Kitty Cat Websites - The Best Time Wasters

It is often said that cats rule the internet, and I can’t argue with that.  One of the most pleasurable parts of my volunteer work as Publicity Officer is “research”.  Basically, that means I spend hours on the internet watching funny cats, cooing over cute cats and crying at sad cats.

Here is my low-down on some of the best (and maybe most random) cat related websites.

 
Take a look – they will have you hooked!

Cat Flakes – This is a really silly site but is, quite frankly, mesmerising!  You can use the control buttons to change the speed, direction and colour of the cat flakes - http://purrpurr.org/catflakes/

 

Grumpy Cat – You have probably seen or heard of Grumpy Cat (real name Tadar Sauce)… she is the world’s grumpiest cat and her blog is an amusing read!
http://realgrumpycat.tumblr.com/

Des Hommes et des Chatons – One for the ladies!  This ingenious French team pair up some gorgeous cats with some not too bad gentlemen!  I bet this will have you purrrrrring!  http://deshommesetdeschatons.tumblr.com/

My cat is a dick – I hope you are not offended by the title of this page because it is a really funny photo chronicle of the household destruction caused by cats
http://mycatisadick.com/

Cats Protection – This fabulous site is packed full of useful information and advice, cat related fun for the kids, and has a great gift and pet shop – really, you should check it out, it is awesome!
http://cats.org.uk/

I hope you enjoy these!  No responsibility can be taken for lack of work/housework or any other chores due to the time-wasting nature of this blog

HELP...I've lost my cat

We get lots of requests from people to help them find lost cats and in fact I had a flyer through my door just a few days ago about a neighbours lost cat and many emails in my CP inbox with requests to help find lost cats in the last few weeks.

It is a very stressful time for owners and while we would love to wave a wand and magic your fur babies home, it is just not that simple so here are our top tips.

1. Get your cat chipped and keep the info up to date, when your cat is found a rescue centre or vet surgery will be able to scan for a chip and reunite you.  I can't stress enough how important this is...the internet is full of reunited stories and almost every time it has been a chip that has resulted in a happy ending.

2. Register on www.animalsearch.co.uk this is a valuable free service which works in partnership with Cats Protection.

3. Knock on neighbours doors and leaflet the local areas, ask people to check sheds, garages, out buildings and vehicles.  Check up tree's as well, just a few weeks ago we were informed of a missing cat who was found, stuck up a tree after 3 days!

4. Put up posters in the local area and include a photo and details of any other distinctive markings etc.  Street lamps and local noticeboards are good places to put posters.  We have a lost cat poster template that you may find useful.

5. Contact local rescues, including Cats Protection, and vet suregeries, they can help spread the word and keep an eye out for strays that are brought in

6. Try social media, it has an amazing reach!  Facebook, Twitter and Streetlife are all good places to start.  I am always so impressed with how our Facebook and Twitter communities come together to share lost and found cat stories... we all want to help so make the most of that! #lostcat and #foundcat help spread the word!

7. This sounds crazy but I promise it is not...empty the contents of your vacumn cleaner in the garden.  The smell travels a long way and if your puss is lost, this scent might be just what he/she needs to find their way home.  This worked about 2 weeks ago for a lost cat in Frimley.

Lastly, if you have found a cat and are currently taking care of it, I am sure the owner will be grateful but please report the found cat as soon as possible to local rescues as we may be able to reunite them quicker!  If you have found a cat, you can find some useful information here

If you want any more advice or templates for posters, please contact me on camberleycatslost2000@yahoo.com

Adopting a "Sensitive" Cat - Melly's Story

Lots of people ask us about adoption, what it entails, how can they prepare, what do they need to buy, what can they expect?

There are lots of things you can do to prepare for the adoption of a cat and we can offer lots of advice on this subject, but I really think the most important thing you need to have is alopt of love to give, and patience.

Many rescue cats are nervous when moving into a new home, sometimes they have been through terrible traumas, and other times they have just been reliquished into our care with no major trauma.  Some cats are very shy and/or nervous, others are super confident but either way, re-homing is a stressful time for any cat.

I adopted my 7 year old boy, Melly, in January 2013 and has fast become my BFF!  We live alone and he is the centre of attention at all times, much to the annoyance of most of my visitors.

Melly just chillin on the bed

Melly was taken into the care of Cats Protection after his owner passed away and understandably, he found the whole process very stressful.  He went straight to a foster home where he was showered with love and attention but he started to overgroom due to the stress.  When I first went to visit him, his little bum was as bald as can be and his tail only had a little bit of fur on the end.  Picture a baldy butt and a pom pom tail!

Needless to say, I fell completely head over heels in love with him, bald bits and all.  I gave myself 24 hours to think everything through, but the decision was made, Melly was coming home with me.

The first 2 days were pretty stressful for both of us, Melly was very shy and nervous and I had never adopted an adult cat before.  Based on advice from Cats Protection, I gave him space and on day 3, he started to follow me around, and came when I called him.  He even came on my bed to sleep that night (under the duvet I might add) .... and he has spent nearly every night there ever since.

He is an adorable boy, he is very affectionate, although not opposed to telling me off with a nip if I annoy him!  

He still has his problems and over-grooms if he is feeling a bit stressed but we have a wonderful vet who we work with to keep it under control.


Since adopting Melly, I have gone on to join as a volunteer with Cats Protection Camberley & District as Publicity Officer, and I am loving every minute of it.

I can honestly recommend adopting an older, "sensitive" cat as he makes me smile and laugh every day and, without wanting to sound too soft, he has completed my life in a way I didn't think possible.

Melly - Super Cat

For more information on bringing home your rescue cat, check out our advice guide

Look at his grogeous little grumpy face!!!