You're welcome to take a tour of our lovely cat shelter in Swanwick, in return for a donation of cat food or litter. To make an appointment, or to discuss rehoming one of our rescue cats, please get in touch using one of the methods below. We regret we are unable to rehome kittens under six months to homes where there is a child under five.

Opening hours: Visits by appointment only please. Tues-Sun (closed Mon), 11am-4pm. Volunteers 8am-6pm.
Email: janelynegar@gmail.com
Call: 07941 806536.
Adoption fee: £75 (£20 deposit to reserve)
We also have a boarding cattery that helps support the rescue side of things, check out our beautiful cattery on www.woodlandnookboardingcattery.com and our fabulous reviews on yell.com

Tuesday 30 December 2014

A Happy Christmas at Woodland Nook

All may have been quiet on the blog front but Woodland Nook itself has been a hive of activity as always, so there’s lots to report!

Several of the shelter cats were lucky enough to get new homes in time for Christmas.

  • Juliette is now happily renamed Coco.
  • Cally and Luke (the last the of the "boy band" kittens) were rehomed together and Luke has been renamed Sonic. 
  • Porsche went to her new home just after Christmas, too. 


And the shelter was delighted – and very grateful – to the kind folk at Vets4Pets in Sutton-in-Ashfield who held a Shoebox collection for Woodland Nook, which resulted in a fabulous donation of essential supplies!

Another welcome gift was this fabulous play tunnel, which proved very interesting to all the residents...


Lots of presents were opened at Woodland Nook on Christmas Day so a big thank you to everyone who donated. Such donations enable the shelter to keep running, and providing cats and kittens with a comfortable and happy life before they find their forever homes.

Finally, when doing your online sales shopping, please think of Woodland Nook and head to EasyFundraising before you shop. This way, you could help the shelter by triggering a FREE donation. It costs you nothing and raises funds for the shelter, so it’s a win-win!

Tuesday 23 December 2014

RIP Bobby


A sad day at Woodland Nook as lovely Bobby has left us. Bobby had been unwell and a trip to the vet’s revealed “him” to be a girl after all. But no sooner were Jane and the volunteers getting used to the idea of Bobby being a Bobbi than further tests at the vets revealed a mass in her abdomen. Due to its size and Bobbi’s advanced years (she was well into her teens), unfortunately the kindest option was to put her to sleep.

Poor Bobbi, we will miss you but we’re glad you were rescued and could spend your final months in the comfort of Woodland Nook instead of living your life as a stray.

Sunday 21 December 2014

Last few Woodland Nook Calendars - now with free gift!


We only have a few calendars left so make sure you don’t miss out! Order your calendar before Christmas and, if you hurry, you’ll get a FREE pack of cat treats* to feed to your furry friend while flicking through the pages and adding your important 2015 events.


To order your calendar, please use the Paypal link or email janelynegar@gmail.com


* only available while supplies last

Saturday 20 December 2014

The Derby Telegraph photo gallery... behind the scenes



I thought you’d like to hear about some of the fun and games we had last weekend, when Kate, Natasha and I tried to take a series of festive pictures for a Derby Telegraph photo gallery. 

We’d taken along some Christmassy props, including a small decorated tree, a garland and a stocking.

Needless to say, all didn’t go to plan. First of all, the tree had to be confiscated as the kittens were trying to chew the fairy lights! So we piled the garland into a heap and stood the cats in it. Of course, they kept moving. Dreamies would surely help? But no, if you hide cat treats in a Christmas garland, all you get is crowd scenes... of cats’ bottoms.

In the end we managed to get semi-decent (ie cat in frame but not necessarily in sharp focus!) pix of about eight of the cats.


The winning formula was this. We pinned the garland around an empty window frame from the bedroom to the TV lounge. I lay on the settee below the window so I could look up at the cats and take pictures (no double chins!). Inevitably, my legs were soon playing host to Felix, which hindered my movement (and breathing!) somewhat. Kate applied catnip spray to the garland then she and Natasha methodically placed the cats in the frame.


The addition of catnip did result in a lot of unflattering “spaced-out” looks, but we deleted all those... and eventually we managed to get just enough to warrant a photo gallery on the Derby Telegraph website, providing publicity for the shelter. Even if it doesn’t result in immediate requests for adoption, it keeps Woodland Nook fresh in people’s minds and they may think of us in the future when they find they need (yes, need) a cat. 




