YourCatFebruary2021

Wilf seemed Dkindoywo?u
unphased by
his surgery... The bones that make
up a cat’s tail equate
to around 10 per cent
of all the bones in a

cat’s body.

Wilf with a full tail… …and with his post-surgery tail.

Initially, we noticed that his Dknidowy?ou The X-ray of Wilf’s
tail looked a little more twitchy tail — if you look
as he regained feeling but this Male cats’ tails closely, you can
calmed down within a couple see the break.
of days.The wound healed are usually longer
perfectly and over time, the
downy fur started to grow than their female
back and now he has
a beautiful, bushy half tail. counterparts.

Role of the tail rapidly moving their tails in the opposite ▼
direction.This readjustment helped them to Image: courtesy of Park House Vets, Stafford.
A cat’s tail is essentially an extension to realign their hips and keep them balanced.
its spine. As humans, we are among a rare
group of mammals not to have one. Our Most amputations are performed after a
ability to stand upright and walk on two cat suffers trauma to its tail.This can occur
legs means that the primary use of the tail in a variety of situations: being caught in a
— as a counterbalance to head weight door can result in the tail being ‘degloved’
— was no longer needed for our species. (the skin pulled from the tail bone), a
tail pull injury — a dislocation which
The tail of the domestic cat consists of can happen when a cat’s tail is caught
18 — 23 caudal vertebrae, which become under the wheel of a car for example, or a
progressively smaller towards the tip.These fracture caused by a crush injury or animal
are surrounded by six tail muscles on each bite. More rarely, amputation may be
side, for flexion, extension, and lateral needed if tumours are present on the tail.
movement.These combine to allow precise
movements of each section of the tail. Daniella Dos Santos, senior vice president
of the British Veterinary Association, says
Research undertaken by the University that the need to amputate is not always
of Florida looked into the importance of a necessary and it is dependent on the
cat’s tail for balance and found that the nature of any trauma.
tail responds to “mechanical, thermal, and
electrical cutaneous stimulation”.These “The extent of the trauma and where it
responses have evolved to protect the tail is located will determine the requirement,
from damage.The study observed cats along with the risk factor and potential for
travelling across a narrow beam. When the infection. If amputation is required, the
beam was moved, the cats responded by

