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

SPRING 2009

The Cat

PlusMogs with jobs,

living the good life

& tasty treats tested

Evolutionary excellenceFrom prehistoric predator to modern moggy

See the winning entries from our photo contest

Picture perfect

Can a cat a day keep the doctor away?

Feline good

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

Spring is here and with luck

we might be in for a glorious

summer. Now if that doesn’t

jinx it, I don’t know what will!

It’s time to venture back outside and

we have a marvellous gardening article

by Graham Clarke encouraging us all

to grow our own, no matter how small

our backyard might be. We also have

news of a new initiative from our

Fundraising team, Paws Outdoors,

encouraging people to have fun and

raise money while enjoying the

great outdoors.

Gemma Bather studies the

evolutionary excellence of our

feline friends from the wild cats 20 million years ago to the

moggy in your home today. Perry Lancaster, the man who carved the exquisite statues

for our Volunteer of the Year Awards last year, talks to Tom Briggs and we also

investigate the claims that cat ownership can have medical health benefits – as if we

didn’t know it already!

There is exciting news of a Cats Protection campaign on page 26, introducing our

new project at Ferndown, Dorset and we have a light-hearted look at the cats who

work for a living on page 34.

Regular readers may notice a couple of changes to the magazine. Firstly we have

renamed our Reader’s story page Paws for thought. This is to allow for a broader

spectrum of contributions; musings and reflections that don’t necessarily adhere to the

confines of a ‘story’. We look forward to receiving more from you!

We have also expanded our Kids’ corner to allow for some fun and games for our

younger readers. We still have the wonderful pictures sent in but we now have a

wordsearch and quiz as well as a privileged glimpse into the world of SuperCat, our

new CP hero and Klor his deadly nemesis.

Enjoy the lighter days and daffodils.

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

The Cat

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

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

Evolutionary excellenceFrom prehistoric predator to modern moggy

See the winning entries from our photo contest

See the winning entries

Picture perfect

Can a cat a day keep the doctor away?

Can a cat a day keep

Feline good

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

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

From left to right

Ryan O'Hara Senior Designer

Rasoul Hudda Senior Designer

Tom Briggs Assistant Editor

Francesca Watson Editor

Gemma Bather Editorial Assistant

The Team

ContactsFor editorial submissions to the magazineThe Editor, The Cat magazine, National Cat Centre, Chelwood Gate, Haywards Heath RH17 7TTEmail: editorial@cats.org.ukWeb: www.thecat.org.uk

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

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Advertisements are accepted in good faith and we endeavour to check their accuracy. However, the charity gives no guarantees or endorsements of the products or services advertised. Cats Protection cannot accept responsibility for any correspondence between the parties, nor can they be expected to arbitrate should any dispute arise.

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

For all other enquiries:Cats Protection, National Cat Centre (NCC),Chelwood Gate, Haywards Heath RH17 7TTPhone: 08702 099 099 (Calls charged at national rate)Fax: 08707 708 265Email: cp@cats.org.ukWeb: www.cats.org.uk

Published quarterly by Cats Protection.Printed by Gemini Press Ltd.

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

Please recycle this magazine when you have finished with it

Cover photo: CP Library/Jackie Cheetham

STAR LETTER

FELINE INTUITIONFrom: Mr A Lewis, Henfield, West Sussex

I take people as a volunteer driver from Henfield to all our local hospitals and, whilst en

route about 18 months ago, I was talking to one of the passengers who told me the

following story.

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

black under a nearby hedge; her husband went to look and found it was a black cat, more

dead than alive. They took it to a vet who thought it had probably been beaten with a

stick causing injuries to its head, back and legs. When it was well enough, they took the

cat home and, while it was very loving towards her, it refused to go anywhere near her

husband. However, when her husband was later taken ill and confined to his bed, the

cat would not leave him. Sadly, he died around a week later and when his body was due

to be taken from the house, the cat jumped onto the bed and still refused to leave him,

digging his claws into the bedclothes so that he had to be dragged from the bed.

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

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

just the opposite occurred during World War II.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tell us about it

Do you have an interesting story to tell, a point of view you want to air or something that you just have to get off your chest? Send your thoughts, views, stories, funny photos and ‘mewsings’ to The Cat magazine, National Cat Centre, Haywards Heath RH17 7TT or email us at editorial@cats.org.uk

Don’t forget to tell us your return address and please remember that your letter may be edited for length.

Letters

MYSTIC MOGFrom: Ella Moody, London

Are cats psychic? Of course they are. I read recently of Emmy, the ship’s cat

on the Empress of Ireland which, with her sister ship the Empress of Britain,

served the Atlantic crossing in the early 1900s. When the ship was ready to

sail from Quebec in May 1914, Emmy refused to board. A few hours later, the

ship sank in the St Lawrence river with the loss of over 1,000 lives, a tragedy

comparable with that of the Titanic. Emmy had left a litter of kittens on board

but nothing would persuade her to mount the gangway.

The Lusitania’s cat also refused to board when the ship sailed from New York

on her fateful last voyage in World War I. It was sunk by a German U-boat.

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

S ince my wife Clare’s death two years ago, our

moggy Vienna and I have become ever closer.

This gorgeous 17 year old, whose home I share,

has surprised me – despite my 50 years of feline

fellowship and admiration.

Frequently she sits on my lap on the settee and,

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

comfort being synonymous, she composes her

purring self but – and this happens so frequently as

to rule out coincidence – she knows when I would

like to watch a television programme though I have

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

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

I watch at different times on different channels.

Yet a couple of minutes before the programme is

to begin she graciously disturbs her snooze, moves

to the other end of the settee and settles there,

allowing me to switch on and view. Psychic? You

tell me!

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

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

Bunk Bed Napper – perfect for cats who love

to share! Made from sisal and sea grass it

provides a cosy place for two cats to snooze

the day away.

All other printed letters will

win one of these Willow Bags

of Fun sets of toys which

should keep your moggy

amused for hours.

Our thanks to Pets at Home

for kindly sponsoring

these prizes. Visit

www.petsathome.com

to see their full range of

products or telephone

08701 943 600 for more

information.

yourletters

FOPS RESEARCHFrom: Celia Haddon, Witney, Oxfordshire

I am studying the behaviour side of a

mysterious syndrome known as Feline

Oralfacial Pain Syndrome or FOPS. The cat

suddenly starts clawing at its face or tongue,

causing bloodshed and serious damage which

is extremely distressing for owners and cats.

