Cats In the News

Just because we call ourselves London Dog Forum, we would not like you to think we are 'catist' in any way, so News Ed, Nick Mays brings you 'Cats In the News'



CRAIG AND ANTON WALTZ INTO NEW GREENWICH HOME - 24th January 2012



Two homeless cats who were given Strictly Come Dancing inspired names by Ann Widdecombe have found a new home in Greenwich.

Before Christmas Ann visited Battersea Dogs & Cats Home Brands Hatch to meet some of the dogs and cats looking for new homes. The politician and ex-Strictly star was invited to name a pair of cats at the centre, and decided to call them Craig and Anton, after stars of the show Craig Revel-Horwood and Anton du Beke.

After spending a month at the Battersea Brands Hatch cattery, Craig and Anton have now found a loving new home with Rebecca and Chris Cobb from Greenwich.

Rebecca says: “We both like Strictly and thought Ann was really entertaining on the show. When the staff at Battersea Brands Hatch told us how Craig and Anton got their names we thought it was great, and we feel really lucky to have them. Their names suit them so we’re definitely going to keep them.”

She continues: “We were looking for two cats so they could keep each other company if we are out, so Anton and Craig were perfect. They are fantastic cats and we have a 50 foot garden that we know they are going to love exploring.”

Ann Widdecombe said she was very pleased Rebecca and Chris chose the cats. She added: “I am delighted to hear that Craig and Anton have found a new home, and it’s great to think of the pair of them quick-stepping around the gardens in Greenwich. There are lots of other animals at Battersea Brands Hatch in desperate need of a new home, so I would encourage anyone who is thinking of getting a pet to visit the centre.” 

•    If you can offer a home to a Battersea Brands Hatch dog or cat, please visit www.battersea.org.uk


OVERWEIGHT RESCUE CAT SHEDS THE POUNDS IN NEW HOME - 13th December 2012


Nicky at new home
 
A chubby rescue cat who weighed as much as a dog is finally shifting the pounds thanks to his new owner from Bromley.
 
Nicky the cat arrived at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home’s Brands Hatch centre in June, and at nearly 10kg, the 11 year old was twice his ideal weight, and one of the largest cats staff had seen. He weighed the same as a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and was so big he had to be cleaned by the cattery staff.
 
Nicky doesn’t like other cats and despite the best efforts of staff, he preferred to sit in his cat pen, instead of moving around to try and shift the flab. However after 147 days at Battersea he has found a new home in Bromley, and is now slimming down with owner Carmel Ballantyne.
 
Carmel says Nicky has settled into his new home very quickly, and has embraced the opportunity to ditch his spare tyre. She explains: “He seems so happy and is really lively and wants to go outside all the time. He’s been running up and down the stairs and jumping onto window sills, and is definitely shifting the weight. He is on an obesity management diet and really loves his food, but is enjoying it in moderation.”
 
Cattery Animal Welfare and Rehoming Assistant Sharon Weller says an active lifestyle is just what Nicky needed. She says: “Older cats still love exploring and playing games, so this is just what Nicky needs to slim down. It’s really important that owners encourage their pets to stay active and we are all really happy that Nicky has found his perfect home with Carmel.”
 
Carmel is now encouraging other potential cat owners to consider an older feline. She says: “As soon as I saw Nicky I knew he was for me, and having an older cat really suits me. Older cats are more settled and so affectionate, and they are more inclined to come home after exploring outside. I hope more people will think about adopting one, as Nicky deserved a second chance, and Battersea Brands Hatch has lots of older cats who need a new home too.”
 
Current Battersea resident Lucy the cat is 13 years old, and arrived after her owners’ son was allergic to her. She is a lovely girl who will make a great companion for her new family, as she is still very active, and enjoys exploring.
 
•    If you can offer a home to a Battersea Brands Hatch cat, please contact 01474 875109 or email catterybbh@battersea.org.uk
 

VICTORIA FALLS ON HER FEET- 18th September 2011

AFTER NEARLY FOUR YEARS AWAY, MURPHY RETURNS HOME - 14th September 2011


 
On Christmas Eve 2007, black and white cat Murphy wandered out his owner’s home in Durham but didn’t come back. Now, almost four years later, Murphy has been returned to his owner after he was found over 30 miles away, thanks to his PetID microchip registered with the UK’s largest pet reunification service, Petlog.
 
