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Get Knitting to Help Cats

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Cats Protection are asking cat loving knitters to help unwanted cats this Christmas by making cosy blankets and fun mouse toys.

They’ll be launching this Christmas appeal at the Knitting and Stitching Show at the Harrogate International Centre from 23-26 November. 

You can bring along donations of knitted blankets or mice to the charity’s stand at the event.   Or, you can drop your knitted contributions off at any of Cat Protection’s branches, shops or adoption centres in the UK.  All your knitted blankets and toys will help make the cats’ Christmas extra comfortable and fun. 

The charity’s Events Manager Emma Osborne said: “We’re often asked by cat lovers for ideas about how they can help support our work, and our knitting bee is a great way to get involved. All the knitted mice and blankets we receive are given to cats and kittens in our care, and make their time with us that extra bit more comfortable.

Get knitting for Cats!
©Cats Protection


“Our volunteers and staff work hard throughout the year to give every cat or kitten the love and attention they deserve, and Christmas is no exception. We hope cat lovers and keen knitters alike will support our festive knitting bee so we can ensure as many cats as possible in our care have a special Christmas gift this year.”

Knitters, you can use your own patterns to make blankets and mice or follow a pattern for the popular Captain Cat-Battler knitted mouse, originally designed by Lauren O’Farrell.  You can pick these up from the show, or call the charity’s Helpline on 03000 12 12 12.  

If you’re at the show, take a look at the charity’s stand which will have lots of gift ideas for the cat lovers in your life!  It’s also a chance to find out about volunteering.

Knitting for cats – some tips

  • Avoid using stretchy yarns or small plastic items e.g. those which can be used for a mouse’s eyes to reduce the risk of injury to cats and kittens
  • Avoid loose weave blanket patterns involving the use of large needles
  • Don’t leave cats unattended with knitted toys
  • Don’t leave blankets with cats who might have wool chewing habits!

Cats Protection help around 190,000 cats every year through their 250 volunteer-led branches, and 34 centres.   I’ve volunteered for them at a centre in Sussex, and I absolutely loved it.   Yes, there were times when I came home shedding tears for these beautiful cats wishing I could take them all home with me, but I used to give myself a stern talking to, saying that the cats didn’t need my tears; they needed my practical help.  And it was a great way to make cat loving friends, too!  Find out about volunteering here

 

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