Vets warn that cats could be obese within a decade

Spotted this on the Daily Mail website. Vets are warning half of of cats will be too fat to fit through a ­standard cat flap within ten years.

The average feline is expected to weigh 11lbs by 2020, officially obese for a normal sized animal and pushing the limits of conventional flaps.

Around a third of cats and dogs currently treated at surgeries are obese, with the excess weight creating serious health ­problems in many pets.

Experts say this will rise sharply as cats mirror the trend in humans for eating huge portions and failing to take enough exercise.

Read more here.

Catwoman Lee Meriwether on Twitter!

I WAS so excited when I opened my emails to see that Lee Meriwether - Catwoman in the original 1966 Batman film was following me on Twitter and Charlie is made up too! It's such an honour!

The beautiful Lee played Miss Kitka Karenska and her feline alter ego.

She also made numerous appearances in many of the hot TV series of the 60s like Star Trek, Land Of The Giants and Mission: Impossible - I remember watching these shows when I was little!


But not only that - Lee also starred in one of my all-time favourite shows. The former Miss America starred as Lily in the in the 1988-1991 revival of the hit 1960s television show The Munsters, entitled The Munsters Today.

So this little post is to say thank you Lee for all your great shows! Charlie thinks your purrfect! Make sure you follow @LeeMeriwether and don't forget @CatChatCharlie!

VIDEO: 100 cats star in new Ikea advert

I never thought I would say this but for once I wish I didn't have Sky +! I know - shock horror! The reason being is because I have only just stumbled upon the new Ikea advert - it's full of cats!

Usually I fast-forward through all the adverts but one glimpse of a whisker and I had to press PAUSE! What I found was the most fuzzy feline feeling in my stomach as all these cutie kitties leaped across my screen.

But if you think the adverts good you have to check the making of it! The Ikea cats have their own youtube page and Herding Cats looks behind the scenes at all the cats who starred in the advert.

Lib Dem MP's wife accused of stealing kitten from her husband's mistress

A Lib Dem MP's wife has appeared in court accused of stealing a kitten - from the woman who got her claws into her husband.

Christine Hemming, 52, allegedly burgled the home of 32-year-old Emily Cox in September and took a tabby called Beauty.

MP John Hemming, 50, fathered a daughter with researcher Miss Cox five years ago.

When magistrates asked Christine if she wanted to be called Mrs or Miss, she said: "I'm not quite sure at the moment."

She did not enter a plea and the case has been ordered to go to crown court.

But after the hearing, Christine admitted she had been in the house and taken the £20 cat.

She said: "In retrospect it was a mistake. I put myself in harm's way. I should not have gone.

"I knew she wasn't in. I just went there, bent down and picked up the cat and then I thought it was about time to leave the house and I took the cat but it was not the reason I went there. I'd like to make it up with the offer of another cat.

"It was only a young cat and a relationship had not developed that much. I'm prepared to buy a similar kitten."

She added: "Relations between Emily and I have never been good. They should have improved but deteriorated significantly."

 Mr Hemming still lives with his wife in Moseley, Birmingham, but yesterday described his domestic status as "unclear".

And last night he arrived at the nearby home of Miss Cox, a Lib Dem city councillor, with their daughter, Isabel.

Mr Hemming said: "I'd just like the cat back. I've spent time looking for the kitten. Her brother, Twinkle, is pining for her."

The Birmingham Yardley MP had earlier posted a picture of missing Beauty on his blog with a message saying: "If anyone has seen this kitten please contact me at the House of Commons. There's a reward for its return."

Recruitment agency boss Christine was released on bail yesterday on condition she does not contact Miss Cox.

When Christine found out about the relationship in 2005, she stood by her millionaire husband and said that the six-year affair was "about number 26". Source: The Mirror

Wheelie bin cat dumping woman fined £250

Mary Bale. Source: The Guardian

A bank worker who sparked international outrage after dumping a cat in a wheelie bin has been fined just £250 after a judge declared that public vilification was punishment enough.

Mary Bale, 45, became a hate figure when she was caught on CCTV stroking the four-year-old tabby before picking it up by the scruff of its neck, dropping it into the bin and closing the lid.

She appeared close to tears as she admitted causing unnecessary suffering to the animal at Coventry Magistrates' Court.

A second charge of failing to provide the cat with a suitable environment, contrary to the 2006 Animal Welfare Act, was dropped.

District Judge Caroline Goulborn told Bale that she could potentially have caused substantial harm to the cat, but acknowledged that in reality it had not been hurt.

Handing down the fine, she said: "The media interest in this case has resulted in you being vilified in some quarters and I have taken that into account."

Judge Goulborn, who was told Bale's elderly father was gravely ill at the time, added: "I accept that you were in a stressful situation at the time, but that's no excuse for what you did."

Bale was also ordered to pay a £15 victim surcharge and legal costs of £1,171.4. She was banned from keeping or owning animals for the next five years.

The court heard that Bale - who had faced a maximum fine of £20,000 or up six months' imprisonment - could provide no answer as to why she had acted in such an "impulsive and irrational" way.

She has resigned from her job as a result of the incident and has also been suffering from depression. Bale, whose father died last Thursday, left the court without comment.

RSPCA Inspector Nicola Foster said she hoped the case would act as a deterrent to anyone who feels it is acceptable to mistreat animals.

She added: "This was a deliberate act and could have had far worse consequences as the defendant had no way of knowing if there was anything like broken glass in the bin, nor how long the cat would be there before she was found, nor if the bin was due to be emptied.

"We are pleased that the Court agreed that a complete disregard was shown for the cat's welfare and that the cat suffered/cat's needs were not met as a result of being stuck inside the bin for so many hours."

Bale was caught in August after footage showed her approaching the cat, called Lola, who was sitting on a garden wall. Bale looked both ways before picking her up and dumping her in the bin.

The terrified animal was trapped for 15 hours before her owners Stephanie Andrews-Mann, 24, and husband Darryl, 26, finally found her the following morning.

The couple then reviewed CCTV and posted a 1:27 video of the callous incident on YouTube in a bid to catch the culprit.

