Category Charity

Celebrate #MatureMoggiesDay with Cats Protection: Adopting Older Cats for Love and Fun – Katzenworld

by Charity

29
Jul

In a recent survey1, 62% of new cat owners said they’d acquired a kitten this year which is a 12% rise from the previous year, whereas those obtaining an older cat dropped by 8%, according to Cats Protection.

As older cats take over three times longer than their younger counterparts to be rehomed and often get overlooked during kitten season, the charity celebrates #MatureMoggiesDay every 16 June.

This is when Cats Protection shares stories of the senior ‘kitizens’ waiting for new homes, encourages others to share the joys of owning mature moggies and offers advice about caring for older cats.

The appeal has backing from well known celebrities including comedian Jo Brand.

“If you’re thinking about owning a cat don’t dismiss the mature moggies, older cats can still bring so much love and fun to a home,” she said. “My cat Louie lived into his 20s and was still the gorgeous, quirky boy we loved. Plus, they are a lot less fuss than a kitten!”

Comedian and cat-lover Bob Mortimer is also helping Cats Protection raise awareness by creating a new name generator specially created for older cats on the charity’s social channels which can be found @CatsProtection #MatureMoggiesDay.

Bob, who regularly runs auctions of his extraordinary cat names on Twitter to raise funds for the charity, has put together 24 words that correspond to the month you were born and your favourite colour, the result of which gives you a suitably eccentric name for your new feline friend.

Cats Protection has a strong track record of rehoming older cats, particularly when last year the Guinness World Records recognised Flossie as the oldest living cat, just weeks before she celebrated her 27th birthday.

Flossie was signed over to Cats Protection volunteers in Kent and faced an uncertain future but was given a new lease of life when the charity matched her to a loving new home.

This year, the oldest cat in the charity’s care is 20-year-old Mia who came into Cats Protection’s Isle of Wight adoption centre after her owner died.

“When you get a kitten, you don’t quite know what sort of character they’ll grow up to have, whereas you know what you’re getting with an older cat as they already have an established personality,” said Cats Protection’s behaviour manager Nicky Trevorrow. “By adopting a mature moggy, you’ll be giving them a second chance at happiness in their twilight years as well as freeing up space in adoption centres so we can help even more cats.”

Those interested in adopting from Cats Protection can view mature moggies looking for a new home on the charity’s website.

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Miraculous Reunion: Lost Cat Found at Conference, Reunited with Owner – Katzenworld

by Charity

28
Jul

As several attendees took a break during the Association of Dog and Cat Homes conference at the Telford International Centre they were greeted by a large black-and-white cat who had taken an interest.

Beni Benstead, Manager of Cats Protection’s Tyneside Adoption Centre, found herself to be the chosen lap where the furry feline made himself comfortable.

When the group was told the calm cat had been hanging around for some time, Sallie Conroy, Rehoming Supervisor at Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary in Bury, went to fetch a scanner which Beni used to scan for a microchip.

The microchip revealed a phone number, and they managed to get in touch with owner Sian Tawn, who confirmed it was her pet Sammy who had gone missing earlier in the year. Already travelling for work, she immediately made a detour to collect her beloved cat to bring him home.

Sian said: “We had feared the worst that we would not see Sammy again. He was an adventurous cat who would wander off for a day or two at a time but after he was gone for five days we didn’t think we would see him again.

“It was a stressful time as we were moving house and I was panicking about what would happen if he turned up once we’d moved, but to be honest we didn’t think he would.

“It was amazing to get the call to say he had been found and was alive. I immediately brought him home and after a quick explore of his new home, and seeing the cats he was brought up with, he went upstairs to be with my husband and just slept non-stop.”

The conference centre where Sammy had been hanging out was some seven-minute drive from his original home.

Sian added: “Considering he may have been living on the streets all this time, he looks quite well. He has lost a lot of weight and has some bald patches where his very long fur may have got caught, but people must have been looking out for him.”

