Thursday 31 March 2016

Nayu's Craft Time #111 Getting Wes the Stray Cat Home!

A cat with vaguely similar colouring to Wes, who is too shy for a photo.
Those of you who follow me on Twitter and Facebook know that over the last few days I've been dealing with a stray cat issue. I hadn't wanted to blog about it until it was resolved, and it has been! 

Short version: Cat in & out of house for a few days, cat thin, catch cat, vet confirms microchip, cat goes to his proper home. For links & advice see the end of the long version.

Long version: Either last Thursday night or Friday we had a strange cat hang around our house. We didn't know if it was a boy or a girl, so I'll be calling it 'it' until we get to the happy ending! It even came in the house. Naturally it happened at a bank holiday weekend where everywhere was closed. The cat was seen on a windowsill, on a chair, it hid under clothes airers and a bed, it even went in the sitting room (the only places it didn't go was the bathroom). It was quiet, looked very thin, not the best of coats. My cat wasn't bothered by it at all until yesterday, which I'll explain later.
I can't remember which day, but one of them it came in and started eating my cat's biscuits. Me and my family were worried about it, as it didn't seem to have a home, and it's appearance suggested it was a stray. Seeking advice on what to do with a stray cat online isn't the easiest, and somewhere we expected to be understanding wasn't. However, our local Cats Protection have been amazing. They answered my first email within 30 minutes on a weekend. How's that for service?! I guess animals don't stick to working hours. They advised trying to catch it, take it to a vet and see if it's microchipped. I also mentioned it in my area's Facebook page, spoke about it on Twitter, messaged a friend who knows a lot of people where I live and could spread the word. We did all we could. 

The first time we caught it, when we had to look up who to contact, we sadly had to let it go. It was heartbreaking knowing it was out in the rain, without food which it clearly both needed and wanted. Cue a few not so great nights of sleep due to worrying about it, and because it came in at 1.30am one night and tried to get at my birds (who are in a cage in my room). Now initially I thought it was Belle, our cat, as I'd looked up how to cope with strays online and read that cats can vent their frustration at an intruder who doesn't go away by acting up.
It was only a day or later I realised that Belle never attacks my birds, she eyes them up, but doesn't go near the cage as she knows she can't really with her slightly dodgy leg. Plus she's had years of me saying no at her. Furthermore, if she did attack them she would do it in the day when they are flying about (still in the cage). She doesn't care for them when they sleep with blankets over the cage.

I think the cat was super hungry, trying to get food, smelled/heard them, and since it probably didn't know what a cage bird was thought 'yummy dinner'.
Cute cat eating (similar in colouring to Wes (stray cat) & Belle (my cat))
On the 3rd day I was about to shut my cat out my room, which I didn't want to do as Belle can sleep with me at night, when I realised she might not be the culprit. Before we went on the weekend away earlier in the month she hadn't been sleeping with me for ages. Now she is sleeping with me almost every night, so you can see my dilemma. She can be fickle in where she sleeps at night, so I like her with me as often as she chooses to be with me.
Belle asleep on my heated blanket in the day. Moving rarely happens!!
However, since we'd managed to get more advice on what to do (shut the cat flap so the stray can't get in) I agreed to let her stay 1 more night. I'm so glad I did as it turned out not to be her! I apologised lots, and didn't blame the stray one bit. It was extremely hungry and following it's instincts.

The advice from various sources was to keep it out of the house while keeping ours inside for a while by shutting the cat flap and giving her a litter tray, in the hope that it would go away: it didn't. 

Cats Protection said to try and catch it and take it to the vet to see if it was microchipped. They also said they'd send paper collars with their details so if someone else found it Cats Protection could be called. Unfortunately they couldn't take it in because they are under refurbishment, so suggested contacting other Cats Protection branches and other charities. A lot of internet searches went on, with one site charging to post a note saying a cat was found. Thankfully there's a free one – links will be at the end of this post.

Catching it was a problem, as if anyone went near it it scarpered. I had managed to get close the first time we caught it by using biscuits, crouching down and edging towards it. I was all for using a can of tuna, but then last night it came in while my family were about. It took a long while to get it through the cat flap. My cat then for the first time ever over this saga hissed at it. Until now Belle had been indifferent, no fluffed up fur, very little growling (just a strange noise one night when it tried to get it). Bless her, she didn't carry on hissing so it came in (she ran away...). Time to get a cat! 