Bale, who lives alone in a terraced property in Coventry, was identified within a matter of days and was forced into hiding after she found herself at the centre of a public outcry.

She was signed off work and two PCSOs from West Midlands Police guarded her house.

A Facebook page set up by Mr and Mrs Andrews-Mann to identify the person responsible received tens of thousands of followers with many angry cat lovers posting threats against her.

A group called Death to Mary Bale was swiftly removed by moderators of the social networking site.

She initially said she binned the feline as ''a joke'', adding: ''It's only a cat.'' But she apologised and described it as "a split second of misjudgement that has got completely out of control."

Outside court, David Murray, defending, stressed that Bale wished to apologise for her actions and "bitterly regretted" what she had done.

He said: ""Despite a lengthy period of soul-searching she cannot still explain her behaviour and wishes to again repeat her apology to the owners of Lola.

"For a moment's aberration she has paid a significant price. She has received hate-mail, abusive telephone messages and death threats.

"Sadly, her father passed away last Thursday and she now wishes to be with her mother and family and offer them support during this period of grief." Source: Telegraph.co.uk

Pink Panther: Woman admits to dying her kitty pink

A cat found with pink fur and found by the RSPCA was dyed pink by her owner who wanted its fur to match her hair. Defiant Natasha Gregory said she was proud of her actions - and would even do it again.

The 22-year-old mother-of-two admitted using food colouring to turn the short-haired cat's fur a vivid shade of pink.

The fluorescent feline, named Oi! Kitty, is now so bright that she glows in the dark.

She told the Daily Mail: "It's my favourite colour, I just love it."

"I've dyed my own hair pink and I adore wearing pink clothes. Turning Oi! Kitty pink just seemed like a good idea."

Oi! Kitty's shocking appearance sparked an RSPCA investigation after she was found roaming in a back garden.

A nationwide appeal was launched to find the person responsible for dyeing her white fur, with animal welfare officers believing it was a sick prank.

But after seeing the widespread media coverage, Natasha contacted officials to claim back her pet, which had gone missing days before.

The self-described 'animal lover' who lives with her boyfriend of five years Michael Dennis, along with his daughter and their own two children, then confessed to dyeing the cat pink.

"I read the instructions on the bottle of food colouring and there was nothing to say that it was harmful to humans or animals. We eat the food the dye is used on, so I knew it wasn't toxic.

"I just poured some of the liquid over my hands and robbed them together and then over the cat. I was careful to avoid her face and eyes though.

"She didn't seem to mind and I think she looked lovely.

"I have contacted the RSPCA to get her back and the lady I spoke to said she didn't think it would be a problem. But I'm going to have to wait until they go back to work today."

Despite being branded cruel by vet Penny Gillespie, who has been caring for the cat since she was found in a back garden, Natasha Gregory said she doesn't regret doing it.

"People have made this massive cruelty thing out of just food colouring. People do it to dogs. You often see it with dogs on TV so what's the difference with a cat?

"I would never hurt an animal. It's just food colourant. I would never put proper dye on an animal but I know food colourant is alright."

Woman tries to smuggle tiger cub on plane in luggage

A two-month-old tiger cub was found sedated and hidden among stuffed-tiger toys recently in the luggage of a woman at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

The World Wildlife Foundation reports the 31-year-old Thai national was scheduled to board a Mahan Air flight destined for Iran when she had trouble checking in her oversized bag.

Airports of Thailand staff suspected something amiss when they scanned the bag and x-ray images showed an item resembling a real cat.

Officers from the Livestock Development Department and the National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department were then called in to open the bag for inspection and discovered the tranquilized cub.

Investigations are underway to determine if the cub was wild caught or captive-bred, where it came from and the suspect's intended final destination.

VIDEO: Woman dumps cat in wheelie bin

This has been all over the media in the past 24 hours - as far as New Zealand and San Francisco.

This woman has obviously had a moment of madness - I don't know what could possess anyone to do this to a defenceless creature. A

According to Sky News, she has now been offered police protection after being identified by the RSPCA. In the video the woman briefly caresses the pet - but glances around nervously to make sure no one is watching.

She then opens a wheelie-bin, grabs the moggy by the scruff of her neck and throws her in, shutting the lid. The woman then hurries off.

Lola was trapped for 15 hours overnight until her owners, Darryl Mann and wife Stephanie Andrews-Mann, heard her meowing for help the following morning.

The cat was unhurt but Stephanie, 24, raged yesterday: "I find the entire thing sickening. I cannot believe someone would do this to an innocent family pet. Lola was a rescued cat and was wary of people when we first got her.

"She has a lovely disposition and wouldn't hurt a fly. This is what makes the attack on her so shocking." 

Darryl, 26, who found Lola in the bin, at first thought she had climbed in herself. He learnt the shocking truth when they watched footage from a CCTV camera they installed outside their Coventry home two years ago after their car was repeatedly hit by careless motorists.

Darren said: "I came down to feed Lola but couldn't find her anywhere. "It was really hot day and I searched outside and nearby alleyways.

How to remove a tick from a cat

Charlie may as well be feral!

Poor sod came in from the garden and brought along a creepy friend.

I was stroking him around his neck when suddenly I felt a bump. I parted his fur and found a sight I hope never to across ever again - a little beastie!

Indeed it was a tick and being the sort of person who can't stand insects I nearly fell of the bed in fright!

But I soon learned it would be removing the tick which was going to be the hardest part.

Luckily I found a handy little video on the internet!

First, I found some point tweezers. Next you have to grab hold of the tick's head as close to the skin as you can.

Then you have to pull firmly making sure not to squeeze the tick, or you could leave its head inside! Eurgh!

Don't be surprised - you have to give it a good yank, I thought it would never come out! After removing the tick, flush it down the toilet.

Unfortunately, cats will pick up fleas, mites and ticks, so be sure to check your pet's fur regularly.

Surprisingly, Charlie was well behaved throughout the whole ordeal, apart from the occasional clawing attempt and hiss! Hope this helps!

Funny cat video of the week: Surprised Kitty!

