts and the “She was considering another dog managerial experience, and training inbut as she’s unable to go for a walk, I “Strictly speaking I’m only supposed animal first aid and animal handling. “With their help, I set up my client list by visiting local vets, grooming par- lours and anywhere there was potential business. This was just as the recession was kicking in but if you can survive in those conditions, it stands you in good stead. In the last seven years we’ve taken on about six new customers a month and now have 500-plus. I work seven days a week and Jenny – who works as a data inputter - helps me out when I’m really busy. “I’m so happy; becoming a pet sitter for Animals At Home is the best thing I’ve ever done - and I haven’t had a sin- gle cold in seven years!” Thelma has nothing but praise for Mike. “He organises my breakfast and16 DECEMBER 2015 catworld.co.uk

lunch every day including Christmas Knit one for BatterseaDay, and also makes my tea,” she said.“It’s above and beyond being a pet carer. B attersea Dogs & Cats Home have re-launchedHe was brilliant when my dogs were their knitting clubs to encourage cat-lovingill – Shep had leukaemia and Misty had knitters to spend time with feline friendskidney failure – and in helping me get and create don-knit-tions for the charity’s homelessTigger and Pickles, who’re about six moggies.years old. Needles will be clicking to make blankets, toys and “He does everything for me and I knitted mice – or simply their own project. The creativecan’t speak highly enough of him. You donations will be used to keep the 220 cats looking forhave to love animals to do what Mike’s new homes across its three centres warm and enter-doing and it’s worth every penny I pay tained, including lovely Lolo who has just marked hishim. Whoever started Animals At Home 200th day at the centre.has done a good job – they’re well worthemploying.” Ruth Dongray, Battersea Brands Hatch Manager, said: “With the colder months fast approaching, our countryside cats are in need of warm supplies• To find a pet sitter in your area, or to and knitted mice to keep them entertained. What better way to build up their winter wardrobe essentials than inviting the public in to lend a helping paw!become one yourself, go to www.ani-malsathome.co.uk or ring 08701 126613. “We have lots of supporters who like to knit and thought this would be aFranchises start from £12,500 plus VAT. great way to bring everyone together to share a mutual love of knitting and kitties. Knitters can join us at our London and Windsor sites and actually see some of the cats they are helping ” For more information about dates for the Knittin’ Kittens club event, please visit www.battersea.org.uk/knittinkittens If you can’t join one of the clubs in person, the Home would still welcome your donations of knitted blankets and knitted mice for their cats to enjoy while they wait for new homes. There are patterns for a knitted blanket and knitted mice available to download from the website. They can be cro- cheted blankets but knitted ones are preferred as these are less likely to get tangled in little cat claws. catworld.co.uk DECEMBER 2015 17

Last Bulgariancircus tiger rescuedThere is a growing call for a UK ban on wild be released into her large outdoor enclo-animals in circuses as charity FOUR PAWS sure, which she will now call home. Forrescues the last Bulgarian circus tiger the first time in her life, she will be able to experience a life appropriate to herI n January 2015, Bulgaria introduced animal trainer. The tiger was handed species. a ban on wild animals in circuses. over to the FOUR PAWS team and In September, The Netherlands after a thorough veterinary check, she Amid the success of the transfer,followed suit, leading to renewed calls began her life-changing journey to the FOUR PAWS UK said that the banfor the UK Government to do the same. FOUR PAWS big cat centre at Tierart on using wild animals in circuses inThe UK Circus Bill has been blocked in Germany. Bulgaria was yet another sign that thetime and time again, despite promises UK Government should finally bring infrom the Prime Minister. Having arrived at the centre, Varvara a ban of its own. was first moved into a small indoor This September, international animal enclosure to ensure she was comfortable Varvara, Bulgaria’s last circus tiger,welfare organisation FOUR PAWS with her surroundings, having spent is settling in well at her new home.was celebrating the rescue of Bulgaria’s most of her life in small enclosed spaces. FOUR PAWS will continue to cam-last circus tiger, after a successful trans- Ahead of schedule, she was then able to paign for a ban on wild animals in cir-fer to its big cat centre in Germany. cuses in countries which are yet to bringVarvara, the twelve year old tigress, had their legislation up to date.spent her whole life in captivity and About the FOUR PAWS Big Catwas forced to perform tricks in front of Centre at TIERARTnoisy audiences for most it. The new big cat centre, constructed In January 2015, Bulgaria became on a 14 hectare site on a former militaryone of a growing number of countries area, provides formerly captive big cats,that have woken up to the cruelty of rescued from circuses and private keep-using wild animals in circuses when ing, a species-appropriate home muchit introduced a ban on the practice. closer to what they would experienceSince then, despite no longer having to in the wild. FOUR PAWS funded theperform, Varvara continued to live in construction of the centre and is respon-squalid conditions in a tiny cage. sible for the care and maintenance of the animals. At the moment, besides That was until FOUR PAWS, a Varvara, there are two other tigers fromcharity which has extensive experience Germany and one from Italy living atof rescuing big cats from similar situ- the FOUR PAWS Big Cat Centre,ations, was able to negotiate Varvara’s all three of them rescued from privaterescue with her owner and former captivity. The new FOUR PAWS Big Cat Centre at TIERART can be visited upon prior consultation.18 DECEMBER 2015 catworld.co.uk

By cat people, for cat people Treat your cat this Christmas. Big and little gifts for your favourite feline. www.catpacks.co.uk Chequer Trees House, Heathfield, TN21 0NG [email protected] 01435 865105EXCLUSIVE TO LINDEE-LU - THE UK’s SPECIALIST CATTERY SUPPLIER Synthetic Wood Cat Pens •Eco-friendly •No Maintenance Pet InsuranceProvided by Allianz Insurance plc12 monthsfor 9 online*Introductory offer for new Pet Insurancecustomers who take out a new policy online.at Sainsbury's for 2 years† With a Premier or Premier Plus policysainsburysbank.co.uk/catworldCall 0330 100 7995Lines are open 8am-8pm Monday to Friday and 9am-5pm Saturday.Calls are charged at local rates from landline and mobiles. Calls may be monitored and recorded.*12 months for 9 is an introductory offer available to new Pet Insurance customers who buy online. The discounted premium is paid in 12 monthly instalments. Sainsbury’s Bank reserves the right to alter, cancel orwithdraw the offer without prior notice.†Introductory offer for customers with a Nectar card who buy a new Pet Insurance Premier or Premier Plus policy directly from Sainsbury’s Bank website or on the phone. Policy must be renewed at first renewalfor double points to continue.Sainsbury’s Pet Insurance is sold, underwritten and administered by Allianz Insurance plc. Available to cats & dogs over 8 weeks but under 9 years. Once purchased cover can continue to any age if existing policy renewed.For full details please visit sainsburysbank.co.uk/catworldLGB-060 10/2015 BCA145Y15 catworld.co.uk DECEMBER 2015 19

TSUHREVIOVADL DAGSAINSTIn this month’s tales from a veterinary surgery we meettwo plucky feline characters who were determinednot to let their injuries get the better of them By Clare WellsC ats never cease to amaze me. Of course some of the worst injuries Stephenson, a two year old who was Their ability to heal is incredible. we see are sustained on the roads. A brought to us as an emergency in July of They can have four to five lot of cats as they grow older seem to this year minus most of his right hind legteeth removed and be happily tucking develop a degree of road sense. I’m sure and all of his tail. No-one saw what hap-into their normal food the next day. I’ve seen my old 18 year old girl look pened but the most probable explanationWhereas us humans would be off work, left and right before crossing our road to is that he was hit by a car.wallowing on the sofa, drinking soup, greet me on my return from work. Shelapping ice-cream and feeling sorry for learnt early that cars are to be respected On first examination we had to give aourselves for at least a week. Even when and avoided. Sadly her brother didn’t live very guarded prognosis because it didn’tbattling serious injury a lot of cats cope long enough to learn this lesson and I seem possible that this little cat wouldunbelievably well, purring and limping lost him when he was just 17 months old. survive such horrendous injuries but hetheir way through what surely must be It is the risk we take when seduced into made it through the first 24 hours andexcruciating pain and discomfort. I guess cat ownership. then we started the long journey of surgi-they are not affected by the psychological Nice as Pye cal repair, dressings and laser therapy.baggage that hinders us, they just get onwith it. They know what hurts and what One little chap who is most cer- What was left of the tail stump healeddoesn’t and that’s all they need to know. tainly honing his survival skills is Pye very well but the wounds where his leg had been took a lot longer. Pye was with us for a couple of weeks so we could20 DECEMBER 2015 catworld.co.uk

