SCUNTHORPE & DISTRICT BRANCH NEWSLETTER SUMMER 2012

11.30 am til 4 pm 26 APPLEBY LANE, BROUGHTON

FREE PARKING AVAILABLE AT THE DOG AND RAT PUBLIC HOUSE

Come and see our cats and kittens ready for adoption
Please come and browse our various stalls including:Branch Contacts Branch website:

www.scunthorpe.cats.org.uk
Branch phone: 01652 651001 Mon-Fri 7pm-9pm. In case of emergency please contact your local vet. Membership Secretary: for membership enquiries, newsletter subscriptions and newsletter articles Wykeham House, Cadney Road, Brigg, North Lincolnshire, DN20 9HW. Branch Treasurer: for donations, 'in memoriam' donations, funds raised. Please make cheques payable to 'Scunthorpe & District Cat's Protection' 94 Station Rd, Gunness, Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, DN15 8TH.

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Hi folks Well Summer is finally here, or has it been and gone?! Lets hope not although I appreciate the much needed rain it would be oh so lovely to have the sunshine back again. Im sure I was a cat in a previous life as I much prefer to bask around in the hottest spot I can find. I hope you have all had a lovely past few months, we here at Cats Protection have had a very busy few months with many cats being re-homed. Weve had a bumper amount of kittens this year and luckily with many people coming forward to adopt and in this regard I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your very kind and generous support which is very much needed and appreciated. We would also like to say a very special thank you to Burton Kennels and Cattery, Burton upon Stather for providing us with two very much needed pens during our time of need. As you will see from the front page we have our annual Open Day being held on Sunday 24th June from 11 am til 4 pm at 26 Appleby Lane, Broughton. Please do come along to browse our various stalls, have a little cuddle with some of our cats in care and enjoy a refreshment or two. Angie Roberts, Newsletter Editor

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OLIVER
single and double cat pens all heated 4.50 per night meals the same as at home pet plan insurance animal fist aid trained staff all our pussycat guests are cared for individually and all their needs met. able to accommodate long term stays medical need covered several cats from the same family and kittens and elderly cats.

Opening Times (NB. Wednesdays and Bank holidays we close at noon.) November 1st - March 31st 9.00am-12.00pm and 2.00pm- 4.30pm April 1st-October 31st 9.00am-12.00pm and 2.00pm-6.00pm Burton kennels are situated in the village of Burton-on-Stather , which is approx. 4 miles from Scunthorpe on the B1430 and approx. 3 miles from Winterton on the B1430. The kennels can be found by leaving the main road at The Sheffield Arms and following the signs for The Wharf. The entrance is on the right and limited parking is available at the end of the drive. For more information:68 Stather Road, Burton-upon-Stather, Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire Tel: 01724 720238 Webmaster: Webvale

On the 25th January 2012 Oliver was brought in to me for re-homing due to the owner now having two small children and a puppy. He had been with her for 6 years and become quite settled until the additions to the family. I loved having him as he is such a pretty boy and very loving. His only fault is he does not like other cats and he talks a lot! It would be wonderful if a permanent home could be found for him as he needs someone who will love and play with him and he will give lots in return. Although now 12yrs old he does not look it and he certainly does not act it. In February he was re-homed but after a few weeks was returned because they lived in a flat with no access to a garden. Even though Oliver does not stay outside for long he likes to have a little walk round. He is at present at another fosterers but will come back to me as soon as a pen is free. Although he has been moved around quite a lot in the last few months when I saw him on the 12th June he was just as loving and a delightful animal. Please help me re-home this special man. Jenny Williams

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PESKY PARASITES

Cats groom themselves very frequently, and are often using their mouths and feet to assist in the process. Grooming is a natural feline instinct, and they are normally pretty good at staying squeaky clean. However, parasites may prove to be in more evidence during the summer and it is essential to keep them at bay. Check your pet frequently for any signs of infestations such as ear mites, ticks and fleas.

Ear Mites
At some point you may notice that your cat seems to be paying special attention to one or both ears. If you see this, notice your cat shaking her head, or favouring one ear over the other, you may have a case of ear mites on your hands. Ear mites are the most common mite to infest cats and they are very contagious, usually spreading to most cats in the household. Ear mites are tiny crab-like parasites that live in the ear canal and head of cats, and sometimes their bodies. Imagine thousands of these tiny insects crawling around in your cat's ears. The mites live on the surface of the skin in the ear canal, where they feed on tissue debris and tissue fluids, but they can also spread to the skin. When this happens, your cat's back, neck and tail areas will itch. The presence of mites can cause severe inflammation in your affected cat's ears. Although they can occur at any age, ear mites are more common in kittens and younger cats because they haven't built up an immunity. The mites have a three week cycle and can survive off the host for several weeks. Unlike fleas, they do not pierce the skin or suck blood. Signs to watch our for are irritation and scratching; increased earwax; thick, black, crusty ear discharge, scratching ears, shaking his head and skin lesions around or on the ears from scratching.

