Animal Rescue with Marion Garnett

Dedicated animal expert Marion Garnett, founder of the Ealing Animal Charities Fair, continues her column

NOT everyone’s the same. One person’s dream is another person’s nightmare. Adopting these three cats would, for many, be bliss but it wouldn’t be for everyone.

I met someone yesterday who, if they see a cat, crosses the road to avoid it. If you’re the sort of person who would climb Mount Everest if there was a stray cat at the top, these three might be for you.

Currently waiting at the rehoming centre, Mayhew in Kensal Green, for a new home, this eight month old trio are so bonded the Mayhew can’t bear to separate them.

The two gingers, McGill and Hamlin are confident and will say hello whether they know you or not. Fluffy takes longer to warm to new people so Mayhew are looking for a home on the quieter side. If you’re interested in homing this impressive trio, see themayhew.org.

Just as not everyone’s the same in liking cats, so everyone’s not the same in liking fireworks. For one boy I knew, firework night was the highlight of his year. For many animals, it’s the lowlight of theirs. Fireworks are a source of fear, not fun, for many animals.

Last year, the RSPCA launched a survey asking people their experiences of fireworks. They received nearly 18,000 reports of distressed animals.

Things we can do to decrease this stress include keeping dogs and cats inside when fireworks are expected. Walking your dog before fireworks start. Closing all doors and windows and blocking catflaps to stop pets escaping. Drawing the curtains and preparing a den for our pet perhaps under a bed where they can hide.

We mustn’t forget small pets such as rabbits and guinea pigs. Hutches/enclosures should, if possible, be brought into a quiet room indoors. Give your pet extra bedding to burrow in so it feels safe. If the hutch cannot be brought inside, cover it with a blanket to deaden the sound but make sure there is enough ventilation. For more ideas, see bluecross.org.uk.

The RSPCA are campaigning to change firework laws by, for example, reducing the maximum noise level of fireworks for public sale. To join their campaign, go to rspca.org.uk.

Finally, if you want to mix both fear and fun successfully, All Dogs Matter are organising a Howloween Dog Walk on Sunday October 30 on Hampstead Heath. Meet at the Garden Gate Pub NW3 2QE at 10.30am.

There will be prizes for costumes such as the best Menacing Little Monster children’s costume. Tickets £5. Children free. Details from alldogsmatter.co.uk

Tortoiseshell Fluffy McGill and Hamlin