monitor and treat the wounds on a daily and covered in ash and debris. An unat- (Continued from page 14)basis. By the time he went home he tended washing machine had been thewas well on the way to recovery and the culprit. Again we treated for shock, gave Born Free Jean Byrd Educationwounds had reduced in size and looked him intensive fluid and oxygen therapy and Rescue Centre, in thevery healthy. Thereafter we just saw him and kept everything crossed that he award-winning Shamwarievery few days until we signed him off at would make it through the night. Game Reserve, just outsidethe start of September. of Port Elizabeth. Shamwari He did. When we opened the cattery Group Head of Wildlife and Throughout this whole process it was door the next morning the whole room Veterinarian, Dr Johan Joubert,Pye’s personality which shone through. smelt of smoke. Currant was sitting on and Born Free’s Big CatHe is an amazing little cat and he let his blanket looking like a badly singed Specialist, Tony Wiles, haveus do whatever we needed to do. Every log just removed from a fire. But he gave travelled with Jora and Blackmorning he was standing at the front of us a little wheezy miaow and wobbled throughout their journey, mak-his cage impatiently awaiting his food, to his feet which was quite an achieve- ing regular health checks. Dradapting to his very much reduced hind ment considering how sore they must Joubert said: “I am delighted weend balance and stability very well. He have been. He’d even managed to use have been able to take these ani-never fell over and towards the end of his his litter tray. We hadn’t put litter in it as mals and offer them a permanenthospitalisation he was almost trying to that would have been far too uncomfort- home in the African Bush. It isjump up onto the food preparation area, able for him but he was still able to get a stark contrast from the truckssuch was his eagerness for food. around, albeit slowly and carefully. in which they were first found. These animals have travelled well During the post-operative period he Soon after opening the next morn- and show every sign of settling inonly needed the lightest of sedatives and ing, the reception door opened to reveal and re-establishing some of theirtowards the end of his treatment he didn’t five tired looking firemen. The heroes natural behavior.”even need this and he happily came in from the evening before were just finish-for laser therapy and saline flushes with- ing their shift and before going home Jora and Black’s new lives inout turning a whisker. The only thing wanted to check on little Currant. Our their spacious, safe and enrichinghe did object to was being put back into Receptionist was very flushed and excited accommodation will be a worldhis basket when it was time to go home. as she came down into the Prep Room away from the circumstances inYou would think he’d be desperate to get with the firemen in tow. They all trooped which they were rescued by Bornaway from us but he certainly didn’t seem down to the cattery and it was one of the Free and FOUR PAWS. Takento bear us any grudges. He lapped up most touching scenes I have witnessed at in as small cubs, the brothersall the attention and has become a firm work. Five burley firefighters all gather- were originally part of a circusfavourite. ing around this little cat, checking he had act touring Eastern Europe andFiremen to the rescue survived the night and very happy that Turkey. Following the Bulgarian their veterinary first aid efforts hadn’t government’s much welcomed Another very lucky little boy we been in vain. ban on the use of wild mam-treated this year was Currant Sanderson. mals in circuses, the lions hadDuring a busy evening surgery I These were just two of many cases of been left to languish in a stiflinganswered the phone to Malvern’s Fire cats that have battled through despite beast wagon since the summerBrigade. They were attending a house the odds. By rights they shouldn’t have of 2014 until the owners agreedfire and had found a cat trapped in the survived - but they did. It was almost as to re-home them with Born Freehouse unable to get out. They were giv- though they put their pain and discom- earlier this year.ing it oxygen therapy and asked if they fort in one part of the brain and refusedcould bring him to us. to let it interfere with the day to day busi- They will remain at Shamwari ness of eating, sleeping and being spoilt for the rest of their lives, sur- Minutes later the engine drew up with and fussed by humans. It’s now business rounded by the sights and soundsfive firemen and one very small, almost as usual for them both, none the worse of Africa. You can make dona-unconscious cat. He was in a very sad for wear for their near death experiences tions to help care for Jora andstate. Badly burnt pads, all his whiskers and hopefully they’ll stay out of trouble Black from as little as £3 by tex-singed away and an ulcerated mouth and and we shan’t have cause to see them ting LIONS to 70007 (one day’stongue. He was struggling to breathe before their annual boosters! good food provision for both lions costs around £20). • Visit www.bornfree.org.uk for more information. catworld.co.uk DECEMBER 2015 21

OSENVSEERSTWIMOREKINGBy sensing and understanding the feline senses, ated in the inner corner of each eye andyou will have a better idea of how your cat normally tucked away out of sight. Itcan be a pet by day, killing machine by night moves sideways across the eyes to protect them or to lubricate the corneal surface By Yolanda Wessels with tears. The haw is not normally vis- ible, unless the cat is in poor health orI n the first of a two part series, we Sight undernourished. The appearance of the find out how our cats see, hear, smell, Cats have a variety of eye colours but haw is often taken to be an early warning touch and taste and what is special of disease in the cat.about those areas of their body that allow the most common colours are gold, greenthem to do this so efficiently. and orange. Blue eyes are normally asso- Cats have excellent night vision due ciated with Siamese cats, white cats and to the ability of the pupils to expand and Cats can hear sounds that we cannot kittens. White cats with blue eyes have a contract, therefore controlling the amounthear, see things that we cannot see and higher incidence to genetic deafness. of light available. They can see muchsmell and feel the world around us in better than us, even in a badly lit envi-ways that we can never grasp. We know Cats do not need to blink to keep their ronment, though they cannot see in totalthat their remarkable abilities are part of eyes moist. The eyes face forward, caus- darkness. In dim light conditions the iristhe evolutionary adaptation to the role ing the fields of vision to overlap. This becomes relaxed and the pupil dilates.of a solitary nocturnal hunter. Learning makes the cat extremely accurate in judg- The light passes through the transpar-about cats’ senses can help us see the ing distances for jumping and pouncing ent, curved cornea and lens to the retinaworld the way they do and so understand while hunting. The cat has a third eyelid, at the back of the eye, to be reflected bytheir behaviour better. known as the nictitating membrane or a special layer of iridescent cells called haw. This is a sheet of pale tissue situ- the tapetum lucidum (meaning bright carpet). This causes the familiar effect of22 DECEMBER 2015 catworld.co.uk

Learning about cats’ senses can help us see the world the Cleaner teethway they do and so understand their behaviour better. with Johnson’s Veterinary Productsthe cat’s eyes shining yellow, green or red ear and use twelve or more muscles toat night. control their ear movement. Cats use this J ohnson’s ability to locate the source of the sound. announce the The delicate mechanisms in the back introduction ofof the eye are shielded from strong light The ear of the cat consists of three a specially designedduring the day-time by the contraction of sections. Outside, the pinna, or ear-flap, toothbrush to add tothe iris. is naturally erect and forward-pointing. their dental range. It is flexible enough to move forwards, This special ability, so useful for the sideways or back, in order to catch the The new style Freshnocturnal predator, comes at the expense slightest sound and to pinpoint the Breath Toothbrush hasof daytime vision. In fact, cats are rela- direction of its source. The sound waves a special easy to usetively shortsighted and during daytime are collected by the pinna, which acts design which fits com-tend to rely more than us on their senses as a funnel leading down to the ear- fortably on a finger and, due to itsof smell and sound – which they can drum, which is tautly stretched across special shape, is easy to use aroundpick up on just 40 metres away! Cats the ear-canal. In the middle ear, three a pet’s mouth to help make regularare not colour blind as first thought in small bones transmit the sound waves to cleaning of the teeth much easierthe first half of the 20th century. With the cochlea of the inner ear. Here they than with a conventional shape ofmore sophisticated equipment it has been are analysed and converted into nerve brush.proven that cats can distinguish between impulses which are passed along thedifferent colours but not to the degree acoustic nerve to the auditory cortex of Regular brushing of pet’s teeththat we do. Scientific tests indicate that the brain. The signals are decoded and to remove plaque and tartar iscats can recognise at least some of the recognised by comparison with stored an essential part of good oralcolours that we do. sounds in the memory bank. Acuity of care and helps to prevent seriousSound hearing may diminish with age. dental problems in the future. Regular use with Johnson’s Triple The hearing of the cat is exceptionally So know we know all about sight and Action Toothpaste and Johnson’swell developed and the cat can pick up sound through the eyes and ears of a Anti-Plaque Dental Rinse in pet’sthe high pitched sounds of its prey, as cat. Next time we will examine the drinking water is recommended forwell as many other noises quite inaudible remaining three senses of touch, taste maxium benefit. This will help toto the human ear. The cat’s ear is capable and smell. promote fresh breath and preventof registering frequencies 1.6 octaves the build up of plaque and tartarhigher than can be managed by the which can cause unpleasant breathhuman ear but it is less sensitive to the and gum disease, leading to painfullower frequencies. loss of teeth. The ears are fairly large, relatively A veterinary surgeon should beto the cat’s head, and have the ability consulted periodically for a dentalto pivot at 180 degrees so that sound check but regular dental care atcan be captured more accurately. home is helpful to prevent dentalThey have 30 muscles in each disease. A pet’s diet should also include roughage and crunchy material to help keep teeth and gums clean and healthy. • Johnson’s Fresh Breath Toothbrush. Code A064 - RRP £2.99 Johnson’s Veterinary Products Ltd., Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands. B75 7DF Telephone: 0121 378 1684 Fax: 0121 311 1758 Email: [email protected] Website: www.johnsons-vet.com catworld.co.uk DECEMBER 2015 23