I hope to send out an anonymous

questionnaire to owners whose cats have

suffered with this to explore the behavioural

aspect. More information about FOPS, and

about me, can be found on my website

www.celiahaddon.com

If any readers would be willing to fill in

such a questionnaire, I should be very

grateful indeed. I can be contacted at

chaddon@atlas.co.uk or PO Box 418, Witney,

OX28 9EG. My findings will be reported on

my website.

VASHTI’S A HERO!From: Nick Jones, Canton, Cardiff

A fire started in our flat while we were asleep – none of the detectors or alarms

sounded but our cat, Vashti, raised the alarm and saved our lives. We thought she

may have been caught in the fire, but when we were allowed back into the building after

the Fire Brigade had put out the flames and cleared the smoke, there she was sitting in

the middle of the room – shaken but okay! If it wasn’t for her, we might not have got out

in one piece. Here is a picture of our hero doing what she does best – snoozing.

I SHOULD COCOFrom: Anne Waddingham, Tonbridge, Kent

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

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

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

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

they’d shout, “What’s the matter with you? Be quiet!” Eventually they’d bring him

indoors because he was getting so worked up! Bramble would then climb down and stroll

back into our house, mission accomplished, with a look of smug satisfaction on her face.

But one day she had reason to be grateful to Coco, when she went missing for 24

hours. I searched all over but no luck. Then my neighbour was alerted to the fact that

Coco was acting strangely. When she investigated, she found Bramble tucked under the

hedge where she’d managed to crawl after being hit by a car. Bramble was badly injured

but thankfully has since recovered, minus her tail. I have noticed that she doesn’t tease

Coco any more, however.

WORTH ITS WEIGHTFrom: Hilary Joyce, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire

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

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

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

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

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

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

decided to try attaching some weights. As the weights could not be a ferrous metal that

might interfere with the magnetic catch, I needed something small but heavy. Two £1

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

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

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

I thought I’d been very original and clever to think of this solution, but some friends

told me that they have used curtain weights for the same purpose.

Even heroes need to take

a break

CATS ABROADFrom: Pat Readman, Cardross, Dumbarton

I was very interested to read the letter in the Winter 2008 edition of The

Cat which mentioned Malta’s Cat Village. In June last year, we holidayed

in Malta in the hotel opposite the Cat Village. This was a holiday booked

well in advance but, sadly, just before leaving I had to have my beloved little

cat put to sleep. I was – and remain – very upset at her loss, however, when I

ventured outside to sit and read, one of Rosa’s cats – who apparently regards

the hotel as her second home – adopted me and stayed with me throughout

the holiday whenever I was outside. She was later joined by another cat that

also stayed with me. They were named by the hotel as Squinty – pictured –

and Flat Ear, which aptly described their physical characteristics! They were

a great comfort and I believe that this is a good example of the sixth sense

possessed by cats.

We all left

donations for Rosa,

but could I tell readers

that she also collects

good second-hand

books which are sold

to help with the cats’

welfare? There will be

more cats now as one

of the younger ones

was heavily pregnant

and, sadly, Rosa’s

resources do not

stretch to spaying and

neutering. She is a

delightful person and

does a marvellous job

– please support her if

you visit Malta.

A LIFE TOO SHORTFrom: Gill Broome, Swindon, Wiltshire

I am writing this having just lost Charlie, my wonderful,

overweight, character-packed Charlie. He and his sister

Celest were hand-reared by me four years ago, that in

itself was traumatic as Charlie had such bad cat flu he

couldn’t breathe and drink at the same time. However,

with the wonderful help of Chipping Norton Vets and a

determination to live, he pulled through.

He was an amazing chap, enormous in size and hoping

for food at every opportunity – which I have to say he didn’t

get as he was on a diet. He was always at the front of the

queue for cuddles during which he would chatter away,

thanking you for taking the time. If you called him he would

be right there just to make sure he got in first.

It’s hard to come to terms with any loss, but more so

because I feel I am to blame in some part for not watching

his weight earlier. He was on a diet and losing weight slowly

but still weighed too much and it does seem that he may

have had a heart attack – he was only four years old.

Maybe anyone reading this with an overweight pet

will consider the cost and do something to prevent this

happening to their animal as, believe me, it hurts.

A GOOD READFrom: Mrs J W Hewitt, Deeside, Clwyd

My cat, Gemma, took an instant liking to Cats Protection’s Annual Review

2007 – she looks engrossed, I hope you approve!

TOMFOOLERYFrom: Kath Hodgkinson, Bridlington, East Yorkshire

Tom was rescued from a broken home, he weighs nearly

14lbs which is too much, but as you can see we are

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

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

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

stepbrother George is not so sure.

Gemma keeps on top of her

reading

Charlie, sadly missed

Tom takes a studious approach to losing weight

Squinty from Malta’s Cat Village

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

! Cookie monsterCookie was adopted by Helen Ralley of Dudley, West

Midlands almost six years ago from a local animal sanctuary.

She had a reputation for being a bit of a monster, having

been adopted twice previously and returned for being

unruly and destructive. It must have been third time lucky

for Helen as, after a destructive start, Cookie has become a

beautiful, fussy lap-cat – and a bit of a poser!

! Under siegeIt might not look like it but Rupert and

Jasper are the very best of friends having

both been rehomed as kittens from a

local farm by Julie Hilder of Shelford,

Nottinghamshire. Julie tells us that they

often have play fights – such as the wash

basket siege pictured here – but they

always make up afterwards and can be

spotted snuggling up close together for a

cat nap.

" Driving ambitionLorraine Wherrett of Farnham, Surrey

adopted Sophie from Cats Protection’s

Haslemere Adoption Centre after she’d

been in their care for some time. Lorraine

is pleased to say that Sophie has settled

in nicely and become a happy, confident

cat who gets into everything, as well as

being a real ‘Daddy’s girl’. When Lorraine’s

partner gets home from work they have

a little routine going; Sophie runs up to

greet him, he then picks her up and puts

her in the car with him and reverses down

the drive – much to the amusement of the

neighbours!

readers’cats

Don’t forget, Cats’ Tales is sponsored by Felix so, if your cat gets onto this page, you’ll receive a month’s supply of delicious Felix pouches from the As Good As It Looks range*. Your furry friend will find it irresistible at every mealtime.Felix As Good As It Looks is available in eight flavours, you will find them at your local supermarket or pet store. For more information log onto www.catslikefelix.co.uk*please note that pouches can only be delivered to a UK address.

