Cats Protection – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Cat reunited after nearly 500 days thanks to microchip

CATS PROTECTION MICROCHIP PETITION

A heart-warming tale of a cat reunited with its owner after going missing for nearly 500 days highlights the importance of getting pets microchipped.

Cats Protection has launched a petition calling for microchipping to be made compulsory for owned cats in Scotland, as it already is for dogs.

Ginger tomcat Frank was adopted as a kitten eight years ago after being found straying and surviving on scraps in Fort William. He would often take himself off on short adventures but when he failed to return in June 2025, his owner Joan, a vet, contacted Cats Protection Glasgow Branch for help.

Joan said: “When I adopted him, I had him microchipped so that he could always be traced back to us. I knew in my heart that he was out there somewhere, but none of the ginger cats that were being found turned out to be Frank.”

But then came the call Joan had been hoping for. “A lady contacted Cats Protection to say her friend had been feeding a cat that matched Frank’s description. It had been coming to her garden for around six months but was quite skittish so she couldn’t get close. She noticed it was quite skinny so began to feed it and provided an outdoor house.”

Cats Protection Glasgow provided a trap in the hope the cat would go inside and they could see if it was microchipped.

Kirsty Ayres, Cats Protection Glasgow Welfare Team Leader, said: “When we managed to get Frank inside the trap and scanned his microchip, we were delighted when we realised we had found him and could reunite him with Joan.

“As a supporting vet, Joan has gone above and beyond for the charity over the years so it felt like karma that we’d got him back for her. We wanted to make it a surprise and when I turned up at the surgery with a covered cage, she had no idea it was Frank inside.”

Joan added: “I lifted the cover, saw him and said his name in disbelief! As soon as he realised it was me, he cried and miaowed. I hugged the Cats Protection volunteer who had managed to trap him and scan the microchip that led him back to me.

“We’d missed him so much and so had our other cat, Frank’s brother. Now Frank’s enjoying all the cuddles and scratches he’s missed whilst away on his adventure.”

The UK’s largest cat charity says that microchipping gives lost or injured cats the best chance of being reunited with their owner. Without a registered microchip, it is extremely difficult to trace an owner, a problem the charity’s staff and volunteers see on an almost daily basis.

Microchipping is a safe and permanent method of identification. Unlike collars, microchips do not come off or put cats at risk of collar-related injuries.

Cats Protection is calling on the Government to introduce compulsory microchipping in Scotland, following on from its successful campaign to make it a legal requirement in England, where it became law in 2024.

Alice Palombo, Advocacy & Government Relations Manager, said: “Cats are independent and curious creatures, prone to wandering, and they can become lost. Microchipping is the best way of ensuring these lost cats can be returned home.

“A microchip is also a valuable tool when cats are sadly run over and injured or killed on the roads as their families can be quickly informed.

“We are hopeful that, with public support, the Scottish Government will see the long-term benefits of compulsory microchipping for cats, people and animal welfare organisations and push forward with passing it into law.

To sign the petition calling on the Government to implement compulsory microchipping for cats visit action.cats.org.uk/MicrochippingScotland

Letter: Students flying the nest can struggle to leave the family cat behind

29/08/2-17 – Ciaran McCrickard Photography – Tink, Hero Cat of the Year, from Shrewsbury

Students packing for university aren’t just anxious about Freshers’ Week or locating the best all-day breakfast in a new town. Many face a lesser-known emotional hurdle; parting ways with the family cat.

Leaving home is a massive milestone and feeling a sense of loss when saying goodbye to a companion you’ve shared your teenage years with is a genuine form of homesickness.

Pack a cherished cat photo, a familiar toy or a blanket your cat sleeps on to make your new room feel more like home.

Remember, you won’t be the only one missing a pet. Sharing stories and photos with flatmates is a great way to make friends and support each other. Video calls are another good way to stay in touch, especially since cats love to screen-bomb.

Back at home, cats can be unsettled by change, but a few simple steps can help. Cats thrive on routine and leaving a worn t.shirt in your cat’s favourite sleeping spot provides a comforting scent.

Families should watch for subtle signs of distress, such as changes in appetite or grooming habits, and consult a vet if concerned. But don’t worry, your cat won’t forget you. They’ll probably get over your absence faster than you will.

So, enjoy student life and look forward to the ultimate homecoming. Few things beat a warm, purr and head-bump greeting when you return for the holidays.

