Cat Magazine

CAT LIFE

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE’S FELINE FIX

Issue 1

www.catlife.co.uk

£3.00

A STREET CAT NAMED BOB

YOUR TALES

REVIEW OF THE MOGGY MOVIE OF THE YEAR

THE MOST AMUSING AND CUTE STORIES ABOUT YOUR CATS!

WINTER EDITION

WRAP UP WARM TOP 5 XMAS GIFTS PURRFECT PURCHASES FOR CAT LOVERS AND THEIR PETS - ALL UNDER £10!

ADVICE FOR CATS IN THE WINTER MONTHS FROM PETS AT HOME AND JUST FOR PETS

CATS PROTECTION INTERVIEW WITH A LOCAL VOLUNTEER FROM THE LARGEST FELINE WELFARE CHARITY IN THE U.K.!

CONTENTS 4

Cats Protection

An interview with Von, the Fundraising Officer of the Northampton branch

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Cats in Entertainment

A review of ‘A Street Cat Named Bob’

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Gift Guide

Top 5 cat-related Xmas gift ideas

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Cats in the winter

How to keep your cats warm and safe with Pets For Home and Just For Pets

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Your cats

All about YOUR cats! Plus missing cats in the area to look out for.

Hello all!

W

elcome to the very first edition of Cat Life!

This is a monthly guide for everything feline in Northamptonshire. From what is going on around the county to the cutest and funniest cats submitted by YOU each month!

December is here but don’t fret if you are yet to do your Christmas shopping! As this edition has a gift guide for the cat (or cat lover!) in your life. This time of year also means that the weather is getting colder and our beloved pets need to stay cosy. Turn to page 8 to read all about keeping cats safe and warm for winter, featuring advice from both Pets and Home and Just For Pets.

Cats Protection, the largest feline welfare charity in the U.K., have been around different parts of Northamptonshire with their stalls full of cat related goodies. We spoke to Von (the Fundraising Officer of the Northampton branch) at the Richmond Northampton Retirement Village Christmas Fayre in Grange Park. If you have ever thought about volunteering for Cats Protection then be sure to check that out on page 4!

There are also plenty of pictures and stories sent in by readers. So prepare to “aww!” at some adorable feline faces.

Happy reading and have a good Christmas!

Subscribe today!

6: A Street Cat Named Bob

Jade Williams, editor 10: Cats sent in by you

Our cat of the month is Sparky! Go to www.catlife.co.uk for a chance for your cat to be on the cover next month!

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INTERVIEW

CATS PROTECTION

Volunteers from the Northampton branch of feline welfare charity Cats Protection have been setting up stalls around the town. They are selling a number of goods from cards to fluffy cats in the run up to Christmas to raise money and awareness.

The Richmond Northampton Retirement Village Christmas Fayre is just one place where a Cats Protection stall could be found. Von, the Fundraising Officer for the Northampton branch spoke all about the charity...

I

arrive at The Richmond Northampton Retirement Village in Grange Park to the sound of a man playing the Pink Panther theme on the saxophone. A pretty unorthodox choice of music but people seemed to be enjoying it! That wasn’t the only thing attracting lots of attention though - as the Cats Protection stall was looking busy. Lots of cute cat merchandise is a hard thing to resist.

Plus the ladies behind the stall were very welcoming to all that approached it. Von, the Fundraising Officer for the Northampton branch of Cats Protection, was one of the women behind the stall.

She was more than happy to speak about her passion for all things feline, including the charity that she is so dedicated to.

“Cats Protection is one of the oldest cat charities. Our main aim is not so much for domestics… it’s to look after stray or injured cats that you can phone up about if they are found. We always try and find their owners if we can through microchips, or just advertising on Facebook or through notices at the vets. If we can’t find them a home then they go to one of our fosterers. When they’re ready and need socialising or to get over their injuries, we put a team out to try and find them homes. People know of us and they email in or phone up our helpline and say they’re looking to adopt a cat, and we try and match the right type of cats up with the right kinds of people.”

Von has been devoted to Cats Protection for a long time and has witnessed changes since she first started.

“Social media is being used a lot now.

We get a lot of enquiries, in fact more come through now on the website and social media than it does on the helpline.

When I started about 8 or 9 years ago, it was nearly all helpline. We recently did a ‘Spay Day’ promotion where we were giving out neutering vouchers to help towards the cost. We did a survey for that for people that came and nearly everybody had heard about it through Facebook. So we do know how well social media works for us now.”

Neutering is very important to Cats Protection. Their policy is to “never put down a healthy cat”.

“There are an awful lot of cats out there that haven’t got homes. People, bless them, take cats in with every good intention and if they can’t afford to get them neutered then they’re saving up, but kittens can very quickly become cats and at 6 months old they’re already old enough to start having their own kittens.

