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Check out what were doing and getting up to for Christmas and how you can help us. Please join us in getting into the spirit of Christmas.

Regular weight checks for senior and super senior cats is a great way as their people we can help monitor for regular or sudden weight loss. Changes in weight for our older cats can indicate the beginning of health problems, so if you notice any getting a check up with the vet is advisable. You don't need to buy scales specifically for cats baby scales are a perfect and sometimes cheaper alternative.

It is important to play with your cat whether they are kittens or super seniors. Check out our video which shows the different ways you can engage your cats playful side and help provide them with the opportunity to play within their environment.

We are launching our Donate a £1 Friday appeal. If you can spare a £1 this Friday to help us care for the cats and kittens in our care we would greatly appreciate it. Every £1 counts and will go towards purchasing food and cat litter, veterinary care and energy bills. To donate and avoid fees being removed from your donation you can donate direct to our bank account. Account Name: Shropshire Cat Rescue, Account Number: 12504025, Sort Code: 55 50 05. To donate via PayPal please select the option that doesn’t give you buyers protection. https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/shropshirecatrescue?country.x=GB&locale.x=en_GB We really appreciate peoples support and it makes a big difference to the cats and the volunteers.

On Tuesday morning we found 8 kittens left in a carrier on our driveway. Whilst we are grateful they were left where they would be found and cared for, it was quite scary for our volunteers not knowing if they would be looking at dead or alive kittens. Thankfully they were all alive and now in our nursery. On Saturday we had 6 kittens admitted whose mother was killed by a tractor. On Tuesday, 3 more were found and brought in. These are too young to be without a mum but thankfully we have some wonderful volunteers able to give them the extra care they need. All these kittens need worm and flea treatment, health checks, vaccinations, feeding etc. All along with the other cats looking for homes, kittens already at the shelter and our retirement village - cost are mounting! To top it off, they are all black and white which are the hardest to home! So who knows how long we will have these with us. If you can donate to their care, please use the following link: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/InfluxofKittens?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=socpledgedesktop&utm_content=InfluxofKittens&utm_campaign=post-pledge-desktop&utm_term=xZdWd64jR Our admin team can be contacted via info@shropshirecatrescue.org.uk if you would rather donate directly to our bank. And finally, if you are the person who left the kittens on our driveway, please know that they are all ok. We are however concerned about the mother cat. Do you need help with neutering? Rehoming? Please get in touch, there will be no judgement; we just want to help. This week has added to an already busy September when in just 3 days we had taken in 15 kittens ranging from 2 weeks to 6 weeks in age. Some need hand rearing which is a round the clock job that we fortunately have volunteers able and willing to undertake this commitment. Others need veterinary care and extra support to encourage them to eat. This figure doesn’t include the adult cats or the mother cats with their kittens, that have also been arriving. Since posting on Facebook about the kittens we have had an amazing amount of donations and people offering to home the kittens. We are truly grateful for all the support and donations it means a lot to everyone involved in Shropshire Cat Rescue. We are getting a lot of enquiries about adopting, it would be impossible to keep track of all of them. So, if you are interested in adopting a kitten, please complete an application form: https://www.shropshirecatrescue.org.uk/adopt-a-cat... . Shropshire Cat Rescue's is run by volunteers so please bear with us, we may take a little time to answer all adoption enquiries and requests for help, please be assured we will answer, also keep a eye on your junk or spam mail as we have been finding our replies are ending up in there.

The response to our kitten appeal has been amazing and means a lot to all the team at Shropshire Cat Rescue. The admin team are working hard to process the adoption applications and it is lovely so many people wish to adopt the kittens. We really appreciate peoples patience as it is taking longer to process applications due to the amount, we are hoping our older kittens and adult cats will also be adopted. Maple one of the kittens that came in on Tuesday 11 October is amazed by the amount of donations on the Just Giving appeal and has kept a close eye on it. We have also received donations direct to our bank, food donations dropped off and items donated to our shop. The amount of support received has been amazing. Thank you.