 We've not had a cute kitty video for a long time - this one is great!

Yoga meditation music helps cats relax

Charlie's not been well lately or at least he seems that way - lounging about on my bed barely being able to lift his head.

Now a study shows that when they are unwell, cats became less stressed when they listen to relaxing music.

Student veterinary nurse Sian Barr carried out the research on cats being treated at a vet's surgery.

She found that those who were played yoga meditation music and Om Shanti tunes calmed down and began to breathe more slowly while in cages at the practice in Powys, Wales.

Miss Barr, who has just graduated from veterinary school with a first class honours degree thanks to her research, said: "Stress in small doses can be a good thing, such as if a cat is under stress to eat, then it can perform better.

"But otherwise, it will have a negative effect, such as in a veterinary practice.

"This is because a cat is in a cage and isn't able to do what it would like to do, so stress levels will increase and it will become wound up and angry.

"This is bad for not only its behaviour, becoming difficult for staff to handle, but also for its immune system and ability to heal."

Miss Barr, of Waterlooville, Hants, studied cats when they were first admitted by assessing their ear and eye activity, how they were communicating and respiration levels.

The 21 year old then split them into two groups, only one of which was played the relaxation CDs.

She added: "I then repeated the test after 40 minutes and was able to assign each cat a cat stress score.

"By comparing the scores, I found the music had a dramatic effect on respiration rates, with those exposed to the music decreasing to a relaxed rate much quicker than those not exposed."

Well, I'll just stick some easy listening on for Charlie, should perk him up!

Cats and Dogs 2: The Revenge of Kitty Galore in 3D

Really excited about this! My sister has been quoting lines from the first film all week to me!

Cats and Dogs are back for another film - and this time they are on the same side!

The natural enemies join forces to stop Kitty Galore, a former agent with cat spy organisation MEOWS who is looking to take over the world.

Watch an exclusive clip here. It's all in good humour, but I can't help wondering why does Hollywood have it in for cats?

Dogs are these loveable animals who obey their owners and wag their tails but cats are portrayed as evil, crazy and calculating, just like supervillain Mr Tinkles in the original 2001 film.

This time he is portrayed as a certain Chianti-drinking psychopath from Silence of the Lambs. Having said that Mr Tinkles is my favourite character - I love all his plotting and one-liners.

For more on this theory read this. The film, which combines puppetry and computer animation, is out in 3D on August 4 so get your tickets booked! I'm getting mine!

Ashes of Coronation Street cat Frisky sold for over £800

The ashes of the Coronation Street cat, Frisky, who died ten years ago, have been sold at auction for almost six times the expected price.

Furious bidding by soap fans meant the wooden casket carrying the cat's remains fetched a whopping £844 at an auction in Gloucestershire!

The tabby cat starred in the starting sequence of more than 1,000 episodes of the Manchester soap.

The lot, which was sold to a private bidder, also included a cremation certificate and postcards of Frisky with other Weatherfield stars.

His owner, John Rimington, from Leeds, said before the auction he hoped the ashes would go to an "avid Corrie fan".

Frisky, who won the role in 1990 after beating off competition from 5,000 other cats, died in 2000 from stomach cancer at the age of 14.

Cat undergoes water therapy after being paralysed

Swimming has helped one unlucky cat learn to walk again.

The Turkish Van from New York became paralysed after being injured in June.

Now with the help of hydrotherapy he is learning to use his muscles again.

Nazzaning's owner Florence Rostami believed that she had broken her paw. Florence inquired about physical therapy for Nazzaning and was excited to find out that hydrotherapy was an option.

"I was very happy," she said. "Turkish Vans are natural swimmers, and I thought that this might wake up her instinct.

"Now her balance is better and she is walking on her own," said Florence. "I really believe that if she didn't go to therapy, she may not have found the confidence to walk again." See the full story here.

Cat burglar Oscar loves stealing underwear

I LOVE LOVE LOVE stories like this!

I'm sure if Charlie was an underwear-stealing cat, my mum would be much happier with him bringing home a bra or knickers here or there - rather than something with a heart beat!

Once again, the BBC have the best cat stories!

Oscar the cat has been bringing a different type of 'gift' home for his owner.

Instead of small rodents or birds, Oscar has gone up market and taken a liking to ladies underwear.

After bringing home about 70 items owners Peter and Birgitt Weismantel decided to tell police in Southampton.

Peter said: "When we let him out in the garden he started bringing us back gardening gloves and bits of rubber gloves and then he went up market and started bringing back children's knickers.

"Then it began to escalate and I telephoned the police as people must have been missing clothes, especially with women's underwear being taken.

"But he just doesn't stop and he's still doing it now."

Well Oscar certainly must have good taste!

Why do cats like boxes?

I've had a busy weekend gardening - well my fiance Mike has!

I left some empty boxes from our garden furniture on the patio and Charlie just couldn't resist climbing inside.

But what is it about boxes that appeal to cats so much?

Well, if it is small in area and has at least three sides, your cat will probably climb inside and make himself comfortable.

It isn't difficult to imagine why cats like being enclosed. They feel snug and protected in smaller, defined places.

Cats have a natural need for warmth and protection, their ever-present instinct tells them to be alert to dangers that might sneak up on them when they are dozing.

If the enclosure has a top, that's even better.

You should make sure your pet has a variety of snug places where he can curl up and take a nap.

We've also been cutting down brambles and weeds at the bottom of our garden.

Charlie is not happy - he was hiding out in the shrubbery keeping a close eye on us tearing down his empire!

VIDEO: Pioneering vet gives cat new prosthetic feet

This is a great story - having just got back from Jersey myself - I learned about Oscar the cat, a native to the island who was having a lovely nap in a field when a combine harvester came along and cut off his hind paws....poor Oscar! 

Oscar was immediately referred to Dr Noel Fitzpatrick, a Surrey-based neuro-orthopaedic surgeon by his local vet in St Saviour in Jersey But owners Kate and Mike Nolan were unsure whether to risk the surgery.

Kate said: "We had to do a lot of soul-searching and our main concern has always been whether this operation would be in Oscar's best interests and would give him a better quality of life."

