U.K. Calcium For Rhodesian Cats

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31092, 22 June 1966, Page 2

U.K. Calcium For Rhodesian Cats

(Special Correepondent N.Z.P.A.) LONDON, June 21. Cat lovers in Rhodesia and Britain have found a way to beat the sanctions and currency restrictions and ensure that cats in Rhodesia and Zambia receive a “ration” of calcium, which is essential to prevent their dying from rickets.

Letters have passed among the Rhodesia Cat Club in Salisbury, cat lovers in neighbouring Zambia and Mrs Mary Collier, editor of a magazine for cat owners.

Mrs Collier said she received several letters "from worried friends in Rhodesia whose cats were dying because of the shortages of yeast and calcium tablets which are crushed and sprinkled over their food.

“I wrote to the Prime Minister (Mr Wilson) saying that I felt animals ought to be excluded from political sanction.”

Mr Wilson’s private secretary replied: “The Prime Minister has asked me to say he is very sorry that cats are suffering from the non-availability in Salisbury of cats’ medicines. The sanctions are Intended to bring about the early end of the rebellion and it is inevitable that in the process many people and their pets will suffer hardship. Mrs Collier consulted a London yeast tablet firm which Immediately sent a

large tin of tablets for free issue to Rhodesia Cat Club members.