Sponsored by

! Picture perfectToby belongs to Brenda – sister-in-law of Alan Jubb from

Ashton-Under-Lyne, Lancashire. He was abandoned as

a stray and taken in by a local vet; they put his picture

in the window to appeal for a new owner to be found

and Brenda’s sister couldn’t resist taking him home.

Unfortunately due to ill health, she was unable to continue

caring for Toby and he now has a permanent home with

Brenda, who dotes on him. Looks like Toby has come up

smelling of roses!

# Blue is so not your colour!Timmy was rehomed two years ago

by the Spencer family of Rainham,

Kent with Sparkle joining him more

recently. Timmy took some convincing

at first, in fact they couldn’t even be

in the same room without fighting,

but things are slowly calming

down. Timmy plays with her now,

running around the garden then

jumping onto the shed as if to say

“Ha, ha, you can’t catch me!” Sparkle

has yet to learn how to climb, her

feeble attempts just end in her hitting

the fence and sliding down! They

were recently spotted sleeping

alongside each other so life in the

Spencer household is looking up.

$ Two of a kindChloe and Ayla took up residence with the Coulson family two years ago and,

although they were from different litters and even different counties, they look

so similar they could be sisters. They are a naughty pair and definitely live up to

their ‘naughty tortie’ reputation. Ayla dotes on Chloe, but Chloe is the boss of the

house and likes to make her presence felt each morning upon waking with a thud

of her paws and a loud purr. Ayla is also very vocal and often miaows repeatedly,

as if she’s singing. When no-one else is around, Chloe likes to crawl under the

duvet and catnap beneath the covers.

Sparkle Timmy

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

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PetprescriptionCan cats contribute to a healthy lifestyle? Francesca Watson investigates…

It will come as no surprise to those with the feline incline that

owning pets, and cats in particular, could have proven health

benefits. Studies have suggested that these can go beyond the

most obvious benefit of decreasing stress in their owners and even as

far as reducing the chances of heart attacks and cancer.

At the American Stroke Association’s 2008 International Stroke

Conference, Dr Adnan Qureshi of the Minnesota Stroke Institute

reported on a study he had conducted with over 4,000 Americans.

More than half of those taking part either owned or had owned a

cat in the past, the remaining participants had never owned a cat.

Researching death from all causes, including heart attacks and strokes,

Dr Qureshi stated: “Over a 20-year period, people who never owned a

cat faced a 40 per cent greater risk of death due to heart attack than

previous or current cat owners.”

Stress and anxietyNaturally, there are those who query the findings of this study,

pointing out that results could be related to the personality or

lifestyle of the cat owner and not necessarily due to the fact that

they owned a cat.

“The logical explanation may be that cat ownership relieves stress

and anxiety and subsequently reduces the risk of heart disease,”

Dr Qureshi offers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Karen Allen, PhD studied 48 high powered New York stockbrokers

who were on hypertension medication; they were in highly stressful

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

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

When monitored in stressful situations she found that those who had

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

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

and got them,” Dr Allen said.

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

the Fauna Communication Research Institute in America – that asks

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

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

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

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

day, so anything is possible!

A study published by the American Association for Cancer Research

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

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

Two American universities studied more than 4,000 patients and

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

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

The exposure to allergens from both cats and dogs is thought to

boost the immune system.

Living on the edge?

Get a cat!

Boosting the immune systemThere have often been scary headlines stating that the

presence of cats in the home can increase your child’s

likelihood of developing asthma or eczema so it is

heartening to see that research from The Lancet medical

journal states that cats can be good for children. Similarly,

a study by the University of Virginia studied the response

of over 200 children to mite and cat allergens. Researchers

found that daily contact with cats, along with the usual

mild viral infections and bacteria that felines carry, can help

develop a child’s immune system by providing a natural

‘vaccine’ that helps protect against asthma and allergies.

Niels Pedersen, Director of the Center for Companion

Animal Health at the University of California says, “If [the

immune system] is heavily stimulated during early life, you’re

much less likely to see problems later in life with allergies.”

However, caution must prevail, as Asthma UK’s Dr

Matthew Hallsworth points out: “There is no simple

relationship between allergen exposure in early life,

sensitisation to allergens and the subsequent risk of

developing asthma.”

A strengthened immune system can also help protect us

from the more common maladies of coughs and colds. A

recent five-year survey commissioned by Cats Protection has

shown that cat owners are significantly less likely to suffer

the physical and emotional symptoms of the ‘winter blues’.

Study data showed that cat owners suffered 60 per cent

fewer headaches, were 21 per cent less likely to catch a cold

or the ‘flu, suffer fewer sleep problems and feel more able

to relax, helping them be less tense, impatient or miserable.

Dr June McNicholas, a leading health psychologist, who

led the study said: “The findings are quite spectacular and

show that cat owners are much better equipped to deal

with the depressing months of January and February.

“Medical opinion has long held that, in times of stress or

anxiety, one of the most valuable assets is a supportive

relationship. This study suggests that cats are just as able to

provide that support as humans.”

Scientists continue to research the positive effects of cat

ownership on human health and have yet to come up with a

definitive reason why cats can make such a difference. Every

piece of research seems to be counteracted with salient

points offering alternative reasons behind the feline effect.

Other tales may lack medical research but they still show

just how important and restorative a cat’s presence can be

to those around them.

Feline lifelinesThe 2003 Cats Protection ‘Rescue Cat of the Year’ is a great success story. Mitzi was

taken in by Woking & District Cats Protection and soon placed in a loving new

home. A life of leisure was not considered by Mitzi as she showed a very special

talent becoming a therapeutic volunteer, first on a unit for elderly patients at a

local hospital and later at her current workplace, Woking and Sam Beare Hospices.

She has been an immediate hit with patients who had previously been withdrawn

or depressed. She was recruited by Mary Morgan, Volunteer Services Manager,

who says, “every one of our volunteers is precious and valuable … but I have to

admit that Mitzi holds a particular special place on my register and is only just

below Ward Sister in the hierarchy!”