As well as new house, Sammy will also have to get used to a new puppy in the home and a new baby on the way in just a few weeks.

Sian was most excited about picking up her four-year-old son, Bruce, from nursery and sharing the news that Sammy had been found.

Beni said: “It was a team effort to get this lovely cat back to his owner. It really was a stroke of luck for him to wander up to a group of cat lovers who immediately sprung into action to try and get him back home. Sian was so excited to see Sammy, and we look forward to hearing how he settles back in with his family.”

Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary Manager Karen Weed said: “I am so pleased that Sammy decided to visit the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes Conference for help! It really is like he knew where to come. We were all so delighted to see him being reunited with his owner.”

Microchipping cats will become compulsory in England from June 2024. Cats Protection’s research shows that across the UK, 2.8 million (26%) cats are not microchipped. In England there are 2.3 million cats that are not microchipped.

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Increase in Pet Cats Given Up for Rehoming Due to Financial Issues: Cats Protection Reports a 50% Rise in 2023 – Katzenworld

by Charity

27
Jul

The number of pet cats given up for rehoming due to financial issues from January to May 2023 increased by nearly 50% compared to the same period last year, according to the charity Cats Protection.

And as the cost of living crisis continues to take hold, the charity says it is seeing a rise in people from both low-income and well-off households giving up their cats due to higher costs.

Cats Protection Head of Field Operations Peter Shergold said: “We are now regularly hearing from struggling owners who have had to make the heartbreaking decision to give up their cat because they can no longer afford the costs of their care. For many people, cats are part of the family, so it is naturally very difficult to be facing such an upsetting situation.

“Families remain the largest group citing financial reasons for giving up their cats, but we are also seeing an increase in older people and pensioners finding themselves in this position. Our research has been showing us that it is both low-income households and those who would have previously been described as well-off who are struggling financially to keep their cats.

“We’ve been working hard to support owners during the cost of living crisis and have set up an online hub where owners can find lots of information and support. We are doing everything we can to help more owners keep their cats, and we are grateful for the many animal lovers who have been supporting this work by making a donation.”

As well as including hints and tips on keeping cat care costs down, Cats Protection’s online hub also includes details of the charity’s Community Kitty scheme. The scheme works with food banks and community partners to provide cat food to owners struggling with costs. Cats Protection is also part of the National Pet Food Partnership, a coalition of charities working with Fareshare and Petplan to redistribute pet food to those most in need.

There are also details of other agencies and organisations which can offer to support to cat owners, as well as details of Cats Protection’s free and low-cost neutering schemes.

Peter added: “As well as offering help and advice, the hub also includes details of how the public can help by donating cat food to our Community Kitty scheme, if they’re in a position to do so.”

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and has helped an average of 157,000 cats and kittens a year over the last five years through its national network which includes around 210 volunteer-run branches and 34 centres.

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Deaf owner’s hearing cat Zebby named National Cat of the Year 2023 – Katzenworld

by Charity

24
Jul

Last week we attended the amazing National Cat Awards of Cats Protection. It was a great afternoon and fantastic to meet so many fellow cat lovers! Most importantly Cats Protection celebrated the winners of their awards of course!

An intuitive moggy who became a hearing cat for his owner despite having no formal training has been named National Cat of the Year 2023.

Zebby beat thousands of other entries to be named overall winner in the nation’s biggest celebration of cats, organised by Cats Protection and held at Wilton’s Music Hall in London on 17 July.

Zebby was honoured in recognition of how he supports his deaf owner Genevieve Moss, 66, by alerting her to sounds around the home.

Genevieve, of Chesterfield, Derbyshire, said: “I am so proud of Zebby for showing the world how intuitive and caring cats can be, and what a positive effect they can have on people’s lives. I can’t imagine life without Zebby and I’m over the moon that he’s been honoured in the National Cat Awards. Living on my own and being deaf means life could be lonely, but not with Zebby around – he’s my hero.

