CATS Protection is offering free talks to schools, colleges and community groups throughout April and May to coincide with National Pet Month.

In connection with the annual celebration of pets, from April 1 until May 5, Cats Protection Education volunteers in Manchester and the Cheshire area will be giving the talks to help raise awareness of feline welfare issues and responsible pet ownership.

Kirsty-Lou Watson, Cats Protection’s community education officer for the North of England and the Midlands, who is co-ordinating the talks, said: “National Pet Month is the ‘purr-fect’ time for people to stop and think about how a pet could enhance their lives.

“Those choosing a cat will be thoroughly rewarded as cats offer love and companionship as well as a degree of independence, self-reliance and individual charm.”

A host of Cats Protection survey findings prove the benefits of owning a cat. A feline friend can be the ultimate stress-buster with most owners questioned saying they would prefer to snuggle up to their cat than have a massage (66 per cent), phone a friend (64 per cent) or have a drink (52 per cent).

If you would like to book a Cats Protection talk, contact Kirsty-Lou Watson on 0113 2249727 or at kirsty-lou.watson@cats.org.uk.