Similarly, Speedy is just what the doctored ordered for her owner Christine

Payne. Christine suffers from a range of health conditions including progressive

spinal ataxia and epilepsy, which leaves her prone to sudden seizures. Speedy

senses when Christine is about to have a seizure, alerts her parents and then sits

with her until she has recovered. Her devoted companionship gave Speedy the

titles of Hero Cat winner and Overall winner of Cats Protection’s Rescue Cat Awards

in 2008.

Lyn Stewart from Dorset has very good reason to appreciate a stray cat she

adopted. Lyn, who is disabled, is used to having her own carers but she thought

that Bobby would give her something to care for. It soon turned out that Bobby

would more than return the favour. One morning Lyn found herself lying in

bed, unable to move. It was a catatonic trance and, no matter how much she

tried to move, she could not even blink. Bobby appeared and came straight to

her face, staring into her eyes. He then patted her on the mouth and this action

immediately knocked her out of the paralysis.

She continues to have similar episodes and if she passes out she comes to with

Bobby stroking her mouth. At night, lying on her back is, for Lyn, dangerous and

Bobby has taken it upon himself to prevent this danger. Lyn explains: “He will curl

up tight against my spine preventing me from lying on my back. When I need to

move onto my other side he changes over. Should I remain at any stage on my

back, it is the paw on mouth with a deafening purr to wake me up.”

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

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

difference they’ve made to their lives. Whether it is scientific fact or just wishful

thinking there can be no doubt that our enjoyment of life is increased by the

companionship these dedicated felines provide. Perhaps it is as Niels Pedersen

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

Lyn Stewart and

her lifeline Bobby

Research

shows that

cats are good

for kids

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Reader Judy Smith asks how cats grow old gracefully

age-oldpawsforthought

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

both negotiate their twilight years with varying degrees

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

Lloyd-Webber’s image of the battle-weary Griselda climbing the rope

ladder to the big litter tray in the sky, my cat broaches

no such pity. She has, of course, long since

stopped biffing uninvited Lotharios

with her rhetorical handbag and

has not been seen ‘giving it

large’ for a good while,

nor indeed giving it very

much at all. She has, as

it were, traded in her

nights on the tiles

for the winceyette

and cocoa, and

qualifies for Saga

membership.

As I watch

her totter along

my – correction,

her – garden

path, gone is

the swagger of

her youth, when

one paw would

be placed precisely

in front of the other,

like a trained model to

accentuate the sway of her

hips. Instead, she has a rather

drunken – while trying desperately

hard to be dignified – gait, reminiscent

of an old movie star with smudged pillar-box

red lipstick and pencil skirt tucked obliviously into size 18

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

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

Bette Davis to Bet Lynch.

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

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

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

Regular tiddling and number twos? Extra mashing of the Sheba? A

stair-lift perhaps? Per-leeeeez! Rather, one prefers Classic

FM, if you please, and, no, “we don’t do” cat

mint. I can date this revelation precisely to

the time I planted two tubs full of the

stuff, unaware that I had the only

cat in Christendom who not only

fails to be seduced by the

scent, but hates it, as the

Queen would turn up her

nose at instant coffee.

No, give her a whiff

of Chanel any day.

Unfortunately, the

local nursery has yet

to develop a hybrid

equivalent. Very

remiss.

Forget patronising

her, too. Just because

one’s a tad deaf, one’s

not stupid and there’s

no need to shout like

one’s some sort of foreign

dog, or something. The

simple pleasures of a ping-

pong ball provided – I thought

– endless hours of fun during her

kitten years. Now in her dotage, when I

innocently toss her a ball to see whether she

is still ‘interested’, she responds sympathetically, not

for her own sake, you understand, but recognising that it is

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

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

questionAn

Pho

tos:

Per

ry L

anca

ster

‘I love the laid-back lifestyle here and artists are much

more respected than in the UK’

Many of us have contemplated making a living out of our

hobbies, while an even greater number harbour dreams of

one day leaving the frankly abysmal British climate behind –

well, this was written in February – to live in another country. But how

many of us have contemplated doing both? Professional woodcarver

Perry Lancaster has done just that. Having developed an affection for

France at an early age, Perry discovered that he also had a talent for

wood sculpture and has since upped sticks to combine his two passions.

When he was approached to produce the trophies for Cats

Protection’s inaugural Volunteer of the Year awards last summer, Perry

completed a circle of sorts. Having traded the south of England for the

south of France in 2002, it was something of a surprise to receive a call

from close to where he purchased the motorbike that ultimately took

him from the rolling hills of Sussex to the valleys of the picturesque

Dordogne region.

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

Perry starts by cutting a ‘blank’ of cocobolo

into rough shapes on the bandsaw

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

With the blank held in a vice, Perry starts

shaping the trophy with a mallet and chisel

The tool marks are evident as the cat starts to

take shape…

Tour de FranceFor Perry, the move across the English Channel came somewhat

serendipitously; “The girl that owned the flat I lived in decided to sell

and I had always wanted to live in France anyway,” he explains. “I picked

up a motorbike and toured around France with the idea of getting a

place and having a holiday at the same time and, on the last day, found

the perfect place.”

As soon as he was back in England, Perry made an offer and was soon

in possession of a one-way ticket to the Dordogne. “I love the laid-back

lifestyle here and artists are much more respected than in the UK.”

He now divides his time between producing work for art galleries as

well as orders and, having moved home again, renovating his second

rural retreat which had previously been empty for an amazing 35 years.

“The French think you’re crazy for buying an old, abandoned property

and doing it up!” he laughs. “But when you’ve moved from the UK,

you’re not used to seeing old houses left.

“So many people have moved away from the countryside and into the

towns, but now the British, Dutch and Parisians have moved in and it’s

being regenerated which is great.”

Carved cats…Perry’s clear affection for the countryside and its bucolic charm goes

hand in hand with his lifelong love of animals and, when he met

woodcarver John Fox in 1988, he discovered another affinity. Sadly,

John died in 1991, but he had already made a lasting impression

on Perry who was soon combining his new-found talent with his

fascination for the natural world and has been producing his wood

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

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

Perry’s carvings are predominantly of cats – “they have such a range

of how they position themselves which I incorporate into my work” –

although he also makes a whole range of other items including birds,

dolphins and polar bears. All of his creations are characterised by their

smooth profiles and minimal surface detail, which allows the quality

of the wood they are made from to contribute to the overall effect.

