Cats Protection Weymouth & District

25/07/2024

MITTENS IS READY TO ADOPT She was brought to us when her owner moved & was unable to take Mittens. She is a lively young cat & enjoys attention but can become overexcited so would be unsuited to a home with children. Mittens is used to going outside so will need a home with a garden. Mittens is in foster care in Weymouth; her adoption fee is £85. Adoption application can be made via our website.

24/07/2024

Worried about leaving your cat when you go on holiday? Find out what to do with your cat when you go away.

Deciding who will look after your cat while you’re on holiday is an important decision, but as long as you prepare in advance and do your research, finding the perfect cat holiday care is simple and will give you peace of mind when you leave your beloved kitty behind.

While it might be tempting to try and find a cat-friendly holiday and take your feline friend with you, most cats find travel quite stressful and there’s an increased risk of them going missing in an unfamiliar environment.

Instead, follow our top tips for finding cat care at home when you go on holiday:
https://www.cats.org.uk/cats-blog/7-tips-for-choosing-cat-holiday-care?dm_i=57TR,1242K,5MU4C6,4AW7P,1

Image description:
A DSH grey and white cat look out the windowsill in a kitchen.

22/07/2024

🪂 One of our wonderful fosterers is taking on the challenge of a skydive next month, to support the work of the Weymouth & District branch of Cats Protection.

Kate is currently fostering Thomasina, a kitten who needs lots of 'socialisation' because when she arrived in our care she was very shy and unused to human contact. Throughout a kitten's first 8 weeks it is essential to appropriately & gently ensure kittens are confident & happy with human companionship.

Preparing a kitten to cope with the human world and its challenges is one of the most important ways to ensure their lifelong welfare. Without careful consideration of their development, they may develop into an adult cat that will struggle to cope within a normal domestic setting. A kitten that has been appropriately socialised will be far less likely to experience high levels of stress, and to develop behaviour problems as an adult cat. More information can be found here - https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/pregnancy-and-kitten-care/kitten-socialisation
The Weymouth & District branch of Cats Protection is facing increasing challenges with ever more stray cats (often injured or ill) requiring urgent assistance.
Kate wants to raise as much money as possible to support the work of the branch; please support and help reach her target via this link 👇
https://www.justgiving.com/page/kate-steele-1708185165166?fbclid=IwAR2DzlAONg9FTtNCuXKpnXmxMp_fbVTGE4e1sSEs6OjYRrCFGN6zvujGUs8

21/07/2024

📅 July 21st is 'National Craft for your Local Shelters Day' and with the summer holidays coming up, heres a PURR-fect opportunity to keep the kids busy - or yourselves 😋

Freya, age 11, and her mum, Vicki, have taken part in multiple Craft for Cats projects. Vicki said “We love learning new crafts together. When we take part it is not only fun but relaxing. It gives us quality time together doing something that we both love. It brings us closer together when we are working as a team”. 💜

Rescue cats Dinky and Boo are always on hand to supervise the crafty mother and daughter duo.

✨When you sign up you can choose Weymouth & District as your local branch who will then benefit from the costings. ✨

Sign up to get the Cats Protection latest cat-themed kit with Pretty In Paper By B and join the craftalong together for the perfect summer holiday activity. Get your kit here 👉 http://spr.ly/CFCIrisFolding

17/07/2024

Voting for the the National Cat Awards 2024 is now open!

From 17 July to 30 August voting will open for all categories.

Finalists will be invited to attend the awards ceremony in London on Wednesday 18 September 2024.

Each winning cat owner will receive a trophy, a £200 pet store voucher and a year’s subscription to The Cat magazine.

---------

Image description:
A DLH black and white cat with the caption 'National Cat Awards 2024, Voting is now open for Cat of the Year!'

15/07/2024

TINKERBELL IS READY TO ADOPT She entered our care when her owner had to move home & was unable to take Tinkerbell with her. Tinkerbell is a confident and friendly cat, used to going outside so will need a home with a garden. Tinkerbell is unused to very young children so would be unsuitable for a home with children under 7 years of age. The adoption fee for Tinkerbell is £85; she is in foster care in Weymouth. Adoption application can be made via our website.

12/07/2024

📆 Today is 'National Heterochromia Day' which is where there is a variation of colour in your eyes,

that It has been known to occur in populations of many species since the dawn of recorded history and is an interesting and sought-after trait. Only the lucky 1% of the population enjoys this special pigmentation, though there are three distinct types of heterochromia. Today, many people prefer pets with this fun eye colour difference, and coloured contact lenses are used just to mimic the trait!

The Cats Protection website talks more about how this affects cats here
👇
https://www.cats.org.uk/cats-blog/why-do-cats-have-different-coloured-eyes

10/07/2024

Today is ! Today we'd like to highlight the importance of socialisation for kittens. There are a number of benefits from a cat welfare point of view as to why socialisation is important. It is essential for a kitten to have a chance of growing up into a healthy, happy adult cat.