Friday 19 December 2014

Nomination for Woodland Nook


Woodland Nook has been nominated for this award from Petplan for Animal Charity Team of the Year and is now the proud owner of a certificate, which is displayed in the shelter. 
The winners will be announced on 22nd April at the Petplan and ADCH Animal Charity Awards ceremony.
Jane would like to thank everyone who nominated the shelter for this award. And it’s still not to late to send YOUR nominations in... surely the more nominations, the stronger our case!
All the details about the awards and how to nominate can be found by clicking HERE

Tuesday 16 December 2014

Twice as nice: the benefits of adopting kittens in pairs

One of our adopters wrote: “Last year I decided that I wanted to adopt a kitten so I contacted Woodland Nook Cat Rescue. They convinced me to take not just one kitten but one of her siblings, too. Best decision ever made! 

“Pixie and George eat, sleep and play together. They sit together in the bay window, watching everything going on outside, always grooming each other and running around the house playing chase for hours. They are wonderful company for each other. They never stray far from each other’s side. They are inseparable; I’m so happy that I didn't separate them.”

Most cats, regardless of their age, are highly social and are happier living with other cat companions.

Kittens are no exception.

Here are six reasons not to adopt a single kitten:

Delayed development
Kittens want and need interaction with other kittens for healthy social development. A kitten will learn from its mother and litter mates. Separating a kitten from its mother is often necessary for adoption. But taking a kitten away from its litter mates can delay his development emotionally, socially and physically.  Kittens who remain with a litter mate or a similarly aged companion are healthier, happier and better socialised. 

Destructive behaviour
Kittens are curious and crave constant stimulation. A single kitten will become bored and entertain itself by chewing plants, climbing curtains and furniture. It is less likely that kitten who live with other kittens will engage in destructive and sometimes dangerous behaviour.

Night-time disruption
Kittens are active at night. A single kitten may wake you with hunting behaviour such as jumping and pouncing. However, two kittens will occupy each other with play until they fall into a contented sleep. 

Biting
It is right that kittens “play bite” and tussle with each other. Without another kitten to play with, a kitten will practise on you for stimulation. 

Demanding constant attention
Anyone at home during the day will find that a single kitten will demand constant attention so occupying all your waking hours. A pair of kittens will still interact with you but they can occupy each other while you get on with your daily activities.

Irritating to an older cat
Think twice before bringing a kitten home to a senior feline! A kitten may have too much energy for an older cat. Kittens want to run and play and interact. This may irritate and overwhelm an older cat and the kitten may be frustrated if the senior companion doesn't want to “play”. Then you end up with two miserable cats. Behavioural problems, such as destructive scratching or not using the litter tray when needing the toilet will probably occur. Long-term, the two may never enjoy a close relationship as their first experience of each other was negative. Best to match an older cat with someone slightly younger and of a similar personality. 


Adopting a single kitten or young cat is not a good idea. 
Our aim is to ensure our kittens and cats are adopted into loving, happy Forever Homes.

Jane Lynegar

Sunday 14 December 2014

Pebbles' story ... in her own words



Once upon a time,
Happy ever after...

“Not for you, sister,” thought Pebbles as she sat brooding atop the wardrobe, where she had spent the last few weeks.

It was Kitten 101: ”Always take the high ground, the first lesson instilled in her by her mother.

It had been 21 sunsets since she had arrived in this strange new place. Twenty-one sunsets since the door of the plastic prison has been opened and she had bolted to the safest place she could see. And that was why she now found herself still on top of the wardrobe.

Sure, the humans who had abducted her had provided shelter and there was an abundance of food, which Pebbles grudgingly admitted was more than welcome. But why oh why did they insist on trying to touch her? 

It had started from the moment she has arrived. Hands, always hands, why must they use those grasping, poking, grabbing, yanking, pulling hands? She had fought, oh how she had fought, with tooth and claw. Pebbles clearly remembered drawing blood and the small feeling of catisfaction at seeing the glistening red drops welling up from the four parallel stripes. Then realisation set in and she tensed awaiting the retribution that would surely come.

But retribution never came. No matter how many times she lashed out, she was never punished, no matter how much blood she drew, all she received was kind words, soft words, words of encouragement and, even more surprising… treats. Manna from heaven, a cat’s only weakness, her Kryptonite: Dreamies.

