Paddington's new look

This is what happens when you chase bees into dusty corners of the cat shelter; you end up with a fetching mask of cobwebs.

You’ll be delighted to know that the bee was released, both for its safety and for that of the naughty cats who were trying to eat it! And, although we decided that the new look made it much easier to distinguish Paddington from his cobweb-free brother, Puzzle, he did sit still long enough in the end to have his face wiped.

Beautiful Paddington and Puzzle both need loving homes. They are adorable and friendly... so why are they still at Woodland Nook?

A new name for Snowie

Beautiful Snowie has been given a far more fitting name. Because she is so striking and panther-like, she has been renamed Panthea! Much more suitable...

Panthea needs a home. If you’re interested, please contact Jane.

Funds urgently needed

It’s been a bit quiet on the blog lately... and a little quiet at Woodland Nook, too. Unfortunately we can’t take any more cats in until we have more funds; it’s too risky in case there’s an unexpected vet bill.

Right now there are just a few cats needing homes – and they’re all colour co-ordinated! They are:

Paddington & Puzzle

These are adorable brothers. Puzzle is quite shy but would soon come out of his shell in a quiet home.   They are neutered males of about 10 months old. 

Ruby & Azazel

Brother and sister, these are a good-looking pair. Ruby is quite shy but is growing in confidence lately. Azazel is a man-about-town, quite dapper and enjoys a fuss.

Snowy

A shy black cat is particularly hard to home but we’re sure you’d find life with Snowy very rewarding. She’s getting more confident by the day and would love a forever home where she can truly relax.

Loki

Loki needs a special home as he has had a very tough start to life. He is blind in one eye and has limited vision in the other... but this doesn’t stop him chasing tiny stones – far more fun than cat toys! He has very sleek fur and an unusually thin tail, so you won’t mix him up with any other black cat. He also requires a special diet but this is quite simple – speak to Jane for more information.

So, as you can see, there are just six cats needing homes from Woodland Nook at the moment... but we know there are many more cats who need our help. It’s frustrating that we can’t do more until we have a financial buffer. If you have any fundraising ideas, please do get in touch with Jane!

Ruby... and the photobomb

It’s not often that shy Ruby comes out into the open (at least it’s not when I’m at Woodland Nook) so I was eager to get a photo of her enjoying her breakfast at the weekend.

I was merrily snapping away, trying to get the best shot, when who should perform the perfect photobomb but...

... Felix! And not  just a photobomb but an almost total eclipse!

Ruby is looking for a nice quiet home where she can rebuild her confidence. Could she find that home with you? If so, please get in touch with Jane.

Zoe... a litte bit crazy

Zoe has settled in well to Woodland Nook and is proving just as bonkers as her Cretan predecessor, Loulou. She’s a sweetie really, though, as long as you’re not a cat toy!

New Cretan kitties

Two new cats have arrived from Crete – hoping for a new life in England. So let’s meet them...

Seven-month-old Sybil, along with her mother and siblings, were found soaking wet and suffering from severe cat flu. They were nursed back to health by Cats Pyjamas Rescue in Crete and now she is a beautiful cat wanting a forever home.

Zoe was found in Crete scavenging by the roadside bins. Despite being a stray, she was fit and healthy and soon fit in with her adopted siblings at her foster home. She is mischievous but affectionate and is looking for her forever home.

Bob the pen-pusher

Bob does so love a pen! As far as Bob is concerned, you can keep your cat toys, jingly balls and feathers on a stick. The most fun he can ever have is with a plain old Biro. Check him out...

Bob starts by picking up the pen from next to the diary.

He throws it around the worktop...

...gives it a bit of a chew for good measure...

...gets it stuck behind the scales...

...does a spectacular back flip to chase it around the giant pig moneybox...

...and finally, takes a well-earned break. 