Whether you’re working at a rescue, you’re a breeder or your cat has had an accidental litter, it is your responsibility to look after the welfare of the cat – even if they are not staying with you in the long term. To find out more, click the link below:

https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/pregnancy-and-kitten-care/kitten-socialisation

Image description:
A ginger kitten and a ginger-and-black kitten lying together.

09/07/2024

THIS CAT HAS BEEN ADMITTED TO THE WEYMOUTH & DISTRICT BRANCH OF CATS PROTECTION from Portesham : Very friendly but probably unowned stray cat - a local resident has reported that he has lots of ticks & fleas. He has been entering her house via the cat flap, keen to eat her cat's food. If this is your cat, or you have any information about him please notify me asap. Thank you. (Weymouth & District branch - Cats Protection - tel 01306 262737)

05/07/2024

We are the Weymouth & District Branch of Cats Protection. We rescue, care for and find new homes for the many abused, neglected and unwanted cats that enter our care.

We are unable to assist with the cost of neutering or other veterinary charges for owned cats.

03/07/2024

Update to stray cat guidance from the RSPCA

As of Monday 3 June, the RSPCA is refocusing its services to prioritise it's work on cruelty and neglect. As a result, they are asking the public and partners for support with incidents that do not fall into this category.

For any injured stray cats, members of the public are being asked to take them straight to a veterinary surgeon for emergency treatment, instead of speaking with the RSPCA. Their inspectors are able to support if the cat is feral and a member of the public is unable to handle them.

26/06/2024

Roam 15, 50 or 100 miles your way - all in the name of cats!

What is Roam for Cats?
Roam for Cats is a walking challenge open to people of all abilities to take part, including those who may need to rely on a mobility aid when completing some or all of their miles. Through this challenge, you will have the freedom to decide exactly where and when you want to tackle your miles.

Just by signing up, you’re already making a huge difference to the lives of cats. Why not go one step further and get sponsored for your challenge to make an even bigger impact for cats!

https://www.cats.org.uk/roam

Image description:
Hannah, a lady with shoulder length ginger hair, wearing a cream cardigan, cream and grey scarf and purple cats protection beanie at, stands in a field smiling at the camera.

21/06/2024

Why should I microchip my cat?

We regularly reunite owners with their much-loved cats, and in most cases this is only possible thanks to microchips. No matter how far from home a cat is found, or how long they have been missing, having your cat microchipped gives them the best chance of being returned home safely to you.

https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/neutering-and-vaccinations/microchipping-your-cat

Image description:

A white and grey cat looking at the camera from behind the wheel of a car. The caption reads 'Is your cat microchipped?' with the Cats Protection and identibase logos.

16/06/2024

Did you know older cats take over three times longer to find new homes than younger cats and kittens in our care? That's why today is Cats Protection's Mature Moggies Day: an annual celebration of older cats. We promise to find a new home for every cat, no matter how long it takes, but we would love to get mature moggies into cosy new homes quicker, as that’s where they’re happiest.

To read more about the campaign and the benefits of adopting an older cat, click the following link:

https://www.cats.org.uk/support-us/our-latest-campaigns/mature-moggies-day

10/06/2024

Today marks World Pet Memorial Day.

At Cats Protection, our designated grief support service can help you in dealing with the loss of your cat. Whether you’re grieving the loss of a pet after euthanasia, your cat has gone missing or you’ve had to separate for other circumstances, a call to the Paws to Listen service may make all the difference:

https://www.cats.org.uk/what-we-do/grief/paws-to-listen

Image description:
A cat with its chin being scratched. Text reads 'Paws to listen grief support service'.

05/06/2024

Happy World Environment Day!

Alison Richards, Cats Protection’s Head of Clinical Services, said: “Cats are generally very low maintenance pets, and they don’t need lots of expensive toys, bedding, or equipment to be happy and healthy. There are a lot of single-use plastic products on the market that we just don’t need to buy. So instead of diving into our coin purse and spending money on products that are harmful to our planet, we can swap the plastic for easy-to-make recyclable options.”

https://www.cats.org.uk/mediacentre/pressreleases/decrease-your-carbon-pawprint-charity-advises

Image description:
A cat playing with loo roll tubes stacked in a pyramid.

29/05/2024

As we head into summer, we're sure many of you may be planning a weekend away or a holiday abroad. If you’re wondering what to do with your cat when you go on holiday, you have a number of options to consider.

Read our guide for top tips on what to do when you’re away from home and with some careful planning, you’ll be enjoying a hassle-free getaway in no time.

https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/home-and-environment/going-on-holiday -to-do

IMAGE DESCRIPTION:
A ginger cat sitting by the window.

20/05/2024

As we head into summer, it's important we all stay hydrated. To help your cat, follow the advice in the following link:

https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/diet/cats-and-drinking

Image description:
A cat drinking water. The advice given is to keep water clean, fresh and topped up; to keep the water bowl away from their food bowl and toilet area; use a glass/ceramic/metal water bowl; use a wide bowl so their whiskers don't touch the side when they drink; put extra water around the house and garden.

17/05/2024

Today is National Baking day! So, why do cats knead? To find out, follow the link below:

https://www.cats.org.uk/cats-blog/why-do-cats-knead?dm_i=57TR,10X98,5L9TFA,45RDM,1

Image description:

A cat lying on their side on a blanket, exhibiting kneading behaviours.