Weeks passed, long confusing weeks, for the pretty little cat called Pebbles – or Pebs as the humans she dwelled with now called her. Pebs had gradually grown more accustomed to her new surroundings and her innate curiosity had got the better of her. She had left the safety of the wardrobe and now spent much of her time in a covered bed on a much lower cupboard on the other side of the room. She still made frequent forays to the wardrobe, stopping to stare through the window at an outside world she had no interest in visiting.

And then one fateful night it happened. It was late and Pebbles had eaten and eaten well. She was in that pleasant state of having a full belly and was dozing peacefully in a semi-dreamlike state. 

That was when she felt it; the gentle caress of a hand, softly stroking her.She didn't mean to, she didn't think she would, but a purr escaped her lips… a purr of contentment. 

Pebbles sat up, shocked at herself and looked at the Human female, the one who had dared to make her let her guard down…

“Thats strange,” thought Pebbles.
“The female’s eyes are leaking. She must be broken.”

And so the months passed and Pebbles grew fat on compliments and attention.Though having seen eight summers and considered old, Pebbles always knew she looked good and it was nice that someone else recognised it.

With the care and attention the humans lavished on her, Pebbles’ confidence grew and she took to exploring more and more. When things got too much for her, she would retire to one of the many covered bolt holes provided for her, where she could watch the comings and goings of the other cats… and even one big smelly creature, called an “Evie”.

Pebbles did not care to mix with these other animals, but was quite content to sit and watch their comical antics. Indeed, Pebbles’ new favourite thing was to sit on the bottom of the stairs, watching thoughtfully and drinking in the new sights and smells of this so far unexplored area.

"One day soon" thought Pebbles…

Once upon a time,
Happy ever after...

“Fairy tales can happen,” thought Pebbles, as she gently purred herself to sleep between her Human Mummy and Daddy. 

____________________________________________________________________

Pebbles’ Story, by Pebbles Phillips with Greg D’Amour.

About the author: Pebbles lives in Derbyshire with her family. She has no future plans to write although she may if the desire takes her. She is quite happy to enjoy her retirement and her status as Diva.

Friday 12 December 2014

Money for nothing

Thank you to everyone who has signed up for EasyFundraising. If you haven't done so already, please do so now, as you can help Woodland Nook while doing your online Christmas shopping.

To put this in perspective, we have already raised a wonderful £11.14, and that's with just six supporters. Imagine how much more we could raise if every single one of our Facebook Group members joined and shopped this way!


For more details about this fabulous fundraising method - which costs you and Woodland Nook absolutely nothing - please click here!  You can raise money through Amazon, eBay, Bestpet, Tesco, Groupon and many, many more sites. All you have to do is visit Easyfundraising first, then follow the link from their site. Or you can download the easy-to-use toolbar (unfortunately it doesn't work with Amazon and eBay, but it works with the rest!).

Happy shopping!

Wednesday 10 December 2014

Helping our Cretan kitty friends



As well as raising an amazing £1,000 for Woodland Nook at the fundraiser at the weekend, visitors were also keen to help our kitty friends in Crete, donating goods and purchasing items to send out to shelter workers on the island.

At the end of the day this huge crate was filled with essentials, including cat carriers, food, bowls and more.


Naturally, nosey Solo – the first cat Jane ever rescued from Crete – couldn’t resist inspecting the cargo. Let’s hope he doesn’t hop inside or he might find himself back in warmer climes!

Monday 8 December 2014

And the grand total is...

What an amazing day! We didn’t let the weather get us down and lots of brave volunteers and supporters turned out to the very first fundraiser inside Woodland Nook, organised by the lovely Marina (or “Pebbles’ Mum” as she is also known). 

It was a pretty mammoth task getting all the cats and kittens moved, but it all worked out in the end, leaving the shelter free and with its doors open. This was a weird feeling; lots of volunteers remarked that it felt very odd having the doors propped wide open, even though they all knew that all the cats were secured elsewhere. 

Here are some images from around the fundraiser, although unfortunately I didn’t get one of Marina herself, or any of the outdoor stalls! Scroll down for the final total...











On the day and incredible £982.84 was raised ... which a mystery donor has rounded up to an absolutely fabulous £1,000! What a wonderful Christmas present for the cats and kittens at the shelter... now they can have a new roof on the Lindee Lou isolation section.

Huge thanks to everybody who contributed to this marvellous total. Your efforts are always appreciated!