The Homeleigh Cat Retirement Village currently has twelve permanent residents, each one being a very special individual.
Due to the diverse ages, personalities and backgrounds each cats needs, likes and dislikes are monitored on an ongoing basis by their carers, Marg, Sam and Kathy. Meal times mean a variety of fish, chicken and beef. Some like milk, others prefer water. Everyone likes some individual attention whether it be sitting on a knee or a pat and cuddle.
The longhaired residents require regular grooming so the staff and volunteers are kept busy making sure that everyone gets their own personal care.
Veterinary care is provided by Shelter Vet, Dr. Graham Franklin and Vet Nurse, Kris Paternotte who make sure that all residents are in the best of health.
The Grand Old Dame of the Village is Fruitcake, a semi-long-haired torti who is twenty something years old and makes her presence known by loudly greeting everyone who comes through the front door. She may look frail but no one (human or cat) would dare to cross her (see right).
Of the twelve residents four are boys.
Roger, a 16 year old semi-longhaired ginger, is the oldest. He loves people but can be a bit of a grouch with some of the other cats and they have quickly learned to give him a wide berth.
His main rival is 10 year old Raisin (enjoying a sit in the garden in the photo on the left), a very gentle (most of the time) tabby and white cat who loves pats and kisses.
Scotty is a 9 year old black cat who just adores people and spends every chance he gets helping with the housework and gardening. He is a non-stop talker and loves to be picked up and cuddled.
A recent arrival is a 9 year old semi-longhaired silver tabby who goes by the name of Mr. Silver. He is a quiet fellow who keeps to himself most of the time but whenever he decides that he wants a pat he gently pokes at his human companion with his paw.
A few days before Mr. Silver arrived a very sweet grey tabby girl named Jackie came to live
at the Village. Like Mr. Silver, Jackie is quiet and perhaps this is why they quickly became friends and seemed to help each other overcome the sadness of losing their owners. Jackie enjoys the company of visitors who come to the Village.
Although they are sisters Jenny and Renee (on the right) are like chalk and cheese.
Jenny is a cute grey and white tabby who adores people but isn't too sure about some of the fellow residents. She is a great favourite with everyone who comes to the village and although she is now 5 years old she is always looked upon as the baby of the household. Renee is much cheekier towards the other residents than Jenny and nothing phases the grey terror as she charges around the house like a whirlwind.
Else is a 6 year old white semi-longhaired beauty with vivid blue eyes (see left).
Although totally deaf she enjoys being part of the daily activities at the Village and squeals long and loud if something isn't to her liking. Despite her serene appearance Else is well known for firing up at some of her fellow residents from time to time.
Despite their various personalities and backgrounds the residents of the Village live together in harmony with plenty of room for everyone to have their own space both inside and outside.
Although the first few days at the Village are often stressful for each new resident the love and care that Marg and Kathy give to every cat helps hem to settle into their new home and become part of the family.
If you would like to arrange a visit, or need more information about the Village, please ring Margaret at the Shelter on ph (03)9798-8415 or (03)9798-8044 (or leave a message if she is not there).
