31st October 2025
A long-time cat lover has celebrated her 65th birthday by taking on a 65-stop cat costume challenge across Dorset during October, to raise funds for local cats in need.
From pubs and post offices to alpaca walks and adventure parks, Gillian Tutt from Poole has visited 65 different places in Dorset during October to mark her birthday month, with a visit for each year of her life with cats.
Gill, who works as a Rehoming and Welfare Assistant at Cats Protection Dorset Cat Centre, says: “When I thought about how I’d like to mark my 65th birthday, I realised I wanted to find a way to have fun, visit some places I’ve never been and help cats, so we came up with the crazy costume challenge!
"Everywhere that I visited people smiled, laughed and often came to chat. It gave me a great opportunity to explain everything Cats Protection does and, of course, chat about cats!”
She has visited landmarks, swung on swings, been trapped in the stocks, hailed buses, hidden in a bird-hide, joined groups and much more as she travelled county-wide.
Gill adds: “On my birthday itself (16 October) I went to Kimmeridge where I sat beside the skull of the remarkable ‘Sea-Rex’ or Pliosaur. It was such a special moment and I felt so honoured to be allowed to have my picture taken beside it.
“This has been a celebration of 65 years of living with cats. I’ve always lived with them; there was even a cat in my family home when I was first brought home from the hospital.
“I’ve had such fun visiting all the places, it's hard to choose highlights as everybody was so welcoming but a few that stand out are calling past the fire station and managing to have a photo taken with a fire engine, visiting a choir who sang happy birthday, joining an exercise class, where they even asked me to leave a donation box, and going to Knight’s Autos, where the whole team lined up to have a photo! One favourite moment however didn’t need any travel – one evening my own cats came to sit with me in the costume, that was very special too.
“I’ve even found some cat-themed places along the way – I went to Cat Lane and The Black Cat Cafe. I’ve had help from lots of people but did some on my own, I’m so glad nobody called the emergency services saying ‘there’s a crazy lady dressed as a cat in Sturminster Newton’!
“Above all, the reception has been unbelievable, I only hoped to raise £150 and now the total’s reached over £870, if by some miracle I reach £1,000, that would be the best birthday gift ever.”
Anyone wishing to help ensure Gillian’s birthday wish is granted can make a donation via www.justgiving.com/page/gillian-tutt-1
Among the cats at the centre who Gillian’s funds will support is long-stay Kitty, who has been in care for over 230 days. The chatty 12-year-old moggie, who has a distinctive Elvis-style lip curl, arrived at the centre because she did not get on with the children in her family. Kitty therefore needs a patient and gentle owner, with cat experience, who will be able to give her time and space while she learns to trust. A peaceful environment will give her the opportunity to thrive and settle at her own pace.
Kitty has been known to give a gentle nip or swipe when she feels overwhelmed, out of control or threatened but once she’s comfortable, Kitty's affectionate and playful side truly shines. The centre team have noticed she loves to rub against their legs and enjoys being brushed, happily settling into a lap when she feels ready.
To find out more about Kitty and Cats Protection Dorset Cat Centre visit www.cats.org.uk/ferndown
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Pictures of Gillian in her costume at various locations and of Kitty can be downloaded here:
For further information or an interview, please contact Cats Protection’s Media Office on 01825 741 911 or media.office@cats.org.uk
Cats Protection, the UK’s leading cat welfare charity, helps an average of 157,000 cats and kittens a year through its national network which includes around 185 volunteer teams and 32 cat centres
Cats Protection was founded in 1927 as the Cats Protection League. We ask that you use the name Cats Protection when referring to the charity.
Cats Protection is a registered charity 203644 (England and Wales), SC037711 (Scotland) and is listed as a Section 167 Institution by the Charity Commission of Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (06772997). Registered office National Cat Centre, Chelwood Gate, Haywards Heath, Sussex
Visit the charity’s media centre www.cats.org.uk/mediacentre