Once the Nolans understood the treatment and discovered the operation could have an impact on human medicine, surgery was arranged.

His new kitten heels were designed with custom-made implants, which "peg" the ankle to the foot and mimic the way deer antler bone grows through skin.

Oscar's transformation, which has left him resembling a feline Ahab, has been described as a case of science copying the natural world.

In a three-hour procedure, the veterinary surgical team inserted the pegs by drilling into one of Oscar's ankle bones in each of his back legs.

The implants, which are attached to the bone at the amputation site, were coated with hydroxyapatite to encourages bone cells to grow onto the metal.
The skin then grows over a special "umbrella" at the end of the peg to form a seal against bacteria and potentially fatal infections.

The peg protrudes through the bone and skin, allowing the custom-built artificial paws to then be securely attached.

Oscar was trying to stand a day after the surgery and, despite some problems with infection, he was able to bear weight equally on all four limbs within four months.

What a brave kitty!

Russell Brand admits caring for a kitten is preparing him for parenthood

Russell Brand has revealed the real reason why he adopted a kitten with his fiancee Katy Perry - the pet is preparing the couple for parenthood.

The pair, who will marry in October, recently purchased a baby cat, who they have named Krusty, and the British funnyman admits looking after the young creature is helping them hone their parenting skills.

He tells Britain's Radio Times, "That's why we've got a kitten. It's perfect training for having kids. Since being with Katy, I've got this masculine urge to protect."

He added: "It's lovely this kitten but it's got no concept of moderating its conduct. It just climbs all over my head."

Indian psychic called in to find missing cat

The BBC love their kitty stories:

A CAT lover from Lincolnshire has called in an Indian psychic to help find her missing moggy. 

Oliver, a four-year-old tabby and white cat, went missing from Boothby Graffoe in October.

Owner Sue Machen, 56, has paid £1,000 for Hertfordshire-based company Animal Search UK to hunt for the animal.

It has employed psychic Sarita Gupta, who is based in Bangalore, to help in the search, a move which has been criticised by a sceptics' society.

Ms Gupta believes the cat has been adopted as a stray by a new family, who do not know he has an owner.

Ms Machen said: "The expense [for the search] is immaterial.

"I am just desperate to know what has happened to him. I am hoping he has wandered off and been picked up by someone."

Tom Watkins, who is leading the search, said: "We have had some good publicity and we are building up a picture of where Oliver might be.

"We are hoping the psychic is right and we will receive a call about where Oliver is. "That would be mission accomplished if we can achieve that."

The team said a missing cat in Birmingham had been found in a Wendy house after the same psychic said it would turn up "where children play".

A spokesman for the Merseyside Skeptics Society said: "Looking at the advice given by the psychic in both cases, we have the suggestion that the cat is staying with another family, and the idea that lost cats like to be near children.

"Both of these are incredibly obvious scenarios to suggest for a missing cat, and would likely be the suggestions you'd get from someone without psychic powers - and without the need for a fee, too."

World Cup goalkeeper 'The Cat' awarded MBE

 Ex-England keeper Bert Williams has been awarded an MBE, in the Queen's honours list.

The 90-year-old nicknamed 'The Cat' for his innovative keeping style was thrilled by the news which came on the day England played there first game against the USA in the World Cup 2010.

But Robert Green is not the first keeper to fumble the ball against the superpower - Bert is remembered for being between the posts in England's most humiliating defeat - 1-0 to America in the 1950 World Cup.

Despite this 'The Cat' has been recognised as one of the best keepers in history. And he claims he had the shot covered until it deflected in off a US player.

He told the Shropshire Star: "I've got 180 photographs and hundreds of scrap books - I get so much pleasure from them because they bring the memories flooding back."

Congrats to Bert on his MBE!

Cats explain the entire series of LOST in one minute

I'm back from my holidays and I have been vigorously recording all my favourite TV shows while I've been away.

Not had time to watch the LOST finale yet but I heard about this video which combines my two favourite things - LOST and kitties!

This is hilarious!

Is your cat always on the hunt for birds?

I've just come back from a spot of hunting, browsed a few magazines and now I'm going to curl up for a nice nap.

Gemma is always moaning and telling me off when I bring her little gifts.

What can I say? I love the taste of little birdies in the morning.

She's always trying ways to stop me hunting - and half the time her efforts succeed - damn you Gemma!

She puts big bells on my collar, so the little birds can hear me when I come.

She's always feeding me, I do like to eat though, I think she's trying to encourage me to stay closer to home, I'd like to see her catch me!

I'm only really allowed to go out in the day, not too early and not too late - which is a shame because that's when I can usually find a little vulnerable birdie to feast on.

There's also lot spiny plants like holly and thorn bushes around the bottom of trees in the garden, I try my best to get up there though!

Anyway, my cat nap is calling me! Miaow for now! Charlie xx

Charlie is shortlisted in Go-Cat BOBO awards!

So the owner thinks she can desert me hey?

ell while the mice are away the cat will play...or something like that!

Anyway...it's Charlie here and I have some fabulous news!

Wait for it...I have been shortlisted in the Go-Cat BOBO Awards who are searching for the most active cat - that would be me!

Check me out on the website here. I'm a very handsome cat - I think I've got a good chance of winning!

What do you think? Chow! Charlie xx

Cats on holiday!

Hello Cat Chatters!

I'm off to sunny Gran Canaria on hoilday, so for the next couple weeks I will leave you in the capable paws of Charlie.

I'm very excited because everytime I go to GC I see lots of wild cats!

There are all sorts of cats in all different colours and they are very friendly - don't get jealous Charlie.

Anyway see you soon!xxxx

Oh no! Charlie has worms! Advice and symptoms...

Charlie has been very poorly - he's doesn't stop eating but he doesn't seem to be putting on weight.

Then yesterday, he started throwing up - poor Charlie!

To my absolute horror - there were creatures wiggling in his vomit!

The poor sod has worms - no wonder he's so hungry!

I'm a bit upset that I didn't recognise the symptoms they can include vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss or a dry and dull coat.