They are made from a variety of timbers including the native walnut

and more exotic hardwoods such as Santos rosewood, cocobolo and

Macassar ebony, all of which are seasoned beforehand to ensure that

the wood is sturdy and won’t develop any faults.

“My work is stylised and has its roots in the way John Fox did

things,” he explains. “After he died I tried to keep these roots in as

much as possible, but with my own style too.” Indeed, one of Perry’s

most popular pieces, the ‘Martha cat’ – that seems to combine art with

functionality as it can be used as a ring stand! – is named after his late

mentor’s own pet cat.

… and real ones!However, it’s not all about wooden cats for Perry who has a real feline

companion of his own. “When I moved here, some stray cats decided

they were moving in and, even though I’m a little allergic to them, I

was happy to have them around.”

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

– and Walnut – who sadly disappeared last summer – arrived within

a month of Perry. As well as providing companionship and reducing

the rodent population that comes as part and parcel of the rustic

environment, Unglum also comes in useful when it comes to Perry’s

work. “It definitely helps having her around; I work day after day on

a similar design and, although no two are the same, they do start to

change after too long and get a little abstract so when I see a real cat it

certainly helps!”

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

would Perry offer to anyone thinking about doing the same? “I’m not

sure I’m the best person to follow!” he laughs. “I do try and follow my

dreams in a roundabout sort of way and try never to let an opportunity

pass me by however small, whether that means a meal with friends

on a Monday evening or moving to France on a Friday afternoon.

Obviously I would say to anyone, if you feel like doing something and

you get the opportunity, do it!”

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

… before it is filed down towards its

final profile

The contours of the surface are then

smoothed down with sandpaper…

… before finishing oil is applied to the

completed pieces

Perry’s ‘Martha’ cats

feature

When visiting a client recently I was confronted

with a gruesome sight. A row of furry ‘corpses’

laid out as trophies, half chewed and discarded

on the kitchen floor. There was a large, grey mouse with

a couple of legs and most of its innards missing, a rabbit

with no head and an unidentified pelt of some sort,

far beyond recognition. Had the situation been slightly

different I would have been appalled but these were the

remains of stuffed toys, decimated by a beautiful Siamese

called Samson with a very particular problem.

Pica problemA small percentage of the referred cases I see each year

concern a problem behaviour called ‘pica’. This refers

to the consumption of non-edible materials. Favoured

delicacies include wool, rubber, plastic, leather and

cardboard. Some cats stop short of actually swallowing

the stuff and remain perfectly satisfied with chewing and

tearing, causing hundreds of pounds’ worth of damage

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

to the extreme, it will consume the material and risk

emergency surgery to remove the resulting blockage

from its intestines. This is not a cheap problem and it can

potentially cause years of misery for owner and cat alike.

Wool eatingA relatively common example of this behaviour is referred

to as ‘wool eating’ and is seen usually in Siamese and

other derivative breeds. Many kittens arrive in their new

home already chewing and sucking their bedding, but

grow out of the habit as they become adult. However for

some, particularly those with restricted lifestyles or who

are susceptible to stress, the habit continues well into

adulthood and is highly resistant to behaviour therapy.

Researchers believe there is a genetic component to the

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

works slightly differently to others. One theory suggests

that the act of chewing causes chemicals to be released in

the brain giving the recipient a feeling of intense pleasure.

This then becomes addictive.

This problem isn’t the exclusive domain of the pedigrees

but they are certainly disproportionally represented in

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

cardboard and even, alarmingly, electric cables. This

presents a serious fire hazard and risk to life and should

never be considered a charming idiosyncrasy.

Samson – the SiameseIn the case of Samson, there was a number of other issues

that we needed to address. His owner was extremely

fortunate as the target of his pica was highly specific: fur

fabric toys filled with Kapok. The stuffing he discarded –

thankfully – by pulling and spitting it onto the floor and

he even had the good sense to eat around the plastic eyes!

We agreed that we would allow him to have toys acquired

from jumble sales and charity shops and, providing they

only contained the appropriate stuffing and all plastic

attachments were removed, these would satisfy his craving

without risking the addiction spreading to more costly

items – cashmere sweaters are traditionally a big favourite.

Interestingly, despite not treating this problem specifically,

the behaviour modification programme put in place

to reduce Samson’s stress levels resulted in a dramatic

reduction in his stuffed toy habit.

Playing detective…A day in the life of a cat behaviour counsellor

Vicky Halls is a registered Veterinary Nurse

and has worked closely with cats since 1988

in rescue centres and veterinary practices.

She started seeing behavioural cases whilst

managing a veterinary practice and in 1995

was invited by Dr Peter Neville to work on his

behalf as an associate of his practice. In 1998

she became a member of the Association of

Pet Behaviour Counsellors and now consults

mainly in London and the Home Counties dealing with the high

demand for her specialist cat behaviour counselling.

Vicky is a member of FAB’s Feline Behaviour Expert Panel and

the author of the bestselling Cat Confidential, Cat Detective,

The Complete Cat and Cat Counsellor.

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

‘Corpses’ in the kitchen? Vicky Halls investigates…

healthcheck

Suitable deterrentsNot all pica habits represent serious addictions. For those cats that idly

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

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

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

of choice.

Environmental stimulationMany cats that develop this habit maintain it into adulthood if they

have little or no access outdoors. These cats need a great deal of

stimulation indoors to give them things to do that are more rewarding

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

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

the second best option.

Dietary changesDiets high in fibre that make the cat feel full may be helpful in

reducing the motivation to perform the behaviour, particularly if the

items are invariably swallowed. Vets can recommend diets that would

be suitable for this purpose. Some cats benefit from the provision

of cooked lamb or beef knucklebone with residual gristle and meat

on them, however, in my experience, cats that consume plastic and

other man-made materials are not automatically drawn to something

so obviously meaty. Small dog hide chews can be attractive to some

particularly if they are soaked first in hot water and anointed with a

few drops of fish sauce or similar strong flavour. Green wood twigs can

also be appealing but care should be taken not to choose sticks from

trees that are potentially poisonous to cats.