www.yourcat.co.uk 49

Image: Sam Photography. Wilf is coping Tail Talking
just fine with a – what your
reduction to his tail. cat is telling
you with
cat would undergo surgery under general Most will their tail
anaesthetic. In these cases, we attempt to
remove as little of the tail as possible, but notice very little POSITIONS
a sufficient amount to pull the skin over
the end to suture and provide the best difference... ● Straight-Up — I’m happy
opportunity for healing and health of the to see you. If my tail is
remaining tail. and author of ‘Let’s Talk About Cats’. quivering, I am probably
“The loss of tail may not give the cat excited to see you.
“Adequate pain relief is provided and ● Straight-up with a hook
recovery time is usually 7 — 14 days. An guardian a complete picture of the emotions at the end — not sure, I’m
inflatable or conical pet collar is often used their cat wants to convey. However, other body undecided. If I naturally
to prevent the cat from chewing its stitches language will make up for this: how they use hook my tail this may also
and avoid the risk of infection. We also their eyes, voice, and body.The cat will not try be a friendly sign.
recommend that he or she is kept indoors to compensate for the loss of his or her tail. ● Straight up and bristling
for a few days so that the tail doesn’t get In these circumstances, it is our responsibility — I’m agitated, angry, or
knocked and to help reduce the risk of to look a little harder, and learn and interpret afraid. I’m puffing up my tail
infection or further trauma,” she advises. other communication methods to appreciate to appear bigger than the
how our pet is feeling,” she says. perceived threat.
In some cases of tail pull, the injury ● Straight out and behind
can occur much lower, towards the base Even with a tail, it can sometimes be hard to — I’m feeling content
of the tail.This dislocation can affect the define the subtleties of what a cat is trying to and not aggressive or
sacral spinal nerves and result in the loss convey.“It all needs to be put into context with frightened.
of bladder control and function. Signs may what’s happening at the time, coupled with ● Straight out behind,
include a completely flaccid and droopy tail body language,” advises Anita. angled up and twitching
with no sensation. In these cases, immediate — I’m indifferent to you,
veterinary attention should be sought. Sometimes, our bond with our cats can I don’t rate you or I am
help us read this behaviour better than not sure.
IMPACT OF SHORTER TAIL others. In Street Cat Bob book ‘The World ● Tail down — I am feeling
According to Bob’, a passer-by notices the defensive, submissive,
However, in most cases where amputation street cat flicking his tail and interprets this as scared, or unsure.
is required, cats soon learn to compensate discontent at being ‘forced’ to accompany ● Tail down and
and adapt. Manx cats, for example, are born ‘Big Issue’ seller James Bowen at his pitch.The hooked-down or out at an
without tails and yet are no less agile than misinterpreted signal leads to intervention angle — I could be ready
their tailed counterparts. by animal welfare inspectors who have to to strike out if needed.
be convinced that the ginger tom enjoys ● Tail down and tucked
“Cats are incredibly remarkable creatures being there. As our Tail Talking section (right) under my belly — I am
because they are so adaptable,” adds outlines, tail flicks can be a sign of excitement feeling submissive or very
Daniella.“Most will notice very little difference or interest as much as annoyance, and tail scared. I am trying to make
and carry on just as they have before.” signals must be taken ‘in the round’. myself smaller.
● Tail down, held out, and
Cats also use their tails for communication. Of course, every tale benefits from a happy down at an angle — I may
In addition to vocalisation, such as ending and Wilf appears no worse off for the be feeling angry.
purring and meowing, a cat’s posture loss of his tail. In fact, the TLC that he received
and movements are used as methods of during his recuperation seems to have TAIL WAGS
communicating with felines and humans. reminded him that home is where the heart AND TWITCHES
is, with him dismissing the call of the wild for a
Tail movements can be an indicator of share of the duvet. ● Back and forth at the
our cat’s mood but without a tail, we must end — I’m feeling alert
try harder to interpret the subtleties of their and interested or mildly
language,says Anita Kelsey, feline behaviourist annoyed!
● Flicking strongly from
50 Your Cat February 2021 side to side — I am most
likely feeling angry, excited,
or irritable.

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SHORT STORY

SOMETHING

the cat dragged in

A kleptomaniac kitty plays matchmaker in this The trouble with Will is he
romantic short story. By Lynne Hackles. won’t stop bringing me
presents. And often it’s
of the disgusting variety.
Maybe it’s his way of telling
me that he loves me.Take
yesterday.

“Oh Will, that is gross,”
I’d screamed ungratefully,
stepping over his latest
offering. Luckily, I’d just finished
washing up and was still
wearing my rubber gloves so it
was disposed of immediately.
A wrapping of newspaper
and the latest in a long line of
unwanted gifts was dropped
deftly into the dustbin.

He’d brought me mice, birds,
even a rabbit once. Will was
so proud of his hunting skills.
A few of his little delicacies
had been dragged as far as
the kitchen. So far, only one
had got further and that was
the worst. He’d managed to
carry half a frog all the way
up the stairs. A whole frog
wouldn’t have been so bad,
but half! And don’t ask which
half because I didn’t look that
closely. It was green with two
legs and that’s all anyone
needs to know.

Begging him not to deliver
any more bodies hadn’t
worked. According to a pet
psychologist on the television,
the trick was not to make a
big thing of it. Pick up the
pressie and drop it — without
fuss — into the bin. Once it
was established that the gifts
were unwelcome, they’d stop.
Fat chance, I thought at the
time, but there had been a
change in Will’s behaviour
and, although the actual
bearing of gifts continued, he

