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Newsletter 66 December 2019

www.c-l-a-w-s.org.uk Facebook: @ClawsMaidenhead Helpline 01189 341699

NEWS FROM HQ

TO ALL OUR SUPPORTERS AND VOLUNTEERS

Well, we’ve survived another year ! It is becoming a lot harder with calls upon our resources coming in

constantly. Dumped, abused, feral, domestic, young and old, everything coming to us via the help line

or E-mail.

Somehow, with your support, we have got through it. I, for one, am so pleased that so many of you

“get” what C.L.A.W.S. is all about and what we are trying to achieve. A big “THANK YOU” to everyone

who has helped in any way – by helping at the sanctuary, collecting goods, shaking a tin, knitting some-

thing, standing behind a stall, baking a cake or buying a calendar. Everything has helped us help the

animals.

I hope that you and your animals have a safe Christmas and a Happy New Year.

BEVERLEY

and

THE BEAR COTTAGE GANG

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AMAZON WISH LIST

In response to popular demand we have created an Amazon wish list which can be viewed on the C.L.A.W.S. Fa-

cebook page. It is a mixture of items of practical use in the running of the sanctuary and, of course, toys and

treats for the cats.

J cloths

Cream cleanser

Heavy duty scouring sponges

Leihheit Picobellow Micro duos SMALL

Cat nip bananas

Scratching mats (not posts)

Felix Goody Bags

Fishing rod toys especially with feathers

Many thanks for your generosity

COOPER AND SASHA GO TO THEIR NEW HOME

It was late one Sunday afternoon when the door bell rang at Bear Cottage. Who could it be? When we opened the door we were delighted to see Sally and Don, long time friends of C.L.A.W.S., who had adopted a number of our cats over the years, the most recent being Jet and Darcy.

Sally explained that they “only” had 6 cats (10 is the norm !) at the moment, having lost a couple lately so thought they would come to see if we had any suitable candidates. We introduced them to Cooper and Sally

was immediately smitten. Then we took them out into the pens and Don said he liked Sasha (and Sasha liked him !) “Well, that’s OK” said Sally “we’ll take both of them, won’t we Don” ? And he agreed.

We are thrilled as they will have a wonderful home – caring, experienced owners and a large, three storey house and large secure garden and lots of playmates !

Sally and Don were off on holiday in October so it was agreed that the boys would stay with us until their return which would give us time to complete their vaccina-tions and continue with Sasha’s treatment for dermatitis.

As a first step we transferred Cooper into the pens with Sasha so they could get to know each other before meeting their new house mates. Initially we kept them

separate although in adjoining pens but gradually introduced them to each other. At first Sasha wondered what had hit him as an exuberant Cooper just couldn’t wait to make friends and nearly knocked him off his paws. Things calmed down and they became friends.

Don came to collect them and as we watched them set off to their new home we had mixed feelings – we were delighted but knew we would miss them very much : they are delightful boys.

The latest report is that Cooper bounced straight out of his carrying basket and dashed off to explore and play with his new friends. Typical Cooper ! Sasha, always the shyer of the two, was unsure what to make of this strange new place and all the resident cats so he made his way upstairs and sought refuge in the wash basin in the bathroom which remains his refuge. He has started to come downstairs so given time we are sure all will be well.

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VISIT TO BEAR COTTAGE BY MAIDENHEAD ADVERTISER PHOTOGRAPHER

In October a photographer from the Maidenhead Advertiser came to Bear Cottage to take photographs to ac-

company an article to help promote the sale of the C.L.A.W.S 2020 25th anniversary calendar which appeared in

the 31 October edition of the paper.

There has been a promising start to the sales of the calendar but it needs a united effort to make sure every copy

is sold. This will enable us to continue to improve the facilities at the sanctuary to provide our residents with the

very best of care.

To purchase a copy ring the C.L.A.W.S. help line on 01189 341699

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NANCY IS A FREE SPIRIT NOW !

Beverley went out to feed one morning. Joules and Violet rushed to the fence but there was no sign of Nancy – very unusual as she loves her food. No sign of her in the evening or the next morning. Alarm bells began to ring

– where had she gone ?

