Here is a link to watch our animation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqya82nv1B4is 

Towards the end of 2020’s spring, whilst the country was in lockdown, our student house began to be visited by a stray cat. At first, our new, tiny friend (who we dubbed ‘Potter’) was timid and shy, treading cautiously and keeping his distance. He kept on eagerly returning though, and with each passing visit his shyness began to melt away and we came to know his charming, friendly, and playful self. He became a member of our uni house; always patiently waiting in the garden for us to wake up each morning, spending the days lounging out with us in the sun or sitting with us at the table whilst we did our work. Amidst the monotony and uncertainty of the national lockdown, Potter was for us a source of joy and excitement, and we’d miss him as soon as he was skulking off out the backdoor, not to be seen again until the next morning. We found respite in knowing that the lockdown had meant we were able to meet and build a relationship with him since we were always at home.

As time passed by, we began to worry about Potter’s future as we knew we were going to have to move out eventually. We also worried for his health – we knew he was being fed (we watched him scran down the food we gave him each day) but we had no idea whether something else could be wrong with him, as cats are good at hiding that kind of thing. We got in contact with Cats Protection and told them about him. They came to pick him up on the 17th of November and it was a very bitter-sweet goodbye. The Kingston and Sutton branch of Cats Protection neutered and microchipped Potter, they gave him flu jabs and important vaccinations, flea and worm treatments and gave him some important dental work that (unknowingly to us) he really needed. They also found him an adoptive family to love him for the rest of his life – we are so happy but incredibly sad to part ways with him.

The fond memories we have of Potter were the sole inspiration for our film ‘Stray’. Through our film we wanted to create something to remember our time with him and to share with others the story of our little stray cat who unknowingly made such an impact on our lives during the pandemic.

Through our film ‘Stray’, we would like to fundraise back for our local Cats Protection branch the amount of Potter’s vet bills, which came to £621.23. The Sutton, Kingston & District CP branch spends approximately £500 for each stray cat that comes under their care. We understand the pandemic has made it harder than usual to raise money, so we hope our lockdown story can raise enough to help another cat like Potter. We are so grateful to Cats Protection for giving our lovely little friend the important medical care that he needed and for finding him a happy and safe forever home.  

Any funds raised over the amount to care for Potter's treatment will go towards other cats under the care of Kingston, Sutton & District Cats Protection.

Thank you so much for taking the time to watch our animation, we’d really appreciate any and all donations <3

Love,

Freyja & Sophie (the animators)

and

Charlotte, Ellie & Flora