It is that time of year when fireworks begin to be let off, unfortunately they are not just lighting up our skies and creating noise for one night or weekend a year and can start 2 – 3 weeks before Bonfire Night, so planning to help your cats cope during this time needs to be started earlier and earlier and continue for a longer period. So how can we help cats cope with fireworks? Start preparing early - the beginning to middle of October will really help. What can you do? · Introduce extra hiding and safe places – you do not need to spend money you can use empty cardboard boxes, drape blankets over chairs or leave wardrobe doors slightly open. If you do not leave their carrier out already and it has a removable door take it off place a blanket inside and place a blanket over the top. If your cat heads upwards for their safe place start thinking of ways you can introduce other places they may feel safe in e.g. place a box or covered carrier on top of draws or bookcases (please ensure the new hiding place is secure and doesn’t wobble when the cat jumps up). · Introduce plug -ins or use sprays that aid calming whether a pheromone based one like Feliway Classic or a herbal version like Pet Remedy. Place the plug ins in locations they are known to hide and use as their safe place for resting. Use sprays on bedding (please test before applying to surfaces you are concerned about to ensure doesn’t damage them). Remember that Feliway needs to be sprayed on a item 20 minutes before introducing it to your cat as the smell of the liquid used to carry the pheromone scent overpowers it initially and cats are not keen on the smell. · Place small amounts of food in the new safe place locations you have created so they search them out and then also do this on the day’s fireworks are being let off, try to do it beforehand so that you do not disturb them once the fireworks start. · Do not disturb or seek your cat out if they have hidden, just act normal and leave them to it. Some cats will seek you out for comfort but don’t go to them let them come to you. · White noise can help cats and could help drown out the sound of the fireworks, avoid playing nature sounds as the sounds of birds could cause them frustration when they can not see or find them. Examples of white nose could be a water fountain or sound of waves. There are downloads and CDs you can purchase specifically designed for cats. · Close windows and curtains to help reduce sound. · If they have unrestricted access to a catio, secure garden or the outside slowly introduce a restriction and increase the time they are restricted access over a few weeks to get them used to being indoors only during the night. Some microchip cat flaps allow you to set times for when the flap prevents cats going outside which can be very helpful. If you are worried about getting home after dark and the possibility fireworks will be going off before you return then longer restrictions maybe needed or speak with neighbours, family or friends and see if anyone could help you out by popping in to lock the cat preventing them going out but allowing them back in. · Start to introduce or increase number of litter trays in the run up ideal number is 1 litter tray per cat plus 1 extra. If they are not used to litter trays consider using soil in them to encourage them to use the litter trays. Locate the trays in quieter areas away from through fares like hall ways and away from food and water locations. Tips to help those not used to completely indoor life or one with restrictions this include cats who have free access to a catio as this sudden restriction of that area can cause stress. Some cats struggle more than others, the following tips are useful for all cats and can be used year-round for any indoor or restricted access cat. · Introduce puzzled feeders there are various ones available on the market or you could create your own using empty toilet rolls and boxes. Check out our blog Puzzle Feeders Helping Cats in Different Ways for more information. https://www.shropshirecatrescue.org.uk/post/puzzle-feeders-helping-cats-in-different-ways · Introduce scent boxes – these are boxes that you can use to bring in outdoor smells into the home collect fallen items within your garden including feathers, sticks, leaves (autumn is the perfect time to collect fallen leaves). Let them explore and smell the items you bring in, of course feathers, sticks and leaves may then be played with too. You can walk around your garden and areas you know they spend outside and let them smell your shoes when you come back in. · Bring items from outside inside from a catio e.g. if they have a scratch posts in there bring it in so they still have access. · Introduce extra play sessions – avoid doing this during the fireworks but maybe after the cat flap is initially locked. However old a cat is play is still important for them and being inside more means they loose the chance to pounce and play with objects outside. Very often you see cats pouncing on leaves or launching to try and catch a fly. Speak with your cats veterinary practice as they can advise on calming supplements that you can give to your cat and ensure that they are suitable for your cat. Some supplements may need to be given a few weeks before hand to be fully effective where others can be given on the day. Your vet will guide you to what is available and suitable for your cat. Helping cats who live completely outdoors Restricting outdoor access is not possible for these cats but they can still be helped. · Provide weatherproof hides/kennels close to areas they tend to be found resting. · If an undercover area like a barn or shed can be left open or made accessible for the cat’s place boxes to act as hides and provide food and water within the location but spread out. · Spraying Feliway classic or Pet Remedy on blankets placed in the area or in hides can really help. · If it is safe and electricity is accessible setting up something to play white noise could be beneficial. · Avoid locking them in somewhere unless they are used to being locked in as otherwise they could experience more stress by being unable to escape to a location they feel is safe in.

In the last 3 days we have taken in 15 kittens ranging from 2 weeks to 6 weeks in age. Some need hand rearing which is a round the clock job that we have volunteers undertaking. Others need veterinary care and extra support to encourage them to eat. The cost and extra care these kittens need mean we need your help, at the moment we are receiving calls for help throughout the day and our volunteers are working as hard as they can. If you are able to spare a few pounds we would really appreciate your support. The kittens in the video are currently not up for adoption and can not be reserved due to the extra care and support they need we can not currently take applications for them. We do have lots of other cats and kittens needing homes which you can apply for by completing the adoption application form on our website. Thank you again for your support. https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/InfluxofKittens?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=socpledgedesktop&utm_content=InfluxofKittens&utm_campaign=post-pledge-desktop&utm_term=xZdWd64jR

Check out our little video about our oldest resident Molly. You can help us care for our older residents in many ways by sponsorship or by donating. Check out these options via our website menu, of course you can also purchase items from our online shop too.

