Purr-fect names for rescued cats thanks to Lowestoft Players

But after being spotted hiding in bushes and rescued by binmen, three abandoned kittens are continuing to do well in their recovery as they see their fortunes change and get new names.

Skimbleshanks, Mistoffelees and Jennyanydots have given their adorable names thanks to performers about to stage the West End musical Cats.

Meet Skimbleshanks. Picture: Cat Protection Anglian Coastal Branch (Image: Cat Protection Anglian Coastal Branch)

And hopes are high that they will soon find a new home - with the help of the Lowestoft Players.

Meet Mistoffelees. Picture: Cat Protection Anglian Coastal Branch (Image: Cat Protection Anglian Coastal Branch)

After they were found by East Suffolk Services Ltd workers abandoned beside the road in North Cove - near Beccles and Lowestoft -on Monday, August 12 they were taken to Three Rivers Veterinary Group in Beccles to be checked over and cared for.

Meet Jennyanydots. Picture: Cat Protection Anglian Coastal Branch (Image: Cat Protection Anglian Coastal Branch)

Following assessment the kittens were said to have likely been abandoned rather than feral, and were between four to five weeks old. 

Having been hand-reared the kittens have arrived at the Cats Protection Anglia Coastal Branch, where they are being looked after by the charity ahead of rehoming.

The rescued kittens. Picture: Cat Protection Anglian Coastal Branch (Image: Cat Protection Anglian Coastal Branch)

And as the amateur dramatics society, the Lowestoft Players, approach the start of their run of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hit show Cats, the cast has been learning about the work of the local branch. 

After meeting members of the Players to explain their work, the charity thought the character's names in the hit show were the 'purr-fect' choice.

The Lowestoft Players cast members preparing to stage Cats the musical. Photo: Emma-Jayne Herbert (Image: Emma-Jayne Herbert)

Stephen Wilson, co-director of Cats, said: "As we know from our show the naming of cats is a difficult matter, and for the branch to choose the names Skimbleshanks, Mistoffelees and Jennyanydots is a wonderful surprise.

"The volunteers work tirelessly to ensure every cat finds a new home and make new loving memories.

The Lowestoft Players cast members preparing to stage Cats the musical. Photo: Emma-Jayne Herbert (Image: Emma-Jayne Herbert)

"We are sure it won't be long until this trio are making mischief with their new owner.

"It has been wonderful to see two Lowestoft-based groups come together and find out more about each other's work."

New production

With the Lowestoft Players reimagining the Broadway and West End hit musical -based on the Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats by T.S.Eliot - they will present the musical 'Cats' during 10 performances from September 20 to September 28 at the Players Theatre.

The Lowestoft Players’ artwork for Cats the musical. Image: Stephen Wilson (Image: Stephen Wilson)

Tickets cost £13.50 / £19 / £21 Concession (Under 16 only) £13.50 / £17.50 plus theatre development fee.

Visit its website or call 01502 770020.

The Lowestoft Players cast members preparing to stage Cats the musical. Photo: Emma-Jayne Herbert (Image: Emma-Jayne Herbert)

During the run, there will be a bucket collection for the branch as part of the partnership.

About the Cats Protection Anglia Coastal Branch

Since 2015 the branch has helped more than 1,600 cats to be adopted and start a new life with their loving owners.

The branch raises all of its money through fundraising, events and donations.

It costs on average £4,244 a month to run the branch with vet bills averaging between £1,000 to £4,000 a month.

Run by a small team, the branch has 20 volunteers and is currently searching for new fosterers and fundraisers to help them in their mission to help cats in the wider coastal area.