Just as we were beginning to think the kitten season was slowing down for this year, we got a call about some kittens wandering around on their own. We went to investigate and found 5 tiny 4-week-olds wandering around a disused car in a derelict area of east London. One was in a pretty serious condition, the others were so underweight and distraught we thought that their mother had possibly abandoned them. They hadn't been fed for days, which is why they were out wandering on their own.

Nearby, were what we thought, 2 older kittens. We trapped them for neutering but on closer investigation one of these poor underweight "kittens" was their mother, clearly too young and too undernourished to possibly feed five kittens. The other older kitten was hers, the only remaining kitten from a previous litter. Thankfully all the kittens are making excellent progress and putting on weight. Mum will be given nutrients before she is neutered and returned.

These feral cats (6 in total) have two feeders who look out for them and feed them, so now there is no fear of more kittens they should thrive and lead contented and healthy lives.

If you know of any homeless or feral cats in your area ask for help with getting them neutered. A healthy neutered colony can be an asset to an area. Far better than cat calling/fighting and tiny kittens dying from malnutrition.

Tel: 020 7607 1723 or 020 7241 5463

The Problem With Rabbits - Anne Payne

As one of the oldest pets around, why do people still fail to understand the nature and needs of rabbits? Possibly because, unlike cats, they are silent victims, often imprisoned in a hutch out of sight and, by nature, designed to hide their distress. One of the most inquisitive and socially gregarious of animals, designed physically for an active lifestyle, long periods of confinement in isolation are guaranteed to produce behavioural, and physical, problems.

Being a prey animal they respond badly to loud noises and sudden movements and dislike being picked up and held above the ground. A child's squeal, to a rabbit, is reminiscent of a fellow rabbit in distress; a child swooping down on a rabbit and snatching it up, feels to the rabbit like an attack by a predator. Small hands and little fingers digging in to the rabbit trigger a kicking, biting response and this leads, potentially, to a dropped and injured rabbit and, almost certainly, to a deterioration of the relationship.

Just as cats need to scratch to keep their claws in good condition, rabbits need to chew to stop their teeth from overgrowing and, although rabbits can be very intelligent, they don't distinguish between a piece of wood and a chair leg. It is necessary to "bunny proof" the areas of your home where they are to roam free (and roam free they must for at least part of the time!).

Rabbits are not cheap (even if we ignore the cost of recabling after an afternoon's unsupervised munching). Neutering costs are high and they require annual vaccinations. With their complicated digestive system and inbred problems such as those with teeth, the costs of keeping them healthy can be high and insurance is always recommended.

So rabbits can be hard work and expensive - why keep them? Having had rabbits in residence for the last 20 years I would not be without them and I hope I can tell you why another time. They can make enchanting pets: affectionate; fascinating and funny (and litter-trained!) but you do need to understand this complicated little creature to ensure a rewarding relationship.

If you feel up to the challenge, take a look at our website at animalaidandadvice@ic24.net to see some of the bunnies currently awaiting homes.

Allergy Breakthrough?

Petal Cleanse C and Petal Cleanse D, for cats and dogs respectively, is a lotion applied to the fur using a damp sponge. Reports are that the active ingredient attracts and neutralizes the allergens produced when saliva dries on the animal's coat and also moisturizes and conditions the coat to reduce the amount of shed into the air.

If any member has tried this product we would be very pleased to hear their opinion - allergic reactions are one of the most common reasons given for re-homing requests.

Working In "Our Shop" - Gill Harris

It can alternately be good fun or totally frustrating dealing with customers. The majority of our customers are quite happy to browse round, maybe have a chat, pick up what they want, pay for it and leave. Others are quite the reverse. They demand your whole attention, pick up and put down everything in sight - taking ages doing this - and then walk out without buying anything. Of course, if one follows the premise of "the customer is always right", then they all have to be treated with the same courtesy and friendliness although, believe me, this is sometimes very difficult with the latter category of customer.

Unfortunately we also have our fair share of shoplifters and no matter how hard one tries to keep an eye on all the customers, the determined ones manage to get away with something. Some of the things taken are so small and petty it is quite "mind boggling" as to why they do it.