Referral to a counsellorIf cats do not grow out of this problem by the time they are adult, it is

likely to remain a problem for life, particularly if they are kept indoors

or with other cats. Although this behaviour is difficult to cure it is

still worth the owner consulting a specialist, who will assess the

cat’s lifestyle and attempt to reduce or remove any significant

stressors. The referring veterinary surgeon – or veterinary

behaviourist – may prescribe a tricyclic antidepressant

that will work alongside the behaviour therapy to

‘retrain’ the cat’s brain. Drugs such as Clomicalm

(clomipramine hydrochloride) or Prozac (fluoxetine)

are frequently used with variable results. This

problem has a profound effect on the owner’s

lifestyle as well as the cat’s. It is very hard to live

‘fabric-free’ and almost impossible to deny your cat

access to all the variety of potential targets.

Prevention is better than cureAs there is some evidence to suggest that pica can have an inheritable

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

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

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

the breeder for just this reason. It is wrong to trivialise this issue, given

the risk of intestinal blockage and the excessive distress and financial

burden it places on the owners. Potential purchasers of pedigrees

should certainly be aware that pica is a problem in certain breed lines

and research their chosen kitten accordingly.

Non-pedigrees can chew too!Pica is not the exclusive domain of the Orientals; all cat owners should

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

under the right circumstances.

I have seen a number of domestic cats over the years that have

indulged in rubber chewing, polythene eating and cardboard tearing.

The owners managed to resolve the situation in most instances by

removing all materials that promoted the behaviour, reducing stress

and providing a stimulating lifestyle that included access outdoors.

However not all picas are quite what they seem so any unusual

eating habits should be discussed with the vet straight away.

If a cat starts to eat cat litter or lick

concrete, for example, this can be an

indication of ill health.

Playing detective…‘Corpses’ in the kitchen? Vicky Halls investigates…

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Feline finein the

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

Remember The Good Life? The 1970s

sitcom featured Tom and Barbara

Good and their endeavours to become

self-sufficient – growing everything they

needed for food and all in their garden in

leafy Surbiton! Even though the series was

incredibly popular, it wasn’t enough to kick-

start a particularly significant ‘grow-your-

own’ trend and certainly nothing like the one

we are seeing at the moment.

Three years ago Tom Sharples, Marketing

Manager at Suttons Seeds, told me that

he had noticed a sharp rise in consumers

growing their own vegetables. For the first

time since the Second World War, he said,

vegetable seeds were outselling flower seeds.

Within just a few months of that

conversation, reports were coming from all of

the other seeds firms with similar tales. Little

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

phenomenon would explode in the way it has.

But why has this happened? There is no

single factor responsible, but the popularity

of growing vegetables, fruits and herbs can

be summarised as follows:

Size doesn’t matterGardeners with large or small gardens, or even just a window box, can grow salads, roots,

brassicas and fruits. Modern gardens are so much smaller than those enjoyed by our forefathers

and this, more often than not, means that there is no room for a vegetable plot.

You could apply to the council for an allotment, but these are often not available, are too far

away, or just too time-consuming for our busy lifestyles. Also, you can’t easily take your cat with

you! The answer is to grow vegetables at home in containers. Pots, tubs, bags, troughs, window

boxes, hanging baskets – they can all be used with great results. If you feel like giving this a go

in 2009, now is the time to stock up on what you need.

There is no real secret to growing good produce in containers and if you’re determined

enough you can persuade just about any edible plant to grow in a container. Some plants

positively thrive in them, often performing better than those planted in the open ground. Edible

plants are easier to manage when they are cultivated in containers and, in many cases, there are

dwarf or compact varieties that have been especially bred for growing in more confined spacing.

The following vegetables, and varieties, can certainly be grown in containers, but they will

also do perfectly well in the open garden. So, even if you just have a balcony, there is no reason

why you can’t try your hand at growing one of the following.

Home-grown produce is infinitely fresher

than shop-bought and remember that

some vegetables and fruits – especially

if you buy them out of their normal

growing season – will have flown half-

way across the planet to get to the

shops here.

With freshness comes flavour and you can

choose to grow the more flavoursome

varieties; things like runner beans

and any of the Brassica family – which

includes cabbages, cauliflower, broccoli,

kale, Brussels sprouts and even turnips –

which tend to taste better soon after they

have been picked. Growing your own also

means that you can choose the variety

that suits you, rather than having to buy

what the supermarket offers.

It is a healthy hobby – digging a patch

of ground gets the heart pumping and is

good aerobic exercise; also you are liable

to eat more healthily and if you choose

to garden organically, you are putting

across a generally ‘healthy’ message for

the planet.

Finally, growing your own food can

save you money. Remember you will

have to buy the seeds, the fertiliser,

the compost and the hose-pipes as well

as pest and disease controls, but even

taking these into account, savings can

be made – if you grow enough of the

right things. Tomatoes that come in

abundance can save you a fortune if you

don’t have to buy them. But potatoes,

carrots and lettuce, for example, do not

offer particularly significant savings. On

balance, therefore, growing your own is a

good thing to do – and all the extra time

spent on your veg plot could be good

outdoor bonding time for you and your

cat as well!

gardeningfeature

Pho

tos: G

raham

Clarke

I’ve just been skimming the surface

here – there are many, many more types of

vegetable you could grow from aubergine to

zucchini. The only problem I’ve encountered

with cats while growing vegetables is

that moggy will delight in scuffing up a

nicely raked seedbed. However, this has

only actually happened to me in the years

when we didn’t have a cat ourselves and

neighbour’s cats did the scuffing! Even this

is easily resolved by laying a few twiggy

branches over the seedbed and keeping them

there until the seeds have germinated.

As with all aspects of gardening, the

question of cat safety arises. Are there any

fruit or vegetable plants that are dangerous

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

on ‘warning’ lists are tomatoes, potatoes,

onions, peaches, apricots, avocados and the

herb rue – so I have not included them in

my recommendations here. It is extremely

unlikely that a cat would consume sufficient

quantities of any of these to cause him

damage, but you should at least be aware

of the potential. Don’t let this risk deter you

from growing your own veg though, for

even if you avoided these things there are

plenty of alternatives for you to still enjoy

The Good Life!

Try these!Cabbages – miniature kinds forming small heads that

can be harvested before they mature. Try the varieties

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

‘Primero’.

Cauliflowers – similarly, go for the smaller varieties,

which can be harvested when they are tennis ball-

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

close cropping.

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

easiest to grow in containers. There are many different

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

wonderful pots of ‘Blush’ – leaves tinged pink – and

‘Mini Green’ – a miniature crisphead type.

Beetroot – you wouldn’t think that root crops are

appropriate for container-growing, but they are.