Catching it took some doing. All doors got closed to limit the area it could be in. It went upstairs and hid under a bed. I got the cat box, closed the bedroom door, and tried to herd it into the cat box. After 2 failed attempts I called for reinforcements. It led to cat going downstairs, then going back up into the bedroom as the door hadn't been shut. Once it was shut, with a bit of to-ing and fro-ing (it's a very agile cat!) it ran down the stairs straight into the cat box!!!
Ours is similar to this, only not a cute purple, but grey.
Success ^o^ I was still nervous that it might be a true stray, but off to the vet we went. I chatted to it all the way there and all the way back. After waiting for 1 person to buy some dog medicine, we were seen straight away by our favourite vet, who has seen all our pets (& helped them be put down). She'd been the one to discover our rescue cat despite allegedly being neutered wasn't. She tried to get the machine to work in the cat box, but it wasn't quite in the right position. The cat came out. There was no bleep. Then there was!

The joy at it having a chipping was incredible, not something easily described. The vet went away to contact the owner, and from the time she took we suspected she was calling them. I was overjoyed when she came back, said it lived close to us so could we take it home. You know the answer! (The owner agreed for us to take it, since we were so close).
All cats deserve to be loved.
I was thrilled to bits to be able see a happy ending for Wes, the 14 year old rescue cat. It turns out he'd been adopted in the autumn, so his parents only had him for a few months before he went missing January 11th 2016. We got him home March 30th. That's a long time for a house cat to be on his own. Poor thing never went near his home, which since it had been the first time he'd been out the house (it was an accidental window left open) he didn't know where home was. Sadder still is that before he got adopted, other people had temporarily adopted him and taken him back because they couldn't cope with the fact he is super shy and nervous, running away if people approach him. His background isn't known, which is the case for so many rescue cats including my own. At least with Belle we knew she was 1 year old. Poor Wes had 14 years of who knew what kind of unpleasant things happening. 
His parents were over the moon to see him. He went straight to his favourite places, by the window, which is where his cat bed will be put back. He then legged it upstairs while we chatted and learned more about him. Think it was a huge shock for his parents to get that phone call! They'd previously had a 13 year old cat with arthritis, so weren't used to how agile Wes can be.
 
Catching Zzzs


I had a lovely sleep last night, without a single worry about Wes. I'm still delighted he is home, can be warm, out of the rain, and good quality food available at all time. It had been a rough week for us all as we worried so much about him on his own. 
 
That's why I generally avoid the news, as I take any missing cat/animal/person very much to heart. However, on speaking with the Cat Protection I asked if I could come volunteer once they are reopen, to help out and play with the cats in their care. They said yes! I'm to get in touch at the end of April, to see if they are ready and will take it from there. I adore my cat, but I feel volunteering to help when I'm well enough is something positive I can do, for the sake of all the strays in the world. The more love they can get the better! 
Even with limitless funds and space I don't think I'd ever have this many cats...
I'm not allowed to bring any cats home, sadly. But being with them will be enough. I'll have to shower & change my clothes straight away on returning so my cat doesn't get annoyed with me, although she hasn't been too miffed when I've been cat sitting in the past. However Belle changes her mood every minute so no knowing what goes on.  

I've read so many books about dogs and cats who get lost and are reunited with their owner, but nothing compares to experience it first hand. The worry, the fear, the uncertainty of what to do – there are so many emotions and it is draining. (More so when the cat attacks your birds at 1.30am...) I dread to think how I'd feel if Belle went missing for months on end. I'd never give up hope, but usually missing pets don't come back. The end results is beyond worth it. I can't stop smiling whenever I think of him!
I so agree with this!
Wes will be kept inside for a while, but in the summer he will be allowed out. At least if he manages to come to us we can take him straight back. And he won't be as thin!!! We left them with the blanket we'd put in the cat box, because it was spare, we'd only have to throw it out and had a bit of his scent which is important as he resettles into his home.
Agree with this too!
My cat was happy to be spoilt during the last few days with some tuna, and she's got another treat to try from Wes's owners. I can't quite remember the name of the product, but it's a tube of a yogurt like substance flavoured with chicken with zinc in it. I put a bit a saucer to see if she likes it, and she couldn't get enough of it so much so she ended up with some on her nose! Had to use a tissue to wipe it off as although she sensed something was wrong with her nose she didn't get it off. So it's a hit with my cat! If there are no ill effects (she can be a little prone to being sick) she can have the rest tomorrow with tissues on hand! 

Animal Protection Tips and Websites
  
I think this pic was connected to Cats Protection but don't quote me on that.
 If you have a dog or cat please get them microchipped. Without looking online I don't know if it's mandatory, but it's certainly essential if they go wandering. Without a microchip Wes would never have been returned home, which is a sad and chilling thought. It costs a small fee to be microchipped, but checking the microchip in the case of a suspected stray cat is provided free of charge from any vet.  



