October 2023 Newsletter

After several weeks of no enquiries we have homed several cats and kittens. A lot of rescues have said that homing of their cats has slowed down and it is probably due to holidays and also the cost of living crisis. It makes sense not to take on extra financial costs if you are struggling, but does make Rescue more challenging.

We have several fundraising events coming up but are now desperately in need of items for our stall. We have enough books and DVD’s but would like toiletries, bric a brac, jewellery and anything cat related or any Christmas related items. Please ring 01772 750263 if you have anything you can donate, we can collect if you cannot deliver.

CATS HOMED

We have found homes for several cats recently, although two kittens were returned through no fault of their own.

Mollie, our black and white mum cat who had her babies here, now is a house cat in Chipping.

Lily, came to us after begging at several houses, we were told she had a home. Sadly she was not microchipped and despite knocking on doors, a leaflet campaign and putting posts on Facebook we were unable to find her owner if she had one. Lily, now lives in Adlington with Ann and her son.

Arthur, a black and white kitten from Bella’s litter, was homed at nine weeks old to Anna, Rick and family and now lives in Penwortham.

Leonardo, a semi long-haired cat came to us from the vets, he had been handed in as a stray, he now lives in Mawdesley with Bethany and George as an indoor cat.

Willow & George, a dark tortie and a white and ginger kitten, from Bella’s  litter now live with Cathryn and family in Blackburn.

Matilda & Miriam, the last two of Molly’s litter, now live in Ribbleton with Lorraine and family.

Jessie Jay, came to us from a horrible situation where the owner had died, left two cats and 30 guinea pigs. By the time Guinea Pig Rescue were contacted several guinea pigs had died and one of the cats escaped from the house. We were asked to take Jessie Jay and the other cat if it returned to the house, sadly the other cat didn’t reappear.

Jessie Jay was understandably a bit nervous at first but soon showed how grateful she was to be safe and cared for. Thanks to Jenny and her friend from Guinea Pig Rescue, Jenny summed it up when she said it must be like moving into an all inclusive hotel after the squalor she was living in.

Jessie Jay, a beautiful tabby and white girl, now lives with Doreen in Penwortham.

Hazel, a black and white female kitten from a litter born outside in Coppull now lives with Anne in Penwortham.

Bonnie & Clyde, were found alone as kittens down a country lane, we had them a few weeks before we found them a home. Bonnie, is an all black female and Clyde is a black and white male. They were very friendly so it’s a mystery why they were found out in the country.

They now live in Leyland with Andy and Linda with a large secure garden for them to explore.

Marmalade, now called Pippin, a ginger and white cat who was a stray in the Preston area, now lives with Gabby in Chorley as an indoor cat.

Gary, a black and white kitten, from the garden in Coppull now lives with Bex in Broadgate.

Florence, a short haired black and white cat was found dumped on someone’s doorstep with her young kitten. They were taken to the vets, found to be covered in fleas and despite treatment sadly Florence’s baby passed away. We were asked to take Florence and find her a home, she now lives with Karen in Lancaster.

CATS NEEDING HOMES

Flora, Petal & Posy, came to us from a garden in Ashton, Flora and Petal were caught first but Posy took a while before she was caught.

They were not really feral just scared, sadly mum disappeared before she could be caught.

We have had them a while because as well as enquiries being few and far between, they were reluctant to use a litter tray. This is unusual especially for cats born outside but it has taken them ages to start using the trays. They have all been neutered and vaccinated and are now ready for new homes, they are approximately five months old.

Bella, was surrendered to a Manchester based rescue along with her five kittens, they were full and asked us to take them in. All of her kittens have been found loving homes. Bella is a very friendly little cat of about eighteen months old, she is neutered, vaccinated, tested for FIV/Felv (both negative) & chipped.

We are still looking for homes for Pedro, Sweetie, Star and Quinny mentioned in the last newsletter.

We are helping find homes for Lola and Nova, tabby and white and white and tabby girls about 14 weeks old that must be homed together. Their photos are on our Facebook page, they are a bit shy but would soon settle with an understanding home.

We homed four kittens that were born in a garden in Coppull, the gentleman feeding them did a great job of becoming friends with them so they were not feral.

Luke & Emma

Sadly due to allergies at one new home and the existing cat not accepting the kitten at another two kittens were returned within a few days. These are Luke and Emma, both black and white kittens and very friendly, they are now sixteen weeks old. Call us on 01772 750263 to arrange an appointment to view.

CATS HELPED

We have loaned our trap out several times to help catch cats needing veterinary treatment who are being fed and cared for but live outside.

We have also paid for two groups of feral cats to be neutered after lending the feeders of these cats our trap.

We have helped out with veterinary treatment for several stray cats that are being looked after by kind people, some of whom have then been adopted by their finders. We had a lovely letter and photo with a donation from one lady we helped, it was heart-warming to see the cat looking so much better after treatment.

FUNDS RAISED

Many thanks to Steph and Alison who took the Tombola to the fun day at the Hunters in Walton le Dale, also to Jane who donated most of the prizes. Thanks to their efforts we raised £200.00, a fantastic amount, thank you ladies we really appreciated your help.

The Flea Market in September raised £1,030.00 and we had the most visitors since before Covid.

The Flea Market in October saw visitor numbers down but we still raised £916.00. Thank you to all our helpers, it is a busy day and everyone works hard to make the Flea Markets a success.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Saturday 4th November, stall at the Animal Charity Fair at Hoghton Village Hall, Blackburn Old Road, Hoghton PR5 0SG.

Admission 50p children free, come and meet Spud The Cat With A Tash, star of Facebook and Instagram and also his friend Chilli, a stunning Selkirk Rex Variant.

There are over 20 stalls all raising funds for various animal charities, come along and buy your Christmas presents, there are several Tombolas and an amazing raffle, you won’t believe the prizes.

Sunday 12th November, our Christmas Flea Market at Barton Village Hall, 9am until 2.30pm helpers needed as always, we had quite a few helpers last time which made things easier for everybody. We have got some lovely knitted items donated by a couple of talented people as well as the Christmas items made by Barbara, we have penguins this year. I have seen a photo and they are really nice, thank you Barbara for all you make for us.

A big thank you also to the two ladies who have donated a human food hamper and also a pet hamper which we have added to the raffle at the Animal Charity Fair. We get a third of the proceeds from this and also any profits on the day. A big thank you to Carol for organising this event.

Saturday 18th November. we are hoping to have our Tombola at Rivington tea rooms, check our Facebook page nearer the time for confirmation.

Monday 4th December, stall at Kingsfold Christmas Market, Pope Lane and Hawkesbury Drive 6pm until 9pm, this is a new event for us and we are taking our Tombola so hoping we raise lots of money for the cats.

We sadly are not able to have our coffee and mince pie event this year, our conservatory is full of car boot items that we are waiting to get sorted and take to storage. We were going to have a stall at St Michaels and Bilsborrow car boot but the dreadful rain we had this Summer meant it was cancelled. Therefore we still have the items we were hoping to sell.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

We still have some space for cat show items and items for our stalls at Barton if you have any items to donate then please ring 01772 750263, thank you.

If you can help please call Christine on 01772 750263, we can arrange collection.

Best Wishes from Christine