Settling a cat into a new home needs to be done with care. In my experience some settle in quickly and others take more time.

When Mura, the cat we are focusing on this week, arrived in her new foster home, she hid for a week. She needed to be fed in her hiding place and gradually coaxed out. Now she has been there five weeks, she is much more settled. Mura is a small three-year-old black cat who came into the care of Animal Rescue and Care (ARC) when her owner moved to accommodation unsuitable for cats. At present, she is being fostered by a family with whom she gets on well.

Mura is very loving and seeks affection but she needs to get to know you on her terms. She needs time to gain confidence in you. ARC's website (www.animalrescueandcare.org.uk) provides useful information on how to settle a cat into their new home. It also contains a link to the charity Cat Chat (www.catchat.org) which give detailed advice on bringing home a new cat. Cat Chat explain that, at first, hiding can be normal for some cats and advises how to gradually integrate the animal into the household.

If you are able to offer Mura a permanent home phone 07971 199179 or see details on ARC's website.

Just a reminder of two events taking place this weekend. Both promise to be great days out, with the opportunity of also doing some Christmas shopping.

The Mayhew Animal Home Christmas Fair is taking place on December 3 1-5pm, at Upper Gallery, Lauderdale House, Highgate Hill, N6 5HG.

The very popular Animal Aid Christmas Fayre takes place on Sunday (4) 10am-5pm at Kensington Town Hall, Hornton Street, Kensington, W8 7NX. There will be more than 95 stands promoting ethical living and cruelty-free products. There will also be talks, a children's workshop and crèche.