The Wren Infra Red Heat Lamp Exclusive to www.diamondedgeltd.com ROBERT FOX LBPPA Standard Unit, SPECIALIST PHOTOGRAPHER as illustrated £54.00 Experienced with pets and people portraits, incl. VAT show events and weddings. + £3.30 postage. I come to you and no distance is too far. Special price to Cat World readers - Home Visits at Quantity discounts available. £115.00 plus mileage, for a limited period only. Telephone: 01323 484282 or 07885 630654We also offer an extensive range of control options; www.photopaws.co.uk thermostats, time switches, etc. Please visit our website for full details and prices. DIAMOND EDGE LIMITED 126 Gloucester Road, BRIGHTON, BN1 4BU Tel: 01273 605922 and 683988 Fax: 01273 625074 Email: [email protected] C6 KITI-KIT CAT RUN 2820mm (9’3”) long x 1830mm (6’0”) wide x 1868mm (6’1½”) Constructed of 38mm x 38mm planed timber covered with 13mm x 25mm Hillier Garden Centre, Dept. CW012, Woodhouse Lane, Botley x 19g galvanised wire. Nr. Southampton SO30 2EZ. Tel: Botley (01489) 781260/781811 email: [email protected] web: www.grangepetcentre.co.uk Other gauges and size of mesh can be quotedMANUFACTURERS OF CAT DWELLINGS AND ACCESSORIES. for. We are always pleased to quote for any DELIVERIES THROUGHOUT U.K. MAINLAND extensions or alterations you may wish to make. Only £246.00 Carriage £45.00 The above has been treated with red cedar wood preservative - this is an additional cost.CHALLONER PET COMFORTERS CAT MATE MICROCHIP CAT FLAP SLIMLINE ECOHEATERS‘Pet Comforters’ are supplied with chew resistant cable Compatible with 9, 10 & 15 digit microchips. Requires 4 x A major innovation in low-cost, energy efficientcovering. To be used aluminium side up and covered AA batteries (not included) which will give approximately heating, the slimline ecoheater has a patented builtwith a single thickness of blanket or similar. It may 12 months operation. 3 year guarantee in thermostat that keeps energy usage to a minimum.be left on day and night, economical to run. Singly Product dimensions: 197mm (7.75”) W x Comes with a 1.5m push fit power cable with plug.wrapped with instructions. 246mm (9.5625”) H x 110mm (4.75”) D. Available in 3 sizes, 500mm (55w), 1000mm (120w) & Cut out width: 173mm (6.875”) 1500mm (190w). For wall or floor mounting complete13¼” x 8” Small comforter £34.99 Cut out height: 198mm (7.75”) with fixing brackets.15” x 10” Medium comforter £42.99 Heater guards are available, please see our website or15” x 20” Large comforter £50.99 Only £59.99 phone for further information. Visit us online at www.grangepetcentre.co.uk HAMWICK HIDEAWAY C60 500mm Ecoheater £29.99 1000mm Ecoheater £34.99 SNUGGLESAFE £221.00 Carriage £55.00 1500mm Ecoheater £42.99 Snugglesafe™ (a 210mm round disc) is a microwave Overall Size: 7’6” long x 3’0” wide x 5’1½” high BUILD YOUR OWN CAT HOME OR RUN heatpad for your pet’s bed. Simply heat Snuggle House Size: 3’0” wide x 1’3” high x Safe™ in your microwave, then slip it under 1’3” deep raised 1’0” with legs We have an enviable selection of panels that are all your pet’s bedding for all night warmth. manufactured in our own factory. The benefit of these Contains non-toxic, environmentally friendly, THE HAMWICK IS AN INEXPENSIVE RUN AND panels is that it is possible to design your own cattery, Thermapol™. New advanced technology, SHELTER PROVIDING A SECURE AREA run, pen etc. If the panel you require is not shown please designed for microwave use. No dangerous contact us, as the diverse number of panels we produce electric wires. Use Snuggle Safe™ anywhere The above has been treated with red cedar wood preservative - this is an additional cost. run into hundreds. indoors or out, even in the car. C39 ARUN CHALET Normally £22.99 Superb value at only All planed timber Special Offer Only £17.99 £401.00 Carriage £55.00 Panel 6’ x 3’ - ½” x 1” 19G galvanised wire £18.45 each YOU WILL BE AMAZED AT THE CAT HOMES, RUNS, PENS, Overall size: 9’0” long x 4’9” wide x 6’0” high BOOKS AND ACCESSORIES AVAILABLE AT VERY MODERATE House size: 4’9” wide x 3’0” deep x 6’0” high Door Panel 6’ x 3’ - ½” x 1” 19G galvanised wire £32.85 each PRICES IN OUR FREE ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE. The above has been treated with red cedar wood PLEASE SEND £1 STAMP FOR YOUR COPY preservative - this is an additional cost. Carriage £45.00 on any quantity Carriage terms on accessories - orders over £75.00 free delivery. Orders under £75.00 add £5.50 Excludes Scottish Highlands & Lowlands & Offshore Islands, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Isles of Scilly & Isle of Man MASTER CARD AND VISA WELCOME. ALL CARD HOLDERS CAN PURCHASEBY MAIL OR TELEPHONE BY QUOTING CARD NUMBER - OPEN 9.00am - 5.00pm DAILY24 DECEMBER 2015 catworld.co.uk

Healthy teeth Advertorialmake happy cats Advice from the expertsJust like humans, cats need to have regular oral examinations to checkfor plaque build-up and gum disease. By keeping an eye on things, you A guide to feline dentalcan keep your cat’s teeth in tip-top condition. care from Whiskas®Checking your cat’s teeth and gums will cover the cost of any work that is Good oral health starts with goodweekly is the best way to prevent required as a result of the check-up. nutrition. It’s vital to feed your catproblems. If you notice any signs of The new Premier cover is designed to the correct diet for their life-stagebleeding or inflamed gums, it might offer long-term peace of mind with the to ensure they get the best nutritionbe time to make an appointment for a highest level of vet fee cover available for the healthy development anddental check-up. Any nasty ‘bad breath’ from Tesco Bank Pet Insurance, with an maintenance of bones, teeth andsmells may also be a sign of underlying annually re-instated vet fee limit of up gums. Just like human teeth, yourgum disease. to £10,000 when you renew your policy cat’s teeth need daily home dental each year. It’s Defaqto 5 Star rated, too. care and regular professionalThe good news is, there are some simple Monetary limits, excesses and exclusions cleaning to prevent serious oralsteps you can take to improve your cat’s apply – for full details please refer to the disease. The best way to care fororal hygiene. There are several brands of policy documents online. To find out your cat’s teeth is to brush themtreats on the market that are designed more, visit tescobank.com/pet daily, but we all know this can beto reduce plaque. And, if your cat will not difficult! The texture of some feedstolerate tooth-brushing, there are oral can actually have a ‘brushing’ effect,hygiene gels, dental treats, and dry food which could be helpful if your catdiets that can help. refuses to have her teeth brushed.Tesco Bank Pet Insurance Premier cover For more information about caringincludes dental cover as standard. As for your pet, please consult yourlong as your pet has an annual dental veterinary surgeon.examination, and any treatment requiredin that check-up is carried out, your policyPet Insurance tescobank.com/pet 0345 246 3824 First dial 18001 Lines are open Mon-Fri 8am-9pm, Sat 9am-5pm and Sun 10am-5pmTesco Bank Pet Insurance is arranged, administered and underwritten by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance plc.Defaqto is an independent researcher of financial products.Terms and conditions: Pets must be at least eight weeks old when cover starts. Pre-existing medical conditions are not coveredand certain breeds of cats and dogs are also not covered. Full policy details are online at tescobank.com.

BUSINESS PROFILEBengals andbutterfliesButterfly Cat Jackets all startedwith the arrival of a Seal LynxBengal cat called Jimmy By Clare BreretonW e’ve always had a cat...or Jimmy is a bit of an Houdini and for that they can enjoy happy house cat three, but had also been one reason or another, these also weren’t adornment and the great outdoors, safely. researching the Bengal Breed right for him. That’s not to say that theyfor quite a few years. We learnt that they aren’t very good harnesses of course, they I donate regularly to UK shelters too.are quite unlike any other cat we’d ever were just not right for Jimmy. After a while I realised that I was sewingbeen owned by before; more dog-like to more and more on a daily basis, far morea certain degree, full of energy, highly Based on that, I took all the good often than I was doing the housework!inquisitive and very clever, whilst lacking points from various harnesses andin common sense. Due to this, it’s best devised a pattern especially for him. In 2013 I decided to turn my hobbythat they are predominantly house cats. into a business and Butterfly Cat Jackets Being completely in love with him, I was born. Butterfly symbolising ‘New As soon as Jimmy arrived he settled created a Facebook page to show him off Life’ and ‘New Beginnings’, not just onstraight in. in his ever-growing collection of jackets. a personal level, but also because so many We’d record video footage of him in the people and cats I’d helped said they We had a harness ready and waiting woods, climbing trees and playing in felt like I’d changed their lives. Havingfor him to enable us to leash train him. streams. The page began to gain follow- helped give them the freedom to openHarness training not only keeps them ers at speed, with questions of “Where doors and windows during the warmfit and healthy, which of course is a very can I get a jacket?” from time to time. I summer months, their cats can now sit onimportant aspect to consider with any would explain that I made them myself the veranda with them and enjoy the sundomestic feline, but it also eliminates and if anyone wanted one, to just mes- puddles.boredom when perfected, whilst stimu- sage me. I gave quite a lot away in thelating their natural senses. The added beginning...and still do! Some people were happy becausebonus is that after a nice long walk and they’d received a jacket for an overweighta spot of tree climbing, they sleep for Via the Facebook page, I’d been cat and, as well as helping the cat, it hadhours. paying attention to the vast amount of also helped them with their own fitness shelters there are in the US. I began con- and wellbeing - let’s not forget, all cats As Jimmy continued to grow and gain tacting these on a regular basis to make like to chase a butterfly in all it’s splen-muscle weight it became apparent that a donations of jackets for raffle prizes etc. dour.regular strap type harness wasn’t strong They were greatly accepted, a nice feelingenough to contain him and keep him in itself to be able to help those in need. I set up an Ecwid Facebook to beginsafe. Quite a few centres have also had jackets with, followed by a shop on Etsy and a before re-homing socialised feral kittens, shop on Ebay, all the while maintaining We looked, and bought, other fuller born in their care. This ultimately means my own website www.butterflycatjackets.harnesses and also jacket type ones too. com with my contact information, for the special ‘custom’ jackets that people request. From Greek Togas to Battlestar Galactica and football shirts, I’ve made all sorts of funky jackets, which is great fun. I ship worldwide and currently stock over 70 different patterned fabric designs, and also plain colours. There really is something for everyone! Within the listing are the size guides for both sizes of jacket; although both sizes are fully adjustable, it’s always best to measure your cat to ensure you’re selecting the correct size, for safety rea- sons. If you’re still unsure, you can email me at [email protected] DECEMBER 2015 catworld.co.uk

