Harrogate Cat Rescue has issued an urgent appeal for donations following an unprecedented influx of kittens.
Celia Dakin set up the centre in 2020 to rescue and rehome cats and kittens but said this summer in particular has been “relentless” with kittens coming in from all over Yorkshire, as the cost of living crisis bites. She said:
“I’ve never seen anything like it. We are overrun with kittens.”
The centre, near to Asda supermarket in Harrogate, has around 70 kittens at the moment but many are sick and in desperate need of medical attention. Ms Dakin’s vet bill for last week alone came to £2,300.
One of the kittens in need of help is Pedro, who was rescued this year after suffering abuse. He suffers from a disease called FIP (feline infective peritonitis), which affects his eyes and will kill him without treatment. However, it costs £5,000.
Ms Dakin said:
“He’s had such a rough life. I have to save him. It would lift my heart.”
A crowdfunder has been set up to raise money to pay for Pedro’s vet bills, and is almost halfway to reaching its target. If you would like to donate visit here.
Read more:
- Harrogate family reunited with missing cat after five years
- Special Harrogate cat helps Jessica, 16, with seizures
With pet food prices rising, the cost of living crisis is being felt acutely by many cat owners.
Ms Dakin has even taken calls from people saying they can no longer afford to feed their pets and want to give them up for adoption.
But she is determined to do her best for the cats and praised the Harrogate community for their kindness in supporting her organisation. She added:
“My phone rings incessantly but I can’t not answer. It’s who I am.”
The cat rescue, which is currently applying for charitable status, is also in need of cat food and cat litter. If you would to donate, or are interested in becoming a cat foster, visit its website.
