Calling all knitters! The RSPCA has made an appeal for people to knit small blankets for their tiny rescue kittens — and it's the perfect hobby to see you through isolation.
The RSPCA Friern Barnet Adoption Centre in North London is asking for blankets of 30cm to 40cm in size, made out of machine washable wool, for their cats to snuggle up in.
Nicole Grover, who works at the centre, says: "We give all of our cats a knitted blanket when they arrive here. It's something warm and cosy for them to curl up on in their pods and when they find their forever homes it means they have something to take with them with a familiar scent. This helps the transition from our centre to their new home much easier and less stressful.
"While there are lots of people spending more time at home during the current coronavirus lockdown we thought it would be a great opportunity for anyone who knits or crochets — or fancies giving it a try — to make some beautiful blankets for our lovely cats."
Want to help? You can send your donations to Pets At Home, Friern Bridge Retail Park, Pegasus Way, Friern Barnet, London N11 3PW.
"We're incredibly grateful to all of our wonderful supporters who spend time creating toys and blankets for our cats so we'd like to say a big thank you," Nicole says.
What to Read Next
If you don't feel confident enough to knit a blanket, the charity has other ways in which people can help. You can also assist the cats by purchasing items from their Amazon wish list or by adopting one in need.
The information in this story is accurate as of the publication date. While we are attempting to keep our content as up-to-date as possible, the situation surrounding the coronavirus pandemic continues to develop rapidly, so it's possible that some information and recommendations may have changed since publishing. For any concerns and latest advice, visit the World Health Organisation. If you're in the UK, the National Health Service can also provide useful information and support, while US users can contact the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Like this article? Sign up to our newsletter to get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox.
8 native British animals to look out for in winter
Mountain hares
A true winter spectacle, mountain hares shed their brown fur in late November, turning their coats a blueish-white until April. This makes them much easier to spot running in the fields, especially to predators like Golden Eagles.
Where to spot them: The Peak District and Upper Pennines in England, Snowdonia in Wales and the Scottish Highlands.
Starlings
Starlings take centre stage at this time of year too. Marshlands and reed beds are transformed as thousands of birds return to roost. Before they bed down for the night, the starlings perform a special dance (known as a murmuration) in the sky at dusk. A seriously special sight.
Where to spot them: The RSPB has a helpful list of locations on its website.
Robins
With their bright red plumage, robins provide a much needed splash of colour in the winter months which can be easily spotted in gardens and on woodland walks. Listen out for their distinctive song from the trees and bushes as they hunt for worms.
Where to spot them: Gardens and woodland across the UK.
Woodlarks
A close relative of the very vocal skylark, the woodlark flexes its vocal chords in the winter months with a delicate and fluting song. February and March are when you're most likely to catch a glimpse.
Where to spot them: The New Forest, heaths in Surrey, Berkshire and Suffolk, Hampshire, Devon and East Anglia. Visit the RSPB website for more information, and to hear audio of their call.
Red squirrels
Red squirrel numbers are sadly in decline, but you can still catch a glimpse of this charming creature as they venture into nature reserves and woodlands to feed from bird tables and peanut feeders.
Where to spot them: Three-quarters of the dwindling population are found in Scotland and Ireland, along with the Isle of Wight, Dorset and Northumberland. The Wildlife Trust has a full list of locations on their website.
Short-eared owls
Owls are majestic yet elusive creatures. Now's the time to try and catch a rare glimpse of short-eared owls in the wild as they head to wetlands and coastal marshes in search of food. They're one of the few owls that hunts in daylight, and isn't put off by fellow birds, so you may well be in luck!
Where to spot them: WWT Wetland Centres can point you in the right direction. Try Slimbridge in Gloucestershire, or Leighton Moss in Lancashire.
Foxes
A short four-day mating season brings foxes out into the open with their distinctive piercing mating call. Some say it sounds like a scream, while others compare it to a howl, either way, you can't miss it!
Where to spot them: Wooded rural areas and urban backstreets after dark.
Green woodpecker
January and February are the nosiest months for this native bird as they nest in the trees to mate. The largest of the three British woodpeckers, their distinctive colour and call, along with their preference for feeding on the ground, means you should be able to catch a glimpse.
Where to spot them: In gardens and woodlands nationwide, except for the far north and west of Scotland and Ireland.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
