On the prowl saving the nation’s cats

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Channel 5, 8pm

THERE are 8.5 million cats in Britain, with one in five UK households owning a pet moggy. Late last year, Jo Brand presented one-off documentary Kitten Rescuers (a spin-off from The Dog Rescuers, fronted by her friend and Damned co-star Alan Davies). And now the feline fanatic returns with a full six-part series following the vets, RSPCA inspectors and volunteers who work tirelessly to save the nation’s felines from harm.

From car accidents to cancer and abandonments to abuse, the nation’s pets face a whole heap of problems.

During 2016, the RSPCA rescued and collected nearly 130,000 animals, found new homes for 46,000, and investigated almost 150,000 cruelty complaints.

Brand, who has just finished her fourth stint as host of The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice, begins the series on the front line tonight, as she reports for surgery duties at one of the UK’s busiest animal hospitals.

The 60-year-old former psychiatric nurse rolls up her sleeves to help the team save the life of a young kitten whose curiosity nearly ended in tragedy.

Having fallen four floors from a balcony, the outlook for kitten Saba doesn’t look good, and vet Kamilla is the first to assess her injuries.

Then, when Animal Welfare Officer Matt receives a call about a young cat called Lola, he has no idea he is about to face the most challenging rescue of his career.

Lola has darted up the chimney in search of a safe place to hide after moving to her new home and her owner Francine is growing increasingly concerned for her pet’s safety. Lola has been stuck up the chimney for four days, a dangerous amount of time for any cat to be without food or water, and it is up to Matt to save her.

Feline fanatic Jo Brand is in the frontline of the UK’s busiest animal hospital as they battle to save a kitten.

Meanwhile, a butcher’s shop is no place for newborn kittens to be raised. Unfortunately for one protective mother-cat and her new litter of four cute kittens, this is their reality.

RSPCA inspector Callum is called to the location and is concerned that if he doesn’t get them out sharpish, the tiny kittens could be in danger from the machinery surrounding them.

As well as heart-breaking stories there are also some heart-warming ones, as Jo reveals the science behind what

makes your cat one of the most impressive creatures on the planet.

We learn how an adopted Maine Coon cat called Thula changed the lives of one family forever.

Eight-year-old daughter Iris has autism, which led her to develop a fear of water.

Her mum Arabella found out that Maine Coon cats love water and are very loyal, attentive and laid-back. She met Thula, brought her home to Iris and the family haven’t looked back since. BBC 2, 10pm

When you have writers as talented as Sharon Horgan (Catastrophe), Graham Linehan (Father Ted), Holly Walsh (Mock the Week) and Helen Linehan (Look Around You) on a sitcom like this, little wonder it generates plenty of giggles. This week, Julia finds herself involved in a school fundraiser order to impress a former colleague and new mum crush. Meanwhile, Kevin has a battle with the cloakroom, and despite Anne’s protests, Liz takes care of the bar. Anna Maxwell Martin, Diane Morgan and Lucy Punch head the cast.