To learn about volunteering in your area, visit:

cats.org.uk/support-us/volunteeropportunities

Daniel Warren-Cummings

Senior Behaviour Engagement Manager, CATS PROTECTION

Animal charities push for compulsory microchipping for Scottish cats

A coalition of animal charities is calling on the Scottish Government to introduce compulsory microchipping for cats.

Currently around 69% of owned cats in Scotland are microchipped, and the charities believe the most effective way of achieving a significant increase is by making microchipping compulsory.

The coalition, which includes Cats Protection, Blue Cross, British Veterinary Association, Edinburgh Dog & Cat Home, Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, has written to the newly-re-elected Minister for Agriculture, Marine and the Islands, Jim Fairlie, asking him to commit to bringing in compulsory microchipping.

Compulsory microchipping for pet cats was introduced in England in 2024, putting them on a par with dogs.

Cats are naturally curious and can easily become lost, injured or inadvertently trapped in vehicles. Even cats that are kept exclusively indoors can slip outside unnoticed. A microchip significantly increases the chances of a lost or injured cat being safely reunited with its owner.

Cats Protection Scotland Cat Centre recently took in a pregnant stray whose friendly personality showed she had clearly once been a much-loved pet. Striking Ragdoll Mattel was not microchipped so, despite extensive efforts, an owner could not be traced, and she was eventually rehomed to a new family.

Alice Palombo, Advocacy and Government Relations Manager for Cats Protection said: “Around 260,000 cats in Scotland remain un-microchipped.

“Every year, animal welfare organisations take in friendly stray cats that are clearly someone’s pet, but without a microchip identifying their owner can be extremely difficult.

“This places avoidable pressure on rehoming services, occupies valuable pen space that could be used for cats in genuine need, and can ultimately result in cats being rehomed unnecessarily while their owners are left never knowing what happened to them.”

The coalition welcomed the recommendation by the Scottish Welfare Commission that microchipping and registration of owned cats is made compulsory and has offered support to the Scottish Government to enable this.

Microchipping also supports trap, neuter, vaccinate and return (TNVR) programmes by enabling owned cats to be identified quickly, allowing efforts to focus on genuinely unowned populations. This contributes to effective feral cat management and supports the conservation of the Scottish wildcat by reducing opportunities for hybridisation and disease transmission.

Alice Palombo, Advocacy and Government Relations Manager for Cats Protection added: “There’s clear public appetite for compulsory microchipping, with 76% of people in Scotland supporting its introduction.

“As well as helping reunite more cats with their owners, mandatory microchipping would bring benefits for veterinary professionals and animal welfare organisations too. We urge the Scottish Government to place this legislation high on its agenda during the current parliamentary session.”

1 in 5 owners influenced by celebrities when choosing pets

More than one in five UK cat owners (22%) say they were influenced by a celebrity or social media influencer when choosing their cat, according to new research from Cats Protection – as welfare experts warn that “trendy” breeds can suffer from painful lifelong health conditions.

The survey of 2,000 cat owners found the impact of celebrity culture is particularly strong among pedigree cat owners. Over half (55%) of those with Scottish Fold, Persian and Burmese cats said a celebrity or influencer influenced their choice, compared to just 7% of owners of non-pedigree cats.

The findings come as pedigree cats now account for 36% of the UK cat population – a sharp rise from 23% in 2021 – with ownership growing fastest among affluent 18–34-year-olds, the age group most active on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

Cats Protection warns that the growing popularity of certain “aesthetic” breeds – often promoted online for their distinctive looks – carries serious welfare risks.

Selective breeding for features such as folded ears, flat faces, shortened legs or hairless bodies can lead to chronic health problems, including joint disorders, breathing difficulties and mobility issues.

Scottish Folds, for example, are bred for their distinctive folded ears but suffer from a genetic condition called osteochondrodysplasia, which can cause severe pain, stiffness and early-onset arthritis.

The research also suggests celebrity influence is shaping how people interact with their cats.

Owners influenced by celebrities were more likely to:

Walk their cats on leads (27% vs 21% overall)
Use transparent “bubble” pet carriers (38% vs 17%)

Cat behaviour experts warn that these trends may expose cats to stressful or unnatural situations, as many are uncomfortable being restrained or placed in unfamiliar environments.