Murphy’s owner, Jane Hooder was devastated when Murphy went missing, as he only had sight in one eye and she immediately feared the worst. After calling around the local authorities, she was informed that a cat matching Murphy’s description had been killed on a nearby road.
 
Jane explained: “Murphy was a very affectionate cat, he was lovely to be around and you could not fail to fall in love with him. It was horrible when he went missing and I was told that he had died.
 
“When I received a call saying that Murphy had been found, I could not believe it. He had been found over 30 miles away in Richmond. Murphy had been picked up as a stray a few days earlier, but he was in such a good condition it was thought that he had only been a stray for a short time. I have no idea where he had been for the last few years or how he managed to travel so far. He was taken to the vets where he was scanned and identified through the microchip database Petlog, as belonging to me.
 
“If it was not for his microchip I would never have got him back and always assumed that he had died. It is great to have him home, and he fitted straight in. His temperament has not changed at all - he is still the loving and affectionate Murphy I remember so well.”
 
Petlog, which is owned and managed by the Kennel Club, is on hand 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to animal wardens, welfare and rescue centres, veterinary practices and local authorities, who can all scan for microchips in pets which come into their care and trace the owners through the Petlog database. Having a microchip implanted in your pet vastly increases a pet’s chances of getting home.
 
• Petlog provides a range of services for owners of microchipped pets; for further information, please visit www.petlog.org.uk or call 0844 4633 999.

REVEALED: TRUE COST OF KEEPING CAT POPULATION DOWN - 24th August 2011

New figures released by Cats Protection show that neutering the nation’s cats costs millions of pounds, bringing to light the full extent of the UK’s cat population problem.

The charity had to spend a staggering £5.6m last year neutering over 176,000 owned, stray and feral cats across the UK - that’s one every three minutes.

However, the charity is warning this is not a long term fix and says the only way to ensure the population is brought under control is for owners to get their cats neutered earlier to prevent unwanted litters of kittens. 

Ian MacFarlaine, Cats Protection’s Neutering Manager explained: “Cats are such prolific breeders that if we didn’t neuter them, we would have a population explosion that would end up with sick stray and abandoned cats roaming the streets. As a nation of animal lovers, I don’t think anyone would find this acceptable.

“But we need help to get the cat population under control. Our research tells us that 94 per cent of cat owners don’t realise that cats can get pregnant as early as four months so we are working with the veterinary profession and the public to encourage cat neutering around four months of age, which is a significant move away from the traditional six months.”  

TV presenter and newsreader Jan Leeming, who owns a cat called Tamby, supports Cats Protection’s neutering work. She said: “I was surprised to learn that a female cat can get pregnant as early as four months. It appears we are leaving neutering too late and missing a golden opportunity to reduce the numbers of unwanted kittens that are dumped and left to fend for themselves, or given to charities like Cats Protection who already have their hands full. I’d urge owners to get their cats neutered earlier.”

Ian agreed: “Ensuring cats are neutered earlier will prevent those surprise litters of kittens that most owners are unprepared for – and then have to hand over to animal welfare organisations, perpetuating the unwanted cat problem. Early neutering is proven to be safe and effective and avoids many of the potential complications of neutering later in life.”

In May of this year, a black cat called Hanna was handed to Cats Protection’s National Cat Adoption Centre. She had become pregnant at four months of age and her owner was unable to look after her anymore. Hanna later gave birth to three kittens, and fortunately Hanna and two of her kittens have since been found new homes.    

Cats Protection has set up a register of vets that are helping the charity deliver its early neutering goal. Owners can log on to www.cats.org.uk/neutering to find the nearest veterinary practice participating in the scheme.

• To seek advice on neutering or to request financial assistance to get your cat neutered if you are on a limited income, please call Cats Protection’s national Helpline on 03000 12 12 12 or log on to www.cats.org.uk

HALF OF RESCUE CATS MAY HAVE HOMES - 18th August 2011


 Two to three year old Oliver came into Battersea as a stray.
Because he didn’t have a collar and tag and wasn’t microchipped,
Battersea was unable to trace his owners. He’s now looking for a new home.