06/05/2024

This week marks Sun Awareness Week, so we'd like to offer some advice as to looking our for your feline friend as the weather starts to warm:

https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/home-and-environment/cats-and-warm-weather #:~:text=Keeping%20your%20cat%20cool,-For%20the%20most&text=encouraging%20them%20to%20stay%20indoors,access%20to%20water%20outside%2C%20too

Image description:
A cat on a bench, with information over the top encouraging you to have access for your cat to return to your home, provide shade, keep water fresh and accessible outdoors also, encourage cats to drink and use a fan indoors to circulate air.

29/04/2024

Why do cats have a primordial pouch?

If you’ve ever watched your cat walking or running and noticed their belly swinging slightly from side to side, you may have worried that they are overweight. While a sagging belly can be a sign of weight gain, it could just be your cat’s primordial pouch, a normal part of every cat’s body. Read on to find out what this ‘belly pouch’ is for and how to tell the difference between a primordial pouch and a fat belly:

All cats have a saggy belly pouch, but what is it for? Here’s everything you need to know about your cat’s primordial pouch

24/04/2024

Today Cats Protection is the UK’s largest feline welfare charity. In nearly 100 years, we have rehomed over 2 million cats and kittens and championed the rights of cats. But where did it all begin?

During the 1920s, cats were not seen as the companion animals today – instead of much-loved pets, they were considered as nothing more than pests. Concern was expressed at the ignorance of many people regarding the needs of the domestic cat. In an attempt to raise the status of cats, a group of like-minded people gathered together at Caxton Hall in London. They formed the Cats Protection League.

Since its humble beginnings, the dedication and commitment of our volunteers and employees has never waned. Surviving war and recession and defying the odds to help as many cats as possible, our aim remains the same as it did in 1927.

https://www.cats.org.uk/about-cp/our-history

20/04/2024

After years of campaigning by Cats Protection, compulsory microchipping of pet cats, from 20 weeks of age, is finally coming into effect in England on 10 June 2024. However, whilst there has been success with the English Government, we still need support to introduce compulsory microchipping across Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. To read more about the campaign, and sign the petition, click here:

https://action.cats.org.uk/page/138245/petition/1?ea.tracking.id=bcs

Image Description:
A cat peeking out from underneath a car with the Cats Protection logo overlayed. The caption reads 'Let's make microchipping compulsory for pet cats across the UK'

14/04/2024

Today is National Gardening Day!

Want to know how to make your garden more cat friendly? Here are some top tips and ideas for the best cat-friendly plants, flowers, trees and herbs for a UK garden:

https://www.cats.org.uk/cats-blog/11-tips-for-creating-a-cat-friendly-garden?dm_i=57TR,1000V,5L9TFA,42SJ7,1

Image description:
A cat sitting on a bench with purple flowers in the background.

10/04/2024

Cats often have a remarkable talent for finding unusual places to sit or lay, whether it’s on your lap or chest, on laptops or paper, in boxes, on a pile of laundry or even in the bathtub or sink. Why do cats pick these peculiar spots? Discover their reasons for choosing the perfect place to perch:

https://www.cats.org.uk/cats-blog/why-do-cats-like-sitting-on-things?dm_i=57TR,1000V,5L9TFA,42SJ7,1

Image Description:
A cat lying on a man's lap, whilst he holds a video game controller. It is captioned 'Why do cats like sitting on things?'

05/04/2024

A gift in your will could help change the lives of thousands of cats and kittens for years to come.

Without the kindness of people who remember Cats Protection in their will we would not be the charity we are today; these special gifts fund more than half of everything we do.

By leaving a gift in your will, you will be helping us keep the special promise that underpins all of our vital work: that we will never put a healthy cat to sleep.

Every gift we receive from our supporters, no matter how large or small, makes a real and tangible difference to the lives of the cats and kittens we help and care for.

After providing for your loved ones, by leaving even just 1% of your estate to Cats Protection, you could make a huge difference to cats and kittens for years to come. To find out more, click the link below:

A gift in your will could help change the lives of thousands of cats and kittens. In fact, these special gifts fund more than half of everything we do.

01/04/2024

Thinking about rehoming your cat? Find out how we can help.
Giving up your cat is never an easy decision, after all, we know they’re beloved members of the family. From moving home to changes in relationship and family situations, there are many reasons why you may decide it would be best to rehome your cat.

We’ve created this guide to help you decide if and when you should rehome your cat. It can also help you decide if there are any circumstances under which you could keep them, for example by addressing problem behaviour to prevent rehoming a cat that sprays.

Take a look at this video for advice and behaviour tips to help you when making this extremely difficult decision.

Thinking of rehoming your cat? In this video, we cover some of the major reasons cats come into our care, why your cat may be behaving this way and what you ...

31/03/2024

From 10 June 2024, cats in England will need to be microchipped and registered on a database by the time they're 20 weeks old. You can be fined up to £500 if your dog or cat is not microchipped when they need to be.

Get your dog or cat microchipped - GOV.UK