Quite often they get caught before they have a chance to get them neutered, and that’s why we like to help with vouchers giving money off getting them neutered.

I do know that 1 cat in the course of its life can produce the starting point for hundreds of kittens. Because most queens [unaltered female cats] have at least four when they have a litter, and they can have up to four litters a year.”

Christmas treats for cat lovers on the Cats Protection stall

“If all of those weren’t neutered and produced it would not be good for the population at all. Every cat that goes out of our care has been neutered or if it’s too young then people have to promise that they will be neutered.”

Von is a long time cat lover and urges people to get involved with the work that Cats Protection do.

“I have always had cats and loved cats. I literally saw an advert in the local paper saying that Cats Protection were short of helpers and that they would have to close down if they didn’t get any more volunteers. I started by just volunteering one day a week and as my time became more open (less work and the children were older) – I’ve developed and I’m now the fundraising office for the Northampton Branch of Cats Protection.

Hence me being here today!”

“People can get involved through our website. Whether that’s help for the stall or for people to foster themselves to look after the cats that come into our care or people can just help by donating things.”

Visit www.cats.org.uk/Northampton to get involved.

CAT FACT Cats Protection have 250 branches and help over 200,000 cats and kittens a year

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REVIEW

CATS IN ENTERTAINMENT A STREET CAT NAMED BOB

This film has become the feline phenomenon of 2016. Based on a true story, it’s a reminder that homelessness is very much around us in a difficult time like winter. With a loveable ginger cat to ensure not all is doom and gloom...

I

went into ‘A Street Cat Named Bob’ with an open mind having not read the book before. This was my introduction to the real and raw story of James Bowen, a man who is ultimately saved by his feline companion.

Luke Treadway does a very good job of telling this story and being a convincing lead role. He tackles the difficult scenes that he faces with pure passion and top notch acting. His character is both homeless and a drug addict which makes for some very intense and hard-to-watch moments. For instance, later on in the film while he is trying to come clean, his struggles are documented in such an emotional and powerful fashion that you really do feel like you’re watching someone actually trying to face their demons. From the restlessness to the throwing up, you’re witnessing his pain and wanting him to conquer this torturous cycle.

The character of James comes across as likeable and certainly one you root for.

When he is struggling with addiction and having tough breaks with his job-hunting I just wanted him to find a way. Not just for himself, but for an even more likeable scene-stealer. His companion - gorgeous ginger cat Bob! From the moment that Bob enters the story it’s instant love. His adorable charm certainly helps to carry the story along.

The real James Bowen with Bob

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image: Flickr, Abigail Silvester Bob comes into James’ life once he is discovered a bit worse for wear. James scrapes all the money he has together to pay for a vet fee for Bob. This is just the beginning of what is a blissful companionship.

The two of them soon become inseparable and Bob is an instant hit once he joins James in his busking routine.

Suddenly people are taking notice of this broke man singing on the street - who is actually pretty good. James’ song ‘Satellite Moments’ in particular is a real highlight of the film. The audience in the streets of London from the film take to the lovable pet as fast as the audience in the cinema do. Thankfully this avoided being farfetched with Bob not being able to speak.

We do get POV shots from him but he communicates to us with telling facial expressions and heart-warming purrs.

image: Flickr, Garry Knight

Bob isn’t the only one in James’ life as he develops feelings for his neighbour.

We watch as he leans on vegan Betty for support. But, ultimately Bob is his number 1. There are only around five main characters in this film including Bob, showing the lack of people that surround James in his life. So it’s a classic tale of an animal being man’s best friend.

‘A Street Cat Named Bob’ is a must watch if you are one who appreciates a dramatic plot-line and of course, you are into cats! The story of James Bowen and Bob (who is played by actual Bob from the autobiography that this is based on!) has been a phenomenon and this film has the touch of some added drama for extra effect. The way that James copes on a dayto-day basis is a fascinating follow and there is enough Bob in this to make sure that you will smile in places as well. Not an easy watch at times but an important one for societal issues and the effect that pets can have on us.

4/5 STARS

A treat for cat enthusiasts!

‘A Street Cat Named Bob’ is out now.

FEATURE

TOP 5 CHRISTMAS IDEAS A Christmas gift guide with ideas for £10 or less!

Small Santa hat A cosy piece for your cat that is perfect for this time of year!

Price: £2.00 Where to buy: Pets At Home

Christmas tree toy Cat of the month Sparky loves being a cat in a hat!

Forget your cat climbing up the Christmas tree - give them a mini tree to play with instead!

Price: £1.99 Where to buy: Just For Pets

‘How it works’ - The Cat book An adult release from Ladybird. The book is all about cats and features some impressive illustrations!

