A WHITE stray cat called ‘Tinker’ landed on his feet recently when he was offered a home at a beautiful National Trust Manor.

The lucky feline was picked to become resident cat at Snowshill Manor in Worcestershire, in a bid to carry on a 30-year tradition.

For the past three decades, Snowshill has always had a resident white cat - first ‘Rover’ and then, more recently, ‘Tino’. Sadly, ‘Tino’ recently lost his battle against cancer, so Snowshill staff approached Cats Protection to offer another special white cat a home.

Elaine Hodgson works for the National Trust and is a volunteer with Frome and District Cats Protection. “Straight away, two-year-old Tinker sprung to mind as the purr-fect candidate,” she explained.

“He is a streetwise chap who we thought would suit the role of organic pest controller and visitor entertainer perfectly. He has had a difficult past after his family abandoned him when they moved away, so living at the Manor will be a very pleasant change for him!” she added.

‘Tinker’ has already settled in well in his new home, mingling with the staff and visitors alike! He has two acres of garden and 50 acres of farmland to investigate and hunt in and, like his predecessor; he will also be expected to attend staff meetings with his human colleagues!

Linda Roberts, gardener-in-charge at Snowshill, said of ‘Tinker’: “He will be the perfect asset to the National Trust and will make more than an acceptable member of the Snowshill Manor team. We have all taken to him. I’m sure he’s going to be very happy here - he is so friendly and fussy!”

Elaine added: “We aim to find the cats that come into our care the best homes possible. It was definitely ‘Tinker’s’ lucky day!”

Anyone interested in offering a feline a good home should contact Cats Protection’s Helpline for details of local Branches or Adoption Centres, Tel. 08702 099 099. E-mail helpline@cats.org.uk. Alternatively, log onto www.cats.org.uk

Case Study

Lucy.

Black and white stray LUCY came into care after having three kittens. She is about three-years-old, very affectionate and loves to talk! She enjoys fuss and cuddles, but dislikes dogs and also other cats.

If you think you could give LUCY the home she deserves, please call
Cats Protection’s Cambridge Branch on 01223 441880