Worms may be observed in the vomit or in the faeces.

Intestinal parasites of cats can infect humans and small children are particularly at risk.

If a cat has tapeworms, the signs will not usually show until it starts to expel little white, or off-white, bits that will be seen near the cat's anus.

The bits are about the size of a sesame seed and look similar as they dry up.

Charlie does a lot of hunting and tapeworms are picked up by cats from infected fleas which they may have gotten from wild kills of birds, mice and other animals.

Tapeworms are easily treated by an over-the-counter medication at a good vet supply store or like I did with Charlie take your pet straight to the vet.

Poor Charlie - you'll be better soon!

iPad proves a big hit with musical cat Iggy

 The latest cat viral doing the round show Iggy the cat playing with Apple's new iPad.

The iPad is due for release at the end of May - Charlie will have to be very good if he wants one - prices start at £500 up to £1,000. Check this out!

Liverpool cat nominated for Go-Cat BOBO award

A moggy from Liverpool is in the running to be crowned Britain's most adventurous cat after his owner, Graham Mullen, entered him into the Go-Cat® BOBO AWARDS, a nationwide search for the UK's most fearless feline.

Always on the hunt for his next escapade, Woody has been nominated for his sense of adventure and free-spirited nature. Go-Cat recently launched the BOBO AWARDS in honour of Bobo, the amazing, acrobatic free-running star of Go-Cat's latest TV ad, to celebrate courageous cats that live life to the full, just like Bobo.

Woody is certainly shaping up to rival Bobo, he loves to play hide and seek and his most recent adventure saw him disappearing for an entire morning, to later be found sitting happily on a milk float after doing the rounds with the local milk man.

If you think your cat is as adventurous and daring as Woody then what are you waiting for?

Enter your cat into the Go-Cat BOBO AWARDS to be in with a shot of winning a fantastic once-in-a-lifetime safari to the wilds of Africa with a chance to see really big adventurous cats in action.

There's also a whole host of runner-up prizes that will keep the most adventurous cat lovers entertained - from a day learning circus skills to an afternoon of hovercraft flying.

Go-Cat spokesperson, Alison Ashman, says: "We're looking for cats of all ages with bucket loads of cat'itude, who live life to the full and have extraordinary adventures. Whether they're intrepid explorers, plucky climbers or brave rescuers, we want to hear your stories."

Well better get Charlie's entry sent in then!

Kim Kardashian's kitten handling sparks outrage

Kim Kardashian has staunchly defended her controversial handling of a kitten.

The reality show star prompted outrage among animal activists after holding the feline aloft by the scruff of its neck for a Twitter pic.

Kim insists her unconventional kitty carry was by no means cruel to the animal - but animal rights charity PETA vehemently disagree.

A spokesperson said: "Kim Kardashian isn't the only person who mistakenly thinks that because a mother cat picks up her kittens by the scruff of the neck that a supportive hand under the rump isn't needed."

However, Kim is adamant she did no wrong. She said: "I have been getting negative comments regarding the way I was holding the kitty, but rest assured, the owner and vet were on set and showed me how to pick him up.

"The cat was not harmed in any way and is perfectly fine! I love animals and would never do anything to harm any animals."

Postmen refuse deliveries after being chased by elderly cat

Tiger, a 19 year-old black and white cat, has been accused of attacking postmen on three occassions delivering mail in Leeds, west Yorkshire.

Owner Tracy Brayshaw, of Farsley, Leeds, said the postmen have complained that Tiger attacks them as they approach the cat flap, before chasing them down the garden path.

Mrs Brayshaw now has to collect her mail from the local sorting office.

She said: "If Tiger climbs up a tree he is done in for the rest of the week. I find it really hard to believe.

"The post has been suspended for two weeks now. It was funny at first but it is going a bit far now."

Mrs Brayshaw is hoping to appeal against the decision to suspend her post. Read more on The Telegraph website.

New Zealand cat warns owners about blaze with wet paws

Saw this on a New Zealand news site - a moggy awoke his neighbours by wetting his paws in the toilet and walking over his owner's face.

Owners Kate Gatonyi and partner Bevan Garland awoke to find a fire just three metres from their bedroom window.

Kate said Maceo the cat often played with water but had never put his feet in the toilet bowl. He usually just meowed if he wanted to get attention at night, she said.

Funny cat video of week: Cat adopts bunny rabbit

This is the cutest thing I've ever seen!

The purrfect office cats plus Dewey the library cat

I think having a cat in the office is a brilliant idea - but I don't think the boss would approve.

For me, cats are relaxing and having Charlie in the newsroom would certainly cheer me up.

One company in Kansas, America has not one but TWO office cats. The appearance of a couple of stray cats about 15 years ago has helped define River City Studio's corporate culture.

The company specialises in graphic design and marketing. Feline friends Yoda and Melia are part of the furniture and are even featured on the company's website!

 Well, Charlie has his own blog so the next stage it just sneaking him into the office...

Another famous cat - Dewey the Library Cat - was well-known for his antics at Spencer Public Library in Iowa.

Librarian Vicky Myron wrote a book about how his presence in the library not only soothed the staff but the library-goers as well. It's an excellent read, so give it a go.

My two favourite loves: cats + wine = Hello Kitty Wine!

Hello Kitty are releasing four new wines but only in the in the US at the moment!

All four varieties are produced and bottled in Italy.

The grapes are grown in the Lombardy region and the new wines come from wine maker Dino Torti.

All but one of the wines come in 750 ml bottles, while one is in a 375 ml bottle.

The 2006 Hello Kitty Devil Red Pinot Nero comes from the Borgogna Vineyard and is described as a classically rendered pinot noir.

The pink label features a black Hello Kitty complete with horn and tails, but also with the telltale bow and a pink heart.

The Hello Kitty Angel White Pinot Nero label, as one might expect, features a white Hello Kitty with angel wings along with her bow and heart.

The 2008 white wine is made from free run juice. Next up is the Hello Kitty Sparkling Brut Ros©. Each bottle includes a souvenir Hello Kitty pink pendant. It is characterized as having a 'light pink color, perlage fine and persistent, sweet flower scent and light spice, harmonious taste thanks to the very balanced natural sparkling with the structure.'