“Without my hearing aid, I can’t hear anything, but now I have Zebby to help me. He’ll come and tap me when the phone is ringing, and then I can pop my hearing aid and speaker on and take the call. In the night, if there’s an unusual noise he will bat me on my head to wake me up and let me know. If someone is at the door, he’ll pace about in front of me until I get the message.

“He is very helpful and likes to bring me things – he’ll get the post from the doormat and pick it up in his mouth before dropping it in the bedroom. He even brings me my slippers if he finds them somewhere other than my feet! Zebby is very special, I’ve never known a cat quite like him. He loves to be around me – wherever I am, he’s not far behind. We’ve got a very close bond and I wouldn’t want to cope without him.”

To reach the final four cats in the National Cat Awards, Zebby first won the Family Fur-ever category – which celebrates cats that make a family complete – in a public vote. He was then selected as overall National Cat of the Year by a panel of celebrities and expert vets including Dr Scott Miller, Dr Fabian Rivers, Dr Rory Cowlam, Dr Bolu Eso, Frankie Seaman, David Seaman MBE, and Cats Protection’s Director of Feline Welfare Maggie Roberts.

As an overall winner, Zebby won a trophy and prize package, which included a £200 pet store voucher. He follows in the paw prints of last year’s winners Jasper and Willow, who were named joint National Cat of the Year 2022 in recognition of the role they play at St Peter & St James Hospice in Haywards Heath, Sussex.

Cats Protection’s National Cat Awards organiser Ashley Fryer said: “From the moment we read his entry form, we knew Zebby was something special. Zebby is clearly devoted to Genevieve, and their story highlights the powerful bond that exists between people and their cats. He’s a shining example of the joy and comfort a cat can bring.”

Other category winners were:

  • Eric – Winner of the Social Star category, whose rags to riches story has seen him go from death’s door as a poorly stray kitten to one of Twitter and Instagram’s rising stars.
  • Henry IX – Winner of the Cat Colleagues category, who spends his days providing companionship and humour to the gardening team at Hampton Court Palace.
  • Willow – Winner of the Moggy Marvels category, who raised the alarm when her diabetic owner became unconscious.

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and has helped an average of 157,000 cats and kittens a year over the last five years through its national network which includes around 210 volunteer-run branches and 34 adoption centres.

17.07.2023
*** FREE FOR EDITORIAL USE ***
Winner of the ’Cat of the Year’ award Genevieve Moss withDawn O’ Porter (left) Her cat Zebby is one of four deserving felines rewarded for their achievements at the National Cat Awards event held at Wilton’s Music Hall, London. The awards are held annually by the UK’s leading feline welfare charity, Cats Protection, to highlight the amazing relationship between cats and their humans.
Photo credit: Simon Jacobs/PinPep

If you’re interested in adopting a cat, fostering kittens, or volunteering for Cats Protection, go to www.cats.org.uk

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Dr Paulo Steagall to Receive WSAVA President’s Award for Exceptional Service in Veterinary Medicine – Katzenworld

by Charity

23
Jul

A Brazilian/Canadian veterinarian, Dr Paulo Steagall, who has served on three of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association’s (WSAVA’s) clinical committees and has played a key role in some of its most important projects, is to receive the prestigious WSAVA President’s Award at its upcoming World Congress.

This occasional award recognizes exceptional service to the WSAVA, with awardees selected by the WSAVA President, currently Dr Ellen van Nierop from Ecuador. WSAVA World Congress takes place in Lisbon, Portugal from 27-29 September 2023.

Dr Steagall served on the WSAVA’s Global Pain Council from its inception in 2011 until 2022 and was one of the key contributors to its first set of Global Pain Management Guidelines. He also contributed significantly to its other continuing education (CE) initiatives, as well as to the new edition of the Global Pain Management Guidelines, launched in October 2022.