52 Your Cat February 2021

was definitely getting more Deirdre, wriggling in the seat. no answer to that one.To be I spent the remainder of the
adventurous in his choices. “A nice girl like you should honest what she was waving day wondering how to pacify
This morning’s gift was have them queueing up.” left me pretty speechless. Will, Deirdre and decided that only
spectacularly different. who must have re-entered the truth would do. But what
“I wish,” I laughed and went via his cat-flap, sidled past, was the truth? Some answers
“What on Earth have to put the kettle on. rubbing his back against my were needed.
you brought me now?” legs, asking for approval. He
I demanded, holding the Deirdre followed me into was smirking again. After a bowl of chicken
offending items aloft, between the kitchen, opened the and tuna, Will went for a stroll.
finger and thumb. Can a cupboard and got out the “What are they?” Deirdre It was time for me to turn
cat look amused? I’d swear biscuit tin. Will wrapped asked.That was obvious. detective. I picked up my
old Will had a smirk on his himself around her legs. parcel and followed him. In
whiskered face. He stared Prior to putting him outside, “Purple nylon Y-fronts,” I said. the fading light, we made our
up at me and nonchalantly I lifted him into my arms and “And who do they belong way along the lane which
began washing a paw.Then gave him a big smackeroo to?’ she repeated. Her runs behind the houses.
there was a knock at the door. right between his ears and disapproving voice had
whiskers. It makes him purr reached glass cracking GOTCHA!
“Hellooo,” called Deirdre. like crazy. proportions. Daft question. She
That’s what she always does. must have known they weren’t A dozen doors down, Will
Calls and then walks straight “You spoil that cat,” said mine.“Willow,” I said. leapt nimbly over the fence.
in.Today, I panicked. My Deirdre.“You should be Deirdre was very upset. She I peered over the top and
mouth dropped open. I did pouring your affection on a left in a hurry.“I’ll speak to you saw a line almost filled with
a nervous little jig around young man, not an animal. later,” she warned, over her large items of washing. In the
the living room, hoping that A girl of your age should be shoulder, making her sound centre was a gap. I sneaked
Will’s latest offering would settled down. Are you sure more like a mum than ever. in through the gate, picked
disappear. Needless to say, there isn’t someone?” I felt awful. Was she up a peg from the path and
it didn’t, but just as Deirdre annoyed with me because stretched to pin the purple
appeared in the doorway, I dropped a tea-bag into she thought I’d got a pants in their proper place.
I had the sense to shove it each mug and bit my tongue. boyfriend and I’d been Of course, Will had to choose
behind a cushion. Outside, Will set up a loud keeping him hidden or, precisely that moment to
wailing.Through the window, worse still, had I let her down serenade a slimline tabby
“Are you all right?” she we could see him sitting by having his underwear sitting by the door. Will
asked.“You look a bit flushed.” on top of the fence post, hidden? Either way, she must serenades loudly and, before
eyeballing us. have thought I’d lied to her. I knew what was happening,
“Oh, I’ve been rushing,” “It’s all your fault.” I glared we were all in the limelight.
I lied, and felt my jaw drop WILL’S TREASURE at Will.“Why do you have the Spotlight, actually. Security
again as Deirdre settled loudest wail in history and a spotlight.
herself in the very armchair “His full name was Pussy severe case of kleptomania?”
and against the very cushion Willow,” I told Deirdre, in an He looked up at me, winding “Gotcha!” Another loud
that Will’s treasure was buried effort to change the subject, himself around my ankles, voice. Will and the girlfriend
beneath. “but once I heard what asking for a kiss and cuddle disappeared into the dusk,
he was capable of, it got which he didn’t deserve. Next, leaving me to face the music.
Deirdre’s a treasure herself changed to Weeping Willow.” he tried jumping on to my lap.
really. Since I moved here Difficult for us both as I was “I was putting them back,”
two months ago, she’s taken “Suits him,” said Deirdre, with standing. I sat down, let him I assured the owner of the
on the position of honorary a grim smile. get comfortable and began voice, praying at the same
mother. She keeps an eye on stroking his warm treacle time that his was a
me, gets my washing in if it We took our drinks back coloured fur. man-eating patio which
rains and I’m at work, takes into the living room and would hurry up and swallow
in parcels, waters my settled ourselves for what, DETECTIVE WORK me.“My cat stole them.”
house-plants, and feeds I hoped, would be a short
the cat if I’m away for the chat. It was actually shorter “Why can’t you be a normal “I know. I spent half the
weekend.That sort of thing. It’s than I envisaged.Deirdre cat and why can’t you stop morning chasing those undies
great having her next door, fidgeted on the armchair, put bringing me presents?” and that ginger thief.” His
having someone I can rely on, her mug on the coffee table voice was warm and friendly.
even if she does tend to be a and began to re-arrange the Will tilted his head to one “You’d better come in and
little nosy on occasions. cushions.That’s when she side and wailed. He showed explain it all to my dad.They’re
found Will’s gift. not the slightest remorse so his favourite pair,” he confided.
“How’s the love life?” she I stood up, brushed a few “Definitely not mine.” But I’d
asked bluntly. Deirdre never “What on Earth are these?” hairs from my black skirt, and already deduced that.
beats about the bush. she almost squealed, went to fetch my marigolds
holding the offending items and a freezer bag in which to “Then, would you return
“Non-existent.” It was an aloft, between finger and deposit the brightly coloured the favour and explain to
honest answer and I almost thumb. She sounded just underwear of an unknown my honorary mum?” I smiled
felt sorry that I didn’t have like my mother. I shrugged person of the opposite sex. at him and at the thought
some romantic news to my shoulders and stared at The label sticking out said XL. of Deirdre meeting him.
impart when I saw the look on the ceiling.“And more to the I was sure she was going
her face. point, who do they belong to approve.
to?”
“I can’t understand it,” said
What could I say? There was