As you can see from the last photo, Bob only has one eye but this certainly doesn’t hold him back, especially when it comes to attacking a pen!  He’s a very loving boy and loves to stand on the worktop and put his paws on your shoulders for a proper cuddle.

His best pal Loulou has now been homed so Bob is looking to move on, too. Could you give him the forever home he deserves?

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. 

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

Loki ... all the way from Crete

All the way from Crete comes little Loki, who needs a very special home and a very special new family to share. Loki is about six months old and is partially sighted; he only has one eye, which has limited vision. But he copes very well and is very loving. He would love a new home, preferably with another young cat who will look out for him.

Loki is not well at the moment but Jane is nursing him back to health with a special diet. Watch this space for more news of this special little kitty.

Ruby and Azazel

Continuing an ongoing black and white theme, Azazel and Ruby are the latest additions to Woodland Nook. They are brother and sister, aged five years. Poor Azazel has been stressed lately and pulling out his fur, but with a loving home, he should relax and soon be in tip-top condition again. The pair are very close friends and need to be rehomed together.

What’s another year?

A year is a long time when you’re a cat. And, sadly, it’s nearly a year since Kitty’s world was turned upside-down.

Kitty was a Woodland Nook cat back in 2009, when she was adopted by a lovely couple. They adored Kitty and looked after her well and, when one of her owners died, the other continued to care for her and give her all the love she could ever need.

But there was more sad news and Kitty’s owner died... on Christmas Day of all days.

Kitty was brought back to the safety of Woodland Nook, where she has been cared for ever since. She has food, shelter and some fuss, but she’s not the most approachable of cats. We believe this is because she is not comfortable having so many other cats around her and that she would calm down in a less busy environment. All she really wants is to live in a quiet home, with no other cats, just as she did until Christmas 2013.

What I find saddest of all is that we all hope our pets would be cared for if anything happened to us. And I can’t help feeling that the lovely couple who adored Kitty would be devastated to know she she’s still at Woodland Nook waiting for another family to love her.

Could you give Kitty a happier Christmas in 2014?

Tinka needs a home

Lovely Tinka is still looking for his forever home. He thought he’d found it a few weeks ago but it didn’t work out. Not that Tinka is a problem cat, far from it. He’s beautiful, friendly, has a very loud purr and extremely soft fur. He’s playful... in fact he’s a little boisterous at the moment but a trip to the vet this week should calm him down! He’s at that difficult age... 

But Tinka would make a wonderful family pet as he’s such a loving cat. Could you provide him the forever home he deserves?

Adopting a furry soul. Are you looking for perfection? Or purr-fection?

Bob: only one eye but lots of love to give

Adopting a cat is not all chocolate box kittens, fluffiness and purrs. It takes time to develop a relationship with your new family member.

Settling in

Your cat will understandably be disturbed by the move. However lovely your home may be, it will be unfamiliar territory and your cat will take time to adjust. It may take days – or even weeks – for your cat to emerge from behind the sofa.

Feisty Loulou - loves trees (they make good scratching posts, too)

Your furniture

If you’re very houseproud, think long and hard before adopting a cat. Your furniture and carpets may get scratched, so provide a scratching post from day one as a more appropriate alternative. You can’t guarantee that your cat will use it, though!

Provide a cat bed but don’t be offended if it’s rejected. Your white settee may be a lot more comfortable – it might be time to invest in a washable throw. Curtains are sure to suffer as sitting on the windowsill watching the world go by is a favourite occupation of many cats, and fur and dirt will be transferred to the curtains as they squeeze through the gaps. 

Bobby: an elderly gent who wants a second chance

Unwanted presents

Your cat is a trained killer and may or may not bring you ‘presents’, such as dead (or live!) rodents, birds, frogs, etc. You cannot stop this, but you can fit a safety collar with a bell to give the wildlife a chance. If your cat is bringing them inside, consider restricting access – eg, just allow cat flap access to the porch, where he or she can be frisked and searched before allowing into the main house. Which brings us on to…

Little ‘accidents’

Your cat will almost definitely wee, poo or vomit in an unfortunate place at some during its lifetime. We’ve heard of pets urinating in sock drawers, handbags, tissue boxes, Lego… and if anything unfortunate happens on a rug, it’s almost certain to happen on the tassels, so that it’s even harder to clean up!