All the jackets are made by hand, by Dorwest launch rebrand andmyself, so a typical day involves me wak- reveal their fresh new looking around 6am and feeding the nowfour Bengals. I then get my husband D orset based company Dorwest Herbs has now revealed the company’sand two teenage boys out of the door for new logo, branding and visual identity which follows on from anschool and work, after which, I enjoy that extensive brand review.first coffee and catch-up on the Facebook Dorwest is recognised as the leading provider in herbal pet care, for almostpage, answer questions and respond to 70 years they have been applying their knowledge of herbal medicines to ‘dogs’emails. By 9am my phone and PC are off and ‘cats’ health and nutritional needs.and I’m sewing away. I have to do thisbecause during the summer months it The new logo reflects Dorwest’s strong heritage and evolution over thegets really busy. decades yet also looks to a bright future. The new colour palette is fresh, clean and vibrant, much like their dedicated team that work tirelessly every step of I try my best to tend to my family, the way to ensure customers and more importantly their pets, receive onlyespecially the boys when they get home the very best care. This value runs through Dorwest, from the selection of thefrom school. More often than not, my herbs that must meet their own stringent quality standards, to their team ofevenings are spent in my dining room expert advisors. Their new tagline ‘Experts in herbal pet care’ stems directlysewing, book keeping and responding to from their loyal customers’ description of the company.questions. Dorwest is the UK’s only manufacturer of herbal medicines authorised by I can honestly say, I’ve never worked the VMD. Their medicines and supplements can be found in independent UKso hard over so many hours yet been so pet shops and veterinary practices and in over 20 countries worldwide. Alsohappy doing so. I really do, whole heart- available from their trade stand, mail-order advice line and newly designededly, do what I love and love what I do! website.The added feel good bonus of helpingothers and changing the lives of so many Whilst the new logo, eye-catching packaging and tagline have evolved tocats and people alike is an amazing feel- better represent the company, Dorwest values are exactly the same; productsing too. One thing I am certain of, is that customers can really trust, stringent pharmaceutical standards, trained advi-that even before Butterfly Cat Jackets sors who love dogs and cats as much as their customers do, and the same fam-was born, with the love of cats, I’ve made ily business now in its third generation.some amazing, life-long friends all overthe world. This in itself is worth more to Managing Director Jo Boughton-White said: “This has been such an excitingme than anything. time for Dorwest, our new branding and logo really reflect the whole Dorwest team’s enthusiasm and professionalism in ensuring we bring only the very best• Butterfly Cat Jackets products and service to our customers.”www.butterflycatjackets.com Bella visits gnomes’ home Bella has ben very busy meeting more than 1,000 colourful little people in North Devon. She’s been to a Gnome Reserve where she was fascinated by their strange little hats. There are a few pixies too…and Bella enjoyed spending time with them all. We’re just about to eat”, said a friendly gnome. “Won’t you join us outside for some some cake and jelly”. Hmmm, thought Bella, why not. “I don’t think I’ve tried jelly before. So I sat at the table with my new friends to enjoy a lovely sweet picnic.” Whatever next Bella…we can’t wait to find out. catworld.co.uk DECEMBER 2015 27

Joshy, thefundraising catRaising funds for charity and winning awards and he even has a fan group page onat cat shows - now that sounds like a true Facebook (The Bathmat Teddy Bearcelebrity superstar Cuddlesome Curly Cat Fanpage – named after several of the affectionate nicknames By Carole Kemp given him by his fans and general pub- lic), with fans from literally all over theF or most people showing a cat is fun up a large following of fans who come to world – Australia, America, Spain etc, and a great day out but for a certain see him at the shows for ‘Joshy cuddles’. and, of course, the UK. This is where the cat, there is more to it than that. fundraising comes in.Not only does he do very well at shows Despite having a generally miserable/but he also raises money for a charity that frowning expression, Joshy is actually When South Ribble Pet Cat Clubis very close to his owners’ hearts. Read the most loving, happy, laid back cat – was operational it used to put together aon about the lovely curly cat called Joshy in fact, Joshy is Britain’s answer to the club calendar that members could buyto his family, friends and fans! famous ‘Grumpy Cat’ as, like Grumpy to raise funds for its associated charity, Cat, his gentle and loving, happy and The SRPCC Cat Welfare Trust (Reg Ch Joshy (pedigree name Crinkles Reed) purring nature belies his outward appear- 1049984). The charity funds emergencyis a familiar face at many North and ance. There is nothing he loves more treatment for strays, such as from RTAs,Midlands GCCF cat shows, where he than lying on his back in people’s arms, at several local vets and also offers finan-competes in the pet section due to a fault having a cuddle, and at shows his expres- cial assistance through one local vet forwith his bite that, whilst not of any detri- sion brings a smile to so many faces that pensioners struggling to pay their bills.ment to his health and well-being, none- he is an absolute joy to show, regardlesstheless precludes him from competing as of whether he does well or not. Upon the club’s demise it was thoughta pedigree. Over the years he has built that perhaps a calendar of Joshy images His popularity extends to social media might go down well with his fans. The response was amazing and the 2013 calendar was an instant success. The 4th28 DECEMBER 2015 catworld.co.uk

‘Cuddlesome Curly Cat Calendar’ for arrived home as a small kitten, that he People’s Postcode Lottery2016 went on sale in September 2015 would end up being such a star! helps rehome cats and dogsand within minutes of announcing that itwould be available, orders started com- • Joshy is an eight year old longhaired Battersea Dogs & Cats Homeing in. Each calendar features a Joshy has been awarded £25,000 byphotograph and ‘Joshy says...’ quote per Selkirk Rex cat, bred by Kelly Dove of the generous players of People’smonth plus, and as a special treat, each the ‘Crinkles’ prefix (sadly no longer Postcode Lottery. The amountone is ‘purrsonally pawtographed’ and breeding) and is owned and adored is a small part of the totaldedicated to the recipient – yes, he actu- by Pat Creaton and Carol Walker. He £1.575million awarded by theally DOES ‘sign’ each one with a muddy also has his own website at www. organisation to long-term sup-pawprint preserved with clear tape after- cuddlesomecurlycat.co.uk and his ported charities.wards. own email address (cuddlesomecurly- [email protected])! He is a mem- Battersea know that this As well as the calendar, Christmas ber of the Selkirk Rex Cat Club (www. fantastic sum will allow them tocards in two designs were added in 2014 selkirkrexcatclub.co.uk) and competes continue to care for dogs andand they also sold like hot cakes. Due to at shows run by the GCCF (www. cats, like Lolo, Simba and Kitty,popular demand other items such as key- gccfcats.org). all long-stays at the Home.rings, mugs, coasters, mousemats, fridgemagnets etc have now been added to the The charity can be found on Liz Tait, Battersea’s Director‘Joshy Purrchandise’ range. Facebook and at www.polarcat.co.uk/ of Funding, said: “This incredible club/page3.html funding will allow Battersea to Over the three years Joshy has been continue with its hard work andselling his purrchandise, dedication to improve the liveshe has raised at least £400 of society’s most vulnerable catsfor the charity and it is and dogs. We’re very gratefulhoped that he can contin- to players of People’s Postcodeue to add to this amazing Lottery for their generosity andamount in future years. for helping us make a real dif-At home, despite being ference.”a charity supurrstar andcat show icon, Joshy Clara Govier, Head ofis just the same as any Charities for People’s Postcodeother cat. He is loving Lottery added: “We are veryand affectionate, play- proud that our players can con-ful, naughty at times tinue to support the develop-and simply adorable. ment of these fantastic causes.”Who would ever haveguessed, when he first Since the first ever draw, 10 years ago, the People’s Postcode Lottery has provided vital fund- ing for numerous charities, including Battersea Dogs & Cats Home. If you think you can give any of these long term residents the loving home they deserve, please contact Battersea Dogs & Cats Home on 0843 509 4444 or visit battersea.org.uk Top: Simba Below left: Kitty Below right: Lolo catworld.co.uk DECEMBER 2015 29

Keep calm: stressful and anxious lives than ourselves.be more cat The term ‘ignorance is bliss’ certainly springs to mind.When it comes to relaxing and being stress- The right attitudefree, we could all learn a thing or two from ourunphased felines and just live in the moment Dr R L Leahy, a psychologist and the author of a book entitled ‘The Worry By Lorraine Schofield Cure’, highlighted in an article that I came across on the web (How to ThinkO ne of the traits that I most mind trading places with him, even if More like a cat and Overcome your admire in cats is their laid back was just for one day! Worries) that the cat has all the right attitude and the way that they attitudes to equip it for a stress-free life.live their lives absolutely in the present Therefore, although we humans are Thus, whereas people tend to worry andmoment. Indeed, with regard to my own obviously more intelligent than cats or, ruminate about situations, leading tocats, Tibbles, Toby and Mia, their day to at least, certainly use our brains much more worry, a cat in contrast does neitherday lives involve little anxiety, providing more productively, the price that of these and so in fact not only has thetheir immediate needs of food, comfort we pay for our greater brain power right attitude but also has in-built protec-and warmth are met. Thus, their daily is worry and anxiety, especially as tion from anxiety and stress.routine primarily consists of: breakfast, we are always looking ahead andnap, the odd stroll outside, another bite anticipating problems. This begs Therefore a cat thinks only about itsto eat and perhaps some play, followed by the question of whether we humans present situation and how it feels, nevermore napping. It really is a charmed life really have evolved to a point that focusing beyond this point, meaningthat they lead and I often long to trade suits our species, given that so many that anxiety and stress are not an integralplaces with them! In fact, as I leave the people suffer from stress and anxi-house to start work, I will frequently say, ety in the modern world. Perhapstongue in cheek, to Tibbles: “Don’t strain then it is our feline friends who haveyourself boy!”, giving him an affectionate evolved to the correct extent, becausepat in farewell while he enjoys his post- although they are certainly less intel-breakfast snooze. Certainly, I would not ligent than us, this nonetheless equips them to live simpler and therefore less30 DECEMBER 2015 catworld.co.uk

