AN UPDATE ON OUR WORK (June 2024)

This year our work has been challenging in many ways, and we are only half way through!

We have found that the numbers of unneutered cats has grown steadily over the past few years, leading to more unnecessary suffering. This year is definitely no exception, and we have taken in many starving pregnant cats, kittens, and poor, exhausted and injured males. Many of the mother cats have been so weak and malnourished that they couldn’t feed their surviving babies, so we have stepped in to help and in some cases to hand rear them whilst their mum recovers from her ordeal. This is a round the clock task.

The rise in private renting has led to heartbreak for many families having to give up beloved pets, due to the high number of landlords refusing to allow them. We always have a huge list of cats waiting to come in which is an upsetting situation.

Many people abandon their cats, and we have taken in plenty this year alone. They move away and leave them behind, turn them out when they become sick, pregnant, elderly or when they are simply no longer kittens. These cats are confused and homeless, having to feed and fend for themselves in all weathers after being used to a home. Sadly, many don’t survive and we need members of the public to let us know about stray, abandoned cats in order for us to step in and help.

We also rescue, neuter and rehabilitate un-socialised cats from feral colonies or other outdoor situations – we don’t ear tip, neuter and release them back to their previous situation. This is something we are proud of, but it takes time and understanding. We and our team of dedicated volunteers help these fearful cats to build trust, become used to being around humans and to understand kindness. Once they are at this stage, we can offer a long term fostering scheme which helps to free space at our centre and provide caring homes for them. At all times, we have many of this type of cat in our care.

We have taken in abused and neglected cats, and these vulnerable creatures not only need physical care, but they need a lot of emotional care too.

We also offer advice and support to people if they have issues with their cats, helping them to keep them in the home rather than giving them up.

As many of you reading this will already know, we are a no kill charity, which means that we do all we can to bring to cats back to health whatever their age, and for us, euthanasia is a last resort. This means that all cats in our care are given time to heal and to find the home they need. We are also purely voluntary, which means that none of us receives a salary of any kind, so the funds we receive can be spent where it is most needed – on the cats and kittens.

Every week we take cats to the vets for routine health checks, neutering and vaccinations, and of course non-routine care whenever it is needed.

Rescue work is so much more than the cats we advertise for rehoming. We start early and finish late seven days a week and our volunteers give their time, love and dedication in many different ways to support us.

Finally, our message is always, if you notice a cat that you feel needs help, please be kind. Offer food and water and a warm bed, and if you can’t offer a permanent home, please contact your nearest cat rescue charity.