Shropshire Cat Rescue is in position #171 in the UK and Irish Grant category It's Double Votes Weekend at MyGivingCircle. All votes are doubled until midnight Sunday! This grants round MyGivingCircle is giving £45,000 to #30 charities, including #10 grants just for UK and Irish charities Vote once a week. Or chip in a few £'s and MyGivingCircle will feature Shropshire Cat Rescue to get them more votes and supporters this weekend. https://mygivingcircle.org/shropshire-cat-rescue?utm_source=MyGivingCircle&utm_campaign=34bcf17690-biggest_charities_pin_it_to_win_it11_30_2017_COPY_&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_2faa9650e5-34bcf17690-185793933

Our second lorry arrived safely on Monday 18 July, Bob from Shropshire Express made great time after initially struggling to get on a train at Folkestone to cross the channel. The team at Foundation ADA were massively grateful for the delivery and will keep us updated to where our donations go to help the animals of Ukraine. We could not have achieved the mammoth task of sending the second or first lorry load of animal aid if it wasn’t for the support of our supporters and volunteers. A lot of charities, businesses and individuals helped us with both the lorries and we are so grateful for their support. Charities: Cuan House Wildlife Rescue, Grinshill Animal Rescue, Help Ukraine Telford, Kats Kradle, Rose Cottage Cat Rescue, Stray Cat West Midlands, Yorkshire Cat Rescue. Vets: Carmel Vets, Medivet Lawley, Severn Edge Vets Bridgnorth, Sandbeck Veterinary Centre, Taylor and Marshall, Your Vets Smethwick. Residential collections: The lovely residential collection points based in Bayston Hill, Newport, Oswestry, Shifnal, Wolverhampton and Yorkshire. Businesses who supported and donated: Beco, Catit, Ceva (Feliway and Adaptil), Coop High Street Shifnal, Dale Brothers, Doolittles, Granite Storage, Happy Dog , Jenna Blair Yoga, Just For Pets, Kitties Staycation, Leucillin, PDM Produce, Pet Remedy, Pets n Potions, Safe4, Shropshire Express, Textile Express. We couldn’t have done it without your help and support and we are really grateful that as a charity we have been able to support another providing care and supplies to help the animals of Ukraine. Here are some pictures of the loading and then unloading of the donations. Also Grumpy the feral cat who lives at the storage units in Shifnal. Our volunteer Susie who is a registered veterinary nurse noticed him limping and managed to get him and take him to work the day before loading. His paw was treated and he is now on medication to help him with his Osteoarthritis. So not only the animals of Ukraine have been helped but so has a elderly feral cat in Shifnal.

Some tips to help keep your cats cool during the hot weather. Provide extra water in different locations. Ensure outside water cats have access to is clean and free from chemicals. Provide cool mats. Create extra shade, e.g. keeping curtains part drawn or draping a blanket over something. Freeze treats like Lickelix or Catit Creamy. Apply sun cream (safe for cats) on cats ears particularly those with white fur on their ears and also pink noses (check out link below for locations). Use a specific pet sun cream that’s safe for cats, consult your vet practice for advise on products you can safely use don’t use them if unsure check with the manufacturer or your vet first they will be happy to help. Check out this link for further advice on locations to apply and tips and videos on applying https://icatcare.org/.../should-i-use-sunscreen-on-my.../... Fans can help but be aware some cats may be fearful of them so monitor their behaviour when you first turn them on. Signs they may be fearful are they move away, walk away crouched, growl or hiss, or cower, avoid the location it’s in when usually they spend time there. We DO NOT advise spraying cats with water as for a lot of cats this could cause fear and be very stressful for them. Change the times you play with them to cooler parts of the day. If you have any concerns about your cat during the heat please consult your veterinary practice ASAP. Here are some of the signs that we advise you to contact your veterinary practice about: Lethargic or sleepier than normal. They become floppy and not responsive. Diarrhoea or vomiting. Ataxic becoming wobbly when moving about. Panting or open mouth breathing. If your vets is closed please do not wait, call the emergency vets your practice refers you to when you call them or stated on their website. There maybe other concerns or symptoms your cat has that are not on this list please still contact your vets as this is not a full comprehensive list.