Finally, the Hello Kitty Sparkling Sweet Pink comes in a half-size bottle and features a more traditional Hello Kitty on the label. It is described as fine Sparkling Rose wine 'with delicate pink color, perlage fine and persistent, elegant aroma of flowers, smooth with a hint of almond.' So ladies snuggle up to your cats and crack open a bottle of Hello Kitty!

8 out of 10 cats don't know where their fish comes from

You may have made you home and car energy efficient but what about your pet?

The authors of a recent book, Time to Eat the Dog? warned that the energy required to feed a cat is the same as that required to build and drive a Volkswagen Golf for 6,000 miles a year.

Now there is a way do reduce your cat's carbon paw print.

Later this year the UK's 8m cat owners will, for the first time, be able to feed their kitties their favourite fish with a clear conscience.

The manufacturers of Whiskas and Sheba are to become the first to sell products using Marine Stewardship Council-certified fish, which is caught sustainably and without threatening further dwindling stocks.

While eight out of 10 cats are likely to have no opinion on the provenance of their fish, Mark Johnson of manufacturer Mars Petcare said people were increasingly aware of the importance of sustainability.

"The End of the Line film [a documentary about overfishing] has had a big impact," said Johnson, the company's UK general manager.

We are now the first pet company to make a commitment to sustainable fish, and we hope that will act as a catalyst for the whole industry."

Supermarkets have been quick to respond to rising human demand for sustainable fish, with the Co-operative eliminating threatened species from its own-brand products and Marks & Spencer recently becoming the first high-street name to sign up to WWF's new seafood charter.

But pet lovers have so far been limited to giving their animals human food such as sustainably caught tinned tuna: an expensive way to limit their pets' ecological impact.

(Well, in Charlie's case it's a good thing he is not keen on fish! I hear rabbits and poultry are much lower impact than fish and red meat.)

While cats and dogs may seem unlikely environmental villains, UK pet owners buy 1.5m tonnes of food a year and globally there are an estimated 750m pets who consume 20m tonnes annually. 

The new MSC-certified Whiskas and Sheba will be on sale in December - with a pledge to source all its fish globally from sustainable sources by 2020. For more visit The Guardian website.

Cat comes 'back from the dead'

Dug this out from the Daily Mail: Alfie the ginger tom came back to life nine months after apparently being killed by a car.

Owner Angelo Petrillo buried what he believed to be his pet's battered body after a friend spotted it on the side of a road near his home.

Soon afterwards Mr Petrillo, 39, and his wife Katy moved house, along with their other cat Freddie, also a ginger tom.

But a few days ago, they received a phone call from their former neighbour.

'They said a ginger cat had been trying to get into our old home, going up to the front and back doors, and they thought it was ours. But we said Freddie was asleep with us so there must have been a mistake.

'Then they said the cat was climbing on to the conservatory and trying to get in the bedroom window, which is exactly what our two did.

'My wife and I looked at each other, and she said "Are you totally sure it was Alfie that you buried?", and I said "Yes, 100 per cent".'

The next day, however, the neighbours said the cat had remained outside all night, meowing pitifully.

Mrs Petrillo, 35, a manager for a wine company, returned to the couple's old home a mile away - and immediately recognised the cat as Alfie.

The three-year-old had lost the collar he used to wear and had put on weight, suggesting someone else had been looking after him while he was being mistakenly mourned.

Mr Petrillo said: 'It was just unbelievable - the cat I had buried nine months earlier, the cat we spent about a month grieving over, was back, and my wife just couldn't believe what she was seeing.'

Mr Petrillo had examined the body of the cat found beside a sliproad on the M62 near their home in Milnrow, Greater Manchester, last June and was convinced it was Alfie.

But nine months on, the family are overjoyed that he was wrong - everyone, that is, apart from their other cat, five-year-old Freddie.

'They're not getting on very well at the moment, but hopefully he'll settle in again,' said Mr Petrillo. The couple are having both cats microchipped to ensure there is no confusion if either goes missing again.

Funny cat video of the week: 'Meerkittens at play'

I'm starting a new feature for my blog and by the title you've guessed it - each week it will feature cute cats getting up to feline fun. Check this out!
 

Woodlands Animal Sanctuary will close without your help!

 Last October, Charlie and I visited Woodlands Animal Sanctuary in Holmeswood and Charlie had the chance to stay in their cat hotel.

But now the Sanctuary have announced they only have enough funding to remain open for the next three weeks, before the situation becomes desperate.

The charity, which was formerly known as Southport Cats Protection, is currentyl home to scores of rabbits, birds, goats and of course cats, but money is running out and the centre could soon be forced to close its doors to new admissions.

Woodlands is staffed entirely by volunteers and owner Jaqui McDerby has promised that no animals will be put to sleep.

Daughter Vickie added: "We are asking people to a) donate money or set up a direct debit or b) come forward for new homes.

"If just 300 people were to set up a standing order of £3 a month that would give us some security.

"We have people that give us a monthly allowance at the moment, but that doesn't cover half our costs. "There are no full time staff - we are all volunteers."

Vickie added that any money donated would be spent entirely on the animals. "Feeding, neutering, general vets costs that's all the money is spent on, that and the up keep of the sanctuary.

"For example, the hedgehogs costs £200 each through the Winter.

"They come in cold, they have to be hand reared and given medication, anti-biotics and vitamin injections, all the food.

"And we've 30 hedgehogs in at the moment."

And it's not just Woodlands who are feeling the strain, other animal charities are in need of help.

"The RSPCA brought cats to us last week because they are so busy," Vickie said.

A recent Winter Ball raised £1,600 for the sanctuary and a barn dance is planned for April to raise further funds.

Vicky added: "You feel like you are back to the same people saying you want more money - there's only so much you can ask of the same people and so we need people that have never helped us before to come forward."

To find out more about helping the registered charity log on to www.animalsanctuary.org.uk, call 01704 823293 or buy a ticket for the barn dance at Rufford Village Hall on April 17 for £12.