Price: £6.99 Where to buy: WHSmith

Just 50p!

Christmas Kitty Stocking

One for all of the family!

A real festive treat! This Christmas stocking contains catnip biscuits and catnip drops.

Price: £0.50 Where to buy: Poundworld

Pusheen mug Pusheen is a loveable cartoon internet sensation! Drinking tea has never been quite so cute.

Price: £8.00 Where to buy: Boots

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FEATURE

KEEPING CATS SAFE AND WARM THIS WINTER

There are some things to consider in the changing of the seasons, whether your cat has become accustomed to indoor or outdoor life. Just For Pets* and Pets At Home* have some advice on hand for us...

J

ust For Pets is one of the UK’s leading pet retailers. Their Northampton store is located at St Peters Way in town.

This pet shop offered some advice on helping cats to stay warm in the winter in particular...

“A comfy bed can be an ideal way for an indoors cat to stay warm in the winter months. Older cats in particular will seek out the warmest spots in the house. These older cats who may have stiff joints will appreciate the comfort of napping in a soft bed.”

Just For Pets recommend heated mats and beds in particular: “These products have a clever thermal structure that reflects the heat of your pet straight back to them.”

When selecting a style of cat bed, it is important to choose a style that is based on the type of bedding that your cat has previously preferred for sleeping. Safety is also important - so the bed temperature should only heat up the cat’s body temperature.

image sent by Jenna Angliss, Facebook

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The safest type of bed is one that returns to room temperature after the cat steps off the bed.

Even if you do not purchase a heated bed, there are still other options out there to keep your cat warm. Avoid cold surfaces and instead even something as simple as a towel-lined box will do the trick. Cut out a low-sided entrance if your cat isn’t able to walk very well and will struggle to step over the box.

Buying a padded window perch is recommended for cats who like sitting to watch what is going on outdoors. Heated window purchases are available out there to help with added warmth.

Some cats gain weight with age, but others may lose enough that they will have trouble keeping comfortably warm.

So make sure to keep an eye on your cat’s calorie intake. An increase in food may be needed as they grow older.

Avoid setting up anything for your cat in garages and basements as it can be uncomfortable for older cats or those who generally do not handle the cold well. Choose somewhere warm in the house to set up their litter tray, for instance.

Shorter days and colder nights also mean that an adventurous cat’s movements are restricted - resulting in more time indoors. This means that you will need to fulfil their natural needs of exploration, jumping and hunting inside as well.

Make sure that you have a good range of exercise and playtime items so that your cat will be active and healthy during the winter months.

These items could include somewhere for your cat to climb high and also hide low.

Plus some suitable toys to unleash the inner predator in your feline friend.

Do you not have many (if any!) of these items? Well, in that case it’s time to turn a room of the house into a cat playground for these colder months!

Firstly, remove any ornaments or books sitting on shelves or a windowsill so that your cat does not try to knock them over.

Then give your cat access to underneath beds and buy some brand new toys or a scratching post, then voilà! A happy cat for hours and hours on end.

Even if you are a bit strapped for cash at the moment, there are easily ways to improvise! Cats are curious creatures and can be easily pleased. Even just some newspaper for them to chase around inside will do! Empty cardboard boxes will provide cheap entertainment for them too. They will be so busy distracted by this brand new indoor world, that they won’t be in a rush to go out in the freezing cold any time soon.

For some cats they will still try and get outdoors no matter what, so it’s important to try and keep them warm outside too. There are outdoor shelters available online for cats that will be very useful for the winter months. These outdoor hideaways can be purchased in a wooden or plastic design. However, they can also be created by you at home! You could flip over a large pot and cut away an entrance that your cat will fit through.

Then just add some comfortable cushions or a blanket inside!

Perhaps your cat wants to explore outside instead of relax there? Make sure to monitor them and let them out when temperature levels are at their highest at this time of year, and also when traffic seems to be at its lowest. Winter weather can go either way - so if there is snow or frost out then make sure to supervise their first outing to see how they feel.

Your cat may be a natural in the snow but they may also want to be let back in straight away so do look out. Also make sure to check that the cat-flap does not become frozen if your cat uses one. *Only text with quotation marks is the specific advice given by the pet stores themselves.

CAT STAT Cats spend an average of

16

hours sleeping every day!

So make sure their bed is cosy this winter! image sent

by Lynn Paloka, Facebook Pets At Home is the U.K.’s largest pet supplies retailer. The Northampton shop is one of 370 stores. They gave some advice on keeping cats safe in winter.