part of its normal day to day existence.Certainly if you think about all the thingsthat people worry about, such as money,relationships and what other people thinkabout them, it must be truly liberating tobe a contented cat who quite frankly doesnot give a damn!Simple pleasuresIn fact as I write, Tibbles is stretchedout in front of my roaring gas fire in astate of contented bliss and is certainlynot concerned that he is not only run-ning up my gas bill, nor that his comfortmeans wasting a precious resource!Instead, although it is hardly cold inmy lounge, I worry that Tibbles will beunhappy if I switch it off and also thatmy next gas bill will be huge. Conversely,Tibbles has the luxury of being worry-free, warm and comfortableas well as benefiting from Cats really are marvellous teachers while soaking up the rays for most of themy anxiety regarding his and have an inner wisdom and day. Yet who can really blame him? Hiswell being. For Tibbles, it logic is sound. Indeed, I have frequentlyreally is a win, win situa- stopped to admire him and to take intion all round! astuteness that belies their calm the tranquillity of the moment, rather However, rather than and relaxed approach to life. than rushing around as usual, becomingenvy our cats and their aware that I too should be more con-stress-free lives, perhaps sciously savouring the last of the goodwe should take note of weather before the chill of autumn andtheir day to day behaviours and take a put both the past and the future on hold. winter irrevocably sets in.leaf out of their book! Indeed, one of This is essentially what our cats do eachthe latest trends for helping with anxiety and every day so that if they are hungry, Therefore as cat owners, we really areand stress is the concept of mindfulness, they solve it with a meaningful meow so fortunate that we have, right under oura process by which we are told to focus that they get fed. Conversely, if they are very noses, a wonderful living exampleon the present moment in order to help uncomfortable or feel threatened, then of how to relax, let go and live in theconquer anxiety, whether about the past they will move to a more comfortable and moment, putting both the future and theor the future. Thus, by paying attention safer spot. past to one side. Cats really are marvel-to your surroundings and your present It really is that simple and by focus- lous teachers and have an inner wisdomfeelings, mindfulness teaches us how to ing on their immediate concerns they do and astuteness that belies their calm and not over-complicate situations as people relaxed approach to life. Indeed, as Dr are so prone to do. Thus, essentially Leahy also said, should even Buddha then, as Dr Leahy advocates, the cat is choose to evolve, then he might very well a perfect example of a hedonist in which come back as a cat. the pursuit of pleasure is the highest and foremost goal. Calm, contented and carefree, cats certainly have the perfect recipe and tem- perament for a happy, stress-free life. Perfect examples Certainly from observing my own cats I can see that in terms of relaxation and de-stressing they really do have the right attitude. I only have to watch any of them asleep to see how utterly relaxed they are, with their paws completely flopped and with no signs of tension apparent in their body language. Even Mia, who is more anxious than my other cats, relaxes completely when Tibbles and Toby are not around, as demonstrated by her very loud purr. Toby meanwhile, has been rev- elling in the warmth of the late summer sunshine, contentedly rolling on the path catworld.co.uk DECEMBER 2015 31

GIFT GUIDE GCHIFRTISTGMUASIDE Get your Christmas shopping all wrapped up with these cat-themed present ideas for humans and for your feline friendsI don’t know about you but I really enjoy picking out a gift for someone that I think they will love and really appreciate. It’s so frustrating when you can’t find the right gift or if bad weather prevents you getting to the shops. So to help you solve thatproblem this Christmas, here are a few present suggestions for the people who meanthe most to you. And when you’ve purchased them all, choose cards and gift wrapfrom the great ranges available from some of the animal charities this year. You’ll behelping to increase their funds too, enabling them to continue the great work they doall year round.For original, unique gifts,try TattypussTattypuss is an independent family business thatis just that little bit different. Their aim is to seekout the original, the unusual and the beautiful,with one additional requirement - FELINICITY. It’snot a word - but it should be! Working closely with local artists and smallbusinesses, Tattypuss are able to offer a uniquerange of cat-themed gifts, jewellery, scarves, artand much more. Here are some of our favourites. Tiny flowers are cultivated, hand-picked and set in resin; then encased in beauti-ful 925 silver to make these fabulous pendants. The silver chain is adjustable andadorned with a tiny heart. Each pendant comes in a cute jewellery box. Awesome. Don’t let the cat out of the bag! This gorgeous satchel with a peek-a-boo blackcat will get all your friends talking. Made by Disaster Designs, it oozes quality but itis one of those accessories that just works - the straps, pockets and all the bits andbobs are properly thought-out. And who could resist these gorgeously soft and stylish winter warmers? You’llfind scarves and hats in the same cosy lambswool mix.• Definition: FELINICITY - relating to cats - www.tattypuss.co.uk • Find a great selection of greetings cards and wrapping paper in the Cats Protection online shop www.cpchristmasshop.co.uk32 DECEMBER 2015 catworld.co.uk

Gifts and cat toys from GIFT GUIDEMad About Cats Stunning choice from Erin HouseMany cat toys are now designednot only to entertain your cats but Erin House, a family business established 17 years ago,to keep them healthy by providing offers a stunning and varied range of cat related giftboth exercise and stimulation. ideas this Christmas. The Cats Garden Box Activity From limited edition cat pictures to feline figurines,Game priced at £24.99 has five from cat mugs to cat books, there is something for eve-different modules. Just put some ryone, whatever their choice and budget.treats into the different areas andyour cats will soon learn how to Erin House specialise in the cat pictures of Linda Janeretrieve them. A booklet is provided Smith, with a large range of pictures for you to choosewith the game suggesting tips and from and prices ranging from £5.99.tricks for designing optimal training.This is just one of a range of activity On their website you will find other great cat artists, allgames now available. with their own unique style for you to consider. The Magnificent Moggies Cat Their feline figurine range includes Comic and Curious Cats,Cushion is a linen mix cushion 4D Art Contemporary Cats, Kitten Tales, Frith Sculptures, Mypriced at £16.99 and comes com- Pedigree Pals and Govinder Cats.plete with inner pad. The remov-able cover has a zip on the bottom Each category on the Erin House website, whether Pictures,edge. It features three cats on the Figures or Gift Ideas, has a Special Offer section for those spe-front and a small mouse on theback of the cushion. cial bargains. As a reader of Cat World, Erin• These gifts, together with a large House offer you a 10% dis- count on any purchase yourange of many other gifts for cat make (excluding carriagelovers and their cats, can be found charges.)at www.madaboutcats.com or Please quote PromotionalTel: 01942 717667. Code: CATW88 on the check-out page online or mention it when ordering by phone. • Visit www.eh-p.com today or call 01757 270484 • See more at www.bluecross-shop.co.uk • Battersea Dogs & Cats Home also has a great selection of cards and gifts. catworld.co.uk DECEMBER 2015 33

GIFT GUIDESTITCCATHSEINS speaks for itself. The little girl and her cat are happy in each other’s company,Whether for yourself or a gift for a loved one, something that most ‘cat people’ cana fabulous feline design or kit from Heritage relate to.Crafts will provide some relaxing stitching Christmas has been the inspirationR elaxing, rewarding, therapeutic paying a lot of attention to detail and for several of Peter’s designs and this - that’s counted cross stitch, and colour. Our designs are absorbing to year is no exception. The ginger cat in Heritage Crafts has something stitch - it is sometimes very difficult to ‘I Love Xmas’ is really in the mood forfor everyone. Whether you are an stop stitching! Christmas, with his reindeer antlers andexperienced stitcher or a beginner, male, the snowflake on his collar.female, young or not so young, we have We have lots of designs of catslots of wonderful designs which will because our artists and most of our staff ‘Sleigh Belle’ shows a very happy catkeep you happy - and we bring out new here love cats and have cats of their wearing a collar adorned with bells andones all the time! own. Peter Underhill is our ‘Cat Man’! wherever she goes, the sound of sleigh A wonderfully talented artist, Peter is a bells will be heard. We have been producing cross stitch joy to work with. Ideas for his designsdesigns since 1987 when managing come from both Peter and Susan. Susan We just couldn’t resist ‘I Hatedirector, Susan Ryder, gave up her job can be checking emails and find a pencil Christmas’ when we saw Peter’s sketch.as a primary school teacher to turn her sketch from Peter, usually with a very The expression on this cat’s face is per-hobby of counted cross stitch into a clever title and accompanied by a very fect, and we can see that he will be gladbusiness. funny email. when Christmas is over. We love producing designs and kits We have loads of ideas too, and All of us know that if we put a boxand our enthusiasm and care are very Peter and Susan have very enthusiastic on the floor, the cat is in it straight away,obvious in everything we do. We work and hilarious telephone conversations even if it was asleep in another room awith several wonderfully talented artists discussing them. We get back pencil few seconds earlier! The kitten in ‘Catwhose work we convert to cross stitch, sketches, often within minutes, and after in Box’ fits perfectly in its box and looks more discussion we get an email of a very endearing peeping out. painting. Peter also comes up with titles. He is brilliant at putting words together. Susan’s designs ‘Black and White Kitten’ and ‘Tabby Kitten’ are now avail- ‘Home is Where the Cat is’ is one of able as coaster kits, as well as basic kits. our favourite designs and is so interest- These are quick to do and make perfect ing and rewarding to stitch. Just looking gifts. at this picture gives a lovely feeling of peace and relaxation. All three cats are • For more information and the full asleep and you can hear them breathing and perhaps snoring if your try! range of designs and kits, visit www.hcrafts.com Tel: 01889 575256 ‘All You Need is Love…..and a Cat’34 DECEMBER 2015 catworld.co.uk

MAD ABOUT CATS Dog is a cat, except he doesn’t act like one. He yaps like a puppy when he’s HfoigrhCQHatuiaLgloithvyeCrQsaatunTadheltihmteyeirdCCGaaifttsts excited and wags his tail when he is happy. Something must be done!! www.mTfoharedCmaabetodLuotGcviaefttrsss.com A Cat called Dog is a great fun book suitable for children and cat lovers ofwww.madaboutcats.comHoEmCxYceaeewto1nlTwla0eiper0wne’lttsws:osyo•0eTsfro1Jvq•yei9cuswT4eaaeilc2ianltlkyendl7erdpymr1rsf•oau7&dscC6•••tuhTo6cdelmtle7aesloHJBsc.iverteeeaaorsr.wbgyml.esesel&lweraAyrCceIcDHseREGsAIGSsRSIoTFEMrFTAiOeTAsRS all ages. The perfect Christmas gift! Cat Toys and Accessories. ‘A lovely, sweet, heartwarming book.’ (The Bookbag) • Catnip Toys ‘By far one of the best animal books written to date. • Teasers & Ticklers Pure genius’ (Pixxirpenguin.co.uk blog) • Cat Beds ‘I enjoyed it right to the end’ (David Bellamy) • Grooming Products ‘Huge fun’ (Jilly Cooper) www.madcats.co.uk Available from Amazon £6.99. ISBN: 9781784559595100’s of Quality Products. www.austinmacauley.comAlways Something New!Secure Online Ordering.Erin HEoxucseellent Service & Fast Delivery.Gifts forTCealt :Lo0v1e9rs42 717667Tel 01757 270484 www.eh-p.com catworld.co.uk DECEMBER 2015 35

