TWO needy cats born almost a decade apart have cemented their unlikely friendship by becoming stars of the national Cats Protection 2023 calendar.
Ginger-and-white King Simba, 10, and lilac-blue Prince Nimbus, one, arrived at Birmingham Adoption Centre in Hollywood from very different backgrounds and at different stages of life but the duo are now inseparable.
King Simba was unable to settle alongside the other cats in his original home, while Prince Nimbus was a tiny kitten taken to the centre after being found as a stray at around eight weeks old.
Although King Simba would be 56 and Prince Nimbus 15 in human years, the age difference has not affected the cats’ bond and the pair have brought comfort and joy to the lives of service advisor Hannah Whitmore, 24, and bricklayer Tommy Taylor, 25, from Redditch.
Hannah’s aunt, Sarah Whitmore, is the deputy manager at the adoption centre and knew King Simba’s needs and personality would match everything her niece was looking for in a cat.
Hannah said: “King Simba was a ‘lockdown’ boy with a chronic skin condition, who we agreed to adopt before even meeting.
“He is my best friend and we have such a special bond. Simba just seems to know me; he’s never too far away when I need him and he brings me comfort just by being in the same room.”
Prince Nimbus joined the couple a year later and although he has a grade two heart murmur, it does not affect his energy or enthusiasm.
Hannah added: “What a character. I read up about British Shorthairs like Prince Nimbus before he arrived.
“Everything said they are calm, relaxed – nothing like this boy. There is never a dull moment.”
Now the duo is starring as the king and prince of May in the Cats Protection 2023 calendar which is available from the charity’s chain of shops nationwide.
Every calendar sold helps the charity to raise much-needed funds for cats and kittens in need of new homes at its network of adoption centres and volunteer-run branches.
Visit cats.org.uk/birmingham for more information.