“It is important to consider general safety as well as warmth in the winter time. We are in a period where it is pitch black outdoors at around 4pm. We are rapidly approaching the shortest day of the year this month. If you own a cat who likes to wander outside then it is important for them to have a reflective collar with a bell. This will make them not only more visible in the dark, but also even easier to locate from the noise of the bell ringing. Micro-chipping is also important if your cat goes missing in the winter.”

Unlike a collar, a microchip is a permanent form of identification for your cat. This could help to reunite you both if they wander off far away.

The majority of cats that are hit by cars usually experience this in hours of darkness. So try and train your cat to be out during the day and curled up inside during the night.

“Checking your cars is always important as cats like to vacate underneath them in the winter. Better to be safe than sorry! Warm engines are a normal place for outdoor cats to want to be around.”

There is always a chance of snow and ice in the winter where safety is concerned. So make sure to keep checking up on your cat’s paws for any sign of injury if any wintry weather is apparent. There may be irritation from salt and grit.

Many owners will increase their cat’s food intake during this time of year. But it’s important that you continue to follow the feeding guidelines on your cat food packaging and don’t give into a persistent cat. Some cats will choose to eat a bit less in hot weather, but that doesn’t have to mean that you need to offer more food in the colder months, especially if they’re not as active.

If you are unsure whether your cat is underweight or even a little bit overweight, then make sure to check that you are able to feel your cat’s ribs, spine and hip bones quite easily (though they should not be easily seen), they should have a visible waist without it being too obvious, and a small amount of belly fat with no sagging.

Research has shown that animals can get the ‘winter blues’ as well - according to the veterinary charity PDSA, affected pets will want to eat more, avoid exercise and may appear more grumpy during this time of year.

Try not to indulge your cat with more treats and food in winter, instead get them moving with fun daily playing and some affection to heighten their mood.

One of the upcoming temptations for cats who are easily hungry is of course seeing Christmas dinner on the table!

Make sure they avoid chocolate, Christmas pudding and alcohol as they can be toxic.

Christmas time also means that all the decorations will be out! So keep an eye on your cat around these. Tinsel and glass baubles for instance can be harmful if they are ingested or broken in the case of the latter. Make sure they avoid eating any plants like holly, ivy or mistletoe.

Also, turn Christmas tree lights off when there is nobody around.

Last but not least - make sure that you contact your vet if you are worried about your pet’s health in these winter months! They will be able to offer the best guidance and procedures if needed. https://www.petsathome.com https://www.justforpetstores.co.uk

image sent by Julie Chamberlain, Facebook

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MISSING CATS

Visit our Facebook page to submit your cat for next month!

Look out for them!

“This is Fifi, she went missing in June and we miss her so much.”

“This is Flo - the laziest cat in Northampton who has no voice!”

“This is my cat Dave, Dave likes to celebrate Xmas in style.”

- Kerrie Fonge

- Claire Pell

- Karen Edis

“This is Betty and she’s one of our four cats. She’s been missing for eight weeks now and we’d like her to come back home before Christmas. We miss her very dearly and we need her to be with her family now, just where she belongs. .”

“ Pharaoh and Cleo all the way from Egypt! Our gorgeous Siamese cats who love to chat and snuggle” - Debbie Dudman

- Aga Andrews

“Cookie and Alfie aged 1 both missing since October 29, both chipped and neutered, please help get them home for Christmas”

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- Nadine Stafford Contact us if you spot any of them

“This is my cat - Bebe! She’s 8 and she likes to hula dance!”

“Very mischievous Jax but also a poser!”

- Natalie Rice

- Becci Dunk All images were submitted via Facebook.

YOUR CATS!

The most cute and funny cats sent in by our readers this month!

“This is my beautiful tabby boy Bugsy from Northamptonshire!

He likes to get up to high places, how he does this, I have no idea!

But he also loves to meow at me in the night time to lift the duvet so he can get in with me! He is such a fuss pot! Wouldn’t change him for the world! X’”

“This is Maisy - a rescue from Kuwait! She was dumped at a place called the Friday Market in Kuwait which is like hell on earth. She was declawed by her original owners, she was in a bad condition when we got her 6 years ago but now she is a happy, healthy kitty!’”

- Beverley Billing

- Jo Kerslake

“ This is Honey. He likes to ninja people from heights and meows a lot!”

- Louie Brader

“Olly and Eddie...18 month old brothers..don’t be fooled by those cute innocent faces!’”

“This is Ayla she was dumped on a bridal-way in a box along with 12 brothers and sisters.. we are lucky to have her she is adorable” - Sarah Shepherd

“ This is Rio. He’s 14 years old and is an Asian cat. He still runs and plays like he’s a kitten and adores human company!’”

- Allyson Cleaver

- Paula Wilson “This is Obi and Peaches. They are 16 years old and have been together since they were 6 weeks old. They have the same birthday though are not related” - Victoria White

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