Charity launches largest UK recruitment drive
18 May 2013
Following its announcement to build a new homing centre in the Leeds area, the UK’s leading feline welfare charity, Cats Protection, has launched its largest ever recruitment drive for volunteer Cat Fosterers to cope with growing concern for cat care in the region.
In just the first two months of this year the charity has taken 1,206 calls from people in Yorkshire via its national helpline, making the region the highest ranking area of concern outside of London.
The charity, which currently has over 1,943 cats in its care across Yorkshire, estimates there are still over 500 cats waiting for its support which without more Cat Fosterers or the launch of its Cat Homing Centre in Gildersome they simply wouldn’t be able to help.
Commenting on Yorkshire’s cat crisis, Diane Mulcahy, Manager of Cats Protection’s new Homing Centre in Gildersome says: “Concern for animal welfare has increased rapidly over recent years in Yorkshire and unfortunately there is no sign of things improving. This is why we’ve decided to step in and try to change this worrying trend by asking people in the region who have a little time, love and space to share to help us by volunteering as a Cat Fosterer and also by building a new homing centre in the region.
“Each new Cat Fosterer we recruit will enable us to increase the number of animals we can care for and ultimately rehome with loving owners. Their help is invaluable to us.”
Cat Fosterers provide temporary care and accommodation to stray, abandoned or injured cats and kittens in their own homes and in their spare time. Each Cat Fosterer is fully supported by Cats Protection and receives training, the equipment needed and also expenses such as veterinary bills, food and cat litter.
Diane adds: “When a cat first comes to us they need to be assessed carefully before we can rehome them. This is where the Cat Fosterer comes in. Many of the cats we take into our care need medical attention or require special care as they’ve been living outside without food and water. Some have been neglected and need their confidence building around people and socialising and particularly in Yorkshire where neutering is an issue, many are pregnant mums with kittens. During this period of transition the Cat Fosterer takes care of the cat’s welfare and provides a safe environment for them – all steps which prepare the cat to be rehomed.
“We have a large network of dedicated Cat Fosterers across Yorkshire but we desperately need more which is why we’ve launched this campaign to encourage people to find out more and ultimately pledge their support to Cats Protection.”
Run predominately by a network of national volunteers, Cats Protection currently has 29 Cat Fosterers operating across Yorkshire – a figure which the charity would like to double.
To find out more about becoming a Cats Protection Fosterer or the new Homing Centre visit
www.cats.org.uk/support-us/future-for-cats/gildersome-homing-centre or contact
gildersome.manager@cats.org.uk
-ends-
For media enquiries, please contact Sarah Learoyd or Natasha Hartley at Golley Slater on 01943 484848, e:
sarah.learoyd@golleyslater.co.uk / e:
natasha.hartley@golleyslater.co.uk
Notes to editors
1. Cats Protection’s new homing centre will become part of a national network of 260 volunteer-run branches and 30 adoption centres that together help over 235,000 cats and kittens each year.
2. Cats Protection’s registered charity number is 203644 (England and Wales) and SCO37711 (Scotland). The charity’s vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.
3. Founded as the Cats Protection League in 1927, the charity adopted the name Cats Protection in 1998. We ask that you use the name Cats Protection when referring to the charity in all published material.
4. More information about the work of Cats Protection can be found at
www.cats.org.uk