www.yourcat.co.uk 53

The feline From genuine debate

to fun musings, our
readers discuss a

forum range of cat topics.

Q Have you taught EXPERT OPINION Image: FurLined.
your cat to walk
on a leash? How did Walking a cat on a leash
you find it?
allows cats, particularly

indoor cats, to have safe,

supervised, fun times Use the right
outdoors. It can help with equipment.
weight control and provide enrichment.

However, it is important that you have the right

● I used to have a big fluffy white Persian who was A leash is not equipment for your cat. It is not safe for cats to
afraid of the great outdoors. He would only go out on for all cats.
a lead and only with my partner at the time. Imagine walk on a traditional collar and lead; if they try
the scene, a hulking great body builder with a fluffy cat ● This is my little girl
on the end of the lead! Kept the neighbours amused! when she was about to pull away, a breakaway collar will detach
Carol Land five months old; she’s
now four years old. She leaving them in a vulnerable position, while a
was absolutely useless
with the harness. It was standard collar could strangle them.
like her legs weren’t
working properly The best equipment to use is a cat harness
— only enough to crawl
to the front door. She or walking jacket which are generally better
ended up as a happy
● I started putting just the indoor cat! tolerated and are difficult for the cat to slip out
harness on my twins for an Vickey Frewing
hour a day (in the house) so of when adjusted correctly.They fit snugly and
they’d get used to the weight.
Then I added the leads and comfortably around the cat’s torso while still
they walk lovely on them now,
except when they want to go in allowing the cat to perform natural movements
separate directions!
Marie Tennear — see photo above.

Kim Houston, feline behaviourist.

The twins on EXPERT OPINION
the leash.
I don’t personally believe harnesses to be in
The kittens ● We used leads to ● Yes, I would recommend it. My the best interests of most cats and would not
on the leash. get our kittens used girl loves going outside in the generally recommend them.
to going into the garden, especially in the summer
garden and as a way months. I started at a young When outside, cats are constantly assessing
to meet their sister in age with her. First with just the their environment for threats, such as other cats,
the garden.The kittens harness without the lead indoors, dogs, strange people, and loud noises. When
loved it and drove just so she could get used to confronted with any of these, their first instinct
us mad asking to go wearing it in the house, until is to escape, either by hiding or climbing. Being
outside all the time in she was comfortable enough to restricted by a harness can be hugely stressful
all weathers! They now adventure outside. as it doesn’t allow them to perform this natural
have free rein of the Becki Yates coping behaviour. It also takes away their ability
cat flap. to maintain control over a situation and being
Katie Awdas complete control freaks, this will also cause
them distress.
● When I first put a harness on
Sophie-Mae, she acted like nothing had In my opinion, and where possible, a cat
changed, so I clicked the lead on and enclosure attached to your house, or cat-proof
took her outside! She loved it! fencing, is a better choice and one which gives
Jennifer Moss your cat the benefits of the great outdoors
without the trauma.
Clare Hemington, animal behaviourist.

Becki leash
trained her cat.

