How are you planning to spend your time in lockdown?

Loads of people are planning to use the coronavirus-caused time at home to develop a new skill or pick a relaxing hobby back up to spend the hours.

If you’re one of the many planning to get knitting, there’s a way you can use your wool for good – and not just by loading up your friends and family members with all the scarves they could ever desire.

RSPCA Friern Barnet Adoption Centre is calling on crafty types to help provide special knitted blankets for cats in need.

Nicole Grover, who works at the centre, explains: ‘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.’

The shelter, located inside a Pets at Home store at the Friern Bridge retail park in North London, asks for blankets of 30cm to 40cm width made out of machine-washable wool.

If you fancy getting even more creative, you could also knit the kitties their own custom toys.

‘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,’ says Nicole.

‘Some of our wonderful volunteers have also been making dangly toys and toy mice to keep our cats entertained and to make their pods more fun,” Nicole added.

‘Our fab volunteers Chris and Vicky have made 54 blankets for us in the past year, 20 crochet mouse toys and 12 string toys which have also been really popular.

‘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.’

If you’d like to send your knitted creations to the cats, you can post them to Pets At Home, Friern Bridge Retail Park, Pegasus Way, London, N11 3PW.

You can also help the RSPCA to look after animals in a time they’re experiencing a massive strain on their shelters by donating online or through calling 0300 123 8181.

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