We were sitting in the kitchen and Beverley happened to glance out of the window – and there was Nancy sitting calmly at the kitchen door waiting for breakfast ! Beverley put a couple of dishes of food down and she tucked in not moving even when Beverley walked round her to get to the shed to get a basket. She placed it near her and opened it up – not a twitch – too busy eating ! She grabbed her by her scruff and popped her in the basket. Ear piercing scream but she was safe and was returned to her pen.

Next day Beverley had just finished her pilates class when her mobile rang. It was one of the volunteers at Bear Cottage to say Nancy had escaped. Apparently she had shinned up the stan-chion clinging to the chain link fencing then managed to cross a short length of the chain link fence then jump into the tree and down into the field next door. This would have been quite a feat for a fit cat but as Nancy is on the portly side, with skewed hips and a bad leg it was nothing short of amazing !

She was persuaded back into her pen but it wasn’t long before she was out again ! We decided to leave her be as she was calm and very much in command of the situation. She almost always comes when we call her name and rattle the food dish.

The other day we were standing watching the Hooligans. Penny and Pru were on the shelf looking intently to-wards the garage when Nancy came into view walking along the fence. Suddenly a white leg shot out and Nan-cy disappeared. One of the girls had pushed her off the fence !!!

We were out the front talking to a visitor when we heard Nancy’s trademark scream. Oh no! We searched without success but a little later on Elvis emerged from the shrubbery looking sheepish. We suspect he had been “seen off” by Nancy. (She had already outfaced Toby who had slunk off with his tail between his legs !

Soon after the afternoon feed Beverley looked down “Oh it’s nice to see you Hector” but when she looked again it wasn’t Hector but Nancy (easily recognised by her “short” tail). Yes, she had come into the house and strolled through the kitchen and out into the garden !

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NANCY IS A FREE SPIRIT NOW ! (Continued)

Almost every day there is a new development – a cat was in the tunnels in the lounge. None of the other cats took any notice so we assumed it was Maggie. Who should emerge but Nancy !

She was sitting on the fence when one of the horses kept coming up and snuffling her : she stood it for a while and then delivered a sharp whack to its nose which sent it galloping off to the end of the field !

At night she has taken up residence in the bed by the radiator in the utility room. We thought she would run off when the day got started as it is very busy : not a bit of it : she has appointed herself cloakroom attendant and watches as people go in and out !

She and Toby have come to an understanding so she visits the house on a regular basis and Toby continues to snooze on the favourite blanket on the kitchen top.

She has found her niche and we are delighted that she is now enjoying life –she is definitely queen of all she sur-veys !!

STOP PRESS

This is the best yet ! Beverley was sitting up reading in bed the other night when she noticed that Hector had taken his place on the bed which completed the Bear Cottage gang.

But wait – she looked again and realised that it was not Hector it was NANCY curled up asleep on her dressing gown !!! And she stayed there quite awhile and the other cats didn’t even twitch a whisker !!

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POPPY GETS THE NEEDLE !

A new vet had joined the Alma team : her specialism is pain management including acupuncture. Immediately

we thought of Poppy who has arthritis in her front legs and hips. Her pain relief medication helps but she is still

very stiff.

We mentioned it to one of our supporters “I’ve had acupuncture and

found it very beneficial. I’d be happy to pay for a course of treatment

for Poppy”

We spoke to the vet and she explained that initially there would be 4

weekly treatments, the first consultation would be for 45 minutes which

included a thorough examination and assessment. If it was helping her

there would be further sessions spaced further apart until we noticed

she was not gaining so much benefit. The frequency would then be ad-

justed until an optimum balance was obtained.

An electro-magnetic mat was spread on the consulting table, which helps

the animal relax, and covered with a towel and Poppy was laid on it.

Needles were then placed in key positions (not the elbow joints on the

first occasion as they would be too sore). It wasn’t long before Poppy

put her head down and nodded off !! The perfect patient – the vet was

delighted. The needles were removed after 10 minutes. Spent needles and their casings were meticulously

counted to ensure no needle had been left in. It helped that the needles had red sheaths so they were easily

spotted.

Three further sessions followed each a little longer until she reached 15 minutes per sessions.

COOKIE

A lady spotted a cat haunting her garden : it had been there for a few days and it looked lost and hungry. What

should she do ? So we said “Bring it to us” and she did.

