On Saturday, 4th August, nine-year-old Mae Parkins took part in a what can only be described as her ‘dream job’ – an all-day ‘cuddle-a-thon’ to raise money for Bath Cats and Dogs Home.

In 2016, Lois – a cat who lived opposite the Parkins family, was left to fend for herself after being left behind by her owners, who moved away. Neglected and barely six months old, she was unwanted and pregnant.

Lois came to the Parkins family and later had her five kittens under their coffee table. Sadly, three days later, she had an accident and died. Mae helped her mother and father hand-rear all the kittens, feeling that they all deserved a chance at life.

Mae said: “The cuddle-a-thon was held two years to the day that the kittens were born, and I’m fundraising for Bath Cats and Dogs Home because, like Lois, I want to help kitties less fortunate than mine.

“The cuddle-a-thon is a regular event, and it was an amazing afternoon. I met Lucy, a friendly cat with a really cute squeak for a meow. She was happy to be picked up, and loves a cuddle. She is recovering from untreated flea allergy and she will soon be beautiful.”

It’s not too late to sponsor Mae. Please visit: www.just giving.com/fundraising/kate-parkins for more information. The next cuddle-a-thon takes place in December.

Bath Cats and Dogs Home plays an important role in the rescue, rehabilitation and re-homing of over 1,100 pets every year. They are there to take in unwanted, abandoned and abused cats, dogs and rabbits, to give them a second chance of a happy home.