Cat survives for a month in a chilled food warehouse...by eating frozen peas

Just spotted this on the Daily Mail website.

A cat has survived after being trapped for four weeks in a chilled food warehouse - by eating frozen peas.

The feline managed to survive temperatures of -2C (-28F) for a month in the warehouse before it was finally rescued by the RSPCA. 

The 12-month-old black and white tabby cat, who has been nicknamed 'Frosty' by RSPCA staff, is believed to have survived by eating frozen peas and licking moisture off icy food packets.

Frosty, who is believed to have been trapped in the warehouse after entering in the back of a lorry, was spotted by staff in the warehouse early last month but escaped numerous attempts to catch him.

The large warehouse is maintained at a constant temperature with its main doors closed except when large articulated lorries arrive to deliver or remove palletised cargo.

Staff believe Frosty may have been too frightened to leave when he had the opportunity because of the noise and activity around the main doors.

The RSPCA caught Frosty in a humane trap after leaving it overnight baited with cat treats, milk and water. The poor cat had to have parts of his ears and tail amputated after the ordeal because of frostbite.

I'm so happy he's okay - if anything like that happened to Charlie I'd be devastated!

RSPCA inspector calls for cat owners to be more responsible

RSPCA inspector Ian Robertson is calling for cat owners to be more responsible after the 'worst week of his career' for dealing with abandoned cats.

Ian said the problems have been caused by people moving out of their homes and leaving their cat behind.

In some cases new tenants have been forced to look after cats abandoned by the previous occupants as the RSPCA shelter in Birkdale is full to capcity.

Ian told Cat Chat: "This has been the worst week of my career for having to deal with abandoned cats.

"In one case the family had moved to a foreign country which must have taken some time to plan, so they could have contacted us and given us time to find a home for the cat.

"Abandoning a household pet is an offence which can lead to imprisonment of up to 51 weeks and a fine of £20,000.

"If people want to give up their cat they should contact us and we can help rehome it."

If you need help rehoming a cat call 0300-1234-999. People who want to give a new home to an abandoned cat can call the RSPCA kennels on 01704-567624.

Cat has over 1.5 million followers on Twitter

A cat from Massachusetts in America has over 1.5 million people following him on Twitter (Well, that means Charlie's got a long way to go!)

The cat's owner Jason Scott said he opened the Twitter account to post catlike musings from his feline's point of view.

Jason 37, said he started the "inner monologue" micro-blog for his cat, Sockington, in 2007 and the Twitter feed now has 1.5 million followers and has even inspired a rap song.

Scott said his goals include "breaking up the self-important and bland Twittering" and sharing Sockington's "life of boredom" with the world.

"If you have a cat," he said, "you realise their life is mostly food and sleep."

He said the posts are mostly centered around those themes. "HMM YOU ARE VERY INTERESTING TO ME oh it looks like you're finished eating NOT QUITE AS INTERESTING ANYMORE," one post reads.

VIDEO: Toilet training your cat

I found this video report on the Wall Street Journal website about training cats to use the toilet.

Reporter Anne Marie Chaker describes the trial and tribulations of getting her kitty Mr Tibb's to 'go toilet'.

I can see why some people would want to toilet train their cat, if they are house cats and live in a flat or apartment, but I think Charlie would have none of it. He has excellent toilet habits.

When I first got him he knew exactly what to do over a litter tray. Now he's usually out all day, so he does his business while he's out and about on the prowl.

I do keep a litter tray on my bedroom though, just in case he needs to use it in the middle of the night, but the litter is still fresh - he hasn't used it once.

In fact, when he does need the toilet he wakes me up to be let out. I try to place him in the litter tray and he will just get out, shaking his feet and looking rather bewildered. I suppose when nature calls he wants to do it outside!

Cat food to fight plague of cane toads in Australia

Australia's poisonous plague of cane toads may finally have met its match - and it comes in a tin of cat food.

After years spent trying to batter, gas, run over and even freeze the toxic toads out of existence, scientists say just a dollop of Whiskas could stop the warty horde.

The cat food attracts Australia's carnivorous meat ants, which swarm over and munch on baby toads killing 70% of them.

University of Sydney professor Rick Shine told ABC: "It's not exactly rocket science. We went out and put out a little bit of cat food right beside the area where the baby toads were coming out of the ponds.

"The ants rapidly discovered the cat food and thought it tasted great.

"The worker ants then leave trails back to the nest encouraging other ants to come out there and forage in that area, and within a very short period of time we got lots of ants in the same area as the toads are."

Australia is beset by millions of cane toads after they were introduced from Hawaii in 1935 to control scarab beetles. The toads, which are prolific maters, eat anything and are incredibly tough, secrete poison that kills pets and wildlife and injure humans, prompting several unsuccessful campaigns to wipe them out.

"Even the ones that don't die immediately, die within a day or so of being attacked," Shine said, adding that native frogs were able to dodge the hungry ants.

"It's a simple, low-risk way of reducing the number of baby toads coming out of those ponds."

Tim Burton on Alice in Wonderland and the Cheshire Cat

 I love Disney's Alice in Wonderland - the Cheshire Cat was my favourite character. But now oddball director Tim Burton known for The Nightmare Before Christmas and more recently Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is getting his claws into the Lewis Carroll classic. 

But Tim is not a cat-lover...but we won't hold that against him. Early on in the making of Alice in Wonderland director Tim Burton had very strong feelings about one of the characters - and it wasn't what you would call a good feeling. 

He told the Los Angeles Times: "The Cheshire Cat was a character I had a very specific image of and it's because I just have this thing about cats.

 "The Cheshire Cat taps into what you might call my hatred of cats."

Actor Stephen Fry handles the character in the film and Burton praised him for capturing the unsettling mind of a feline.

"Stephen Fry did a great job of getting that creepy quality. You know, this weird kind of floaty, too-focused, creepy - he did it great.

"He has this thing of getting up close and just sitting there and staring at you, you know, like a cat. It just kind of sits there."

Burton made a noise, not unlike a tabby struggling with a hairball.