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home is issuing advice to the public on what to do if they think they have found a stray cat. The charity says almost half of all cats taken to animal charities as strays each year could belong to loving families, but are mistaken as strays because they are not wearing a collar and tag. With many cats not microchipped, the Home faces a difficult challenge to reunite much loved pets with their owners.
 
So far this year, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home has reunited over 40 cats with their owners, after it became apparent they were not actually strays and had just been roaming the neighbourhood.
 
Louise Taylor, Battersea’s Lost & Found Assistant says: “Cats can roam large areas in their neighbourhood and are notorious for befriending people for food even when they are being fed by their owners. The last thing we want to do is put people off helping cats in need, but we see too many cases of people bringing happy and healthy cats into us as ‘strays’ who probably have an owner somewhere, and this puts a big strain on us helping other cats who genuinely need our care.”
 
In 2010 almost half of the 2742 cats taken to Battersea were brought in as strays. Whilst Battersea does all it can through its Lost Dogs & Cats Line to reunite cats with their owners, this job is made all the more difficult if the animal is not microchipped. Of the 1221 cats that came in as strays last year, only 74 were reunited with their owners thanks to a microchip – a tiny ID device that sits under the cat’s skin.
 
Louise Taylor continues: “Many people bring cats to us thinking they are strays, but when they get to Battersea and are scanned for a microchip we discover they are actually a much loved family pet. Most of our stray cats were obviously companions at some point, but if they have no identification there’s no way we can find their owners.”
 
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home gives the following advice to anyone who thinks they have found a stray cat:

• Avoid feeding cats that come into your garden unless they are clearly underweight

• Cats roam over wide areas so ask your neighbours to see if they know who the cat belongs to

• Call Battersea’s Lost Dogs & Cats Line, as well as other local rescue centres and veterinary clinics to see if anyone has reported a cat missing

• Put a paper collar on the cat (available from Battersea’s website) asking an owner to contact you if it is their cat

• If the cat is approachable, take it to your local vet who will be able to scan it for a microchip

• If you haven’t found an owner within a couple of weeks try and rehome the cat through your local rescue centre

• If you decide to keep the cat make sure you consider the commitment and responsibly of owning a pet
 
• If you have lost or found a cat you can contact Battersea’s Lost Dogs & Cats Line on 0901 477 8477. To find out more and to download a paper collar visit www.battersea.org.uk.

THE TROJAN CAT - 11th August 2011


 
A cat owner has had the good fortune to be reunited with her cat after he was locked in a school four days after it closed for the holidays.
 
Terry Broadway from High Wycombe reported her cat, Troy missing on Saturday 4th June, she put up posters and spoke to neighbours and although one person reported seeing Troy the same day he disappeared there had been no sightings since.
 
Troy had wandered into a local school and been locked in a storage container, however, unlike the Greek myth Troy did not come out of his hiding place. It was not until August 4th, after the school had been closed for some time when a member of staff opened the container, which had not been opened for at least four days, that she found Troy. At first she thought that he was dead, as he did not move but thankfully he was still alive
 
The school contacted another cat owner who was known to have lost her cat recently believing he could possibly be hers. The lady went along to the school to find that sadly the cat was not hers and she took him to a local veterinary practice to see if he was microchipped. The cat was microchipped with a Bayer Tracer chip and when the vets called Petlog they immediately identified him as missing Troy. Troy's owner Terry was then informed and he was quickly returned home.
 
Terry explained: “I am ecstatic to have Troy back with me and my other two cats Roofuss & Richie who are glad to have him back too. I am so pleased I had him microchipped, I have now taken Roofuss to get him chipped though Richie is already chipped.
 
Troy is an extremely friendly cat and he does not seem too worried by his experience. I would certainly advise that pet owners do have their pets chipped, as it really is worthwhile.”
 
Petlog, which is owned and managed by the Kennel Club, is on hand 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to animal wardens, welfare and rescue centres, veterinary practices and local authorities, who can all scan for microchips in pets which come into their care and trace the owners through the Petlog database. Having a microchip implanted in your pet vastly increases a pet’s chances of getting home.
 
Petlog provides a range of services for owners of microchipped pets; for further information, please visit www.petlog.org.uk or call 0844 4633 999.