YOUR CAT COMMUNITY

So many people got in touch to say that they had successfully trained their cat to walk on a leash.The advice from most people
was very similar; start slowly and gradually get your cat used to wearing the harness before attaching the leash. Many owners
said that their cats enjoyed going out on the leash and that it meant they could give their cat more experience of the outdoors.

54 Your Cat February 2021

fiMrsY t❤❤❤❤ ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

Charlie.

CAT
Persian Charlie would roam

the neighbourhood but his

home was as a much loved

f irst cat to Mike Laws.

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

Irecall that few individuals I remember an Charlie would visit He carried on
from my junior and occasion when the houses in the with his garden
secondary schools had a topside joint of neighbourhood.
pets that rated any kind patrols...
of a mention as to an beef resided on
exceptional character. Little bemused, could be dosed by
wonder then that I did not feel the kitchen table. As check-ups so then was not the someone single handed.“Just
out of place in that prior to try that on your cat,” he said.
adulthood, my sole pet was I ventured upstairs, my mum time to start. Instead, he was
a goldfish from a local funfair. How to medicate Charlie
shouted “Oh Charlie” just prescribed pills to take. at home had become my
One day, it was mentioned challenge. Out of my comfort
that a close neighbour had — I rushed back down to see Our vet Heike Dorn — who zone and on my own with
purchased a white Persian an uncooperative feline, you
cat called Charlie. He shared there were now teeth marks years later went on to feature think on your feet.The solution
his house with a small dog I adopted was to use the
but from an early age like a dental impression in in a BBC reality TV series about staircase with me seated on
roamed free and could often a step, Charlie on the next
be observed on patrol in the top of the meat, just life in the Scilly Isles — sought step above so he was unable
other gardens. to move back or sideways so
as the rear of a white cat to administer some pills. Heike both my hands were free to
TAKING ON CHARLIE complete a pill deployment.
disappeared into the garden. described her actions as she
The neighbour’s Charlie survived another
circumstances then We acquired responsibility popped in the first pill. Charlie four years, passing away a
deteriorated. Charlie was left few months before his 20th
to fend for himself, but he was for an 18-month-old Charlie was not impressed. His gaze birthday on July 23, 2000,
well up to the task, as he just much of that time proudly
visited other houses for food for the princely sum of £10. was set on her and that stare in our care. His ashes reside
and readily enjoyed any local at home in a cat-shaped
He carried on with his garden followed her around the room, sarcophagus and those
comfort he could find. memories of him remain as
patrols and house visits but his head turning like an owl, vivid as ever.

just had a different base. and that culminated with a

A morning feed preceded his very impressive right uppercut.

rounds and he was welcomed A somewhat taken aback

back with another meal at Heike muttered something in

the end of the day — this her native tongue.

remained an unchanged The head vet walked

routine for years. in, alerted by the

At 16 years old, he was commotion, scooped up

diagnosed with inoperable his own Dachshund and

abdominal masses. He had demonstrated how the canine,

never had annual boosters or by now wide eyed and

&Wwriitne! Write to us with memories of your first cat (around 500 words). If your story
is included, you will win a Catit LED Flower Fountain with Triple Action Filter.
The fountain uses running water to encourage your cat to drink, helping to

ensure proper kidney function.The water level indicator lights up with

a gentle glow to guide your cat in the dark.The filter purifies and softens tap

water while retaining stray hairs and debris. For more information, visit catit.co.uk

Email [email protected] with ‘My first cat’ in the subject line or write to us.

Don’t forget to include pics, your name, address, and contact number.

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

www.yourcat.co.uk 55

Tinsel and These gorgeous groups of cats
Myshka, from are ready for Valentine’s Day.
Old Amersham,
Buckinghamshire.

George and Bella,
from London.

Bertie and Betty, Milo and Simon, from
from Swansea. Darlington, County Durham.

Harry, Mabel, and Mika win an Ancol Dora, Dolly, and Daisy, from
Premo XL Activity Centre, worth £21.90, Camborne, Cornwall.
while the others receive an assortment
of cat toys, including a Jittery Mouse,
courtesy of Ancol Pet Products. For
more information, call 01922 402428.
(UK only)

56 Your Cat February 2021

pShtoatro

Harry, Mabel, and Sirius and Bellatrix, from
Mika, from South Hull, East Yorkshire.