GIFT GUIDEThe Old, The Mad and The Wobblyby Heather CookAnother wonderful book - true stories based on real catsH eather has spent over 30 years as the homing officer for ness of an elderly gentleman who, finding the Woking branch of Cats himself having to go into a group home, loved his cat enough to part with him soProtection and this has afforded her a he could be safe in a new home.unique experience of cats. We meet cats that have been unwant-This book is about very real, special ed and suffered severe neglect. This sec-cats that can be described as old, mad, tion is the hardest and our hearts must gowobbly, and sometimes all three, who out to the RSPCA officers that deal withhave taken up residence at Tresta Towers these situations on a daily basis. Purring Angels - ‘the book forwith Heather, over the years. The stories We also hear of Stumpy Malone cat-lovers’are all true and feature many again, who many of you will By Marguerite Vlielanderamusing incidents that recognise from Heather’s Cats are wonderful. We can learn sohave happened along the previous book, Purrs for much from themway. Thought. He is four years I n the first part of ‘Purring Angels’ you will read all aboutHeather has a lovely old now and as naughty as Marguerite’s seven kitties: Daimke and Catje, who have hadwriting style, which ever. He still doesn’t appre- such a difficult start in their lives; Chummy, her golden eyed Britishenables you to feel the ciate that he has a disabil- gentleman; Puddie, the eldest, who writes beautiful letters with muchmyriad of emotions that ity and still behaves like a wisdom to his pen friends; Donsje, the sweetest cat on earth, whoher stories bring. kitten. He is an inspiration becomes a real film star; Mickje who was thrown over the gate, thin andWe meet cats that have and an endless source of injured, who learned how it is to be loved; Tommeke, her ‘wild’ Belgianhad to be re-homed due joy, which is actually a per- Forest Cat who joins Marguerite later and loves her with all his heartto their elderly owners fect way to describe this and Luckje, who stayed only for a year.being no longer in a posi- •book.tion to look after them. Available from Amazon Marguerite tells us about stray cats and the good work the peopleYou identify with the sad- or wwww.troubador.co.uk who take care of them do. Just read what happened to Ophelia. ThereA Cat Called Dog are also wonderful poems and sto- ries throughout the book - the onesBy Jem Vanston about the Rainbow Bridge give so much comfort.This is a fun book, suitable forchildren and cat lovers of all ages In the second part of the book, Marguerite talks about her own bat-D og is a cat. The only problem is, he doesn’t behave like one. Instead he tle with anorexia and how her ani- wags his tail when happy, sticks out his tongue when confused and yaps mals saved her by urging her to fight just like a puppy whenever he gets excited. and eat. The next chapters deal with Dog’s adventures begin when he meets an old ginger tom called George. the upbringing of cats and include George decides to take on the task of teaching the kitten how to behave like aproper cat. After all, the pride of the species is at stake. •many interesting facts about them. Order directly from Trafford: With the help of cheeky stray Eric, the mysterious François and the beautiful http://trafford.com/07-0604Miss Fifi, George gives Dog lessons in cat manners and life-long friendships areformed. Dog’s character and antics are very like a child’s and the story deals withissues of loyalty, betrayal, trust and friendship. Various illustrations appear throughout the book and add to •this really enjoyable read. Priced at £6.99, the book is avail- able from Amazon and most UK bookshops. ISBN: 9 781784559595. ‘Huge fun’ (Jilly Cooper) ‘Some very funny jokes...Brilliant’ (David Nobbs) ‘I enjoyed it right to the end’ (David Bellamy)36 DECEMBER 2015 catworld.co.uk

Purring Angels: The book for cat-lovers! Read the lovely, For details on the promotional often hilarious stories about seven cats and a dog. opportunities available through Including other cat stories, poems, info, cats and religion and so much more! Two books in one! Catworld Part of the proceeds will go to cats in distress. please contact Maria Fitzgerald Order directly from Trafford: on 01903 884988 or email: http://books.trafford.com/07-0604 [email protected] Site: www.rietkat.be Donsje wants to tell you something.. Prrrr http://www.youtube.com/user/rietkat are best known for whimsical catnip toys but also The Old, the Madhandmade beautiful safety cat collars, felt ball cat toys and the Wobblyand luxurious pet blankets. There is something to suit every stylish pet - why not treat yours this Christmas! By Heather Cook Some cats are born wobbly, some achieve wobbliness and some have wobbliness thrust upon them, by illness or accident. All of the cats featured in this book are very real and could variously be described as ‘past their sell-by date’, ‘off-the-wall’ or ‘damaged’. All cats, regardless of their problems, are humorous and there are many amusing incidents to enjoy in this book of true stories. Price £7.99 ISBN: 978-1-78462-490-3 Available from Amazon or www.troubador.co.uk Also by Heather CookVisit www.naturalpet-toy.co.uk or call 01275 370 935 catworld.co.uk DECEMBER 2015 37

CA HSTRRIESSTS-MFREAESFollow these seven steps to stress reductionand make Christmas a happy time for all thefamily, including the feline membersBy Kim Houston BSc (Hons), Dip (AS) CABC, CCAB P H O T O G R A P H S B Y M A T T H O S K I N S F R O M F U R L I N E D ( A N D H I S C A T ,L O K I )C hristmas will soon be upon us and indoor urine marking and over-grooming • Disruptions to regular feeding times during the weeks leading up to can become more prevalent during times the festivities it will be a time for of stress. - During the hectic days ahead, yourshopping, decorating the house, parties Seasonal Pressures: feline’s usual feeding times may becomeand all of the fun associated with the very disordered.festive season. But let’s not forget that There’s a wealth of challenges andChristmas can be stressful, not only for changes your cat will face leading up to • Seasonal décor - A branch-climbing catus but also for our furry feline friends. Christmas and during the festive period:From a cat’s perspective, it is a chaotic will think their dreams have come truetime of noise and disrupted routines, with • Increased noise - Christmas is a time of the moment you erect that Christmasoften no place to escape the bedlam. tree. But remember, Christmas trees are fun and parties, which is often associated adorned with hazards; cats love playing Cats are creatures of habit, do not with loud music and raised voices. All of with ribbon, string and tinsel but thoselike disruption to their routine, and are this extra, unfamiliar noise can cause a decorations can twist up in their intes-extremely sensitive to change. Depending great deal of unrest to the cat. tines and cause serious medical problems.on how well (or not) your cat adapts to 7-Steps to stress reductionchanges in routine and environment dur- • A constant stream of unfamiliar peopleing the Christmas period, e.g., strange My clients often ask me what theydecorations, unfamiliar house guests - Friendly and confident cats may enjoy can do prior to the Christmas holidays toand loud noises for example, the festive meeting new people but shy and fearful limit the stress imposed upon the familyseason may lead to certain medical and cats will see their once safe haven over- cat. I usually advise that by taking a cat’sbehavioral problems. For instance, uri- run with strangers. eye view and anticipating the potentialnary tract infections are a common mani- problems, you can help your cat to havefestation of stress. Additionally, behavior • Changes to your cat’s feeding, toileting a stress free festive season. Take a look atproblems such as inappropriate toileting, the 7-steps to stress reduction below to and sleeping areas - Often extra houseg- ensure your feline friend stays happy and uests, plus the obligatory Christmas tree stress-free. and decorations, will require your cat’s 1. Firstly, you should consider how your feeding, sleeping and toileting areas to be cat’s daily routine, social interactions moved. and environment could change over the Christmas period. Then, you can institute the necessary changes gradually and well in advance of the festivities, so your cat can get used to this change of routine. 2. Unless your cat is the resident party animal, you will need to create a safe38 DECEMBER 2015 catworld.co.uk

Cats are creatures of habit, and changes to their routine can cause an immense amount of stress.haven. This is an area that your cat can 4. To help your cat relax and settle from any alcoholic drinks –retreat to whenever she feels anxious. into her new environment, try plug- some people think that it’s funny to allowA room in a quieter part of the house ging in a pheromone diffuser beside a cat to drink alcohol but it is very dan-should be reserved for this purpose. If her resting place in her new safe gerous and can be fatal.your cat is unfamiliar with this room, haven, containing a natural product 6. Attention from people is a very impor-let her spend several nights there as that mimics pheromones produced tant part of many cat’s lives. It is veryChristmas draws closer. by cats. This promotes relaxa- easy to overlook your cat’s needs when3. Place familiar items and essential tion and calm behavior and will you’re busy shopping, cooking and enter-resources in the new safe haven; items increase your cat’s sense of security taining. But during stressful times, extrasuch as your cat’s bed, food, water, lit- and familiarity in her quiet area. love and attention is especially importantter tray, scratch post and toys, will all 5. Cats are creatures of habit, and to comfort your cat and increase herhelp create familiarity in this location. It changes to their routine can cause confidence. Try to set aside some qualitywill also help your cat’s sense of security an immense amount of stress. It is vitally time everyday to give your cat some extraif you can create some high up resting important that you try to maintain your special TLC e.g. grooming sessions,places and some hiding places. Most cat’s normal routine and feeding sched- cuddles and play. Two or three interactivecats love cardboard boxes. Try placing ule as much as possible. Try to stay con- play sessions of 10-15minutes each cana few boxes in the room with an item of sistent with food types and amounts, and prove very helpful. Use simple featheredclothing that has been worn by a fam- maintain regular feeding times. Use their toys or even scrunched up paper or foilily member. The communal scent of the normal food bowls and ensure all feeding to stimulate your cat.family will further help to reassure your occurs in the safety her new quiet area. 7. Finally, a house filled with unfamiliarcat of her territory. Then, if the festivi- Please ensure that your cat cannot gain people is very stressful to your cat. Theties become a little too stressful for her, access to toxic foods such as chocolate, best solution is to move your cat into theshe can relocate to a safe, secure and grapes, garlic or onions; these can be safe haven prior to the arrival of yourcomfortable retreat. extremely dangerous. Keep your cat away guests. Close the door and put a sign outside politely requesting that guests Kim Houston BSc (Hons), keep the door closed during their visit. Dip (AS) CABC, CCAB Certified Clinical Animal Hopefully, by putting these simple Behaviourist measures in place, your cat will have a www.cat-astrophes.com happy and stress-free Christmas and you will also have one less thing to worry about! catworld.co.uk DECEMBER 2015 39