We also have some very helpful customers who have become additional "helpers". There is one man who is an expert in clocks, and as well as advising on the value of old clocks, is sometimes able to repair them for us at his own expense. There is another who is very knowledgeable about cameras and photographic accessories and as well as checking whether they work, has often advised on what we should charge for them. Added to that are our "in-house" experts. Gill D has an extensive knowledge of silverware, china, design labels and jewellery, whilst Derek has built up a wide experience of books. All of this help has proved invaluable over the years.

Being an animal charity, one of the regular joys is when customers bring in their dogs. It never bothers Gill and I how big or small, clean or dirty, dry or wet, friendly or shy, the dogs are. They all get a friendly word, a stroke (if allowed by them) and, of course, some dog biscuits are offered if the owner is willing.

And, of course, we mustn't forget Zak. He is our "shop cat", although he actually lives at the florist shop up the road. If his Mum and Dad are missing him, they often call in to see if he is with us. He started visiting us from the first day we opened and has hardly missed a day since then - of course his "treats" are what he comes for, not just to see us!! Even when Derek and I are at the shop on a Sunday - to restock books or collect something - he rarely fails to turn up, however briefly. Gill and I regard him as our "Shop Manager" and regularly introduce him to customers in this way. I reckon he does a better job of customer relations than the rest of us do!!

When we first opened the shop it was with a certain amount of trepidation as to whether it would be a success. Six years on, I think we can say that it has worked, and of course having the regular income has made a great difference to the amount of work AA&A has been able to undertake during that period. The hope now is that we can keep going for another 6 years … or more!!

Why not pay us a visit at: 48 High Road, Finchley N2 9PJ.

The Five Minute Potted Plant - Marilyn Dyson

I took great care and planted it well,
Then I went upstairs - CRASH! Down it fell,
I rushed down the stairs and there I saw,
My lovely new plant pot all over the floor.

Egg and Chip and Cookie and Jake,
Took all of five minutes my pot plant to break,
It wasn't me - it must have been him,
And they looked at each other, as it went in the bin!

A Lucky Kitten And An Intrepid Student

One night Anna was awakened by the faint sound of a kitten crying. As one does, Anna turned over in her bed, hoping there was not really a problem. But the miaou-ing was insistent, it would not go away. Anna looked out of her window and caught sight of a kitten trapped in the gully down below. It must have fallen or been thrown down there.

In the tradition of Polish gallantry, Anna set about rescuing the kitten. She knotted some sheets together and tied them securely to her bedpost. Then anyone passing by might have been somewhat taken aback by the sight of a six foot girl, clad only in the briefest of underwear, climbing down the makeshift rope.

She scooped up the kitten, who promptly bit her in the time-honoured way cats have of showing their gratitude, and somehow managed to climb back up to her second-floor room, still hanging on to the kitten.

She could not keep the kitten in the Hostel, of course, so Animal Aid & Advice promptly picked it up when called. A little black female, now called Jade, is happily homed with another rescue kitten, all thanks to a very brave girl.

Fostering

If you can't take on the responsibility of your own cat for the next 15+ years why not try fostering. It is great for people with lifestyles that do not allow them to be in one place for too long at one time e.g. business abroad, students etc.

These cats/kittens need a temporary home and some need a little help with rehabilitation before they can go to a permanent home as they have lost their bond with humans. It is a very rewarding job when you see them go to their permanent homes and make room for the next casualty from the cat world.

Some points to think about are:

1. You would be giving a cat a home instead of him living rough and preparing him for rehoming.
2. You would be working alongside our Fieldworkers who will help you with any problems that may arise.
3. The vet bills are paid for by Animal Aid & Advice.
4. Food and litter can be provided.
5. If and when you have to move on, the cat would come back into care.

If you think you could do fostering long or short term please ring: 020 7241 5463 - 020 7607 1723

Don't Forget!

Tel: Carole on 020 7241 5463 or Doreen on 020 7607 1723

Fabian says, "More cats like me need homes."

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