The issue was recently highlighted by photos of celebrity Myleene Klass taking her pet kitten to work in a see-through bubble-style backpack, attracting around 300 likes on X.

Adele Cullum, 29, from Southend, bought a Scottish Fold kitten after seeing the breed on social media posts by Love Island star Molly-Mae Hague.

“I first saw Scottish Folds on Molly-Mae’s social channels and it made me more interested in the breed,” she said.

“They looked so cute, so I decided to buy one online. For the first few months, Bella seemed fine – but then she stopped putting weight on her back legs and would cry in pain.”

A vet later confirmed Bella likely has breed-related health issues affecting her joints.

“Now she’s on anti-inflammatories and doesn’t walk the same way,” Adele said. “I worry she’ll live a life of pain. I wish I had known more before buying her.”

Adele is urging prospective owners to research thoroughly and consider adopting rather than buying pedigree cats online.

Sarah Merrett, Head of Cat Welfare Engagement at Cats Protection, said: “Celebrities and influencers can have a powerful impact – particularly on younger audiences – by shaping what’s seen as desirable or ‘on trend’.

“But they aren’t necessarily cat welfare experts, and may themselves be following trends.

“We’re concerned that increasing demand for certain breeds is contributing to serious welfare issues, especially where cats are bred for exaggerated physical traits.

“Before choosing a cat, it’s vital to seek advice from a reputable charity, vet or qualified behaviourist and consider what’s best for the animal – not what’s popular online.”

Cats Protection is calling on the UK Government to strengthen protections for cats by introducing tighter regulation of breeding and banning the breeding of cats with extreme physical traits linked to poor welfare.

Photos and video of Adele Cullum and Bella are available here ,

Letter: Mother’s Day call for change

Dear Letters Editor,

Many families are getting ready to celebrate Mother’s Day this weekend, but for too many female cats, motherhood looks very different.

Cats Protection is campaigning to ensure cats are not forgotten by decision‑makers in England. As part of our Cat Manifesto, we are calling on Westminster to introduce regulations on cat breeding, and to ban the breeding of cats with extreme characteristics.

A lack of breeding regulations leaves female cats at risk of being used as breeding machines, producing multiple litters a year in poor and sometimes dangerous conditions. These cats are often kept solely for profit, with little regard for their health or wellbeing.

Stronger safeguards would help ensure female cats are better protected, and that anyone breeding cats meets clear welfare standards.

Motherhood matters – for humans and for animals. This Mother’s Day, we are asking readers to join us in calling for change, to give cat mums and their kittens the best lives possible.

The Government has left cats behind by failing to include any regulation on cat breeding in the new Animal Welfare Strategy.

Readers can add their names to our open letter calling for urgent action here:

Sign our Open Letter.

Yours faithfully,

Annabel Berdy,

Cats Protection Advocacy & Government Relations Manager

Cats Protection launches short story competition

Cats Protection has announced the launch of a national short story competition, inviting aspiring writers from across the UK to submit imaginative tales that celebrate the unique bond between cats and humans.

Whether heartwarming, magical or mysterious, entries must feature cats at their core and highlight the special connection they share with people.

Stories will be judged by acclaimed authors Jane Fallon and Anne Twist as well as Scottish television presenter and mental health advocate Gail Porter and comedian Matt Richardson.

“Cats have a magical place in my heart,” said Gail. “My cat always knows… well, my cat knows everything! Her special presence makes me feel so happy and I hope I do the same for her.

“I’m delighted to be involved in a competition that involves the many magical, wonderful stories you have about what makes cats so special to you. I can’t wait to read them all.”

The winning entries will be published in The Cat magazine and showcased on Cats Protection’s website, offering writers a valuable platform to share their work.

Both category winners will also win a goody bag gifted by competition partner, Cult Pens, each with a retail value of £350 as well as being offered a visit to a Cats Protection adoption centre to meet the cats awaiting rehoming.

Eligibility

Open to residents of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Entrants must be aged 18 or over
Stories must be original and written in English
Two categories: children’s literature and adult literature
Minimum word count 250 words, maximum word count: 1,000 words
Stories must use Arial, 12pt, be double-spaced and be submitted by a word document or PDF using the entry form with the short story title as the file name
One entry per person per category (separate entry fee required)

Entry Process

Complete the entry form and pay the fee of £10
Instructions for submitting stories will be sent via email
The competition is open to entries between Tuesday 20 January and Tuesday 31 March 2026.