The team at Shropshire Cat Rescue are happy to be helping to send more supplies to Foundation ADA, Poland. We are using the skills we have learnt when sending the first lorry and are now reaching out across the UK to other charities and businesses asking them to join with us in helping to fund and fill our next lorry. We have a lorry and just need to raise the funds to pay for it now. The last date to take items to collection points is Saturday 2 July. Here is an updated list for items they currently require. Shop drop off locations: Just For Pets, Unit 2 Holyhead Road, Ketley, Telford, TF1 5DS. Open Monday to Saturday 9am - 6pm, Sunday 10am - 4pm. Pets N Potions, 9 Turner Avenue, Woodcross, nr Bilston, WV14 9BG. Open Tuesday to Friday 10:30am – 5pm (closed for lunch 1pm – 2pm weekdays), Saturdays 1:30pm – 5pm. Rose Cottage Cat Rescue shop, Ludlow Road, Craven Arms, SY7 9QL. They are on the A49 next to J Mart and there is parking available. Open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday 10am - 4pm and Saturday 11am - 4pm. We ask people not to leave donations when the shop is shut, if they are unable to come during the opening hours please can call 01694 781433 to arrange an alternative time. Shropshire Cat Rescue shop, 69 Mardol, Shrewsbury, SY1 1PZ. Open Monday to Saturday 9:30am-4:30pm. Vet Practice drop off locations: Please be mindful the first hour their open can be very busy. Carmel Vets, Fallingspark, Wolverhampton, Monday to Friday 8:30am – 6:30pm and Saturday 8:30am - 2pm. Carmel Vets, Pennfields, Wolverhampton, Monday to Friday 8:30am – 6:30pm and Saturday 8:30am - 2pm. Medivet Lawley, Telford. Monday to Friday 8am - 7pm, Saturday 9am - 4:30pm. Sandbeck Veterinary Centre, Wetherby, Yorkshire. Monday to Friday 8:30am – 6:30pm and Saturday 9am – 12:30pm. Severn Edge Vets, Bridgnorth. Monday to Friday 8:30am - 6:30pm, Saturday 8:30am - 1pm. Taylor and Marshall Vets, Shifnal. Monday to Friday 8:30am - 6:30pm, Saturday 8:30am - 12pm. YourVets Smethwick, Birmingham, Monday to Friday 8am -8pm, Saturday 10am - 4pm. Other Locations: Jenna Blair Yoga Studio 143a Bellevue Road, Shrewsbury, on Mondays 1:15pm - 2:15pm and Wednesdays 1:30pm - 3:30pm. Directions: Park on Belle Vue Road near Beauty Boutique and walk down the short drive next to it to get to the studio. We have had some lovely people volunteering to be collection points again. Due to these being residential locations we ask you to message Susie on 07726 179602 or email sales@shropshirecatrescue.org.uk to obtain further details. The residential collection point locations are: Newport, Oswestry, Shifnal, Wolverhampton and Yorkshire. You can order items from the Amazon wish list. https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/10LS1ESE6WHD1?ref_=wl_share You can donate via our Just Giving Paws For Ukraine appeal. The donations will go towards funding another lorry and specialised items currently required. https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/PAWSforUKRAINE Please get in touch if you can help us in our mission to get more supplies to Foundation ADAs warehouse to help support them in their mission to help as many animals as they can. Contact Susie either via email sales@shropshirecatrescue.org.uk or mobile number 07726179602.

The free ranger resident cats at the shelter enjoyed helping out with packing on Sunday. We have had an amazing amount of donations and are looking to send the lorry mid July once customs paperwork and packing has been completed. The final date to get donations to our collection points is 2 July (see our were sending a second lorry post for the full list). Our shop on Mardol, Just For Pets in Telford, Carmel Vets both Pennfields and Fallingspark branches, Severn Edge vets Bridgnorth branch, and Pets n Potions in Wolverhampton. You can still donate to help fund the lorry and purchase specialised items via our Just Giving page https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/PAWSforUKRAINE Thank you to everyone who has helped, contributed and donated.

We have set up a Just Giving appeal to raise funds to send another lorry with donations- can you help please - https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/PAWSforUKRAINE Seeing how our support is helping and also how needed it is we want to fill and send another lorry full of very needed supplies. The previous lorry costs were covered by a sole anonymous donor but they are unable to fund this one fully so we are asking for your help. The donations you make will go to pay for the lorry costs and any spare will fund specialised equipment or items. We are using the skills we have learnt and reaching out across the UK to other charities and businesses who want to join with us in helping to fund and fill our next lorry. We are also in contact with different lorry companies to secure the second lorry. Please get in touch if you can help us in our mission to get more supplies to Foundation ADAs warehouse to help support them in their mission to help as many animals as they can. Contact Susie either via email sales@shropshirecatrescue.org.uk or mobile number 07726179602. The Amazon Wishlist is also active again and this will be used to initially along with other donations to help fill the lorry being sent by Mick Aldridge Transport Ltd. They are well on their way to filling a lorry and we are assisting them to fill their lorry and PDM Produce who are stepping in to provide customs assistance. https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/10LS1ESE6WHD1?ref_=wl_share