Petherton, Somerset.

Murphy, Skye,
Sacha, Henry,
Summer, Winter,
Oliver, Jimmy,
and Ruairi, from
Portsmouth,
Hampshire.

Noah and Oso, from
North Roe, Shetland.

Rosie and Esme, from
Huddersfield, West Yorkshire.

Freddie and Lola, from
Stourbridge, West Midlands.

Mauld and Merlin, from www.facebook.com/yourcatmagazine
Hornchurch, Essex. @yourcatmagazine
[email protected]
SEE YOUR CAT HERE!
www.yourcat.co.uk 57
Email a clear (non-blurry) image of usable size (around 300dpi and 1MB)
to [email protected] Please include your full name, address, and
phone number, as well as your cat’s name.

Pickle has put together a selection of

fun puzzles for you to enjoy this month!

Pickle’s puzzles

CLICKName: _________________________________________________
TO DOWNLOAD
Word search There are the names of
AND PRINT Spot the CLICK
TO ENTER
Word search six different fictional cats
hidden in this word search difference

R T NGHQA NO E U L AMCQ B S Can you spot the five differences between these two pics?
NO T OM X Q F U A F O Y X H L B B
D F OQ E S SWO J I U U N E J L N

A CDWQ Z GA R F I E L D S RO Z

QQ R L N Y R L Y Q U R E N H F S V

T R I R N E OO Y Y T P CA I U S K

N X F I L T F J K X F KW L RG FG

K P U S S Z G E MDO K G S E S OM

L OA P Y BQA L K L E L HCNNG

K E X J G J I MX I ODMU A A S A

J S A L EMP N T S X Y SG T A XA

I X E A L R B RMCD D D JW F C X

Find the following words in the puzzle. Word
ladder
Key lettersWords are hiddenand .
In this puzzle, solve the
CFGEHALIERXtTaSheFHemsIEtIfRLyyirDsEostCteulrrAeyktTftneeolriwnoelfeewdagocerdho.afnthswe emr atog!reTavekaeSTPlOAULSMESM
first clue to give you a

1 Name of the cat that behaviourist cat-themed word.Then on
Peter Neville helps this month. each rung of the ladder,
2 ‘ The beautiful Persian was said to change just one letter of
the previous answer to

have originated from cats imported solve the next clue.The
into __________.’ final clue will return you to
3 Alison Gallagher-Hughes wrote
a cat-themed word.

a feature looking at how cats Stars of the magazine:
can cope with the loss of their

__________.

4 Cats _________C_ raenatdedMuyssinhgkaWoarrdeSearch GeneratorRoonad vehicles:
pictureSduptoergTeetahcehreirnWPoarkwshtreaeittss .(www.superteacherworksheets.com)
5 First name of the poet __________

Lear who we discovered in ‘A Love Don’t upset the apple
for the Ages’ had a special bond

with his cat Foss.

6 In the piece on feral and stray

cats, we learned about Trap, Neuter, Actor’s role in a play:

and __________ programmes.

Your answer: Henry VIII’s sixth wife:
_______________ Feline sound:

58 Your Cat February 2021

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Solve & win! ACROSS YOUR CAT
FREEBIES
Kittyword 1 3. The French word for kitten (6)
5. If you receive a bunch of February 2021
2 these on February 14, be sure to
keep the thorns out of reach (5) For your chance to win one of this
3 6. Animal actor Orangey played month’s great giveaways, visit
45 Cat in the 1961 romantic
comedy film ‘______ at Tiffany’s’ www.yourcat.co.uk/
6 (9) giveaways using the code
78 7. A cat that lies on the floor in HOP22HOP — you can enter
9 10 front of his owner, displaying his
stomach area, feels ______ and online from January 15.The closing
11 unthreatened (7) date for entries is February 15, 2021.
9. This behaviour is often thought
Sudoku to mean your cat feels safe and HERE’S A REMINDER
loves you (4,5) OF THE GREAT PRIZES
4387 11. Show your cat you love him ON OFFER:
by interacting and _______ with
49 65 him (7) BOOKSHOP (PAGE 7)