Smaller and suitable varieties for growing as mini-beet

include ‘Kestrel F1’, ‘Monaco’ and ‘Detroit 2 –

Little Ball’.

Carrots – choose either round or stump-rooted carrot

varieties or grow more traditionally long varieties, but

use taller containers. People growing carrots – and

parsnips – for the show table even use drain pipes

stood on end and filled with growing compost.

Leeks – these can actually be very successfully grown

as mini or baby vegetables. Look for the ‘King Richard’

and ‘Jolant’ varieties.

Peas – grow these in as deep a container as possible

and make sure the compost is well-drained. ‘Feltham

First’ and ‘Meteor’ are compact varieties and ‘Half Pint’

is very dwarf.

Runner beans – these need large containers and a

framework of canes to climb up. But dwarfer varieties,

needing no support, are available. Look for the

stringless ‘Pickwick’, ‘Hammond’s Dwarf Scarlet’

and ‘Hestia’.

Courgettes – modern varieties are suitable for pot

growing. Choose the round, yellow-skinned ‘One

Ball F1’ which is harvested when tennis ball-sized, or

‘Supremo’ and ‘Patriot’ which are harvested when the

fruits are 6in (15cm) long.

Cucumbers – arguably best in a growing bag rather

than a pot, these climbing or trailing plants are a bit

more of a challenge. Make sure they get a plentiful

supply of food, water and heat.

Peppers – sweet or bell peppers and chillies can be

grown as neat, bushy plants, and usually crop very well

in pots. There are dozens of varieties, but ‘Redskin’ is a

fine compact form.

Illustratio

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makingmemories

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

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

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

a mini Davy Crockett hat. Long after his siblings had finished dining

he remained chowing down, only to stop when he dipped his paw

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

was a sign of things to come.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

arms, grumbling his disdain.

Like most cats, Pippin suffered from selective deafness. He would

often sit with his back to you, ignoring the outstretched hand and

fussing coos, his ears twitching back like satellite dishes to the

unanswered call of his name, yet he could hear a packet of ham

being opened from another floor in the house – there was

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

was never refused.

One Christmas he was given a three-course meal, the finalé

being a feline-friendly crème brûlée. In the blink of an eye he had

hoovered up the wobbly dome and looked up with begging eyes

for seconds and thirds.

Pips was renowned in the neighbourhood – he would loll out by

the garages at the side of the street, often stopping pedestrians

in the path demanding a tickle of his ears. Passers by told me

he was “a sound cat” and that he had been romancing

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

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

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

makes me smile.

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

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

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

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

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

back to sleep.

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

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

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

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

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

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

At just over 15 years old, we lost Pips to a road accident and we lost

a true and hugely special friend. Nearly a year on, I still turn the corner

and expect to see him sunning himself by the garage and then feel the

same hole in my stomach when I remember why I won’t. Yet

at the same time I remember being woken by a cold pink

nose in my face enquiring the whereabouts of breakfast

and the best, warmest hugs and pneumatic purrs. The

loss of a beloved cat is so great, yet the pleasure they

bring over their time with you, no matter

how long or short, will always,

always outweigh.

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

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

What

larks

Ali’scatsIll

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: Alis

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Pri

nce

Ever since his traumatic week

imprisoned in a shed – The Cat, Winter

2008 – Paddy has considered himself

to be a walking case of special needs –

particularly when it comes to food. He eats

with serious attention and, since he doesn’t

venture far from home, he gets very little

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

if he isn’t getting a bit over-plump. He lies

about like a Roman emperor, occasionally

raising a lazy paw to wash his face and rolls

on his back happily when spoken to, but the

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

entirely blame him.

The whole island got buried in snow in

mid-November, causing both Paddy and

Fingal to stare glumly through the cat flap

and delay going out until dire necessity drove

them to a patch of bare earth under the sea-

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

may ask? The answer is my cats won’t

use one.

Anyway, Paddy has turned into a

prodigious eater. He’s still choosy, though.

If his imagination is running along fishy

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

are times when he is plainly yearning for

something fresh and raw. Fingal has

that sort of thing fairly constantly

in mind, but provides himself

with the odd mouse or vole.

Paddy the emperor does not

dirty his paws with that sort of thing. He even

spurned some raw chicken the other day, on

the grounds that it had been in his dish for

two hours and he’d like something else. Some

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

In fact, our kitchen smells so delicious that

other cats sometimes lurk about outside,

looking hopeful.

An intruder callsA couple of weeks ago, one of the lurkers

became an invader. Coming in late one

evening, I found the cat dishes so empty that

they looked absolutely polished. Paddy and

Fingal were grumbling a bit, so I gave them

their supper and wondered who had been

in. A few days later, Paddy raised his head

sharply from his slumbers and listened, then

crept to the kitchen door and peeped round

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

Something large, brown and furry shot out

through the cat flap so fast that I only got

a glimpse of a white hind paw. Then Fingal,

who had been out, came in looking ruffled

and cross and inspected the empty dishes

with marked disapproval.

The threat of raids from cat number

three has had its effect. My two tend to

eat everything up rather than snacking

throughout the day – but I’ve cut down the

rations a bit, having found out that

our marauder gets lots of food in

his own house. Paddy is

still a bit roly-poly, but

we’re not into excesses,

thank you. ‘Fat Cats’

have a bad name

these days.

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

Remembering catsThis section offers readers the chance to pay tribute to a beloved cat by helping others. Donations go towards pens for our

branches, which help house cats and kittens while they wait for new homes. Please send your donations to: Remembering

Cats, The Cat magazine, National Cat Centre, Chelwood Gate, Haywards Heath RH17 7TT. Tributes will be printed

in the next available issue. Please print your tribute clearly to avoid errors (no more than 20 words). Thanks to

readers of The Cat, 309 pens have now been bought.

through helping others

MONTY 20.10.03. Miss you

every day my darling boy. Wait

for me on Rainbow Bridge. Sweet

Dreams – Mum x

JOEY, SAM, GINGER,

CHARLIE, JASPER,

GARFIELD and BUNTY.

Sadly missed, I love you all. Always

missed so much. Joy & Jeannie

KATEY – pretty, feisty little lady,

always ready with a miaow and

a purr! Now in pussy paradise.

Always loved fussing you. Maria

JOHNNY – a gorgeous tomcat!

Big in size and big personality!