Fleas
Cat fleas are not selective as to the cats that they infest. Even the healthiest, best cared for cats can get fleas. A cat that goes outside the home can become a host for fleas by mingling with other cats or other animals, or even just by being in the same territory that other animals have been in. So how can your cat that is strictly an indoor kitty get cat fleas? You can bring them home to her, you can bring the parasites into your home on your clothing. Once in your home the flea hops off of you and onto your cat, who is a much better host (because of her higher body temperature.) Check your pets fur frequently for any signs of fleas or flea dirt and treat immediately if you find any. Dont forget to treat the cats bedding and the house at the same time if you discover fleas or signs of fleas. In fact, it is better to have a flea prevention regime, rather than waiting for a problem to occur. Ask your vet for advice on the best products to use.

Ticks
This bloodsucker will leap upon your cat as she wanders through tall grasses. The tick then bites into your cat's skin, into which it buries its head, and gorges itself on blood. When fully gorged the tick can swell to the size of a small bean, then drop off to complete the rest of its life cycle. It can exist on the stored blood for some days and then wait for another opportunity to jump onto an animal and start the process once again. Removal of this little cat parasite demands precision to avoid the head of the tick remaining in the cat's skin. The cat can be very irritated by the tick's burrowing, bat it off with its paw leaving the head behind. The outcome can be a chronic infection which can be difficult to heal. A veterinarian will use substances to relax the tick and therefore remove the whole parasite, including the head. Some cats are allergic to parasite bites and can develop an inflammation that causes the cat to lick at, and worry the area so much that it becomes ulcerated. Tick bites can be responsible for Lyme disease a serious bacterial infection which can affect both animals and humans. Symptoms of Lyme disease include loss of appetite, a raised temperature, lethargy, lameness and an enlargement of the lymph nodes. A blood test can confirm the cause, treatment is a course of antibiotics that last four to six weeks.

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Summer can bring hazards for our feline friends, and cats unfortunately cant slap on the sunscreen. They need our help to be safe. The moment the sun comes out your cat will probably make a beeline for sunniest spot in the garden, and be content to spend hours basking. Cats dont seem very sensible when it comes to heat. Youll see them toasting themselves by the fire in winter, and in summer they will lay in the sun for far longer than is safe for them. White cats and cats with pale ears and/or noses need extra protection on sunny days, as white fur and unprotected skin offers little protection against the harmful rays of the sun. During the summer months vets regularly see white cats suffering from sun burn and sadly in extreme cases, cancers of the nose and ear. Try to prevent the damage from occurring in the first place. If your cat is white or has a pale nose or ears, buy some sun block for your pet when you buy your own! You should apply it to the vulnerable spots every day and more frequently if your cat sunbathes for long periods. Use a product that is known to be non-toxic to catsyour vet will be able to advise you if you are unsure. Because cats have a natural inclination to lick off anything that is applied to their fur and skin it is vital to use only non-toxic products. If you see an unidentified lesion on your cats skin, ask your vet to take a look at it, in case it is skin cancer. Skin cancers can often be successfully removed if caught early. Cats can also suffer from heat exhaustion if they are exposed to extreme heat for too long. The symptoms are that the cat will be restless, pant excessively and drool. If the cat is not treated quickly it will eventually collapse and fall into a coma. If you suspect your cat is suffering from heat exhaustion, lower its temperature by bathing it in coolnot coldwater and wrap the cat in a damp towel. Seek veterinary attention immediately. Pay special attention to food and water during the summer. On hot days, cats may drink more than usual so keep checking that your cat has fresh water in its bowl and perhaps put an extra bowl just outside the back door. Also remember that water will evaporate more quickly from water bowls when the weather is hot. Make sure water is changed frequently and always remove any uneaten food as soon as the cat has finished eating to prevent contamination from flies, or spoiling due to hot weather. Sheds, garages and greenhouses may well be left open during summer and its easy for cats to get in and become trapped. Always check any outbuildings thoroughly before closing. Never leave a cat in a carrying basket in the car when it is hot, even with a window open. If you have to take the cat to the vet, don't decide to quickly pop to the shops on the way home. Parked cars, even if they are in the shade, can become excessively hot and in a very short time cats will suffer from heat stroke and may even die.

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A Cat Heaven
One day a cat dies of natural causes and goes to Heaven. There he meets the Lord himself. The Lord says to the cat, "You lived a good life and if there is any way I can make your stay in Heaven more comfortable, please let Me know." The cat thinks for a moment and says, "Lord, all my life I have lived with a poor family and had to sleep on a hard wooden floor." The Lord stops the cat and says, "Say no more," and a wonderful fluffy pillow appears. A few days later six mice are killed in a tragic farming accident and go to Heaven. Again the Lord is there to greet them with the same offer. The mice answer, "All of our lives we have been chased. We have had to run from cats, dogs, and even women with brooms. Running, running, running; we're tired of running. Do you think we could have roller skates so we don't have to run anymore?" The Lord says, "Say no more," and fits each mouse with beautiful new roller skates. About a week later the Lord stops by to see the cat and finds him in a deep sleep on the pillow. The Lord gently wakes the cat and asks him, "How are things since you arrived?" The cat stretches and yawns and replies, "It is wonderful here. Better than I could have ever expected. And those Meals on Wheels you've been sending by are theeeeeeee best!!!"

