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What we do

Atherton & Wigan Cats Protection is one of a network of over 250 volunteer run branches covering the UK.
We were founded in 1981.

Our main objectives are:

• Homing: to find good homes for stray and unwanted cats and kittens
• Neutering: to support and encourage the neutering of cats
• Education: to improve people's understanding of cats and their care

Like every branch of Cats Protection, we work tirelessly to improve the wellbeing of cats and kittens. As well the charity's three key objectives we are active in many areas of cat welfare. Here are some of the ways in which we do this:

• We encourage neutering of all cats and kittens from 4 months old.
• We help with towards the cost of neutering for cat owners on a low income or who receive benefits, please visit https://www.cats.org.uk/what-we-do/neutering/financial-assistance or ring our helpline on 03000 121212 on weekday mornings
• We facilitate the trapping and neutering of feral cats with our trap-neuter-return programme (currentlysuspended).
• We offer an extensive range of leaflets on all aspects of cat care and ailments. These can be downloaded here from our national website.  We also offer free talks for children and other groups, and interactive online resources.  See our Features page for more details.
• We attend fundraising events throughout the year to raise the money to make all of the above possible. These are run by our dedicated branch volunteers. 
. We have a free Cats Guardians service, which helps you make plans for your cat if you should pass away before them, as we will guarantee to bring the cat into our care.  See our Features page for more details.

We are not an emergency service, or a veterinary charity. For help with vet bills (other than neutering), please contact the RSPCA, PDSA, or Blue Cross. In an emergency, please contact your nearest vet, or out of hours contact a local emergency vet. To report neglect, abuse, or a sick or injured stray cat, please contact the RSPCA national helpline on 0300 1234 999(open 7 days a week 7am to 10pm).

PLEASE NOTE
Our volunteers all have identification cards to prove they are representing our CP branch and often wear blue uniforms with the CP logo on them.  We will provide official documentation for you to sign when we bring a cat into care or you adopt a cat from us, and  you will receive a copy to keep.  If you are unsure about whether you are dealing with a genuine branch member, please get in touch.