Local Cat Influencer Publishes Children’s Book for Charity

Social media star Eric is the inspiration behind a new children’s book.

Eric with his new book, A Home for Every Cat. Photograph: Paul Richardson and Helen Aitchison

Eric, a rescue cat turned social media star who lives in North Tyneside, has released a new children’s book inspired by his life to raise money for New Beginnings Cat Rescue and Rehoming.

The book, titled ‘A Home for Every Cat’, was released on November 9, with all profits going towards supporting the charity that saved Eric’s life.

Eric was rescued as a kitten by New Beginnings after being found on the streets and narrowly surviving cat flu, a life-threatening condition that he has battled on three separate occasions.

Despite still being vulnerable to catching the illness, Eric has thrived since his adoption in 2020. He was taken in by Helen Aitchison, the author of the book, and her partner, Paul Richardson, after they came across a charity Facebook post searching for his forever home.

“We thought it would be a good idea to put a children’s book together that captures his life of being homeless to winning his award and living his best life,” said Paul.

Eric with cat charity donations. Photograph: Paul Richardson and Helen Aitchison.
Eric with cat charity donations. Photograph: Paul Richardson and Helen Aitchison

The book is part of the couple’s effort to give back to New Beginnings, a small Northeast charity dedicated to rehabilitating and rehoming stray cats, offering services like neutering, vaccinations and microchipping.

“All the profits from the sale of Eric’s book are used to purchase items for the charity that rescued Eric from the streets.”

Since his adoption, Eric has become a local social media sensation. He won the Social Star award at the 2023 National Cat Awards, hosted by Cats Protection, and now has over 16,000 followers across Instagram, TikTok and X (formerly Twitter).

Eric with his award and cat charity donations. Photograph: Paul Richardson and Helen Aitchison

“We created Eric’s page for fun to start with,” said Paul and Helen. “People really loved the success story of Eric being homeless and finding his furrever home. The momentum and support just took off.”

Eric has used his platform to promote the #adoptdontshop movement, raising awareness about the epidemic of stray animals in need of adoption and encouraging followers to support local cat rescue centres.

In addition to the book, which has received nine five-star reviews on Amazon since its release, Eric’s shop offers 2025 calendars and charity tote bags featuring the message “#adoptdontshop”, with the proceeds supporting New Beginnings.

The couple also used a £200 Pets at Home voucher, won as part of Eric’s Cats Protection award, to donate food to local cat charities.

“It’s become a part-time job, but I love it. We’ve met some lovely people all over the world who buy Eric’s calendar each year as well as the items we’ve sold like his book and tote bags,” said Paul. “It’s been amazing to give back to the charity that rescued him.”

Copies of ‘A Home for Every Cat’ are available for £9.99 on Amazon and other online bookstores, as well as through Eric’s shop at Write on the Tyne, which also offers additional merchandise.

A Home for Every Cat is also available for e-reading through Amazon. Photograph: Trinity Eadie.

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