As founding Co-chair of the WSAVA’s Therapeutic Guidelines Group (TGG), Dr Steagall has played a leading role in the WSAVA’s campaign to overcome two of the key challenges facing companion animal veterinary healthcare teams globally:

  • The lack of access to appropriate veterinary medicines in many parts of the world
  • The inappropriate use of antimicrobials, which contributes to the selection and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

To further the aims of the TGG, Dr Steagall led the development of the first Essential Medicines List for Cats and Dogs, which aims to support the availability of drugs required for minimum standards of clinical practice.

Dr Steagall also served as WSAVA member representative for the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management for several years and was a member of the WSAVA Global Dental Committee and contributor to the first set of WSAVA Global Dental Guidelines. He remains an advisor to this Committee.

Finally, Dr Steagall contributes to a joint WSAVA and HealthforAnimals Expert Group project called ‘Principles of Wellness’. This Group is working to outline the basic practices that all veterinarians and pet caregivers should follow to optimize feline and canine care.

Outside the WSAVA, Dr Steagall worked for several years as a Professor of Veterinary Anaesthesiology and Pain Management at the Université de Montréal, Canada, leading a research laboratory dedicated to improving standards of pain management in animals. Among other achievements, his laboratory developed and validated the Feline Grimace Scale, a tool that uses changes in facial expressions to assess acute pain in cats.

He is currently Head Professor in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences at the Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, and part of the Centre for Animal Health and Welfare of the same institution. He has published many original manuscripts, book chapters and the book ‘Feline Anesthesia and Pain Management,’ in addition to speaking internationally and contributing to other global veterinary associations.

Commenting on the award, Dr van Nierop said: “Dr Steagall has made a huge contribution to the WSAVA in serving the Global Pain Council, the Global Dental Committee and the Therapeutics Guidelines Group. He will step down from his role of Co-chair of the TGG during WSAVA 2023 but not before he has introduced the latest edition of the WSAVA Essential Medicines List for Cats and Dogs, a vital document that is rapidly becoming a key element of the regulatory framework for veterinary medicines in support of our campaign to ensure ready access to veterinary medicines globally.

“Dr Steagall’s enthusiasm, dedication and commitment to sharing his knowledge exemplify the values of WSAVA and he will always be an important and cherished member of the WSAVA family. Thank you, Paulo, for all you have done for the WSAVA and our members.”

Dr Steagall said: “I’m flattered at this amazing recognition from the WSAVA. We have always worked hard together but the journey has also been such fun. I am grateful to have had such great opportunities; to have experienced such great collaborations and to have worked with such fantastic colleagues. I thank them all and, of course, I thank the WSAVA. What a ride!”

The WSAVA represents more than 200,000 veterinarians worldwide through its 115 member associations and works to enhance standards of clinical care for companion animals. Its core activities include the development of WSAVA Global Guidelines in key areas of veterinary practice, including pain management, nutrition and vaccination, together with lobbying on important issues affecting companion animal care worldwide. WSAVA World Congress brings together globally respected experts to offer cutting edge thinking on all aspects of companion animal veterinary care.

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Improving Cat Welfare in the UK: Cats Protection’s Priorities – Evidence Presented at Parliamentary Inquiry – Katzenworld

by Charity

16
Jul

Cats Protection – the UK’s biggest cat charity – set out its priorities for improving cat welfare in the UK at a parliamentary inquiry into pet welfare and abuse.

The charity’s Director of Feline Welfare Dr Maggie Roberts BVM&S MRCVS gave evidence on 4 July to the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee, which is considering the post-pandemic health and welfare of companion animals, including abuse and mutilation.

Dr Roberts raised numerous issues of concern in relation to pet cats, including the need for cat breeding licensing, the health and welfare problems associated with extreme breeds such as the Scottish Fold and Munchkin, and the life-long pain suffered by cats which have been declawed.

She also raised the need for cats to be included in any changes to pet travel regulations and pet abduction.