SUMMER HOLIDAYS AND THE KITTEN SEASON SEES RESCUE NUMBERS SOAR


Sam
 
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home is issuing an urgent appeal to all cat lovers to consider giving a home to an unwanted cat. The holiday and kitten seasons mean the charity’s catteries are full to the brim and almost 220 felines are waiting for loving owners to come along and offer them a home.
 
Summer is always a challenging time for the charity’s three catteries. A combination of the kitten season and fewer people looking to take on pets because of summer holidays means there is often a ‘backlog’ of cats, and cats that would find new homes within a few days are staying much longer. Battersea will care for cats and dogs for as long as it takes to find a suitable home and has some cats that have been in the cattery for over four months. 
 
Current residents at Battersea’s cattery include Sam, a 12 week old kitten who was found in a London park dumped in a box with his mum and four siblings, and 17 year olds Kelly and Lucky who came into the Home together as their owner sadly passed away. 

    
 
Ros Davies, Battersea Rehomer says: “Rehoming has already slowed down but now the summer holidays are here we’re really concerned it will slow down even more. We call the summer “kitten season” here, as we get so many in, and this year’s no exception. Our cattery’s full and we’re really keen to find good homes for our cats. The more cats we can find homes for, the more we can help.”
 
Last year Battersea Dogs & Cats Home cared for almost 3000 cats. While many cats come into the Home as strays, over 40 per cent come in as their owners can no longer look after them, and Battersea has seen the number of these enquiries double in the last year.
 
Ali Evans, Battersea’s Intake Co-ordinator comments: “We’re getting a massive number of calls from people who can’t look after their cat any more. Last month alone we had over 350 calls compared to just over 200 the month before. This time of year we get lots of unwanted litters – people simply aren’t getting their cat neutered.”
 
Battersea advises people to think carefully before taking on the commitment of a new pet and also to think about any changes that may happen in the future. Ali Evans adds: “Taking on a cat costs time and money and sadly people don’t give it enough thought. Another big issue is people aren’t getting their cats spayed or neutered. Cats can have kittens from as young as four months old and up to four litters a year, averaging four to six kittens per litter, so you can see how populations can explode.”
 
• Battersea Dogs & Cats Home gives all potential new owners help and advice before taking on a cat. If you think you can offer a cat a loving new home please contact Battersea on 0207 627 9234 or email cat.rehoming@battersea.org.uk.


THE PURR-FECT JUNGLE REUNION - 3rd June 2011

80s GLAMOUR icon Sam Fox and TV’s Kim Woodburn have rolled up their sleeves for cats in need to kick-start a volunteering campaign for Cats Protection.

The two stars gave up their free time to spend the afternoon of Wednesday 1 June at the charity’s National Cat Adoption Centre in Chelwood Gate, Sussex helping to socialise cute kittens, feed the cats and even clean out some litter trays.

The event marked the start of Volunteers’ Week and was part of a wider campaign by the charity called I’m A Celebrity… Let Me Volunteer! which aims to raise awareness of the fantastic work the organisation’s dedicated army of over 7,000 volunteers do every day across the UK and to encourage more people to volunteer for the charity.

Animal lover and owner of four cats, Sam said: “I could have taken all of the cats home, but as I have four already I thought I’d better not! I hope that more people will volunteer so that Cats Protection can help even more cats in the future. Not only is it incredibly rewarding but it’s also a great opportunity to meet new friends – both feline and human!”

How Clean is Your House star Kim added, “This place is amazing and the people here do a brilliant job of looking after the cats. I’ve been to houses that haven’t been as nice as this – even I could live in one of these pens as they are so clean! There are always more cats that need help so please do consider donating some time to help cats and kittens at your local Cats Protection.”

Ex rocker Rick Wakeman and Fat Families presenter Steve Miller will also be helping out their local Cats Protection branches while other celebrities have pledged support both in person and via a virtual volunteering scheme on Twitter.

With 2011 named ‘the year of the volunteer,’ Cats Protection, the UK’s leading feline welfare charity, is urging people to get involved to help cats and kittens in their area. 

Julie Meredith, Cats Protection’s Volunteering Development Manager explained: “Seventy-four per cent of the charity’s cat care work is carried out by volunteers and the estimated value of all volunteer hours is £40 million so we are incredibly grateful for all their hard work. We wouldn’t be able to help nearly as many cats without them. However, for every cat taken in, there are others in need of help so we desperately need more volunteers to come forward.”