37 6 DOWN ● ‘Cats in Hats’ illustrated by Jo Clark
● ‘Famous Cat Lovers Through the
76 1. You might want to buy or
make your cat a gift for this day Centuries: From Cleopatra to
94 57 in February (10,3) Warhol’ by Christina Hamilton
2. Simba’s best friend who later ● ‘Yoga With Your Cat: Purr-fect Poses
28 becomes his wife in Disney’s for You and Your Feline Friend’ by
1994 animated film ‘The Lion Sam Hart and Tetiana Svirska
6 72 King’ (4)
3. If you receive this yummy treat FREEBIES (PAGE 15)
92 35 this month, remember to keep it
away from your cat (9) ● Pet Munchies cat treats
1384 4. Cat breed originating from ● VetIQ Defurr-UM paste for hairballs
Burma where Wong Mau, who is ● Crazy Cat Lady cross stitch design
considered to be the mother of ● Lick-e-Lix treat hampers
the breed, came from (7) ● Scruffs cat bed
8. Prince John is depicted as
which big cat in Disney’s 1973 PUZZLE (PAGE 58)
animated film ‘Robin Hood’? (4)
10. One of the most Kittyword Kittyrama puzzle
eye-catching, and certainly one — submit your answer online
of the most loving cat breeds (6)
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www.yourcat.co.uk 59

To advertise here please contact Kay on 01778 395065 or email [email protected] Classified Find a kitten

▼ CATTERY ▼ CAT CARRIERS Welcome to our pedigree kitten
directory! The listing includes breeders
CALCUTT CATTERY whose entries are colour-coded to help
5 Star Council Rated which serves you find kittens local to you.
Warwickshire and surrounding
counties. We provide a secure, ■ SCOTLAND ■ NORTH EAST ■ YORKSHIRE ■ EAST MIDLANDS ■ EAST ANGLIA
relaxed environment and ‘cuddles ■ LONDON ■ SOUTH EAST ■ SOUTH WEST ■ WEST MIDLANDS ■ WALES ■ NORTH WEST
and fuss as standard’.
www.calcutt-cattery.co.uk Bengal Cornish Rex

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Fantastic gifts
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Please help us to help more Tabbies & Spotties. Bengals – all many colours. Silver tabby, with or
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Please support No Animal accepted is LAST CHANCE vaccinated, wormed, flea treated.
ever destroyed. All enquiries welcome.T: Mareen
ANIMAL RESCUE 01326 240907 (SW Cornwall)
the Lord Whisky Please give generously British Shorthairs E: mareenholdenritchie@yahoo.
Kent, Surrey & Sussex Area co.uk www.amoramist.com ■
Sanctuary Fund for the care of our cats at Permanently looking for loving GCCF Registered
the sanctuary kittens from show THE MAINE COON CAT CLUB
homes for cats. winning lines (Bucks)
Park House Stelling Minnis Nr Canterbury.CT4 6AN We operate a non destruct policy. www.pennypurr.co.uk Q GCCF AFFILIATED, ESTABLISHED 1985
Open to the public every day 10am-3pm except Tuesdays
www.lordwhisky.co.uk/donate 01753 675066 For general information about the breed
www.lastchanceanimalrescue.co.uk or the club, contact Linda Swinburn
Registered Charity 238483 Tel: 01732 865530 / 01797 366620 on 0161 7662674 or email
[email protected]
Burmese
For details of our current breeder members
For cat and dog lovers, find your perfect partner… please visit the club’s website at

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Apedoaptliengwsiitthe for To advertise here,
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www.purrfectcompanions.co.uk JACOU BURMESE KITTENS Tel: 01778 395065
All kittens sometimes available and or email:
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Email:[email protected] ■

Spouluztotziloens s To advertise here please contact Kay on 01778 395065 or email [email protected]

Norwegian Forest Ragdoll Pickle’s puzzles

NORWEGIAN Key letters
FOREST CAT CLUB
1 Lucy 2 Italy 3 Tail 4 Tinsel
Hon Sec and The British Ragdoll Cat Club 5 Edward 6 Return
Welfare:
07966 138519 (Founded 1987 - Member of GCCF) Answer: Litter

Kitten List and The British Ragdoll Cat Club Word ladder
was the first and is the largest
Breeders List: www.nfcc.co.uk Cats - Cars - Cart - Part - Parr - Purr
07464 854004 Ragdoll Cat Club
in the UK. Sudoku
[email protected]
For kitten enquiries or for
Persian further information on the
Ragdoll or to join our friendly
ST FRANCIS PERSIAN RESCUE,
EST 1994 club, please contact:-
We look for loving cats throughout Anne 01677 425929
the UK. Cats spayed/neutered,
vaccinated, etc. Non-destruct Margaret 0161 2488940
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www.stfrancisrescue.co.uk
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diary ofsNereiwes

farm
catTahe A true farm cat!