"I have this thing with cats. And with Cheshire Cat it's a love-hate relationship. You can, uh, hear it in my voice can't you?"

*Alice in Wonderland is out in cinemas next month.

Italian TV chef axed after recommending cat stew on National Cat Day

An Italian chef has been axed after he said during his popular lunchtime cookery show that cat meat was one of the best animals he had ever tasted.

His remarks came after mentioning how, in the desperate conditions of post-war Italy, some people had taken to boiling stray mogs.

Beppe Bigazzi was explaining about traditions in Tuscany, where he comes from, and how cat meat was popular in the 30s and 40s.

As his co-presenter, Elisa Isoardi, looked on aghast, the 77-year-old told viewers that, far from being a last resort in times of near-famine, gatto in umido was "one of the great dishes of the Valdarno [in Tuscany]".

The secret, he disclosed, was to leave the cat in a fast-running stream for three days.

"What comes out is a delicacy", he enthused. "Many a time I've eaten its white meat." Isoardi, herself a cat owner, tried to interrupt, but to no avail.

"Cat in a thick sauce was "better than chicken, rabbit or pigeon", he said.

During a commercial break, the producers unsuccessfully attempted to persuade the celebrity gourmet that he should apologise when the programme resumed.

Soon afterwards, the switchboard was jammed with calls from appalled viewers.

Bigazzi was today on Italy's National Cat Day, quoted by the newspaper Corriere della Sera as saying he had been referring to events in the past, adding: "You can't judge things from 70 years ago".

Poor cat gets head stuck in Whiskas food tin

A cat in Fife has wandered into a rescue centre with its head stuck in a tin, the BBC reports.

The female cat walked into the Scottish SPCA's Wildlife Rescue Centre in Middlebank on Sunday with her head wedged in an empty pet food tin.

After the can was carefully removed she was checked over.

She has now been taken to the Edinburgh and Lothians Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Balerno, Edinburgh.

Colin Seddon, Scottish SPCA Wildlife Rescue Centre manager, said: "Luckily no damage was done and the little cat was very pleased to be freed from the discomfort that comes with having your head stuck inside a tin can.

"We think it's likely that she was scavenging and came across this discarded tin of cat food.

"She may have got the can stuck on her head and then became disorientated, it's lucky she wasn't hit by a car."

Mr Seddon added: "This only illustrates the fact that litter can pose a threat to both wild and domestic animals and we always encourage people to make sure they bag and bin their rubbish, it could save an animal's life."

The cat was wearing a distinctive collar printed with green cat's eyes.

Claws come out over shelter for Auschwitz cat

A cat living at the former Nazi death camp of Auschwitz has caused fur to fly between an animal care group and Polish authorities refusing to allow a shelter to be built for it.

The grey and white cat, known variously as Rudolf or Bruno despite being female, can often be seen sitting near the notorious "Arbeit macht frei" ("Work sets you free") sign at the entrance to the camp.

She has seemed unperturbed by an unusually cold winter in Poland that has seen night temperatures dip as low as minus 34 degrees Celsius.

The museum that runs the camp has rejected a call from the group For Animals to build a cat shelter, saying other animals also live at the site and that visitors are its main priority.

"All we asked for was to erect a shelter, but we were refused," said Joanna Zaremba of the For Animals foundation.

A museum employee tried in vain to give the animal a home. "The cat was not used to being indoors and the employee had to let her out to feel free. She came straight back (to the camp) like a boomerang, back to the 'Arbeit macht frei' gate," said Adam Cyra, another member of staff.

The cat is believed to have arrived at the camp about six months ago and started to attract the attention of visitors after Polish newspapers and web sites reported on the animal's attachment to the site and the campaign to build a shelter.

"I came especially to see this cat as I've heard so much about it in the local media," one Polish visitor told Reuters Television. "I'm ready to adopt the cat and give her a home."

While the cat has been staying near the entrance, a gang stole the "Arbeit macht frei" sign.

Polish police later recovered the sign, cut into three pieces, and arrested five suspects over the crime.

Up to 1.5 million people, mostly Jews, perished at Auschwitz during the Nazi occupation of Poland in World War Two.

The site, near the town of Oswiecim in southern Poland, received more than one million visitors last year.

Source: Reuters

Missy the cat gets world's first feline knee replacement

The Daily Mail have a wonderful article about Missy who is the first cat in the world to have her knee replaced.

The eight-year-old family pet was stuck injured in a bush for two days with one hind leg broken in eight places and the other with a completely dislocated knee.

It was only because of her owners' relentless efforts that they found her. Ah bless Missy!

Charlie gets star treatment with professional photographer Victoria Tetley

As you many have read on my blog, last week I had my own professional photography session with Liverpool and Cheshire photographer Victoria Tetley.

I was so excited to have my pictures taken, I love posing for the camera.

Anyway, we had a wild time - Victoria came to my house and brought me a special treat - a catnip mouse!

Victoria has been taking pictures for about ten years and worked at our sister paper the Chester Chronicle for eight years.

Now, after covering more than 9,000 stories, Victoria, 34, is focusing on her own business and has set up as a freelance snapper specialising in pets and portraits.

Working at the Chronicle, Victoria has met many well-known figures from Nigella Lawson to Prince Charles, although a few stand out over the years.

Victoria said: "Richard Madeley, who was doing a book signing at Cheshire Oaks, was such a genuinely nice guy. He spent a good five minutes talking to me about my job and what I hoped to do with my career, while I was quite conscious a huge queue were waiting to meet him.

"Another character was Boris Johnson, who was visiting Chester a few years ago, and I went to photograph him being given a guided tour through the city centre, and, unlike many celebrities, he shook my hand, asked my name and had a bit of a laugh. A very amiable man."

Although Victoria loved her job working for the newspaper, she realised taking pictures of people with their cats and dogs were her favourite subjects.

"It might take that bit longer to get the shot but it is definitely worth the wait."

Victoria's thankful for the years of experience she has gained and is looking forward to using her skills in her new business venture taking pictures of pets and people in picturesque locations.

And of course I was her best subject! Check out Victoria's website - click here!

Miaow for Now!

Charlie