We settled it in a pen with a cosy bed, food and water. The next day we

scanned it – it was chipped ! We contacted the data base and they provided

us with the owner’s details.

There was no reply to our E-mail or telephone call – oh dear ! We began to

fear the worst but then on the second morning the phone rang – it was the

owner.

They had been away on holiday and returned late the previous evening. Ap-

parently they had arranged for someone to feed the cat twice a day but it had

disappeared on the first day of their holiday and not been seen since.

It was a boy named COOKIE and the owner came to collect it later the same day. She was pleased to be re-

united with her cat and very grateful to C.L.A.W.S. for its help.

JUST PASSING THROUGH

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NEW Arrivals

BRUCE

Beverley had found places for 3 ferals on a local farm and had been asked to help with the trapping. They were being hunted by a savage dog so it was urgent.

2 cats were secured at the first attempt so Beverley took them from the site in Slough and delivered them to Kelperland to have them checked and neutered if necessary.

When she went to collect them next day the head nurse said “You won’t put this one on the farm will you ? “ and there was a beautiful one eyed tabby boy rolling on his back with his legs in the air having his tummy tickled.

There was only one answer to that wasn’t there ? “Of course not” So where is he – Bear Cottage.

We called him BRUCE. He is about 9 years old.

His general health is good – he weighed in at a healthy 5 kilos ! Although he is blind in his left eye it does not appear to be infected and the third eyelid has come up to protect it.

We will let him settle in and then take him to Kelperland for a check up. In the meantime we will be vigilant and at the first sign of infection he will be taken to Kelperland immediately.

We are concerned that sometimes cats that are trapped are only seen by a vet or in a pen so their characters are not accurately assessed. This may mean that cats like Bruce are labelled “feral”, a term that many people use indiscriminately to describe any stray cat. As a result they are consigned to a farm, a life to which they are not suited.

CHRISSIE

Helen, the lady who looked after Nancy when she was at Cliveden, rang. She was very concerned as she had learned that a couple were leaving shortly and had made no arrangements for the cat they had been keeping an eye on for the last 5 years or so.

What could we say ? Beverley went to collect her the day before the couple were due to move.

Chrissie (so called because of the Cliveden connection !) is a beautiful tabby tortie. We think she is about 7 years old.

We took her to Alma for a thorough MOT. Her general health is good. She had been chipped but the chip had never been registered so we can use it to register her as a C.L.A.W.S. cat.

Blood was taken so an analysis could be undertaken. Everything was fine apart from her glucose level which was above average :18 (normal is be-tween 6 and 8) This might mean that she is diabetic but stress can cause glu-cose levels to rise. She is to go back to be re-tested in two weeks time.

In the meantime she is settling in and beginning to relax and make friends with her carers. STOP PRESS ! Good news ! We took Chrissie to Alma for her 2 week check up and the test results were within the right pa-rameters so she is not diabetic.

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DEANO

The phone rang – it was Caroline, a community nurse. A patient of hers had died leaving her cat homeless.

Cathy thought it was elderly and not very well. At present it was being fed by a neighbour but the house would

soon be closed up. What would happen to him then ? Could C.L.A.W.S. help ? I told her we were full but I

would see if we could “squeeze him in”

In the meantime I asked her to contact the next of kin and obtain from

them permission for the cat to come into C.L.A.W.S.’ care. We would

also require it to be taken to our vets for a health check for which we

would pay. She was a client of Alma’s so undertook to organise that.

We decided with a bit of “shuffling” we could find room for it and the

next of kin came back with their permission in no time at all ! Caroline

arranged to meet the neighbour who was feeding the cat on the follow-

ing Monday afternoon to catch it (hopefully !) and take it straight down

to Alma. We alerted Alma so there would be a vet ready to examine

the cat.

All went according to plan. Its records had been transferred from its

previous vet which revealed he (it was a male called DEANO ) had had

one eye removed in the summer of 2016 as it was infected and that the other one had burst later in the year

leaving the cat blind. Its general health was good.

He stayed at Alma for a few days under observation which gave us time to re-organise accommodation at the

sanctuary and then we brought him home. We put him in the library but it soon became apparent that this was

not an ideal place for him. It was too large and had too many places where he could hide and was noisy as it ad-

joined the kitchen which is always busy.