A shout out must go to Cats Protection (I'd always known it with a League in the title, so I'm clearly years out of date!) who gave amazing advice with fast response through both email and by telephone. You can find their local branch as well as more info about their and cat care on their website
 
They are a brilliant cause to support, as well as a great way to add a new feline to your household! Think about older cats as well as kittens, because they need as much if not more love. Plus they are usually litter trained, plus their temperament is more likely to be known. I'm not saying don't go for cute little balls of fluff, but older pets have a lot going for them and can be overlooked. If I could I'd adopt all the older cats and support them no matter how much time they had left with me. Providing a forever home for a cat is an incredible thing to do, so please think about it when you next get a cat.  
 
Should you encounter a stray contact your local vet, Cats Protection branch, or local animal rescue centre who can give advice on what to do. We left Wes a few days because we didn't know if he was a local cat who fancied some food – our previous cats were known for going to neighbours and stealing prawns, or a genuine stray. I think the advice is slightly different depending on the circumstances. 

If you lose your pet or find one which you think may be a stray, head over to the free website Animal Search UK and fill in the appropriate details. They work with Cats Protection.

Any injured animal should be taken straight to a vet. 

If you love cats and aren't able to have one or help out at a cat rescue centre, there are many cute cat themed items you can enjoy online and offline! 

practical items like slippers...
...and mugs!





Super cute cat plushies!

There are more! (Maybe I should get an army of the plushie variety...)
 
And an incredibly wide range of good from a certain Hello Kitty!

Wednesday 30 March 2016

Nayu's Project Progress #19 Cold themed projects!

 
As promised yesterday here's the lowdown on what I've been working on!  On Saturday I spent the day sewing. I'm starting to add more colours to this arctic animal alphabet project.

Sorry about my hand, I have poor circulation so they never look great!
While I was away without the internet (by choice) over the previous weekend I made these cute fingerless gloves for the NCD shop. They have a border on both ends, are vibrant colours to rival any grey sky. 

I plan to work on a blanket this week, so expect more project progress soon! 
It really does! Saw this online and thought it was perfect for an end of post quote.


Tuesday 29 March 2016

Nayu's Craft Time #110 Chaotic Long Weekend!

A calming picture of a pair of zebra finches (similar to one of my birds)
I'm here! Been a crazy few days Friday I was too tired to post - visited a friend in the morning, came home and promptly napped for 2 hours. Me needing naps is a sign I need to rest so I did just that. While I'd meant to post Saturday, I'd forgotten that I'm trying to keep Saturdays as the one day where I do no blog work, no crochet, no review book reading - it's my 'day off'. I started this post Sunday but was doing it in between other blog bits so had to stop without posting it when my online time was up. I hate sticking to a schedule but otherwise I don't fit in enough rest. 

Nothing like the cat in question but a cute one all the same.
Monday I'd had 3 hours sleep due to a stray cat incident which is ongoing. I promise to do a full post once it concludes. I'm find it hard emotionally and am praying for a happy ending, so well wishes and thoughts most welcome! 

My latest craft news will be up in tomorrow's post.

Such a cute themed bed! I'm guessing the larger bow is a cushion...if not I wouldn't want it attached to the duvet.
While I slept better last night (no 1.30am wake up call) I'm more tired than I was yesterday. So after a very quiet morning I'm finally managing some blog work between household tasks. Go me! 

I wish this cute pencil was mine! Adore the dainty flowers and ring/tiara. Very girly!
Due to life getting in the way of my book review work for Nayu's Reading Corner, I'm now doing review blog work every alternate day, so I can get some writing of my own novels in too. I was trying to catch up with review then write, but I'm missing it too much, life happens, and I want to write! Alternate days will do for now.

Thursday 24 March 2016

Nayu's Craft Time #109 On a Craft Date!

I hope to fill you in tomorrow but I have a full day of craft with a friend involving sewing, fabric, and a machine... Hopefully it'll result in some new items for sale (although not necessarily done today) which I know you'll love!

Monday 21 March 2016

On my way home

A rather sweet front door which isn't my own.
Today I'll be travelling back home! My cat will be pleased to see me, as she hasn't been left on her own before. As she is a rescue cat I'm expecting there some out of the ordinary behaviour, but I hope she forgives me soon. Hope to let you all know tomorrow how my weekend went! 

Sunday 20 March 2016

Here's what I'm eating today...

These are experimental truffles, I didn't make lots decorated as I ran out of time.
It's the main event day of my weekend getaway: this is why I've been making so many chocolate delights! Will need them to keep me going ^o^ 
These are my own invention, lemon meringue white chocolate truffles!


Saturday 19 March 2016

A restful day ahead


I'm having a quiet day today, recovering from travelling to my weekend getaway and before a crazy but fun family day tomorrow. Hope you've got some relaxation scheduled as it's a great way to refresh your body, heart and soul!

Friday 18 March 2016

Away for the weekend!

Pretty in pink!
I'm leaving for my mini-break today! Sadly these aren't my suitcases, but I thought they were rather cute when I spotted them online. Whatever you're getting up to have a good one!

