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!

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."

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!

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!

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!

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."

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!

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!

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!

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!
 

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.