Me and My Pet: Lloyd Hollett from Thanet and his cats from Cats in Crisis
06:00, 17 May 2021
updated: 13:16, 17 May 2021
We're a nation of pet lovers, but during the last year that has increased as we spent more time at home with our furry friends.
In the second in our series, Me and My Pet, Thanet-based Lloyd Hollett, actor and comedian - and regular of the Marlowe Theatre's panto - introduces us to his rescue cats, Arthur and Mogwai.
Both our cats were adopted from Thanet's Cats In Crisis...
They are Arthur, a tabby who is seven, and Mogwai, who is a six-year-old Maine Coon cross tabby. Both were adopted from the charity, for which I am a proud patron. The charity takes on hundreds of cats every year, and many of the wonderful volunteers who work for the charity, look after cats who are unwell, unwanted or abandoned and nurse them back to full health as best as they can where they then put them up for adoption.
I fell in love with my two cats simply by looking at their little faces...
This was when they first were featured on the Cats In Crisis Facebook page. They are both so loving, and despite not being related, they dote on each other. Since my daughter Ottilie was born nearly three years ago both the boys seem to take it in turns to protect her - often guarding outside her bedroom door at night. The night my wife Danielle went into labour Arthur howled like a wolf at the bottom of the stairs for two hours, which was rather freaky... but two hours later Danielle's waters broke. He seemed to know something was about to happen.
The favourite thing my cats do is...
Early on I trained my cats to kiss me on the lips for a Dreamies treat. I found it quite easy. They still do it.
I believe everyone should have a pet.
The joy they bring into our lives is indescribable. They are loyal companions, and in recent months, they have told us when to come to bed. Charming!
My advice for anyone getting a rescue cat is...
I cannot recommend adopting from Cats In Crisis enough. There will be a small minimal adoption fee plus a standard home check. Nothing is greater than bringing the love of a cat into your home as well as giving the same cat your own love. Especially during the current climate.
Cats In Crisis as a charity has been working harder than ever before during the past three lockdowns. There has sadly been a lack of neutering in cats due to the pandemic which has resulted in higher volumes of cats being brought to the charity than ever before. We have seen many cases where cats are fighting more due to not being neutered. They are unfortunately getting wounded more, catching infections or diseases and are sadly being put to sleep needlessly simply due to the fact that they have not been neutered. By adopting a cat, you genuinely will make such a difference not only to the cat, but to the wider issue as a result of the pandemic. This time next week, you could have your own little Arthur or Mogwai telling you when it's time to go to bed!
(Special mention to Sharon at Thanet’s branch of Cats Protection at Pets At Home Thanet who has been absolutely brilliant recently with the large number of cats that have been brought in to her.)
If you would like to adopt from Thanet's Cats In Crisis you can call Sharon on 01227 360432; Mary on 07796 633306 or visit the Facebook page here.
Read our first column featuring kmfm Breakfast's Laura and her dogs Betty and Barney here.
For places to walk your dog across Kent click here
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