Thursday 17 March 2016

Nayu's Craft Time #108 Storing Inspiration!

Today is a fairly packed day in preparation for my weekend away, including scheduling blog posts for you to enjoy. Regular readers will know that I like putting inspirational quotes/sayings in my posts. These are mostly stored on my Pinterest Interesting Quotes board, and some are in files on my computer. 

That doesn't cover my entire quote collection. There's another storage space (well, technically 2 but 1 is a temporary area). 
Tada!
I put quotes I come across offline in this cute Hello Kitty book. I don't carry it around with me, instead if I find a quote I like in a book I'm read (which happens a lot), or in an anime show I'm watching (ditto the last comment) then I note them down in the draft folder of my phone, and write them up later. 

I do have a teeny tiny Gorjuss notebook for inspirational quotes too. These  are ones I'm certain I want to see regularly so I do carry it around with me. 
I recommend noting down quotes some way or another, because they really boost me when I'm not having a brilliant day, and give me extra zing when things are going well. Do you write down memorable quotes? What's your favourite? 
I'm a little early, but since I won't be online, I'm wishing you one now!

Tuesday 15 March 2016

Nayu's Craft Time #107 I Sort of Return

I'm going on a trip! I wish this was my suitcase.
Hi everyone! I'm back, kind of :) Going away Fri-Mon for a family weekend hence my 'sort of' return. Weather still isn't my friend right now, and I still think I may be in aftereffects of ketamine on Sunday (my mega strong pain meds) at least that's what I'm telling myself! but I'm doing what I can when I can, which is all any of us can do. 

This morning it took extra long to wake up because my cat appeared. I started stroking her, but then she kept wanting attention so every few moments I'd stop I give her a few strokes. So it was partly her own fault that breakfast was late! 

So far this morning I have renewed my driving licence. Needs to be done by 10th April so I realised I needed to get a move on. While family members used the post office for renewal, a friend had used the online renewal which uses your passport photo, so in the name of expediency (is that a word? Is it the right word? Sorry if it isn't) I spent 30 minutes sorting that out. I had to change the details several times because I managed to make mistakes, including calling myself a Doctor instead of a Miss. That's a case of the cursor going down a few options by accident on that particular drop down menu. >o< It says I should get one within 2 weeks....let's hope that's true! 

Yummy!
I've made a load of yummy lemon meringue truffles, some like these ones (round) and others a variety of shapes. It can be a little tricky getting them out of the moulds as the truffle part is soft (there's a layer of white chocolate underneath so they can be picked up), so it will be much easier making simple chocolates (melt chocolate, pour in mould) after lunch today. All of these are for the weekend, and I'm sure they will be enjoyed, along with some flapjacks. 

That's another part of the this post's title. I'm going to try and schedule posts until Tuesday, since I don't know how much internet access I'll have at where I'm staying. That's the theory, anyway! Will wait and see what happens ^o^ Rapidly using up my energy reserves today so will save post writing until tomorrow. These posts require thought, whereas the reviews for my other blog, Nayu's Reading Corner, don't since I write the main review shortly after reading the book so it's a matter of copy and paste.
(+ Good Afternoon + Good Evening!)

Sunday 13 March 2016

Out of action for a few days


❤ Blippo.com Kawaii Shop ❤
Random cute pic! Think these are called dangos.
Hi everyone, I'll be out of action until at least Tuesday: Friday night I discovered I'm allergic to certain eye drops, Saturday was a blur of feeling awful with incredibly saw eyes. How eyes can feel dry while they stream sounds impossibly but it isn't. Then today had a ketamine dose (the mega strong pain relief I have every few weeks), but had to make some truffles due to eat by date on the cream. It's been 1 thing after another lately, seriously hoping Spring is much better for me! About to settle down with some crochet and audiobook, as I can do that much ^o^ 


Tuesday 8 March 2016

Nayu's Project Progress #18 Mystery gift revealed!

Perfect bowl for a knitter/crocheter! Sadly not mine.
Due to the day turning out slightly different than planned (all good, ended up blogging after baking so have less time to write a post) today isn't a lemon cupcake recipe. 

What's inside?
It's about the mystery crochet gift I've talked about in previous posts, the one I completed while I had a craft session with a friend, is a pair of silk fingerless gloves which I made. 
100% silk, as lovely to make as they are to wear. Well the recipient is very happy with them, which is why I can now show them to you. Would love to hear what you think of them! Other colours are available, so if you're interested in a pair then let me know!  

Monday 7 March 2016

Laundry calls me...

Have run out of time for a post here: I'm making great progress on my pastel crochet blanket, and made some lemon cupcakes which I'm hoping to give you the receipe tomorrow. Got to go hang up laundry now.