Cats Protection League launches annual knitting bee

The UK's largest feline charity, Cats Protection League is launching its annual appeal for homemade toy mice and snuggly blankets for its residents. The charity will also be exhibiting at the Knitting & Stitching Show at Alexandra Palace from 10th-13th October.

Each year, knitters across the country donate scores of hand-crafted creations for cats being cared for by the charity as they wait to find new owners. "We have a growing army of wonderful knitters who give up a few evenings of their year to create toys and blankets for cats in our care," says the charity's event manager, Emma Osborne. "We always love seeing the fun patterns they come up with, and it's especially lovely to see them being enjoyed by the cats in our care. Creating a toy mouse or blanket is a great way to while away the chilly evenings before Christmas, as well as use up leftover balls of wool. We hope more people than ever will join our knitting bee this year."

Donations can be brought along to the charity's stand or dropped into any of its branches, shops or adoption centres across the UK. There's also an exclusive pattern by Lauren O'Farrell, which is available to be picked up at the show, or by calling the charity's helpline on 03000 12 12 12. Find out more at www.cats.org.uk