More re-arranging followed and he is now happily settled in a small room upstairs, the layout is much simpler

and it is quiet and cosy for him. He soon responded to this change of environment and, although still shy, began

to respond to his carers.

We became increasingly concerned about the eye that had “exploded” as it looked “angry” so when he went to

the vet for his second vaccination we asked the vet to check it out. After an extensive examination and in depth

discussion it was decided to remove the eye as he has no sight in it and it was a possible source of infection.

That was done at the beginning of November and he came through the op well and made a good recovery.

He went for his final check up recently. His vet was pleased with him remarking how well he looked, his coat

gleaming with health and how relaxed he was. He has become quite a chatterbox. The vet who operated on

him also came to see him and was equally pleased. She picked him up and was delighted when he cuddled into

her arms and went to sleep ! “My cat doesn’t do that” she exclaimed. He also needs some dental work done

but that will wait until December.

He is still a little underweight so remains on a special diet for elderly cats. He is developing quite a personality.

He enjoys playing “spiders” – we tap our fingers on the floor and he follows the noise, looking for the treats he

associates with this game tapping our hands if we don’t put them down fast enough ! We are delighted to wel-

come him to the C.L.A.W.S. family.

STOP PRESS !

Recently Deano has started to venture out of his room and explore the surrounding area – it is great that he is

gaining in confidence.

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MEMORIES

CONNIE

The phone rang. It was one of our supporters. A cat had been hanging around in the next door neighbour’s gar-

den. It looked bedraggled, hungry and elderly. What should they do ? There was only one answer (even

though we were full) – bring it over to us.

They arrived within an hour and it did indeed look in a poor way. We put it in a pen with some food and water

and left it to settle in. It was very friendly and after a day or two

we took it down to Alma for a thorough check up.

It was an elderly female. Weighed under 2 kilos and was dehy-

drated so she was taken in and put on a drip and a whole battery

of tests undertaken. She had a thickened gut, was very wobbly

and was anaemic. Although the femoral pulse was OK when her

back leg was extended she was unable to retract it – worrying as

this might indicate a neurological problem.

She was kept in and given medication for the anaemia. The next

day it was good news ! She was able to retract her back leg ! It

was diagnosed as arthritis. And from then on she made steady

progress. She is on steroids.

Whilst she was in hospital one of the nurses took a special inter-

est in her and they became the best of friends. So much so that

the nurse offered Connie a home. We were thrilled.

She did very well and we often received updates. She was able to jump up

on the bed and her mobility improved.

We were sad to hear that she had collapsed and was rushed into Alma but

despite the best efforts of the Alma team nothing could be done (it was a

mass on the brain) so she was gently put to sleep.

“She had a wonderful two months – was very happy and much loved” said

CONNIE AT CLAWS

CONNIE IN HER NEW HOME

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JEKYLL

JEKYLL was put to sleep on 11 November. She was about 15 years old.

She and her sister, Heidi, were the first cats to come to Bear Cottage after Beverley moved in 13 years ago.

Before that C.L.A.W.S. used to rent pens from a local cattery to house its

cats and that’s where we met Jekyll and Heidi. They had been brought in

by another local cat rescue when they were hardly more than kittens and

had resisted all attempts to bring them round.

The manager asked Beverley if she would take them as their future

looked bleak as there was little chance of re-homing them and, of course,

she said "Yes”.

Initially they lived in the feral shed at the bottom of the garden but gradu-

ally they worked their way up the garden until Heidi became a member of

the Bear Cottage gang and took up residence in the house.

Although she became less nervous Jekyll remained an outdoor girl except

on cold winter nights when she was found fast asleep in the bed that Bev-

erley had thoughtfully placed by the radiator in the utility room.

Apart from a chest infection which responded well to treatment she

remained fit and healthy until recently when we became concerned

about her. She stopped eating and wouldn’t venture out of the cat

playhouse where she liked to stay.

We took her to Alma and she was admitted as many tests and an X-ray

were required to discover what was causing her symptoms.

We received a phone call later in the afternoon to say that she had mul-

tiple issues and we agreed that it would be better to let her go and so

we went down to be with her when she was put to sleep.

How fitting that as one of the two original members of the Bear Cottage

cats she should be featured in the 2020 special 25th anniversary calen-

dar.