• If you would like to volunteer for Cats Protection, please call the national helpline on 03000 12 12 12 or log on to www.cats.org.uk for the latest volunteering opportunities.


CATS FIND TRANQUILITY AT MEDITATION CENTRE - 20th May 2011
  
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home has rehomed two unwanted cats to a Buddhist Centre in Kennington, London. The lucky pair will get to meet Jamyang’s Teacher Tibetan monk Geshe Tashi Tsering, who has recently returned from an overseas tour with the Dalai Lama.
 
Shadow and Star arrived at Battersea in March, after a member of their family became allergic to them. They were then spotted in their cat pen by Sue Guthrie, who works at the Jamyang Buddhist Centre in Kennington. The Centre was looking for a pair of cats to move in, and Sue felt Shadow and Star would be the perfect match.
 
Sue explains: “We wanted two cats so they could keep each other company, and they will get lots of attention at the Centre as we have volunteers living here and there are always lots of visitors. I’m sure they will enjoy relaxing in the calm courtyard next to our Buddha statue and exploring the building.”
 
As well as a new home Star also has a new name, and is known as Tara, which is Tibetan for Star.
 
Battersea has rehomed cats to a range of interesting homes all over the country. Rehomer Ros Davies explains: “The Buddhist Centre will be a fantastic place for Shadow and Star to live. Every time we rehome a cat it’s always great to wave them off, and some of our residents have recently left for really interesting new homes. Larry the cat went to live in 10 Downing Street, while Pirate and Marley are now living in a London theatre.”


CAT TRAPPED IN WHEELIE BIN - 5th May, 2011

AN animal charity has launched an appeal after a cat was discovered in a recycling bin where it is believed he could have been trapped for up to 10 days.

Plymouth and South Hams Cats Protection say that thanks to the quick thinking actions of employees of Severnside Recycling, the young black male cat, nicknamed Black Jack, despite being painfully thin and traumatised, survived his ordeal.

Black Jack was found in the recycling bins at Plymouth University on April 18 and was not microchipped.

Tracy Hughes, welfare officer, said: "Strangely he appeared to have gloss paint on his pads and singed whiskers on one side.

"We cannot stress enough the importance of microchipping pets. Thankfully he wasn't trapped during the recent heatwave as he would most probably have died. Hopefully his owner will see this and get in touch."

  Call Plymouth and South Hams Cats Protection on 0845 371 2753 or www.plymouth.cts.org.uk or Facebook Plymouth Cats Protection.


CAT ADOPTS FAMILY FOR TOWN VISIT - 5th May 2011

THEY say dog is man's best friend, but this time it was a feline who took the fancy of a local shopper by following her two miles into town.

Babs Alabaster left her house with her six-year-old son, Zach, for weekend shopping in Chelmsford, Essex.

But as they began their stroll, they spotted a pink diamante-collared cat which began following them on Beeches Road last Friday.

And after two miles, through parks and over bridges, the cat had made it all the way into town with Babs and Zach.

Babs, 30, from Chelmsford, said: "She was the most beautiful cat, so attractive it was hard not to spot it, but when it started to follow us, I tried to shoo it away.

"She really liked my son, so it did not leave us alone and followed us through the park and all the way into town which was a good few miles. Every one was asking me if it was my cat, but I kept saying no."

Babs even had to pick her up to stop cars and bicycles from hitting her over the busy roads.

When they reached Meadows Shopping Centre, she was about to phone the police, but was pleased to see an animal farm in the middle of the centre.

She handed the cat over to animal trainer, Nathan Anderson Dixon, who was in Chelmsford with the travelling farm, The Animal Company, for the weekend.

Nathan, 32, said: "She walked in at around 1pm with this stunning cat, and looked a bit anxious because she did not know what to do.

"I asked her why she was walking around with this cat."

Luckily, the domestic short breed had a microchip put into her fur, which meant the Cats Protection  charity could contact the owners.

She was reunited with her family on Monday morning, after a weekend of frolicking around Chelmsford.

