Calling all Edinburgh knitters – toys needed for playful cats!

Edinburgh cat lovers are being asked to help cats and kittens in shelters by making toys and cosy blankets as part of Cats Protection’s annual knitting bee.

The UK’s largest cat charity, which rescues and cares for around 200,000 cats per year, will be launching its 2017 Scotland appeal for homemade knitted creations at the Spring Knitting & Stitching Show at the Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh from 27-30 April.

Toys and blankets donated will go directly to cats in the charity’s care and make their lives more enjoyable and comfortable.

Emma of Cats Protection said: ”We’ve been running our knitting bee for a few years now, and we’re hoping 2017 will be a bumper year for knitted mice and blankets.”

”This will be the second year we’re attending the Spring Knitting & Stitching Show in Edinburgh and we’re very much looking forward to returning. Cats are very popular pets in Scotland, and it was a real pleasure meeting so many cat lovers at the show last year.”

Cats Protection advises against the use of certain materials, including stretchy yarns or small plastic materials, as they can pose health risks to the cats.

They also would recommend avoiding loose weave patterns. It is also important for cat owners to regularly inspect their cat’s toys for signs of damage and to supervise their cat when it is playing.

For more information, please contact Cats Protection’s Helpline on 03000 12 12 12 or email helpline@cats.org.uk

The Spring Knitting & Stitching Show takes place at the Royal Highland Centre in Edinburgh from 27 – 30 April.

More information can be found on the website here