Dr Roberts said: “I was pleased to be invited as an expert witness to the inquiry to discuss the issues Government can address to ensure cats are given the protection in law they deserve. There are around 11 million owned cats in the UK, an increase of around 200,000 since 2021, so it’s clear they are becoming an increasingly popular pet following the pandemic.

“Sadly there are still far too many unscrupulous breeders, who care more about profit than welfare. Kittens bred in poor welfare conditions are all too often sick or poorly socialised, which can leave them with lifelong health and behavioural problems, and leave new owners with high vet bills. This is why Cats Protection is calling for the Government to push forward with the licensing of cat breeding to ensure the health and welfare of cats and their kittens is better protected.”

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and has helped an average of 157,000 cats and kittens a year over the last five years through its national network which includes around 210 volunteer-run branches and 34 centres.

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Craft for Cats: Create a Bespoke Plant Pot in the Likeness of Your Favourite Moggy – Katzenworld

by Charity

11
Jul

Cat lovers are being invited to join in a nationwide charity craftalong to create a bespoke plant pot in the likeness of their favourite moggy.

Cats Protection has teamed up with Jasmine Pottery Studio to come up with the Craft for Cats kits, which can be customised to create a clay lookalike of a much-loved pet cat.

Cats Protection’s Craft for Cats organiser Zoe Thompson said: “Everyone thinks their cat is the best – and quite rightly so! So we wanted to come up with a way where people could create something really special in honour of their own cat, whilst at the same time learning a new skill and raising money for Cats Protection.

“Each pot will be made with love and will be completely different. We supply all the materials by post, including the air dry clay and paints, and participants will also receive a video link to the craftalong to follow the instructions.

“The kits are great for cat owners or anyone that loves cats. They also make a truly lovely gift for someone as the finished piece will be a total one-off and a great way to honour a much-loved pet.”

The kits are available now for £30, with at least £10 from each sale going towards Cats Protection’s work in helping cats in need. A link to the video craftalong will be provided with each kit, which will take participants through each step of creating their pot.

In 2022, over 9,000 cat-loving crafters took part in Craft for Cats events, raising almost £220,000 for Cats Protection.

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and has helped an average of 157,000 cats and kittens a year over the last five years through its national network which includes around 210 volunteer-run branches and 34 centres.

To find out more about Craft for Cats, please visit www.cats.org.uk/summercraft

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Moving to the Mainland: Animal Shelter Needs Help Rebuilding Critical Rescue Operation – Katzenworld

by Charity

10
Jul

Boulder, CO, June, 2023 ― Since 2001, Isla Animals Rescue has worked tirelessly to rescue and sterilize street dogs and cats on the island of Isla Mujeres, Mexico, offering vital free and reduced cost services to a community that desperately needs them.

“Isla Animals is the REAL thing,” said founder Alison Sawyer. “Nobody’s being paid for administration; no one’s going to lunch or staying in five-star hotels. All the money goes to the animals. No one is making any kind of profit.”

But in April, the brave efforts of Isla Animals Rescue were upended by the government of Isla Mujeres, which reclaimed the space inhabited by Isla Animals, leaving the rescue organization homeless like the abandoned animals they work so diligently to protect.

In spite of the unthinkable setback, Sawyer and the organization’s director, Trina Noakes, remained steadfast in their commitment to taking animals off the streets.

Watch a short video explaining the full impact of Isla Animals here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOv5Qx0ag1Q.

“Twenty-two years and tens of thousands of dogs and cats saved — passion, sweat and tears — all of that will not be thrown away at the whim of an ungrateful government that doesn’t appreciate how we have taken care of their problem,” said Sawyer, who still buys her clothes at the Salvation Army so she can put everything she has into helping the animals.