PfeitxsinAgpFleenlitxy:In this extract from Pets Aplenty by Malcolm Welshmanwe follow vet Paul Mitchell for a further six months ofhilarious escapades at Prospect House Veterinary HospitalW ith Christmas fast cat basket, both hands firmly clenched “He’s very poorly,” said Emma. approaching, several over the handle. “That’s why we’ve brought him in,” clients were getting in the “Well go on, Emma,” he said, pushing said Gavin. “See if you can make himfestive season when they came in for her forward, crushing her wings, “Let better.” He gave me a hard stare. “Youappointments with their pets. One lady the vet have a look at Felix.” can make him better, can’t you?” hehad tied her poodle’s top knot with red “Shove off Gavin,” said the girl, push- added. “Otherwise he’ll snuff it.”ribbons and bells. The poor dog had an ing him back with her elbow in a very “Don’t say that, Gavin,” said Emma,ear infection which was making her shake un-angelic fashion. tears glistening in her eyes while Gavinher head and tinkle at the same time as Mrs Jennings hastily intervened. pushed his spectacles back up his nose.well. Several cat carriers appeared, their “Now ... Now ... Behave yourselves, you “Now, now, children,” said Mrsbars interwoven with ribbons and tinsel. two.” Jennings. “Let Mr Welshman take a lookI thought nothing could have surprised “Er ... let’s go through to the consult- and see what’s wrong.”me. But I was to be proved wrong by ing room, shall we?” I said. “I know what’s wrong,” said Gavin.what confronted me when I marched into “Can we all come?” said a muffled “Felix can’t pee.”my waiting room that afternoon in early voice from the depths of the sheepskin. Mrs Jennings explained that the chil-December. “Only if everyone’s on their best dren had noticed Felix crouched in his behaviour. Understand?” said Mrs litter tray, straining. “He had his willie The chatter of voices emanating from Jennings. sticking out,” said Gavin, matter-of-it stopped abruptly as I ground to a halt Tea towels nodded, angel wings factly.self-consciously. Eight little faces peered flapped and the sheepskin coat wagged The lamb-skin coat tittered.up at me from the circle that surrounded its sleeves, as their teacher ushered them “Can you do anything for him?”Mrs Jennings, a teacher from the nearby through, Emma elbowing her way to the sobbed Emma, sniffing back a tear.primary school. It was a very seasonal front with the cat basket. She swung it on “Should do, he’s a vet,” said Gavinlooking circle. Five lads were in dress- to the consulting table and seven anxious gruffly, giving the cat basket a poke as Iing gowns, with red-checked tea towels faces and a headless coat clustered round gently lifted Felix out and lowered himwrapped round their heads. A couple of as I cautiously slid the cane fastener out on to the consulting table.girls had white cardboard wings attached and lifted the lid. The cat sat there, hunched up, lookingto their backs. And the remaining lad Inside, hunched up on a towel was a thoroughly miserable. I eased my handswas virtually invisible, swamped by an black and white cat. over his flanks, noticing the distensionoversized sheepskin coat, inside out, with Gavin stood on tip-toe and peered of his abdomen. No surprise when Iits sleeves hanging down to his knees and into the box, his pebble spectacles, slid- cautiously palpated it to discover an over-the collar over his head - shepherd or one ing down his nose as he exclaimed, “His extended bladder. “I think Felix has gotof his flock I couldn’t quite decide. name’s Felix.” a blockage, stopping him from peeing,” I said. “We’ve just been doing a dress “Is something stuck in hisrehearsal for our nativity play,” said Mrs Tea towels nodded, angel wings willie then?” asked Gavin, hisJennings, by way of explanation. a ed and the shee s in coat eyes widening behind his gog- a ed its sleeves, as their gle-spectacles. “I’m one of the five wise men,” said a teacher ushered them throu h,tea-towelled boy proudly, peering up at “Well, actually, yes, that’s theme through heavy black-rimmed pebble most likely explanation,” I said,glasses. somewhat taken back by Gavin’s perceptiveness. “Five?” I queried, looking at Mrs mma elbo in her ay to I turned to Mrs Jennings.Jennings. the front ith the cat bas et. “I’ll have to admit Felix as a She shrugged. “We had difficulty in matter of urgency and get hisfinding parts for everyone.” The boy with the glasses turned to oneof the angels who was holding a wicker40 DECEMBER 2015 catworld.co.uk

bladder unblocked.” “Especially for Felix,” said ‘… brings a smile to your face.’ “He’ll stick something up his willie,” Mandy, a grin on her face. Sir Terry Wogansaid Gavin, turning to Emma. “My dad I now had to make sure there ‘… paints a vivid picture of manyonce got kidney stones. They stuck a were no stones in his bladder fascinating characters.’tube up his.” which might cause another Jim Wight, son of James Herriot blockage. An X ray revealed “Gross,” exclaimed Emma, with a there were none. The obstruc- ‘…hilarious stories straight from a vet’s ownshudder. tion had just been due to build will keep you chuckling.’ up of sediment. Nevertheless, Stella Whitelaw “Yes … well …okay children,” said Felix was kept in the hospitalMrs Jennings. “I suggest we all go home for three days with the urinary ‘Your story is a corker.’now and let Mr Welshman do what’s catheter kept in place to ensure Richard Madeleybest for Felix.” any urethral swelling had sub- sided and that he was able to • Malcolm D. Welshman is author “My dad had a tube up his willie for urinate freely.weeks,” said Gavin, as he was bundled of Pets Aplenty published by Austinout. Felix was collected by a Macauley Publishers 0207 038 8212 at delighted delegation, devoid £7.99 Kindle version £0.99. Once the children had trooped out, of their nativity wear, three www.malcolmwelshman.co.ukI took Felix down to the prep room. days later. Instructions wereMandy was the duty nurse that afternoon given to Mrs Jennings on • Malcolm Welshman is a retiredand she bustled in, her starched green dietary changes for Felix anduniform crackling. “Urinary obstruc- the use of vitamin C to keep vet who was a consultant dealingtion,” I explained. With her custom- his urine acidic and so help with exotics. He has written for Theary efficiency, she drew up a shot of prevent any possible stoneKetamine for me to sedate Felix; and formation. Sunday Times, The Dailyas he slipped into unconsciousness, she Mail and magazinessorted out a cat catheter ready for me to “You unblocked his willie okay then?,” such as The Lady, andflush Felix’s urethra. Least I hoped that observed Gavin, pushing his spectacles was the My Weeklywould be the case. If there was a stone up his nose, as he peered into the cat’s vet for fifteen years.lodged there, it might mean it got forced basket. He is a BBC Radioback into the bladder which might thenrequire me to perform a cystotomy, open- A week later, two weeks before panellist and a guesting the bladder to remove the calculus Christmas, my receptionist flapped speaker worldwide onand any other stones that could be pre- a large brown envelope in my face. cruise ships.sent. “From the school, addressed to you,” she declared. Intrigued, I tore open the “Fingers crossed,” I muttered as I envelope.gently extruded the cat’s penis and slidthe tip of the catheter in. There was Inside were 18 hand-made Christmasa little resistance as I gradually eased cards from all the pupils in Mrsthe tube further and further up Felix’s Jennings’ class. Lumpy smudged-redurethra. But then the catheter suddenly Father Christmasses with bulging sacksjammed. No further movement. Had I on their backs jostled with bendy-stick-hit a lodged stone? I cautiously rolled the legged reindeer. There was also a forestcatheter between the fingers of my left of Christmas trees and plenty of silverhand while continuing to anchor the cat’s stars. One card in particular made mepenis with my right hand. Still no move- smile. It was a crayon drawing of a blackment. I eased the catheter back a little, and white cat which I guessed was meantthen pushed it forward again, muttering to be Felix. It was asleep in a crib with aunder my breath, ‘Come on Felix. Give large silver star above it. Below was writ-way.’ ten” “Seems your prayers have been ‘Dear Mr Vet,answered,” said Mandy, peering over Thank you for saving Felix. He’sthe cat’s back as he lay stretched out using his willie well. I was very worriedbetween us. Yellow cloudy urine, flecked he might have died or something worsewith blood had begun seeping out of the might have happened.end of the catheter. More spurted out as Happy Christmas fromthe tube began to slide in easier until the Gavin.’length of it disappeared, meaning it hadreached the bladder. Holding the end PETS APLENTYof the tube in place, I cupped my hand Malcolm D. Welshmanround Felix’s abdomen and felt his blad- ISBN: 9781849639965der contracting rapidly, accompanied by Paperback Price: £7.99/$13.95a stream of urine now pouring out of thecatheter. “Phew, what a relief,” I said. catworld.co.uk DECEMBER 2015 41



Happy Christmas and New Yearfrom Rosevalley Australian MistsCome and meet us at the TICA [email protected] 811109

JFUUSTNFORWordsearch Spot the differenceThis month’s word search has a Christmas theme and Can you find 6 things in the pictureis just for fun. Which one of the eleven words listed at the bottom that are missing.below doesn’t appear in the grid.S UU C L Y H U V E WG CY T ZV L E V KG R NQRE DNL S O S P I I B F AK MO I I Y R NG E X Q CR HVLC E P N I B J UKUANU S H I F U T S C ET TCEC SOYU L E D RP CNV L H E L B U A B SQT I OK HD XA S NANS G R U T C L QB S UWES ANTA C L AU S L I QC K P LO L K M I QNO FCQX J A B G J A D B J GBAUBLE YULE LOGMINCE PIE CRACKERSTINSEL TURKEYSANTA CLAUS ST NICHOLASHOLLY PRESENTSCAROL SINGINGAnswers from last months fun pagesThe answers to spot the difference. The answers to the Criss Cross puzzle. Across: 4. November; 5. Birmingham Down: 1. Fireworks, 2. Cornish, 3. Tenikwa, 6. Glucose, 7. Austin44 DECEMBER 2015 catworld.co.uk

