Animal Rescue with Marion Garnett
Dedicated animal expert Marion Garnett, founder of the Ealing Animal Charities Fair, continues her column
I’M busy texting but my cat has other ideas. He’s just jumped on my lap so close to my face that texting is impossible. This big brave boy clearly wants my attention.
I’m tempted to move him off so I can carry on but then I remember when he first came to live with us, there was no way he would jump on my lap or want any fuss at all. Sometimes how an animal behaves when we first meet them, can bear little resemblance to how they behave after they have lived in a loving home for a while.
I’m reminded of this when I visited Alfie at the RSPCA Southall Cat Adoption Centre. I’ve rarely seen a cat eat so fast – gobbling his food up. Coming into RSPCA care as a battle- scarred stray, it was clear he knew what it was like to be hungry and not know where his next meal was coming from.
Although Alfie welcomed me into his pen, he also likes his own space and needs approaching carefully when food is around – he’s determined to make sure he doesn’t miss out.
But, with the right care, who knows what he will be like when living in a loving home, with regular meals. If you are interested in homing Alfie, he’s waiting at the RSPCA Cat Adoption Centre, Burket Close, Southall.
On Sunday March 25, the RSPCA clinic (address above) is holding a free cat neutering day for those who are eligible. No appointment is needed. The cat must be starved from 8pm the night before. Owners need to arrive no later than 8.45am – 9am (first come, first seen). Cats should be ready for collection at 3.30pm. More details from 0300 123 0746 option 3.
The Southall RSPCA centre is holding an Easter celebration – an Egg-Cellent Adventure on Saturday April 13 (11.30am – 2.30pm). Entry £2 adult, £1 child including activities such as face painting, egg/spoon racing and hoopla. Refreshments available.
At a national level, the RSPCA, has teamed up with Keep Britain Tidy, to take part in the Great British Spring Clean during March 22 – April 23. Litter is unsightly and can seriously harm wildlife. It is also prolific. By 2050, there could be more plastic in the ocean than fish. The RSPCA is asking for volunteers to help safely collect and dispose of litter (including by recycling), collected at specific events across the UK. For details see rspca.org.uk