Холли Вебб - A Cat Called Penguin

Grace’s mother sighed, but she was smiling. She put a cup of tea on the little table next to Mrs Barratt’s chair. “We talked about it, Grace, in the hospital. While Gran was getting better. She needs us to stay. I know you want to go back home, but she needs us here. We can visit your friends…”

“But I want to stay here!” Grace nearly tipped the tea over, leaping up to grab her mother. “I thought we’d have to go. Alfie was going to put Penguin on the train for me!”

There was a sudden scuffling from outside the window, and they all jumped. A moon-shaped black and white face was peering curiously through the glass, bird feeders swinging above him.

“If you’re going to share him,” Mrs Barratt said faintly, “you’d better make sure you know who’s feeding him when. If that cat gets any bigger, he won’t be able to move, let alone chase birds.”

Alfie nodded. “We will. We can shout over the fence.”

Grace’s mother opened the kitchen window, and Penguin stepped delicately over the sill and sat down on the counter, staring smugly round at them all.

Alfie scratched him under the chin, and Grace tickled behind his neat ears. Penguin’s whiskers twitched happily. He was quite convinced he could find a way to get at least three breakfasts.

Look after your cat.

Penguin is a lovely cat, but he is overweight. While this might look cuddly, it isn’t good for him and could lead to him getting poorly. Here’s how to help your own cat get into shape.

Make sure you play with your cat every day. Chasing balls and pouncing on strings is great exercise and will keep your cat active and happy. It is great fun for you, too.

Make sure your cat has a scratching post or climbing tower to keep them busy and active while you are at school.

Make mealtimes more challenging. Place your feline’s favourite food at the top of their climbing tower or at the top of the stairs. This will make your cat work a little bit harder for their supper.

Cut down on the number of treats and snacks between your moggy’s mealtimes. This may feel mean, but take the time to stroke or groom your cat instead so that they know you love them.

If you are worried about your cat’s weight, ask your parents to take them to the vet. Your vet will be able to advise you on anything else you could do to keep your precious pet fit and healthy.

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First published in the UK by Scholastic Ltd, 2011

This electronic edition published by Scholastic Ltd, 2014

Text copyright © Holly Webb, 2011

Illustration copyright © Polly Dunbar, 2011

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Cover illustration copyright © Polly Dunbar, 2011

eISBN 978 1407 14674 4

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