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BREED PROFILE Energetic bundles with caring soulsThe lively, loveable Siberian will enjoy having funwith you by day then just as happily curl up withyou for a cuddle and a snooze come the eveningBy Eleanor Leonard-Smith and Mark Harris of the Siberian Cat ClubT he Siberian has now been in the forested region on the Earth, experienc- combined with their agility, they made UK since 2002. Its stunning ing extremes in its climate from as low as exceptional hunters. It is said that of all cat good looks and friendly, playful -54 right up to +30 deg C. With these breeds, the Siberian is most reminiscent topersonality means the Siberian Cat has extremes, it produced a very adaptable the Scottish Wild Cat and other wild catsgrown immensely in popularity over the cat with a rich, full, triple-layered, very of northern Europe.years and has captured the hearts of many. distinctive weatherproof coat in the winter TypeSiberian history and a shorter, less dense coat in the sum- mer. The Siberian falls under the Semi Long The Siberian is a natural breed and is Hair category. They are a large cat with aone of three recognised forest cats, the As the Siberian is the national cat of cobby body and definite ‘heft’ when youother two being the Maine Coon and Russia it has a rich and vibrant history pick them up for a cuddle. Unlike theirthe Norwegian Forest Cat. The Siberian dating back at least a thousand years. The cousins the Norwegian Forest Cat and theoriginates from the Taiga in Siberia which Siberian has been found characterised in Maine Coon, which are characterised byis found throughout the high northern Russian folklore as protectors living in triangles and rectangles respectively, theLatitudes of Russia and is also known as monasteries with monks. Shopkeepers and Siberian has a much more moderate typethe Boreal Forest. The Taiga is the largest farmers used to keep Siberians to control with an overall appearance of curves and vermin and due to their substantial size,46 DECEMBER 2015 catworld.co.uk

BREED PROFILErounded contours. cled. Their legs are in proportion with can be with or without white. This gives a The Siberian cat’s head is described the body, with substantial bone structure grand total of 124 different combinations and strength allowing them to jump long of recognised colours and patterns in theas a short, broad wedge with rounded distances and climb trees easily. For bal- Siberian!contours. The cheekbones are low set ance the Siberian has a medium length tailand very broad and connected by a gentle which is well furnished and tapers slightly The Siberian matures slowly; full devel-line to the slightly rounded muzzle and towards the tip. opment of the cat can take four to fivechin. The Siberian has large, slightly oval years.shaped eyes that are bright and would The Siberian comes in three main pat- Hypoallergenichave contributed to their hunting ability in terns: Solids, Tabbies and Colourpoints.the wild. Another reflection of the breed’s The Colourpoint is sometimes referred Siberians are said to produce lessnatural heritage is its distinctive weather- to as ‘Neva Masquerade’ which is a nick- Fel D1 in their saliva, making themproof coat which consists of a very soft, name based on the area in Russia it is Hypoallergenic. Fel D1 is a protein whichdense undercoat to ensure they stay nice believed to have originated from, by the is deposited on cats’ fur while groomingand warm in the snowy forest and a much River Neva in St Petersburg. However it and is the cause of many people’s cat aller-coarser, waxy top coat to keep off the rain. is not a separate breed and shares all the gies. Because Siberians’ produce less ofThey also develop a lion-like mane in same characteristics as Solid and Tabby this protein some people who would notwinter known as a ‘ruff ’ and have furry Siberians. normally be able to have a cat may be abletufts between their toes to keep their paws to live happily with a Siberian. Howeverwarm. Within each pattern there is a wide this has not been proved scientifically and, variety of possible colours including Solid depending largely on the type and severity The Siberian cat is a very strong and White, Black, Brown, Blue, Red, Cream of the allergy, each person will react differ-agile breed. It has a rectangular body and Tortoiseshell, as well as Smoke and ently. It is worth finding a breeder who isshape which is heavily built and well mus- Silver varieties, and all of these colours prepared to do an allergy sitting with you for a couple of hours before you commit to purchasing a kitten. Personality In contrast to their wild heritage, Siberians are actually a very friendly and affectionate breed that get on well with catworld.co.uk DECEMBER 2015 47

BREED PROFILE children and other animals. Often likened side, climbing trees and feeling the wind to dogs for their loyalty, Siberians love in their whiskers. However, they are very Breed Features being around people and will habitually adventurous animals so it is advisable only follow their owner from room to room to to let them outside if you have a secure • Friendly & affectionate make sure they are getting enough atten- pen or garden for them to play in where • Fairly quiet – small chirping sound, tion! they are not in danger from any traffic or other animals. For safety reasons some loud purr Siberian kittens are fluffy bundles with breeders will only sell kittens to indoor boundless energy that love to run around only homes. • Loves to play fetch and play and even the adults cats can be • Very intelligent found batting a ball around the room or Despite having huge reserves of energy, • Very loyal & devoted, hangs out ‘killing’ the curtain cord every once in a Siberians are really quite caring, gentle while. Several owners have reported that souls who never have a bad word to say with you their Siberians enjoy playing a game of about anyone. They like lots of cuddles fetch and one Siberian female has even and strokes and after a long day of playing • Very active & playful been known to love playing hide and seek! around the house and they enjoy a quiet • Exceptionally agile jumper evening curled up on the sofa as much as • Natural cat, hardy Being very intelligent cats, Siberians you do. Siberian cats have a sweet chirrup- • Very social need plenty of stimulation to keep them ing voice and an impressive purr. • Photogenic, show offs amused, particularly if they are being kept • Love water, especially playing in it as indoor only cats. They are extremely • Non-aggressive, good with other inquisitive; they like to be involved in the •animals & children day to day activities of the home and are very willing to lend a paw – playing with Hypoallergenic, dependent on the bubbles in the washing up bowl, catch- ing the ‘mouse’ as you work at the com- •your severity Semi long hair coat, easy to look puter or just lying across the news- after paper you were trying to read! They are particularly fascinated by water • Average life span 12 – 15 years and often you’ll find them enthralled • Average Weight: Females 4.5kg, by a dripping tap or nonchalantly Males 6.5kg strolling inside soaking wet, after they fell in the fish pond! Siberians really enjoy being out- Health and Welfare Being a natural breed, Siberian cats are generally very robust animals and there have been no known health problems reported in the breed. However, many breeders are taking precautions to screen for polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and Feline Hypertronic Cardiomyopathy (HMC). In addition, Siberian Cat Club members are continuing to work with other Siberian breeders worldwide and are exchanging health data on the breed. When it comes to coat care, Siberians do not require a great deal of grooming. However, they do have seasonal moults in spring and Left: GCCF Champion & Premier, FIFE Cham- pion Vesna Sibirskaya’s Liliya. She is a brown mackerel tortie tabby with white.48 DECEMBER 2015 catworld.co.uk

BREED PROFILEautumn. A good comb once a week, or animals are preferred, though females ing or prominent when viewed in profile.more often during moults, will prevent will be somewhat smaller than males, but CHEEKBONES: The cheekbones are theknotting and hairballs. overall type is the overriding factor. The determining factor in the head type ofBuying a Siberian kitten Siberian has a very distinctive weather- a Siberian. The direction of the cheek- proof coat unique to the breed, and, as the bone arch extends to the outer ear base. Start looking for a reputable breeder breed originated as a natural outdoor catthrough the Siberian Cat Club or other in Russia, the overall appearance of thecat clubs. All breeders should be regis- Siberian Cat should reflect this naturaltered with either the GCCF, TICA or heritage. The cat should have an alertFIFE. All kittens should come with their expression, be in good general conditionregistration documents, a four generation and well presented.”pedigree, vaccination card, indicating thatthey have had a complete course of vac- The Siberian breed has now achievedcinations, and a health check from a quali- full Championship Status within GCCFfied vet. and we have a number of titled cats within the breed who have regularly Kittens will be ready to go at 13 weeks competed for Best in Show.’of age (not before!). When choosing akitten, check that they look healthy and If you own a Siberian and areplayful; you should be able to handle the interested in showing with thekitten and meet the mother of the litter. GCCF for the first time, pleaseThey should be wormed and free from get in contact with the club whofleas or any other parasites. Be prepared to will arrange a ‘buddy’ to helpbe patient as there will be a waiting list for you through your first Showcertain coat patterns & colours. Day. Standard of points If you have an allergy, make sure you HEAD: Should be in goodhave spent enough time in the household proportion to the body.with both kitten and mother to see if there It should form a short,are any adverse reactions. Then visit your broad wedge with roundedkitten as often as possible to form a bond contours, with a slightlyand enjoy watching your kitten develop rounded muzzle andand grow till the day of collection. chin. The lower fore-Showing your Siberian head should be slightly domed. The profile line When buying a kitten, if you are inter- should show a slightested in showing, you will need to discuss concave curve at thethis with your breeder as the cat will need bridge with a nose of ato meet the standards set by the govern- harmonious length.ing council that they are registered with:GCCF, TICA, or FIFE. The GCCF Nose should be ofstandard of points states that: “The uniform width whenSiberian Cat is a medium to large semi- viewed from the front.longhaired cat, solid with “heft” rather Whisker pads should bethan rangy. The most important features moderately well developedare head type and coat quality. The over- and form a gentle, roundedall impression should be of a cat with line with the chin which shouldsubstance and rounded contours. Larger be slightly rounded, neither reced- catworld.co.uk DECEMBER 2015 49

Subscribe today!FREE gifts foryour loved oneDon’t miss our amazing new gifts... free to new subscribers.Your cat will love these exciting toys, perfect for playtime.Subscribe to the print edition of Cat World for one year andwe’ll send you an incredible Cat’s Cheese. This fur-coveredactivity toy is filled with jingling toy balls which can be seenthrough the holes and move freely to give your cat hours ofcreative playtime. It comes complete with a mouse rod teaser.Subscribe to the print edition for two years and we’ll send you Subscribe today ata fabulous Crackle Sack, made from fabric/plush. Two large www.catworld.co.ukholes invite your cat inside, and the toy is filled with sewn-in and claim your free gift.rustling foil to keep your cat entertained. Or call us at the CW officeYour loved one will go crazy for these toys. Demand is bound on 0800 435553to be great so subscribe now while stocks last. (calls are free in the UK) Outside UK: +44 (0)1903 884988 US: 1-866-606-6587 One year magazine subscription (12 issues): UK £42.99 PRICES/OFFERS SUBJECT TO CHANGE & AVAILABILITY. OFFERS APPLY ONLY TO NEW SUBSCRIBERS TAKING AN ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONwww.catworld.co.uk