Dear, gentle Jekyll – we shall miss her so much.

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COMBINED CHARITIES FAIR, TOWN HALL,

MAIDENHEAD

SATURDAY 9 NOVEMBER 2019

TOTAL RAISED £225.00

COX GREEN CHRISTMAS FAIR,

COX GREEN COMMUNITY CENTRE

SATURDAY 16 NOVEMBER 2019

TOTAL RAISED £306.25

CASH COLLECTION, WAITROSE, WOKINGHAM

SUNDAY 24 NOVEMBER 2019

TOTAL RAISED £136.25

REDDAM SCHOOL CHRISTMAS MARKET

SATURDAY 1 DECEMBER 2019

C.L.A.W.S. SHARE OF THE TAKINGS £25.00

CASH COLLECTION,TESCOS, WOKINGHAM

SUNDAY,1 DECEMBER 2019

TOTAL RAISED £168.36

FUTURE EVENTS

can be seen by logging on to the C.L.A.W.S. web site where they are displayed on each page

FUND RAISING

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CHESTER

We were saddened to hear of the death of Chester, aged 15

Catherine writes : -

“Chester went to join his brother at the beginning of October. He was

15 and had seemed fine, but suddenly collapsed late at night. He had

been startled by a firework earlier in the evening and I don’t know

whether the two things were related, but it does make you wonder.

Thank you so much for letting these two boys into our lives. I’m dev-

astated they couldn’t stay with us for longer, but they brought us so

much joy. “

Soli and Chester, then just a few months old, were adopted in March

2005. Soli was the extrovert whilst Chester was more reserved. They

were great friends, as well as brothers, and enjoyed relaxing in each

other’s company.

They were cats of the month for February in the C.L.A.W.S. calendar for 2017.

We send their family our love in their sad loss.

GINNIE

We were so sad when we heard of Ginnie’s death in her 21st year. She had been a part of our lives for a long

time.

She and her mother came to C.L.A.W.S. in 2006 following a very turbulent peri-

od in their lives culminating in the death of their owner in distressing circum-

stances.

For the last 12 years she had lived with Peter – they were devoted to each oth-

er. Latterly Peter described them as spending their “twilight years” together.

We were so pleased we had been to visit them only a few weeks before her

death when we spent a happy morning chatting about all things cats watched by

Ginnie from her vantage point on the dining room table !

We shall miss your Christmas letter this year dear Ginnie !

REMEMBERING…

CHESTER (left) and SOLI (right)

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CAT TAILS

CASPER (Domino)

Casper’s “mum” writes : -

“You will be glad to know Casper is thriving and loving life. He

is thoroughly spoiled as usual and is a very loving, purry cat,

though too big to stretch out on our laps. Instead he sits at

our feet, sleeps on and under the bed and has a special cush-

ion on the sofa plus his cat bed of course.

He is immensely playful and is still very vocal, shouting when

he wants everything.

We love him to bits, thank you for letting us bring him into

our lives.”

We are delighted to hear this – thank you for giving him such a loving home.

COCO AND SMOKEY

Simon writes : -

“ Smokey was in the dog house at the weekend , the

boys had their Saturday night treat of a few prawns .

Smokey finished his and sneaked over to Coco's plate

where there was one left while Coco was eating the pe-

nultimate one , he proceeded to pinch the last one and

ran into the hall . I chased him and he ran half way up

the stairs and started growling at me and wouldn't let

me have it back. He then ran into the bedroom still

growling at me but I managed to get it back and give it

back to Coco. I ended up twisting my knee by chasing him the naughty boy.”

“I have got another story for you , Smokey is a greedy little gannet as you know. When he is sleeping up on

the bed above the kitchen and Coco wants a little bit of dry food , I creep into the lounge with the Tupper-

ware container and pour some in my hand and creep back into the kitchen and very gently pour it into the

stainless steel bowl . Within a nanosecond I hear him jump off the bed and he is downstairs like a shot realis-

ing he might be missing out on some food.”

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PURDY

Jacqui rang and when I asked how “himself” was “ she said “Just the same but

more so” !

Still purring for England (which is why we called him Purdy !) but has devel-

oped into a hunter and scarcely a day goes by but a “present” is brought in and

deposited on the carpet.