Cats don’t do this deliberately. Take a look at things from their point of view. They will invariably choose the most appropriate place to go to the toilet in the absence of a suitable tray. If a tray is provided but it’s not big enough, clean enough, private enough or doesn’t have enough litter in it, your cat may reject it. If they’re unwell, with diarrhoea for instance, they won’t have time to look for a toilet, so provide lots of newspaper until the vet’s treatment kicks in.

Vomiting is a different matter; when you gotta puke, you gotta puke, and no cat is going to stop to think about the clean-up process!

Kitty: occasionally lashes out, but she’s a little stressed in the shelter

Biting and scratching

Even the most docile of cats is still, in its heart and mind, a wild animal. All cats have their limits and will scratch, bite and hiss when frightened or threatened. Some will lash out simply when they’ve had enough of being stroked. Treat them with respect and they will invariable return that respect to you. Give it time to settle in and become less frightened.

Tinka: being treated for diarrhoea but will adore you

A happy family

Those are some of the disadvantages of owning a cat.

But any cat lover will tell you that these little niggles are more than outweighed by the pleasures of sitting with a warm cat on your knee, listening to contented purring. 

That even a dismembered mouse becomes insignificant when its killer chirrups with delight and looks to you for approval. That you’ll burst with pride when your previously shy cat blinks slowly at you for the first time (blink back, it’s only polite). That a perfectly sensible conversation can be held between human and cat, both understanding the other’s every utterance. That your cat is part of your family, and deserves to be treated as such. Families aren’t perfect, but they stand by each other. So stand by your cat. (*cue music*).

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Now it’s over to you. Is your cat less than perfect but totally purr-fect? Maybe he wees in your slippers but you love his rewarding ankle rubs? Perhaps he’s no looker, but is beautiful to you... tell us why your cat’s imperfections don’t matter to you and submit, with a pic, to helen@allthingsstampy.co.uk for possible inclusion on our blog! 

Lovely Loulou - STILL needs a home

Poor Loulou. Always overlooked, just because she can be a little bit feisty. But maybe you want a boring cat that doesn’t do much? You’re not going to get that with Loulou. 

Loulou came all the way from Crete to Woodland Nook to find her forever home and yet she’s still waiting. It’s incomprehensible because she’s...

Beautiful - she has gorgeous, unique markings and the softest of soft fur.

Intelligent - she knows her name and comes running when you call her.

Friendly - she loves to be stroked and fussed. 

In quiet moments, she loves to sit on your knee. 

Feisty - even though she loves fuss, she will let you know when it’s time to stop. 

But she’s not aggressive with it; remember she is still very young so has a lot to learn. 

Playful - she adores playing with sticks and twigs! 

She loves climbing trees and especially enjoys shredding leaves!

Unique - despite being a cat, she likes nothing better than to play with water. 

She loves it when you fill the fountain.

Quirky - And if she gets under your feet when you’re trying to clean, just give her a dripping tap! 

A little bit weird - even the watering can is fascinating to Loulou. 

Adventurous - take a look at Loulou scaling the mesh on the Wendy house door!

Sad - Loulou really wants a home, and a human, she can call her own. All those kittens get on her nerves and, even though she doesn’t exactly crave a quiet life, she does enjoy a bit of peace and quiet now and again. 

On a personal note, if we had a vacancy, we would have Loulou. We once had a cat very much like her. A rescue cat like Loulou, her name was Phoebe and she was friendly, but with a feisty nature. But she was as gentle as anything with our baby daughter (now a Woodland Nook volunteer!) and was an important part of our family for 11 years. I hope that one day soon, somebody will give Loulou the chance that we gave Phoebe and allow her to become part of their lives. 

