Sad Loss of Stan "the Man"

Hello all and sorry for it being such a long time that we have not written on the news page. Summer has been hectic with one thing and another and well....time has just passed us by and winter is soon approaching.
On a sad note we write to let you know of the passing of one of our former residents, Stan .
Stan had been rehomed through the rescue a few months ago and we all had hoped that he had settled into his new residence. Unfortunately though a close firend of the rescue had got in touch with us to say that she had been feeding a stray cat she had called "Sam", and had done so for the majority of 8 weeks. Even after she had been on holiday for 2 weeks he still appeared at her back door. We kindly took him in and we were 99% sure it was Stan...Pictures from other volunteers and dental records from our vet (where Stan had had a dental previously) confirmed it was the one and only..... but Stan had come back to us with some more irritation and inflammation to the back of his mouth. We agreed that he should be looked at closer under anaesthetic and possibly more dental work if necessary.
His operation went well but sadly a short time afterwards Stan passed away. Nothing could have predicted what, how or why this happened....he had had such special care and attention given to him at our vets. We just hope that Stan will remember us also for the care we gave him and how special we all thought he was. A true character....very much the social cat around human lunchtime....quite willing to taste test sandwiches and packs of meat...a truly wonderful boy and we shall miss him dearly.... R.I.P. Stanley....we will all have a special place for you in our hearts. xxxxxx

Another sad loss

I really am so sorry to be the bearer of more sad news. Early hours of this morning (Monday 27th July) one of our more recent residents passed away. Robyn, a cream and brown "older" girl amongst the residents had not been herself for the past week. Our vet recommended we tried her back on the medication that she had been taking in the past. Robyn, as a lot of us will remember was not the cleanest of cats by any means and this meant that her time being rehomed was only short lived. Robyn had had many tests and samples taken to determine what was actually up and tried all sorts of special diets to keeping her in a cage for a short while to monitor her "movements" against certain diets. Unfortunately Robyn wanted out and the medication didn't seem to make her bowels improve much. We decided that time outside might be more of a remedy for her...how wrong could we be. Robyn always made sure of that....it was very honourable of some that some of the early risers to the rescue, namely Rose and Pat that cleaned most of her , shall we say "deposits" up...but we loved Robyn all the same... we just accepted that Robyn was going to be a bit on the messy side. After all, that is what rescue work is all about... you take the good with the bad.



Robyn passed away in her sleep and she has been buried in her favourite snoozing spot in the garden. R.I.P. Robyn...you shall be remembered for a very long time. xxxx Faye and all your friends at Oldham Cats

A BIG THANK YOU TO EVERYONE!

Just a note to thank everyone who made it to our Summer Fayre...using the term loosely!!! The weather was awful but our fairweathered volunteers and supporters made it on the day. We a staggering £2205.00....a total shock to us all.... but all the same very much appreciated. Part of this amount was taken from my sponsored 7 weeks of not washing my hair. This raised £282.00. Asked would I do it again....No!...It was the best feeling washing my hair that evening although I must say it seems in better condition! Thank you everyone who sponsored me....just have to think of something for next year.....Any ideas are very welcome!
T.H.A.N.K. Y.O.U.... especially to all volunteers who again gave up their spare time beforehand and on the day.... teamwork once again!
Bye for now
Faye

ADOPTION INCREASE

Due to increases in veterinary fees we have now had to increase to the adoption fees for ALL cats and kittens. The new adoption fee is £45.00 EACH cat or kitten. This fee covers the cost of neutering, "at least" their 1st vaccination, flea and worm treatment prior to the cat/kitten being rehomed. We aim to keep the cost to a minimum. This increase is effective immediately.
Thank you for your understanding.
Faye Kennerley
Deputy Rescue Manager

Another Sad Loss

I apologise once more to bring yet more sad news. Last Thursday (18Th June) we had to say farewell to one of our longstanding residents, Chippie. Our lad Chippie came to the rescue around 6 or 7 years ago as he was taken into a vets in the Holmfirth area as a stray. Not wanting to have the cat put to sleep, we were asked to take on the challenge. Chippie was not the easiest of cats to handle, having very sharp teeth and claws - he wasn't afraid to use them, sometimes all at once. Any visitor that may have taken a shine to him was warned of his nature. If you left him alone then he would leave you alone, that's just how it worked. Sadly though more recently, Chippie had started to look a bit under the weather, poor coat condition and not his sprightly self. He had a dental, antibiotics, you name it he got it. The vet took a good look at his mouth (under anaesthetic!) and biopsies were sent off as initially we thought he just had an abscess. We waited and finally his results came back. An aggressive soft tissue cancer in his mouth that was causing him pain and great discomfort. We took the decision that Chippie would be put to sleep and have a private cremation. His ashes will be buried at the rescue, the place where he loved to be. He was a grumpy soul but at least he was ours. R.I.P. Chippie, lunchtime isn't the same without you. From all your volunteer friends. xxxx

ADOPTION INCREASE FOR KITTENS

Good morning everyone.
This is a notice to advise that as of the 1st June 2009 we will be increasing the adoption fee for kittens from £40.00 to £45.00. This cost still covers neutering, 1st vaccine and flea/worm treatment prior to adoption.
Unfortunately this increase has happened as our vets have increased their rates to us for neutering.
Thank you all in advance for your understanding.
Regards for now
Faye

RE-OPENED

Just a very quick note to thank people for their patience. The main cattery is 99% finished and so we can now taken in cats that need re homing. PLEASE do not just turn up expecting a space...you need to call us first as we have already got some cats coming in today that have been waiting a number of weeks.
Thank you,
Faye