As you can see from the photos he

is now a beautiful, well covered

cat ! A long way from the little

waif we took in 2013 with a seri-

ously damaged mouth, probably

caused by a kick.

He made a very handsome cover cat for the C.L.A.W.S.2015

calendar.

TINKER

Valerie, who has been a friend of C.L.A.W.S. for many years, writes : -

“Sadly I have just lost Tinker, who came to me as a nine month old stray six years ago.

He was too scared to come into the house for months, so with winter approaching I built him an outside

shelter and put his bed on a raised platform inside so he was kept dry and, with two microwave heat beds

which I got from the pet shop, he kept warm.

Eventually he plucked up enough courage to come into the house and became one of the sweetest and

most affectionate cats I’ve had in my 80 years of having cats.

Two weeks ago he seemed unwell, eating very little, not wanting to leave the house, and continually rub-

bing his cheek against me. I felt something was wrong so I took him to the vet. After examining him

thoroughly the vet took an X-ray and found he had cancer of the jaw. It came as a dreadful shock to hear

this but while Tinker was sedated, it was only right to say “Good bye” to him there and then

He had had a number of abscesses around his head which proved difficult to get rid of and, with hind-

sight, I do wonder if they might have been an indication of the cancer.

It was such a sad end and so unexpected but my only consolation was that I know I could not have done

more to have made his six short years as happy and secure as possible for him.”

Tinker, along with many other cats over the years, was very lucky to have found Valerie who is dedicated

to looking after the waifs and strays of the cat world - Ed.

PURDY as a kitten

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TALES FROM CLAWS

DEANO ISN’T THE ONLY ONE WITH A POORLY EYE

“NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING NOT EVEN A MOUSE”

BUT WAIT .......... !

It was late at night when Beverley went into the office, turned on the light and saw Maggie sitting on the

office chair staring at the wall.

“What is it Maggie ?” No reply ! She just continued to stare. Beverley bent down so she was at the

same level and followed her line of vision and saw ................... a little mouse sitting on the radiator clean-

ing its whiskers !

By this time Maggie had lost interest, curled up and gone to sleep.

So it was left to Beverley to scoop the little chap up and gently deposit him outside.

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WHERE’S COOPER ?

“Where is Cooper ?” asked Beverley staring aghast at an empty carrying case Where indeed ? Read on !

Sue had taken Cooper to Alma for his second vaccination. As always he was given a

warm welcome – he is a great favourite with the Alma team.

Katie examined him and pronounced him in good health and gave him his second injec-

tion and put him in the cat room while Sue sorted out appointments, the display of the

C.L.AW.S. 2020 calendars and picking up the carrier we used for Connie .

That done someone opened the door, she got in the car and off they went.

As always she chatted away to him until they arrived at Bear Cottage. Beverley came

out to collect him. “Where’s Cooper ?” she asked anxiously as there was only an

empty carrying case on the back seat.

“I thought he was quiet” Sue said ! She had left him at the vets !!

A quick phone call re-assured them. The receptionists had put him in the pharmacy

where he was being showered with attention.

A quick turn round and off to collect him. He was totally unfazed by the experience.

“Well that was a first” said Sue. “I shan’t be allowed to forget that in a hurry”

WHY DOES POPPY NEED 60 WORMING TABLETS ?

“Why does Poppy need 60 worming tablets” ? asked the on line

pharmacist

Alma Vets provide us with private prescriptions that enable us

to purchase flea treatment and worming tablets at about half

the RRP. Think how much that saves us for 30 cats in 12

months !

Instead of making out a prescription for each cat, our vet picks

one (on this occasion Poppy) and makes the prescription out for

60 worming tablets.

The on line pharmacy checks each prescription and could not

understand why Poppy needed 60 tablets so rang our vet to en-

quire. She explained C.L.A.W.S. was a small independent cat

sanctuary and that the 60 tablets represented 2 doses each for the 30 cats in its care.

The pharmacist asked her to contact C.L.A.W.S. and tell them the correct dosage. She did this and we had a

laugh about it. After 25 years “in the business” we do know about such things !!

But, of course, the pharmacist was right to be ensure there nothing untoward going on.

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ON A LIGHTER NOTE...