Catwel's Christmas newsletter 37

 Dear Friends, The Festive Season is already upon us - it seems to arrive quicker each year - maybe it is just that as one grows older, life seems to pass so rapidly.

When we first acquired the property which became our Homing Centre years ago, during the winter we had generally older cats in care and kittens did not appear until what we called the 'kitten season' which was late April/May. How things have altered, despite Catwel spending a huge sum of money, also other National Charities handing out vouchers, the kitten season seems to last longer and longer and we presently have many beautiful 8-9 month old kittens which have been with us either from birth or from around 8 weeks old.

Every cat and kitten which is homed by Catwel is neutered and micro chipped by the Charity. We do not sell our cats and kittens we look for permanent loving homes and accept a donation which is the choice of those adopting the cat/kitten. We do not set a price on our cats.

I have, over the years, met many kind, generous people. However, I was totally unprepared for the lovely surprise I received today.

I was in the office of the shop and heard Teresa (my Daughter) giving directions to somebody who wanted to visit the shop. Sometime later I was introduced to a lady and gentleman. They were, of course, cat lovers and knew of Catwel's existence because we have a collection box in Morrisons in the Bay. They had also seem the photograph of me being presented with flowers by the South Wales Echo.

Consequently, when the gentleman received a totally unexpected legacy, they decided to share the proceeds with Catwel. I was handed a very generous donation which was greatly appreciated and will, of course be put to very good use.

Thank you very much to the gentleman and his wife for including us in his good fortune.

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CARDIFF HALF MARATHON

I wish to place on record Catwel's thanks for the tremendous effort made by Henry Morgan. This young Man completed the long difficult race which took place on Sunday 4th October, 2015. He achieved this after having very little sleep, as he was flying home from a holiday the previous night. Thank you Henry for your hard work and commitment to our cause in raising the sum of £450. A wonderful and much appreciated effort.

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PussPuss

We rescued a beautiful cat called Pusspuss from Llanederyn a few months back. The poor cat was in a terrible state. Not only did she have the worst matted fur she was also missing one of her front legs (this was an old injury that had been sorted by another vet it seemed). We took this sweet girl straight to Michael (The Cardiff Cat Clinic) where he had to shave her totally except for the tip of her tail and her little feet. She looked so sad and she was so thin it was really upsetting for all who saw her. Pusspuss was

put in our heated pens so she could stay warm and recover. We placed a story on our Catwel facebook page where she became some what of a celebrity. People love to see our regular updates on how she is doing etc. When Pusspuss went back to the vets for her check up Michael noticed that she was suffering from a hyper thyroid condition and that she needed this rectified by an operation. This has now been done and this lovely sweet girls fur has grown back magnificantly. She really looks stunning. It is now time for Pusspuss to fly the Catwel's nest (so to speak) and she was offered up for a new home. We had so many kind offers but we really wanted to pick the right home. (not near roads, no other pets etc or maybe as an indoor cat). Please all watch our facebook page so you will all see when she has gone to that special home.

IN MEMORIUM

They say things usually arrive in a sequence of three.

Sadly, this has happened very recently to Catwel.

We have lost three, plus one of our dear and staunch supporters, who have helped us by giving cash donations or items to sell when we had fairs and auctions over many years. Continuing the support once the shop was opened.

My deepest sympathy to the families and friends are extended in memory of :-  Mrs Phyllis Carlson, Mrs Mary Crocker, Mrs Gwenda Palmer, Mrs Hilda Lewis

All these dear ladies loved cats and were wonderful supporters, they will be greatly missed by their friends in Catwel.

Alli Cat

Some years ago a lady phoned to ask for assistance to help her Husband trap several feral cats located at his place of employment. A few days later I visited the factory which was located at Dumballs Road, Cardiff. All Javid wanted was the loan of one or two cat traps. He used the equipment and had the five feral cats neutered. He did all the work and financed the neutering himself. Some years later, Javid was faced with another problem. His factory was to be closed. He was concerned about the cats and needed help with trapping and re locating of the cats. We once again were more than happy to help. There was just one problem - one of the cats had gone missing.

Javid tried and tried but could not find the missing cat. Eventually Javid was forced to reluctantly give up hope of finding the little feral cat.

In a completely unbelievable turn of fate Catwel received a call from a factory on Dumballs Road some 10 years later, requesting help to catch a feral cat which had been seen near some dangerous chemicals. The cat seemed elderly and very emaciated. It had clearly entered the factory in search of food and shelter. Simon went to the factory and managed to collect the little cat who was indeed very thin and very frightened. He then placed a photograph and the story of the little cat - affectionately called 'Alli-cat' on the website.

Javid saw the story and immediately contacted me. He then arranged to visit the cat at our homing centre. - Yes, you've guessed it! After all these years Javid was delighted to have found his little missing cat.

Little 'Alli-cat' was kept and nursed back to health for a number of weeks and was regularly visited by Javid and his wife Sara.

The little cat was given a clean bill of health and now has a loving home with Sara and Javid.

I hope they have many years to enjoy the little cat's company!

The Catwel Cardiff Charity Shop 17 Whitchurch Road – Gabalfa - Cardiff

Since the start-up of Catwel, I have encountered many surprises - some good, some bad. However, today something happened which really made me realise how kind some people are. I was in the shop when Teresa handed me an envelope which contained £50. A gentleman had called to the shop and handed her the money. He had won £100 on the lottery and shared half of his winnings with Catwel. I honestly cannot think of many people who would be so generous sharing half of his winnings, so amazing. I'd like to think that I would be so generous, but I'm not sure - what about you??

Please remember our charity shop is always in need of quality merchandise to sell. Bric-a-brac, jewellery, childrens toys etc............ To contact our shop please call 02920 694019

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