“This competition is a wonderful opportunity to explore the charm, mystery and companionship of cats through storytelling,” said Abby Jackson from Cats Protection. “We’re excited to read the creative ways people capture the human-cat bond.”

All stories must include or centre around a cat. Writers are encouraged to refer to Cats Protection’s Cat Welfare guidance to ensure responsible representation.

Full terms and conditions, along with tips from the judging panel, can be found at cats.org.uk/shortstory

Letter: Cats Protection urges action as cold snap bites

Dear Editor

As temperatures plummet, we urge people to keep a caring eye on stray and abandoned cats without access to shelter or food. For them, the risk of hypothermia or painful frostbite is real.  

In the past 12 months, Cats Protection has taken in more than 26,000 cats left behind by life, including over 3,000 kittens from unwanted litters. 

Through no fault of their own, these cats have been given up or abandoned. They know only cold, fear and hunger. But we’re here for them until the tough times pass. 

Our winter fundraising and awareness campaign (cats.org.uk/alfie) aims to provide food, shelter and care for neglected cats.  

We have some simple tips to help all cats stay safe and warm this winter:  

Provide warm, draught-free resting spots. Self-heating pads are ideal for older cats. 
Tap your car bonnet and check underneath before starting up – cats love to hide there.
Check sheds and garages to ensure that cats seeking shelter don’t become trapped inside.
Wipe your cat’s paws and coat when they come in. Grit, salt or antifreeze can be toxic if licked. 
Provide fresh water, checking it cannot freeze over. An indoor litter tray means your cat doesn’t have to venture out. 
Keep your cat in at night – and lock cat flaps to prevent them sneaking out in the cold.

Cats are good at finding warm places to rest but for outdoor cats struggling to find shelter, we have tips to create a safe and dry winter bolthole that might save a life this winter. 

Yours faithfully

Daniel Warren-Cummings

Central Behaviour Officer, Cats Protection

Cats Protection urges action as winter cold snap bites

As winter temperatures plummet across the UK, Cats Protection is urging people to keep a caring eye on stray and abandoned cats.

Cold snaps can worsen conditions such as arthritis for all cats and wintry chills pose a particular danger to outdoor cats without access to shelter or food. For them, the deadly risk of hypothermia or painful frostbite is real.

Daniel Warren-Cummings, Cats Protection Central Behaviour Officer, said: “In the past 12 months, our teams have taken in more than 26,000 cats who have been left behind by life, including over 3,000 kittens from unwanted litters.

“Through no fault of their own, these cats have been given up or abandoned. They don’t know why they’ve been discarded, can’t tell us how they feel. They know only cold, fear and hunger. But we’re there to listen until the tough times pass.”

This winter, Cats Protection has launched a fundraising and awareness campaign (cats.org.uk/alfie) to reach even more stray and abandoned cats in need of urgent help.

As well as raising cash to provide food, shelter and care for neglected cats, Cats Protection has some tips to ensure cats stay safe and warm this winter:

Provide warm, draught-free resting spots. Self-heating pads are ideal for older cats.
Tap your car bonnet and check underneath before starting up – cats love to hide there.
Check sheds and garages to ensure that cats seeking shelter don’t become trapped.
Wipe your cat’s paws and coat when they come in. Grit, salt or antifreeze can be toxic if licked.
Provide fresh water, checking it cannot freeze over. An indoor litter tray means your cat doesn’t have to venture out.
Consider keeping your cat in at night when temperatures drop – and lock cat flaps to prevent them sneaking out.

Cats are good at finding warm places to rest but for outdoor cats struggling to find shelter, the charity has tips to create a safe and dry winter bolthole that might save a life this winter.

For guidance on how to keep cats warm indoors and outside, visit:

cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/home-and-environment

Scottish cat owners continue to choose pedigrees over moggies

Pedigree cats continue to be the pet of choice for cat owners in Scotland with the scale tipping further in favour of breeds rather than moggies, according to Cats Protection.

The charity’s Cats and Their Stats (CATS) Report 2025 revealed that between March 2024 and 2025:

126,000 cats were acquired in Scotland
59% were pedigrees vs. 32% moggies
In the previous year: 37% were pedigrees vs. 51% moggies (out of 120,000 cats)

Pedigrees now make up 37% of Scotland’s total cat population of 840,000 and alarmingly 6% of cats acquired in Scotland in the last 12 months are breeds with traits which can be described as being extreme, including Sphynx, Scottish Fold, Savannah, Munchkin and Bully cat.

