APT News

It’s Not So Funny Being A Bunny!

Rabbits are Britain’s third most popular pets and, yet sadly, many of them end up in animal rescue centres. Animal Protection Trust is hoping that a recent appeal will encourage pet lovers to consider giving a home to a rabbit from a rescue centre.
More details on the appeal or read about Bunny basics in caring for your rabbit.

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Cat fostering

"Having recently moved to England from South Africa, we had to go through the agonizing process of leaving our three precious cats behind; as we felt that the 6 month quarantine would just not be fair to our furry friends. We decided against getting another cat straight away, as we did not know what our long-term plans were, and did not want to face another goodbye if we moved again. However, life without a feline was unbearable. Feeling quite miserable one Friday night, I surfed the internet, and found out about cat fostering. The rest was history, so they say...

We received our first foster cat from APT, of all days, the day before my birthday!  I couldn’t have been happier. A cute 8 month old bundle of black fluff called Stanley was lovingly taken into our care. He settled in very quickly… within 24 hours he was doing circuits around on top of the lounge furniture in our rented home! I despairingly said to my husband, John, “What have I done?”! I had forgotten how playful and energetic kittens could be. Stanley was an ace at chasing a ping pong ball up and down our stairs. We found it an entertaining way to channel some of his pent-up energy.

After 3 weeks we found Stanley a new home. Everyone thought that I would find it difficult to let Stanley go. However it was not difficult, for a number of reasons. First, I never saw him as our cat – rather we were giving him a temporary home that was better than a small cat pen. Secondly, our next foster cat was waiting in the wings (this was Sam, who we also had for about 3 weeks). And our third foster cat, Robbie, who was with us for about 6 weeks, even moved house with us when we bought our very own home here in July! But perhaps best of all with fostering, we get to see “our” cats a couple of months later happily settled and well loved in their new homes.

We are now fostering our fourth and fifth cats, a brother and sister called Bruno and Tiggy. It is hard work when a new foster cat arrives... settling them in and earning their trust. But when your efforts are rewarded with a nose rub, purr or snuggle, it makes it all worth while. In this new adventure, we have also made good human friends in Sue and Pete at APT, as well as with Carolyn who adopted Sam. Perhaps one day we will fall in love with a moggie and know that “This one is for me!”... but for now we are content with making a small difference to many furry foster felines in our home."

Rosemary Newton.

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Painting donation

Animal Protection Trust was thrilled to receive a donation of an original painting by renowned feline artist, Celia Pike. The colourful, festive scene of two cats, with gifts under a Christmas tree, was specially painted to celebrate the charity's 20th anniversary in November 2004.

The painting, which was recently sold to help raise funds, was presented to APT's chairman, Jacqueline Ward-Reel, at the charity's Annual General Meeting. Celia said: "I am delighted to donate the painting to APT to help raise money. Everyone involved in the charity gives their time on a voluntary basis, so it is good to know that money from the sale of the painting will go directly towards the animals in its care."

Thank you very much for all the interest in this painting and for the money raised.