After taking a step back to rethink and regroup, the organization decided that moving to the mainland, Cancun, will offer them the best chance of building an optimal shelter — that they will own independently — and that will have an impact where it is needed most. The new shelter will meet international standards for water, sewage, electricity — and they’re going to try to get solar power as well.

“The need on the mainland is much greater than on Isla, with extreme cases of abandonment and abuse and a much higher number of street animals,” said Noakes. “Not only will IA have something that no one can take away from the animals, but we will also have outdoor space, a place for on-site surgeries, isolation areas and a lot more!”

But the move comes at an immense cost that Isla Animals can’t tackle alone.

“Since we didn’t plan to go through all of this, we are struggling financially,” Noakes added.

“Building is expensive, and we know we can use your money better building on the mainland.”

Isla Animals is in critical need of the public’s help. They have launched a Go Fund Me campaign to raise money for the new shelter. More information can be found (and donations can also be made) at https://www.islaanimals.org/.

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Blue Cross Appeals for Help to Rescue Pets Trapped in Flooded Homes in Ukraine – Katzenworld

by Charity

09
Jul

Blue Cross is calling out to animal lovers to help pets in dire need following the destruction of the Kakhovka dam in Kherson, Ukraine, which has left many dogs and cats trapped in empty homes or exhausted in the waters struggling to reach safety.

The charity’s partner, Save the Dogs and Other Animals, has a team of brave animal loving volunteers in the region who have stepped in to rescue pets stuck in houses and yards or battling to swim to safety. Pets rescued so far have needed urgent vet treatment due to being covered in oil that was used to power generators in homes during stoppages to power supplies due to the conflict.

Anna Wade, Public Affairs Manager at Blue Cross said: “The Blue Cross Ukraine Pet Welfare Fund has already received incredible support from animal lovers in the UK. Funds have provided food and shelter for pets sadly left behind when their owners had to flee. The floods in Kherson are a further blow, particularly because of the oil dangerously covering pets. We are appealing for further funds to cover the rescue of these pets needing urgent veterinary care, food and shelter after their rescue.”

Bagheera is a dog who was thankfully rescued before it was too late. He was suffering from a spinal injury due to the flooding and was covered in oil. He needed urgent vet care and a CT scan. While surgery may be on the cards he is now in a shelter receiving rehabilitation. The Blue Cross Ukraine Pet Welfare Fund will cover the costs of his treatment, as it will for all the other pets needing vet treatment after they have been rescued.

Liliana Pacheco from Save the Dogs and Other Animals said: “We can’t thank Blue Cross and its supporters enough for the funds already donated. Not only does this mean that pets rescued from the floods get the emergency vet treatment they need, but it also allows us to buy them food and supplies like crates, dog leads and other essential equipment. Happily, many pets have been saved so far but there is still a lot to do to make sure no dogs or cats are left to suffer.”

Blue Cross stepped in to support organisations helping pets and their people in Ukraine in March 2022, shortly after the invasion began. The Blue Cross Ukraine Pet Welfare Fund was quickly set up to help provide food, housing, blankets and other equipment and is currently supporting a sterilisation programme in Odessa to prevent more litters of puppies and kittens being born in the streets.

  • More than 28 trucks full of pet food (741 tons) to prevent homeless cats and dogs from starving.
  • More than 450 dog houses have been sent over.
  • Thousands of dog jackets and blankets to help cats and dogs survive the brutal Ukrainian winter.

To find out more and make a donation to the Blue Cross Ukraine Pet Welfare Fund visit www.bluecross.org.uk/ukraine

With the increasing demand for Blue Cross pet welfare services, the charity needs the support of animal lovers to continue its work helping pets and their people, in any way they can. Whether that’s by donating to keep rehoming and veterinary services going through these tough times, fundraising for Blue Cross, providing foster care for pets while loving new homes are found, volunteering at pet food banks, or signing up to support Blue Cross campaigns for better pet welfare. www.bluecross.org.uk

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Alfresco living! RSPCA urgently appeals for outdoor homes for farm cats – Katzenworld

by Charity

09
Jul

Outdoor cats are some of the hardest animals to rehome

As waiting lists overflow, the RSPCA has launched an appeal to find alternative homes for ‘farm cats’ who prefer the great outdoors.