Alongside this increase, the proportion of ‘bought’ cats in the total Scottish cat population acquired over the past 12 months has increased by 4% (to 41%), bringing the percentage higher than the UK as a whole where 38% were bought rather than adopted or obtained by other means.

Sarah Elliott, Cats Protection Central Veterinary Officer, says: “In the UK cat acquisition is increasingly skewing towards pedigree cats and purchase over adoption.

“We therefore need to motivate Scottish cat owners to help reverse the increasing popularity of buying and become enthusiastic adopters by championing the moggy, as well as highlighting all the benefits of adoption – including the adoption of pedigree cats from rescue organisations, when they occasionally become available.

“When adopting from Cats Protection, like many other animal welfare organisations, not only does your pet come neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and with a clean bill of health, but there is also the huge satisfaction of giving a home to a cat that really needs one.”

Elsewhere in the report a picture of Scottish owners shows them to be ‘cat focused’. Owners across the country are researching the needs of their cats more, and still primarily turning to their vet for advice.

Nonetheless, social media and video content are a pull for younger owners, and the charity advises them to ensure they are following reputable sources and continue to consult their vet. There has additionally been an increase in owners keeping their cats indoors as they fear them getting hurt or lost and in line with the rest of the UK, companionship is still the leading reason for Scottish people to own a cat.

Cats Protection has tips for making vet visits less stressful which can be found at www.cats.org.uk/cats-blog/how-to-make-vet-visits-less-stressful-for-your-cat

Alice Palombo, Cats Protection Advocacy and Government Relations Manager, says: “The increase in pedigree cats acquired over the past 12 months in Scotland, particularly those with extreme characteristics is a worrying trend.

“To safeguard cats’ welfare, we are calling for the licensing threshold for cat breeding to be lowered to two litters and would like to see more breeds of concern included in the government’s guidance offered to local authorities including exotic hybrid cats like Savannahs.

“It is notable that despite the increase in pedigrees acquired in Scotland, our recent Freedom of Information request revealed just 28 registered cat breeders across the country, compared with 249 dog breeders.

“This suggests perhaps breeders are not being incentivised to apply for cat breeding licences or there is a lack of enforcement which raises strong concerns about the health and wellbeing of the cats involved.”

Vet engagement remains consistent in Scotland, however for the first time stress for either cat or owner has become the primary reason for Scottish owners not visiting the vet as much as they would like. Cats Protection has tips for making vet visits less stressful which can be found at www.cats.org.uk/cats-blog/how-to-make-vet-visits-less-stressful-for-your-cat

Further details can be found in Cats and their Stats Report Scotland 2025 with the UK-wide report here.

Additional information about Cats Protection can be found at www.cats.org.uk

Letters: Cats Protection thanks players of People’s Postcode Lottery

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF CHARITY

Dear Letters Editor,

This International Day of Charity (5 September) we would like to say thank you to each of the players of People’s Postcode Lottery whose generosity has enabled us to help around one million cats to date.

Since 2018, People’s Postcode Lottery players have raised £12,439,702 for Cats Protection, helping us be there for cats and kittens in need. One million cats’ lives have been changed for the better and this incredible milestone could not have been achieved without players’ support.

Thanks to People’s Postcode Lottery players we have been able to remain at the forefront of research on cat welfare, using our decades of experience to support cat owners to keep their pets happy, healthy and safe.

Helping people understand their cats means we can often avoid owners having to give up their pets. But when rehoming is the right thing to do, our teams look after cats with care and kindness, finding them loving new homes.

We speak up for cats, changing laws to give cats more protection and also run the world’s largest single-species neutering programme, for both pets and feral cats.

When cat owners face hard times, we work to keep them with their pets, offering a temporary foster service for those fleeing domestic abuse, supporting those facing the loss of their cat as well as peace of mind when an owner passes away that their cat will be looked after and rehomed.

Whatever it takes, we’re here for cats and the people who care for them, thanks to People’s Postcode Lottery players.

Yours faithfully

Cat Jarvis

Senior Philanthropy Communications Officer, Cats Protection