Farm cat is a term often used, but Donya’s daughter with
what is life like for a feline living the Cookie as a kitten.
rural life? In a new column, farmer
Donya Donger tells us about the
adventures of her cat, Cookie.

Tucked away in the heart of the Vale of Belvoir, in the Secondly, the cat had to be a My daughter immediately
northern tip of Leicestershire, is our family farm. My tabby. (He’d never shown an fell in love and came up
husband and I live and work here with our three interest in getting a cat, but still with the name Cookie and it
children and a menagerie of animals, including knew what he wanted!) seemed to suit her down to a
Cookie — our adventurous farm cat. tee. We set up Cookie’s bed,
COMING HOME litter tray, food, and water bowls
On the one hand, a sweet, loving pet and on the other, in a room downstairs that had
a fearless feline explorer, in this diary I am going to be So, I started my search and a low-down window for her
telling you all about Cookie, her adventures, and what life is aimed to have the cat for to see out of and a storage
like for a farm cat. our daughter’s birthday. I unit with a spare cubby hole
began looking in the local in which we set her up a nice
PEACOCK FARM crop harvested from the fields. rescue centres and didn’t bed. As my mum used to run
While at other times, you’ll find any suitable cats. I spent a cattery, she had some bed
To set the scene, life here on catch her curled up in the hours searching and finally, heaters for cats so we placed
Peacock Farm (named after house with one of the children. a week before her birthday, this under her bed to add to
the emblem of the Duke of At dinner time, it is not unusual I found a litter of kittens 30 the warmth. Being in an old
Rutland who owns much of to find Cookie has taken up minutes up the road. I rang up farmhouse means it’s not
the estate locally, including the sixth seat at the table and immediately to find they only always the warmest!
their residence of Belvoir curled up for a snooze! had two left — luckily one of
Castle) is busy and revolves them was a female tabby! Cookie began to settle in
around everything that needs Over the series, I’ll be telling and was already litter trained.
doing on the land. you about her antics but When I arrived at the house, Although, as she began to
just how do you come to be it was much like mine; a happy have the run of the house, she
The farm is mainly arable a farm cat? Well, for us, the family home with a pinch of did take a shine to pooing
which Leigh, my husband, with criteria were simple. chaos — except in an urban behind the TV in the lounge
his team, farms. While I also setting.There were dogs, kids, where no one could see.
work on the farm looking after Our eldest daughter has a and cats which I think was However, you could smell it
other parts of the business, very caring nature and has ideal for her socialisation. It’s and it didn’t take us long to
including over 100 free always been drawn to animals just the type of environment put two and two together!
range chickens, 15 beehives, and looking after them. When she would be living in and
managing a horse livery, I asked Leigh if we could get a probably why she settled into It wouldn’t be long
and producing home-made cat for our little girl, he had two life with us so brilliantly. before Cookie would start
products. We also have three conditions: First, she can’t have adventuring out but first there
children under 10, our Springer one until she’s three years old. She did manage to do was the small matter of getting
Spaniel Jess, our two rabbits, one final disappearing act to know Jess, our Springer
and a Shetland pony called before we took her home, as Spaniel. Jess had never lived
Alfie — life is never boring! she curled up under a pile of with a cat and we wanted
coats, but we found her. Much them to be able to live happily
Cookie is at the heart of the to the disappointment of the together. Read next month’s
family. She more than earns breeder’s youngest child who diary piece to find out how
her keep as a prolific mouser, thought she might be in with a their introduction went!
keeping rodents away from the chance of keeping her!

62 Your Cat February 2021 Cookie as a kitten.

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