Now in pussy paradise. I’ll never

forget you! Maria

JACK – died 24.10.05 – my

lovely black boy. Thank you for

ten wonderful years. You will be

remembered always. Gwen

In loving memory of JENNY

05.03.00, also MITTENS next

door 30.03.00. Loved and missed

always, two good friends not

forgotten. Helen

BETH 01.06.02 – 12.11.08. Our

precious little “special needs” cat,

we miss you every minute of every

day. Kim and Phil xx

NEVIS 09.11.08, aged 17. My

darling third cat and loving little

friend through good times and

bad. So greatly missed. Nicola

Marlow

TIMS – ‘lost’ to me since

27.01.08 and also MONTY,

LAURA, OLIVER,

AMBROSE, CHERRY,

PENNY, MERLIN and all of

you. Never forgotten. Love you

all. Jeannie & Joy

BLACKIE (1955-1973), GILLY

(1973-1991) and NEVIS

(1991-2008). Remembering the

wonderful three in fifty-three

years of cat ownership. I have

been truly blessed. Nicola Marlow

In memory of our beloved cat

PHOEBE, who died in October

2008. Love, Anita and Robin

LADY and her mischievous

son BEN, reunited and causing

mayhem in puddy cat heaven!

Sadly missed by the Jones family.

PUSS – loyal and faithful pet;

ten years have gone by and I miss

you more than ever. 25.04.99

SALLY – went to Jesus 16.03.93

and CHLOE 17.07.06. Loved and

remembered everyday. Mummy

KITTY 27.10.08 aged 18, left a

big hole in our lives, we loved you

so much. Jean and Derek

BUGSY 06.01.94 aged 20. Our

precious little girl, your name and

manner will be forever scratched

into our hearts. Love Mom, Dad,

John, Topaz, Murphy and Milo

xxxxx !

GREY CAT 16.12.08. A fine,

gentle cat who appeared for food

and affection. Died peacefully on

her own patch of land.

In loving memory of TIMMY

30.03.91 and TOPSY 27.03.96 –

together again. In our thoughts

and hearts always and forever.

Love Mummy and Daddy

In loving memory of CHLÖE

02.03.05. Our beautiful girl. In our

thoughts and hearts always. Love

Mummy, Daddy, Perry and son Leo

Our dearest PABLO, suddenly

taken from us on 03.10.08

aged 12. Our beautiful boy will

always be loved and missed. Still

heartbroken, Jill & Ray xx

Remembering BOBBY – went

missing 02.04.07; greatly missed.

Hope you are happy and well. ‘Til

we meet again. Peter, Sooty, Tiggy

My gentle KARMA, tragically

killed on 29.11.08 aged eight. Miss

you desperately. Love you forever

darling boy. Mummy, Samedi and

Zao xxx

I miss dear BLACKIE so very

much, I shall never forger our

nine wonderful years together,

best friends, greatest company

and always there for me. Now

reunited with GINGE, his dear

twin brother who died aged 16

months, March 2001.

FURRY PURRY PTS 31.10.08

aged 21. Our beautiful sweet pea,

much missed. Also remembering

CHARLIE, HENNY and

POPPY. Lots of love, Mummy

and Daddy

Remembering CLEO 26.03.92

– 20.08.06 and TOBI 20.03.98 –

22.12.00. ‘Whilst we live you shall

not die’. Gill, Rosie, Billy, Timmy,

Cookie

MR ARTHUR 19.03.96. All

cats teach us something, courage

and dignity were your gifts to me.

Love Mum

In loving memory of our

precious DAISY, PTS 22.12.08

aged 14!. Miss you terribly my

angel. Reunited with Harry.

Love always from your family

TIGGER – beautiful, trusting

and gentle. A large heart gave

you, and took you from us.

Six wonderful years.

Mum and Auntie

In loving memory of our

precious SAMANTHA aged

17. Still think of you constantly,

forever your loving Mum

and Dad

Book reviewsLooking for a great book about cats? Check out our reviews before you buy...

The Joy of CatsBy Celia Haddon

This offering from best-selling anthologist and renowned cat lover Celia Haddon is a self-

proclaimed feast of cat worship. Taking us on a journey through the musings of celebrated

historical figures including Leonardo da Vinci, Florence Nightingale and Mark Twain,

The Joy of Cats attempts to answer the question of why we love cats so much. This title will

be an instant hit, both with those who want to examine the ‘why’ side of proceedings and

the cat lovers of this world who have already settled on the ‘because’.

Tom Briggs

The Joy of Cats (£7.99) is published by Hodder & Stoughton

(www.hodder.co.uk Tel: 020 7873 6000)

Dewey – the small town library cat who touched the worldBy Vicki Myron

This is a heart-warming read about a cat who achieved world-wide fame after being

abandoned in the book returns slot of his local library as a young kitten. Vicki Myron paints

an evocative picture of both her life and that of a small town in Iowa, charting the local

community’s ups and downs and the unique contribution this exceptional cat made.

Dewey’s legacy lives on in this book and there is soon to be a feature film adaptation

starring Meryl Streep.

Francesca Watson

We have three copies of this book to give away, send your entry and address marked ‘Dewey’

to The Cat, National Cat Centre, Chelwood Gate, Haywards Heath RH17 7TT

Dewey – the small town library cat who touched the world (£14.99 Hardback) is published

by Hodder & Stoughton (www.hodder.co.uk Tel: 020 7873 6000)

There are cats in this book By Viviane Schwarz

Moonpie, Tiny and André are Viviane Schwarz’s fun-loving feline creations and they can’t

wait to meet you! On each page the three playful friends appear, urging you to turn the

pages, flip open the flaps and join them in their colourful world of pillow fights, hide ’n’

seek and floods of fish waves! There are cats in this book is gorgeously quirky and full of

interactive fun that will bring a smile to the faces of cat-lovers both young and old.

Gemma Bather

There are cats in this book (£9.99) is published by Walker Books

(www.walker.co.uk Tel: 020 7793 0909)

How to Own a HumanRead by Ellen Dryden and Brian Hewlett

How to own a human is a selection of writings about cats and for cats. There are stories,

poems, proverbs, quotes and fables interspersed with instructions for cats on how to train

their humans. This is a lively, entertaining audio CD perfect for adults and children alike.

Francesca Watson

How to Own a Human (£9.99) is published by Crimson Cats

(www.crimsoncats.co.uk Tel: 01379 854 888)