“Some cats have survived falls of over 65 feet (20 meters), due largely to their “righting reflex.” The eyes and balance organs in the inner ear tell it where it is in space so the cat can land on its feet. Even cats without a tail have this ability.”
[source: https://www.factretriever.com/cat-facts%5D

Thanks to Facebook, I receive lovely reminders of my time volunteering at the cat pens.

30 October 2011
Two gorgeous newbies at the pens: Millie and Harry, 11 and 12 years old, and does Millie like to lick your hand! Mine was raw by the end of the shift!

28 October 2012
Cat pens: good luck to Tizzy and Casper who have moved on to new homes! New arrivals are Fudge, a gorgeous chocolate box ginger cat, and Piper and Angel who are incredibly shy – but friendly – hiding under their blankets. Meanwhile Kiki is coming out of her shell, and George was desperate for attention. Stoker and Todd in good spirits, and Alfie singing as usual – he is reserved so probably won’t be there next week.

20 October 2013
Cat pens update: six kittens plus weary mother! All tabby bar one black, seven weeks old. Adorable beyond words. Also today, my favourites Munchkin and Tigger were rehomed to a lovely couple. Less good news re: Aaron (pictured). Our resident feral “pet” hasn’t been seen for 10 days. Speed home safely Aaron…

(update: Aaron returned home safely shortly after this post.)

23 October 2011
Cat pens update: lots of newbies! Fraser the handsome grey giant spent a long time on my knee, and Simba and Marley were grateful for some TLC. New kittens and mum, very nervous of people but that will soon change hopefully.

More from the cat pens log:

21 October 2012
Cat pens update: The beautiful Tizzy and mysterious black cat Casper are both reserved, meanwhile new cat George is rivalling Alfie as to who is most vocal! Kiki is less shy, and very happy to be stroked. Todd and Stoker enjoying their turn in the outer corridor – and the Whiskas pouches I took with me ensured everyone was in a good mood! Aaron our resident feral was around for his breakfast, he loves all our cat residents, rubbing against the pen mesh wall and trying to engage with them, with some more successfully than with others!!

From the cat pens log:

17 October 2010
My favourite Sonni is still at cat pens – and now super dribbling in the excitement of getting affection!

“Isaac Newton invented the cat flap. Newton was experimenting in a pitch-black room. Spithead, one of his cats, kept opening the door and wrecking his experiment. The cat flap kept both Newton and Spithead happy.”
[source: https://www.factretriever.com/cat-facts]

Thank you Facebook for giving me access to so many special memories of my time at the cat pens.

14 October 2012
Cat pens: Kiki still hiding in her box, but purring when stroked, I have no doubt she will come out of her shell soon. Casper looking for affection, little does she know that she goes to a new home in 10 days time! Tizzy energetic as ever and chasing birds through the pen mesh wall. Alfie still singing but loving his turn in the outer corridor, he has claimed the scratching post there as his new bed! The three black males all well, enjoying a cuddle.

Memories from the cat pens:

6 October 2013
Cat pens: Munchkin and Tigger affectionate as ever, Libby full of mischief. New cat Dylan already looking for an escape hole, Jaffa a gorgeous black giant, and Suki a beautiful but shy grey and white girl. Good luck to Sebastian who is off to a (hopefully forever) home.