Cats Protection deputy manager, Jill Charrington said: "I am so glad she has been reunited with her owners, and it may not have happened without the microchip. She had very striking features for a domestic short breed and I am sure the owners are very pleased to have her back

Meadows Centre Manager, Sue Patel said: "We were certainly very surprised when Nathan, who was looking after our springtime animals in the centre, was handed this adorable cat by one of our visitors.

"The little cat had a wonderful temperament. We are delighted that Chelmsford Cats Protection were able to reunite them in the end."


CAT'S PURR MAY BE LOUDEST IN THE WORLD - 26th April 2011



SMOKEY THE cat is happy and you know it!

This feline's purr is so loud that Guinness World Records may soon declare her purr to be the loudest in the world.

How loud is Smokey? According to Northampton College, the cat's purr compares to "a lawn mower, hair dryer and even Boeing 747 coming in to land from a mile away."

The 12-year-old feline's owner, Ruth Adams of Pitsford, Northampton, approached her local college about borrowing sound equipment needed to record the cat's purr for Guinness. The college was more than happy to oblige, and even involved a music team to help with the tech work.

At Ruth’s home, Smokey "reached an extraordinary 73 decibels - 16 times louder than the average cat," according to a Northampton College press release. The release adds that, "as part of the criteria for the attempt, the College also arranged for Daventry MP Chris Heaton-Harris, Kaye James, Veterinary Nurse, Abington Park Veterinary Group, Diana Johnson, Cats Protection and Alisdair Tait, British Airways Captain to be present. Mr Tait also acted as the official photographer."

Ruth explained, "Guinness has very strict criteria and the College has been very helpful in supplying the specialist recording equipment needed to measure Smokey’s purr and for arranging the official witnesses. Smokey is actually quite camera shy so I was very conscious not to upset her during the record attempt so we kept it all kept very calm and low key. We are very grateful to the College for stepping in to help us attempt the record and now just have to wait patiently to hear the final verdict."

Curriculum Manager in Music Ray Meadham said, "You don’t get asked to help out with a world record attempt everyday, so of course we jumped at the chance. We had a few test sessions at the college’s studios before deciding to make the attempt in Smokey’s home environment where she felt more at ease and would perform at her best."

He continued, "The recording equipment we used to record Smokey’s purr included a Rode microphone, Logic music software and a Category 1 sound metre which measures decibels – it’s the same equipment music professionals use. Luckily Smokey was on top form and rose to the challenge."

But will it be enough? Stay tuned for the final decision from Guinness.


THE CAT IN THE HAT? - 23rd April 2011

THAT VERY important business of creating hats for the wedding of the year was interrupted by none other than a cat earlier this month.

Bogart the abandoned cat was dumped near the office of famous milliner Philip Treacy. The team are currently working on hats for the Royal Wedding on April 29, but downed tools to make Bogart welcome. After some much needed TLC in the Philip Treacy offices, Bogart was brought to neighbouring Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, and has now been rehomed by a member of the team at the royal milliners.

Bogart was cruelly trapped in a cat box and left by a skip one night. He was found by Philip Treacy’s Production Manager Jutta Freedlander, who brought him into the milliner’s offices.

Poor Bogart had urinated in his cat box, which had soaked his fur and made him a bit smelly. Jutta explains: “We didn’t mind about the smell, as we were just pleased to help poor Bogart. Philip is a real animal lover and wanted to make sure Bogart was happy.”

Juta then bought Bogart to nearby Battersea, where he was checked by the veterinary team and moved into his own spacious pen in the Home’s cattery.  After seven days no one had claimed him, so Jutta decided to rehome Bogart herself. He is now living happily with her Rottweiler Dargo.

Jutta added: “I have wanted a cat for a while, but needed one who would get on with Dargo. Bogart is the perfect match, and I was so pleased to be able to give him a loving home. When the Royal

Wedding takes place on April 29 Bogart will be relaxing at home with me and Dargo, and I’m sure he’ll be looking out for the hats he had a sneak peek of.”

Philip Treacy has created hats for numerous members of the Royal Family including the Duchess of Cornwall’s wedding head dress in 2005. The Duchess is also no stranger to Battersea, after opening the animal welfare charity’s new cattery last October.

• To celebrate the Royal Wedding, Battersea will be offering free entry to visitors across its three sites on Friday April 29, and celebrations will be taking place at the London centre.


