Young Islanders Invited To Design Their ‘Dream Cat’ In Special Anniversary Competition

Young artists across the Isle of Wight are being invited to get creative and design their very own ‘dream cat’ as part of celebrations marking 65 years of cat rehoming on the Island.

The competition is being organised by the Cats Protection Isle of Wight Cat Centre, which first opened its doors in February 1961 and is marking its anniversary year with a special open day on June 13.

As part of the event, cat-inspired artwork created by local school-age children will be put on display, with organisers encouraging youngsters to let their imaginations run wild.

The overall winner will receive a family ticket to Tapnell Farm, while prizes and runner-up awards will also be handed out across three age categories: six and under, seven to 11 years, and 12 to 16 years.

Children taking part are being asked to create their ‘dream cat’ on paper no larger than A4 using any paper-based medium, from paints and drawings to collages.

Barney, who was adopted from Cats Protection in Ryde

Entries can be delivered to the centre or posted to: Cats Protection Isle of Wight Cat Centre, 122 Marlborough Road, Ryde, PO33 1AW.

Submissions must arrive by June 10 and should include the child’s name, age, school and a parent or carer contact number clearly written on the back.

The open day itself will also feature stalls, games, partner animal charities, a raffle and a look back through the centre’s history.

Centre Manager Mel Read said:

“We can’t wait to see how our up-and-coming artists interpret the idea of a dream cat.

“It can be in any material from watercolours to a collage, as long as it’s paper-based and fits on a sheet of A4 – we'd love everyone to dream big and wow us with their wild and wacky ideas.”

Mel added that the centre now cares for more than 400 cats each year and continues to support local owners through neutering vouchers, information and advice.

Anyone with questions about the competition can contact the Isle of Wight Cat Centre on 03000 120251 or email enquiries@isleofwight.cats.org.uk.