Santa Paws Appeal 2014

Exeter Axhayes Adoption Centre has launched their Santa Paws appeal 2014!!!

So what is the Santa Paws Appeal?

It is a simple idea. We are asking people to fill and donate a box full of cat goodies. Things that could go in the box could be:

Cat/kitten food

• Cat treats
• Cat toys
• Cat biscuits
• A Christmas card to the cats
• Maybe a monetary donation
• And let’s not forget the volunteers and staff who look after the cats 365 days a year... maybe some chocolates, sweets, biscuits. (Please wrap these gifts up separately and labelled for staff and volunteers)

Fill the box, please remember it is for cats & kittens so please make sure that there is nothing that will pose a choking hazard to any of our furry friends. Once you have filled your box, you can decorate the box, wrap it in Christmas gift wrap, a ribbon or bow would be lovely. Cats and kittens love playing with paper too!

Where can I drop off my box?

You can drop off your gift to our adoption centre: - Cats Protection Exeter Axhayes, Little Hill Cottage, Clyst Honiton, Exeter, Devon, EX5 2HS. You can also go to one of our drop off points which are listed below….   St David’s Veterinary Hospital (next St David’s Train Station)   St David’s Veterinary Hospital in Exminster   We would like to thank all those listed for kindly agreeing to support us in the Santa Paws Appeal.   Last year's appeal - thank you to everyone who donated gifts

For more details about our Santa Paws Appeal, please visit the Santa Paws website https://sites.google.com/site/santapawsappeal/home or join the Santa Paws Appeal facebook group. Thank you very much for your support and have a Happy Christmas!  

Success Story - Gargara

You may remember Gargara from earlier this year, her and her friend Ghisdubar came in to us back in May and were a little shy and anxious to start with. After months of TLC and confidence boosting from our staff and volunteers they both found separate homes a few weeks ago. Little Gargara finally found a new month last month, her new owners have been in touch with us…..

They've said “I can't believe we have had Gargara for four weeks now. Although not the bravest cat, she is really affectionate and loves a good stroke, rolling over in ecstasy and purring loudly. She also makes a funny squeaky sound when she comes to greet us. She has spent most of the last four weeks in our study, which has patio doors that she can look out across the garden to the aviary and to the bird feeders. All of our other (seven) cats have been in to meet and sniff and seem completely unfazed by the new-comer. She is gaining in confidence and we hope that soon she will be wandering around the house and venturing out like the rest of the gang.”

We would like to thank her new owner for getting in contact with us and we’re so pleased she is finding her feet. We always love hearing about how our ex-Axhayes cats and kittens are doing. You can contact us via facebook or our email. Thank you.

Is your cat missing? All is not lost

At Cats Protection we understand how traumatic it can be when a much-loved pet suddenly goes missing. Follow the advice in this blog to aid your chances of finding him safe and well.

Look

Cats are well known for their curiosity and ability to find unlikely sleeping places, so check the following places:

-       All Rooms

-       Cupboards

-       Boxes

-       Household appliances like washing machines

-       Sheds and Garages

-       Vehicles

-       Gardens

-       Hedgerows – watch out for snares

-       Lost and Found sections in local newspapers

Advertise

There are several ways of letting people know that your feline friend is missing:

-       Put posters (available from Cats Protection) on trees

-       Distribute leaflets to local shops, garages and Post offices

-       Contact local schools, newspapers and even radio

-       Use local noticeboards including a recent photograph of your cat

Inform

You can also let individuals and organisations know – don’t underestimate the power of word-of-mouth communication. Contact:

-       Neighbours

-       Local veterinary surgeons

-       Local schools – children are particularly observant when it comes to animals

-       Local Cats Protection branch 08702 099 099

-       Local RSPCA – 0300 1234 999

-       Local PDSA – 0800 917 2509

-       Local Blue Cross – 01993 822 651

-       Missing Pets Bureau – 0870 1600 999

-       Pet Search UK – 0121 743 4133

-       Animal Search UK – 07884 316 943

-       The cleansing department of your local council

-       Delivery people – post, newspaper, milk etc

Offer a reward

If you decide to do this, make sure you say “Large reward”. The word is relevant and what is small you might be large to another person, particularly a child. Remember not to include the amount you are offering. Depending on the provider, your pet insurance may cover the cost of this.

And finally

Please remember that the earlier you report your cat as missing, the more likely it is that he will be found. Also observe the following considerations:

-       When your cat is found, inform any people or authorities who have been asked to look for him

-       Cats Protection recommends that all cats are microchipped. This is harmless and makes it easier to trace the owners of found cats.

-       Cats Protection also recommends that all cats are neutered. Unneutered toms are more likely to roam and unneutered queens are known for finding quiet places to give birth – therefore increasing the chance that they could become lost. (Courtesy of Cats Protection)