Two 'inseparable' cats adopted from Hollywood centre star in calendar

Ginger-and-white King Simba, 10, and lilac-blue Prince Nimbus, 1, arrived at Birmingham Adoption Centre in Hollywood from different backgrounds but cemented an unlikely friendship.

King Simba was unable to settle alongside the other cats in his original home, while Prince Nimbus was found as a stray at eight weeks old.

King Simba and Prince Nimbus. /Hannah Whitmore. (Image: Hannah Whitmore.)

The pair were adopted by Hannah Whitmore and her partner Tommy Taylor from Redditch and decided it was time for a furry friend during the Covid pandemic.

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.” 

Calendar image of King Simba and Prince Nimbus. (Image: Cats Protection.)

Prince Nimbus joined the couple a year later.

“I read up about British Shorthairs like Prince Nimbus before he arrived,” added Hannah.

“Everything said they are calm, relaxed – nothing like this boy! There is never a dull moment.

“Our two boys are so special.

Prince Nimbus and King Simba. /Hannah Whitmore. (Image: Hannah Whitmore.)

“They are inseparable; they sleep together, they wash each other, and they just love each other. We think of them as ‘brothers from another mother’ because they were meant to be brought together and we are so lucky.”

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.

The calendars raise much-needed funds for Cats Protection helping find cats and kittens in their adoption centres a permanent home.