Battersea’s cattery bursts into bloom during RHS Chelsea Flower Show

As the RHS Chelsea Flower Show fast approaches, the Cattery at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home is also flourishing with fresh new arrivals and lush longer stay residents all looking for a home and for many, a garden of their own.

One Cattery resident at the world renowned London centre is 11 year old cheerful Charlie who loves the outdoors. Charlie has seen many gardens in his time as he spent a period of his life as a stray before being bought to Battersea.

There are numerous dangers lurking in Britain's most beautiful blooms and gardens where both stray and pet cats will find themselves roaming. Common plants such as daffodils, tulips, ivy and lilies are a particular pain in the grass for felines as they are poisonous and can be deadly. Battersea's experts can provide advice to new owners about how to safe proof gardens for new pets, including being aware of plants which can be harmful to cats.

Battersea's Head of Cattery, Lindsey Quinlan, says: "All our cats are blooming marvellous but Charlie really has something special about him. He loves everyone and has a great personality; he'll be absolutely perfect for owners with a garden who want an active cat.

"As the Chelsea Flower Show gets underway so close from our London centre, we all admire the beauty and splendour of the amazing gardens and exotic creations on display, but it is also an ideal time to flag up the hidden dangers to our pets.

"After eating poisonous plants, cats can suffer symptoms varying from vomiting to kidney failure which can be fatal. If you see your cat showing signs of illness after being outside, we'd advise calling a vet as soon as possible."

If you are a budding potential new owner for Charlie who can give him the rosy future he deserves, please contact 0843 509 4444 or visit battersea.org.uk

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For more information and images please contact Battersea's Press Office on 020 7627 9265 or email press@battersea.org.uk

Notes to editors

• Charlie is pictured with cat friendly plant 'catnip' (Nepeta cataria). About 50 per cent of cats will respond to the active but harmless chemical in this herb, by miaowing and rolling.
• RHS Chelsea Flower Show runs from Tuesday 19 May to Saturday 23 May in the ground of the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
• Battersea has been rehoming cats for over 130 years and on average cares for almost 3,000 cats every year.
• Established in 1860, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home aims never to turn away a dog or cat in need of our help, caring for them until their owners or loving new homes can be found, no matter how long it takes. We are champions for, and supporters of, vulnerable dogs and cats, determined to create lasting changes for animals in our society.
• Since it was founded, Battersea has rescued, reunited and rehomed over 3.1 million dogs and cats.
• In 2014 the Home cared for over 8000 dogs and cats.
• Battersea cares for an average of 300 dogs and 220 cats across its three centres at any one time.
• There is no time limit on how long an animal can stay at the charity but the average stay for a dog is 36 days and 27 days for a cat.
• In addition to the site in South West London, the Home also has two other centres based at Old Windsor, Berkshire and Brands Hatch, Kent.
• Battersea Dogs & Cats Home rehomes dogs and cats all over the UK.
• For further information on Battersea Dogs & Cats Home please visit www.battersea.org.uk.
• Follow Battersea on Twitter @BDCH or facebook.com/Battersea