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CATNIP PRODUCTS
Catnip cushions are filled with organic catnip and wadding for comfort. 3.50 plus 80p p&p per bag Please make your cheque payable to Scunthorpe and District Cats Protection and please remember to include your postage. All our products are handmade and have been tried and tested on cats in our care, of which they have given their approval. Please send your request along with payment to: Secretary, Cats Protection, Wykeham House, Cadney Road, Brigg, North Lincolnshire, DN20 9HW.

TALE OF FOUR KITTENS

At the end of January, four semi feral kittens were trapped & brought into care. Their owner had moved and abandoned them at 11 weeks old and they were living rough under a shed. The people in the nearby elderly bungalow complex were feeding them but they were concerned about their welfare, they were now about 7 months old. The kittens were not fierce but extremely frightened and had no trust in people. It was a mammoth task to get them all vaccinated, neutered & micro-chipped which involved coordination of quite a few members. There were 2 males and 2 females and it was decided to split them up between 2 fosterers. Their pictures were featured in the Evening Telegraph, and a young lady came forward and offered a home to the long haired tortie kitten. She had a quiet home and endless patience so would like to give it a try. Two months on and she is doing really well, still nervous but is now sleeping on her bed. There is still some way to go but is gradually gaining confidence. The 2 male kittens went together to a stable in the country. They have the best of both worlds, are fed regularly but are free to hunt as they wish. That leaves the 4th kitten, named Milly, who is now a year old. She is still in my care and is a real character. No longer does she fly past me when I feed her but saunters past me with her tail in the air, begging me to stroke her. I can even pick her up and she continues to purr! She is still very wary of strangers but continues to improve. We are just waiting for someone with a quiet home and bags of patience to come along and offer her a home, they will, I am sure.

Irene Allen, Fosterer

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ANGEL

LILLY & TWO KITTENS (B/W FEMALE & BLACK FEMALE)

7 WEEK OLD TORTIE AND WHITE FEMALE

FIVE 6 WEEK OLD KITTENS (4 BOYS, 1 GIRL) ALL BLACK

OLIVER LOLA

MAX MILLY

THREE 7 WEEK OLD KITTENS (TWO TABBY & 1 BLACK

If you feel you can give any one of these cats a home please give us a call on 01652 651001

OR VISIT

www.scunthorpe.cats.org.uk
If there are any stories or poems, anything you would like to share with us and would like them printed in our newsletter please write to us at Editor, Cats Protection, Wykeham House, Cadney Road, Brigg, North Lincolnshire, DN20 9HW.

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SCUNTHORPE & DISTRICT BRANCH MEMBERSHIP

If you have adopted a cat/kitten or donated within the last year you are entitled to a years free subscription to Scunthorpe and District Branch of Cats Protection, following which we would greatly appreciate your continued annual membership at the nominal costs set out below. Your donations and membership dues are very important to us and go a long way in helping the cats and kittens we have in our care with costs such as food, litter and veterinary bills. Our dedicated team of volunteers wouldnt be able to do the fantastic work they do without your help and support. Rest assured all your donations and membership fees go directly to the Scunthorpe & District Branch. If you have been receiving our newsletter and enjoy keeping up with our activities and events and would like to continue to receive next years editions, please complete the form below and send your remittance to the Membership Secretary at the address on the front page of this newsletter.

THANK YOU
Membership runs from November to November every year, but should you wish to join now or simply make a donation please use the form below. You could also help us by doing your bit and sending us a stamped addressed envelope so we can send you your membership card and receipt. We would be very grateful also if anyone would like to help us by donating a few stamps as every little helps.

Thank you so much for supporting Scunthorpe And District Cats Protection for another year. THE MORE WE SAVE MEANS THAT WE CAN HELP MORE AND MORE CATS/KITTENS.

Becoming a Member/Renewing Membership Please fill in the form below and send to the address on the front page of the newsletter *NEW MEMBER / EXISTING MEMBER MEMBERSHIP NO: (if known): __________________
(* delete where applicable)

NAME____________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS_________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________POST CODE____________________ EMAIL: ___________________________________________________________________ TEL:____________________________ CHILDREN/STUDENTS & SENIOR CITIZENS 4.00 Please tick if gift aid applies YES/NO For your donations to be eligible for Gift Aid you must pay an amount in income tax and/or capital gains tax for each tax year that is at least equal to the tax that the charity reclaims on your donation. Gift Aid can only be reclaimed by the Charity on money donated by UK Taxpayers. ADULTS 5.00

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