CAT CHARITY CALLS FOR COMPULSORY MICROCHIPPING - 23rd April 2011


FURTHER TO statistics released this week that only a quarter of the UK’s eight million cats are microchipped, Cats Protection is urgently calling for compulsory microchipping of all pet cats.

The UK’s leading feline welfare charity says that two in three cats taken into its care are not microchipped, costing the organisation over £190,000 to microchip them.  

Further, the charity ends up dealing with around 40 ownership disputes per year – the majority of which involve cats handed in as strays that are not microchipped.  

This situation puts major financial and time constraints on the charity, which has its hands full looking after over 7,000 unwanted cats at any one time.

“I cannot stress enough how important it is for cats to be microchipped,” said Peter Hepburn, Cats Protection’s Chief Executive. “The heartache and upset that a lost cat can cause is immense, as is the suffering to the cat. It could be so easily solved by a tiny ‘chip that is no bigger than a grain of rice.
     
“When a cat comes into our care, the first thing we do is look for some sort of identification, including scanning for a ‘chip. In a lot of cases, there is no ‘chip so then we have no option but to trawl lost and found registers and to advertise the cat as missing. However, this is a very time consuming process with no guarantee that we will ever locate the owner, despite the best efforts of our volunteers and staff.

“It is a heartbreaking experience when an owner loses their beloved pet and is never reunited with them. Making sure a cat is easily identifiable is vital to increase the chances of a happy reunion so, if compulsory microchipping was brought in, many of these problems would be solved.”

Microchipping is a simple procedure, no more painful than an injection, and can be performed by a vet or other specially-trained personnel. A small microchip, containing a unique identification number, is inserted under the cat’s skin between his shoulder blades. The number is linked to a database containing details of the pet, as well as the owner’s contact details. When a scanner detects the microchip, a simple phone call can ascertain the owner’s details and the pet can then be quickly returned home. However, it is very important pet owners keep their details up to date so owners should check their certificate which will tell them how to do this.

Cats Protection is part of the Alliance for Compulsory Microchipping (The Alliance), which brings together a large number of animal welfare charities, assistance dog organisations, veterinary authorities, microchipping pressure groups and the Communication Workers Union to jointly campaign for the introduction of compulsory microchipping.

• Cats Protection is the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and helps over 215,000 unwanted cats each year through a national network of 256 volunteer-run branches and 30 Adoption Centres each year.

PIRATE AND MATEY TAKE TO THE STAGE - 23rd April 2011

A PAIR of cats from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home are treading the boards after being rehomed by the Bush Theatre in London.

The Shepherds Bush-based theatre visited the animal welfare charity after mice were spotted in staff offices. They were looking for a pair of cats who would deter the unwanted visitors and would be happy to meet visitors and interact with staff.

Battersea Rehomer Ros Davies said feline residents Pirate and Marley were the obvious choice. She explained: “Pirate only has one eye so Marley always looks out for him and they are great friends. They are an amusing pair who will be right at home in the theatre, and they will love meeting everyone.”

The theatre has just moved in to a new building, which is due to open in October. Executive Director Angela Bond said the building is a cat’s paradise. She explained: “Having just moved home ourselves, it's the perfect time to welcome Pirate and Marley to the Bush Theatre Company. Our new building stretches over three floors with a garden, so plenty of space for them to explore. We work with lots of cat lovers and I’m sure Pirate and Marley will be very popular with visitors. They are both fantastic cats, we might even have to give them a part in one of the shows.”

She explained that the team were advised to visit the animal welfare charity after speaking to the Battersea Arts Centre, who have also rehomed a cat from Battersea. 

The duo are now getting used to life in the spotlight, and already have their own profiles on the Bush Theatre website, at http://www.bushtheatre.co.uk/team. 

Development Administrator Lucy Howe explained that they have settled in very well. She said: “There’s definitely no chance of them getting lonely and with so many cat lovers amongst our staff, I'm not sure how much work will be getting done.”

• Battersea has been caring for cats since 1883 and has a long-history of rehoming cats to interesting homes.  Earlier this year Larry the cat moved in to 10 Downing Street, while feline resident Hannah went to live on a houseboat in London. Battersea has also rehomed cats to numerous celebrities, including actress Catherine Tate.