Animal Rescue with Marion Garnett

Dedicated animal expert MARION GARNETT, founder of the Ealing Animal Charities Fair continues her column

MY large ginger cat has a new job. He’s appointed himself as Chief Bouncer for our new summer house. Prowling round on surveillance, if there’s someone in there he doesn’t like (particularly with four legs), he uses all the strategies at his disposal to get them out.

Although the summer house is wonderful, I soon discovered a disadvantage - it becomes hot very quickly.

Most of us know that dogs die in hot cars but animals are also at risk in hot conservatories, caravans and summer houses. This may seem like common sense but the RSPCA receive thousands of reports every year of animals suffering from heat exposure.

Although most reports express concern about dogs in hot cars, calls can also relate to animals in conservatories and caravans. I can see how easy it would be to accidentally shut a sleeping animal in a hot summer house, shed or conservatory and we must remember to guard against this disastrous possibility by making sure no animal is in there before we close up. With regards to dogs in hot cars, we should, of course, never leave a dog alone in a car on a warm day. If we see a dog in distress in a hot car, the RSPCA advise that we dial 999. Many people believe it’s alright to leave a dog in a car on a warm day if the windows are open or they are parked in the shade but it is still a dangerous situation for the dog. A car can become as hot as an oven very quickly even when it doesn’t feel that warm.

It was a hotter day than I expected when I met Nero.

He was sunbathing in the outside part of his pen and, much to my delight, he welcomed me in. This friendly cat came into the care of the RSPCA, as a stray, last February.

Used to fending for himself, he was battled-scarred on arrival but now, he’s mellowing.

Described by staff as a charmer, this beautiful boy is waiting at the RSPCA Cat Adoption Centre, Burket Close, Southall for a loving home.

If your cat hasn’t been neutered, the RSPCA centre (address above) is holding a free neutering day on Wednesday June 20.

This is for male and female cats and no appointment is needed.

Animals need to be starved beforehand and you need to be eligible for RSPCA care. If you’re interested phone 0300 1230 746 and then choose option 3 for details.