Happy Hallowe’en!

Happy Hallowe’en! And now is a great time to tell you that black cats are often overlooked at cat shelters. We can’t imagine why as we think black cats are lucky... not to mention gorgeous, silky, beautiful, loving and special.

This little beauty was posing for our calendar, with some Hallowe’en accessories kindly loaned by volunteer Marina. Unfortunately, the pictures didn’t make the final cut, but we had fun taking them... hiding Dreamies in the skulls to keep the cats interested!

This little kitty has gone to his new home now, but there are always black cats needing homes at Woodland Nook. Right now we have Pollyanna, Juliette and her babies, Joe and Dan.

Contact us if you’d like to make and appointment to visit!

Luke needs a home

Lovely, gentle Luke is looking for a home. He's seven months old, neutered and chipped. Unfortunately, he's being bullied by the adult cat he lives with, who is extremely aggressive towards him. His owner is concerned that Luke will get badly hurt so has reluctantly given him up for adoption. 

Luke has a beautiful temperament, gets on with dogs and children, and is currently a house cat.

If you'd like to visit Luke, please get in touch using the contact details at the top of the page. 

Bobby needs a home

Bobby is an older cat, around 12 years old according to the vet, and he really needs a home. He was found as a stray and brought to the safety of Woodland Nook, where he’s really not keen on all those feisty little kittens running around. He wants a quieter life, so currently spends a lot of time on Wendy House roof.

He’s a great-looking cat, with a lionesque mane of fur (albeit in black) and a great character to match.  Very friendly, just a little intimidated by all the “young folk” dashing around!

If you would like to meet Bobby, make an appointment to visit the shelter using the contact details at the top of the page. Bobby would be delighted to meet you!

A home needed for little Fineas (disturbing content)

Warning: graphic images, do not scroll down if squeamish.

Jane and friends at Woodland Nook are trying to raise funds to help a little kitten called Fineas, who is currently in the care of Cats Pyjamas, a rescue centre in Crete, where he has just had to have both eyes removed, at great expense, due to an infection. He was found blind and staggering along the road – and would surely have died had a kind-hearted Greek family not found him and taken him to the vet.

He was too small and weak to undergo an operation immediately but was nursed back to health to enable the procedure to take place earlier this week. 

Jane says: “He is a beautiful little soul and I’ve personally met him. He’s very loving but frightened.”

Jane and friends have managed to raise enough money to bring him over to the UK for further rehabilitation and rehoming. 

Fineas is friendly and loving, and can cope with other cats, but not too many. While he will never be able to be an outdoor cat, he will be able to live a full and active life. Once they are settled and familiar with their environment, blind cats can find their way around easily and even learn to chase toys!

Fineas before the op, with infected eyes

If you would like to contribute towards Fineas’ vet bills and care, you can donate via Paypal, which is woodlandnook@hotmail.com. You don’t need to have a Paypal account, you can use your credit card. 

Alternatively, you can donate via online bank transfer, using the following details:

Sort code: 05-07-15 
Account No: 47127069

All donations will be forwarded to Cats Pyjamas in Crete. 

Feeling festive at Woodland Nook

Tinka

The kittens are getting a little excited about Christmas! They were all very keen to climb into this fantastic sleigh, made by Marina, one of our volunteers.

But there’s only one thing on these kittens’ Christmas lists... and that’s a loving home. Here are three of the babies waiting to find a new family to love.

There’s gorgeous Tinka, who really is very loving and has an extremely loud purr.  And beautiful Porsche, who is a little shy. At the bottom there’s Fido, who needs to rehomed with his equally beautiful sister, Fifi. The pair have the most spectacular ear hair and they’re both adorable!

So what are you waiting for? Make an appointment to view this weekend and you could have a lovely addition (or two) to your family!

Porsche

Fido