Not every cat is cut out for a life indoors. Some prefer the freedom to roam but need the security of a safe place to sleep and someone to provide them with food, shelter and veterinary care.

Outdoor cats often need less human interaction than a typical domestic cat, sometimes making them tricker to rehome.

Jules Hudson, archaeologist, TV presenter and longtime RSPCA supporter, said: “Many outdoor cats or ‘farm cats’ as they are commonly called, are much more comfortable outside away from lots of people.

“They have often been found in difficult or challenging circumstances and can be a little nervous of humans. But despite needing their outdoor independence, these cats are still desperate for somewhere to call home where they can feel safe and secure, be fed and watered and where someone can keep an eye on them.

“It can be confusing that they are referred to as farm cats; you don’t have to live on a farm to offer an outdoor cat a home. It doesn’t matter if you live in the countryside, or a town or a city – home will be wherever you can offer it. If you are someone with an open space and think you could care for an independent cat, the RSPCA would love to hear from you.”

Every year the RSPCA rehomes over 20,000 cats, but an internal survey* showed that 90% of centres and branches find it harder to find suitable homes for outdoors-y cats than other, more sociable cats.

Sam Gaines, head of companion animals at the RSPCA, added: “There are all sorts of reasons why some cats need an outdoor lifestyle. They may have lived for a long time as a stray and aren’t familiar or comfortable being close to people or it may relate to their early experiences or genetics. Whatever the reason, we try to find the perfect home for them.

“We know that our centres and branches often struggle to find homes for our farm or outdoor cats and often one of the reasons cited is that there is a lack of awareness amongst the general public that these cats exist and that they will be much happier living an outdoors-y lifestyle.

“Many people think of a cat curled up on the sofa, popping in and out of the cat flap for fuss. But actually the kind of cats we’re talking about here may never come inside the home, they may never come for fuss but they need someone to look out for them and provide them with year-round shelter such as a shed, barn, stable or even a treehouse where they can sleep at night. They’ll also need constant access to water, to be fed at least daily and to receive veterinary care whenever needed.”

Farm cats would most likely be best suited to a farm, smallholding, or riding stables but other outdoor spaces such as a large garden with a shed and other surrounding gardens would work too. Some farm cats have found quirky homes in places such as a model village, an orchard and at a gazebo company.

“We recently adopted a cat from an RSPCA centre in Gonal, Shropshire.” Jules continued. “Frank had had a terrible time in inner city Birmingham so he was quite a nervous chap. We are lucky enough to live in a rural area with a lot of space around us, so we thought we would be perfectly placed to offer him a home.

“We actually had an old outdoor playhouse that we built years ago for my son, Jack, and this made the perfect home for Frank. Jack is totally besotted with Frank and they have become firm friends. The arrangement is perfect, Frank can wander about freely and come and interact with us if he wants to. But we are always on hand to make sure he is fed, safe and looked after.”

How to adopt a farm cat

Taking on a rescue farm cat gives them a second chance in the type of home where they can live their best life. All the cats will be in good health, neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, where appropriate and treated for fleas and worms.

The minimum requirement for an adopter will be to provide a weatherproofed shelter, food and water at least daily and to keep an eye on the health of the cat and seek veterinary help when needed. They will also need access to land to roam, and vegetation such as woodland, fields or gardens.

As well as hoping to find homes for cats currently in their care, the RSPCA are building a directory of potential adopters so that when these cats come into their care they can quickly rehome them without the stress of being confined in a cattery. Anyone interested is urged to get in touch with the charity.

Those interested can visit the RSPCA website for more information on adopting a farm cat.

People can also register their interest in becoming a farm cat adopter by completing the online form.

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