Harrogate Cat Rescue has said it is unable to take in any more cats or kittens.

The Harrogate charity shelter cats and cares for them until they can find their forever homes.

It said in a statement today it had received a record number of animals this year and due to slow adoption rates did not have the capacity to take in any more.

The organisation is not a traditional cat rescue with an animal shelter where it can host cats; it relies on foster carers for cats until they are adopted.

Technically it does not have a maximum capacity but the charity currently has more than 80 kittens in its care, not including older cats. and needs more volunteers to help shelter cats until they can be adopted.

Volunteer Lisa Francis told the Stray Ferret the cost of living crisis and education about the care cats needed were the biggest factors limiting the adoption process. She said:

“We know that times are tough, and this is very noticeably reflected in the rate of adoptions.

“Normally, there is a reasonably steady flow of enquiries and subsequent adoptions, which in turn adds to our resources and frees up foster space to allow us to take in other cats and kittens in desperate need.”

“Due to the incredibly slow rate of adoptions, we are currently stuck, unable to take in any more cats and kittens until we can free up space through adoptions.”

Many people buy young kittens without doing any research first and they the animals later end up in care. The charity currently has cats in foster care ranging from young kittens, older kittens (6 months+) to cats over 1 year all ready to be adopted.

The charity educates people on the advantages of adopting an older cat or kitten. Including that older cats do not need so much attention and are less demanding, they don’t have to be closely monitored with young children, they can be homed alone and they generally already know house rules.

Ms Francis added that pressure on the charity would be reduced if people considered adopting older cats. She also said cat owners can help the situation by neutering their pets.

She said:

“Many people don’t realise that kittens can get pregnant after four months and after having a litter they can be pregnant again within two weeks.”

The charity urged anyone considering getting a pet to speak to them prior to buying a cat.

Ms Francis said:

“People might want to buy a cat but can’t afford one at the moment. Fostering can be a great opportunity for this situation, we cover the main costs such as medical bills and someone gets a cat to look after.

“Please bear us in mind if you are looking to adopt a cat or kitten and talk to us about options. Quite often what people think will be right for them isn’t, and we can help you find the right new addition to your family.”

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Two local charities are to benefit from the sale of a book written by Jilly-Anne Powell, a former deputy mayoress of Ripon.

Proceeds from the sale of Journey to Identity will be donated to Dementia Forward in Ripon and the Harrogate branch of mental health charity Mind.

First-time author Ms Powell, whose husband Charlie was deputy mayor of Ripon between 2017 and 2021, told the Stray Ferret:

“The charities are very dear to my heart and I wanted to find a way of supporting them. Money is also being raised for both through the Mayor of Ripon’s charity appeal.”

Former deputy mayor and mayoress of Ripon, Charlie and Jilly-Anne Powell

In Journey to Identity, Ms Powell tells her moving true-life story of growing up as an adopted child in a middle class family.

Born in 1944, she found out about her adoption at the age of eight from a neighbour’s child, but it wasn’t until a change in the law in the mid 1970s that she had the legal right to see her birth certificate.

With that came the beginning of a 45-year search for her birth mother and the discovery of other blood relations.

Ms Powell said:

“I was six weeks old when I was adopted and, when I found out about my adoption at such an early age, it had a profound impact on me.

“I carried a sense of not belonging and fear of rejection for many years, which brought struggles and anxieties, in spite of the fact that I had a privileged childhood with my adoptive parents, with schooling at private seminaries, followed by two years at London College of Fashion.”

The ‘journey’ saw her find her mother, whose maiden name of Cawthorne is used by Ms Powell in the publication of her book and will also be used in a planned sequel.

Journey to Identity is available at selected book shops, and via Amazon by clicking on this link. To find out more, click here to email Jilly.

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The Stray Pets Rescue Club is our monthly profile of rescue animals in and around the Harrogate district, searching for their forever family home. This month Trix, Rupert, Dapple and Tricky are looking for a home. 

Trix

Age: Eight months old

Trix’s Story: Trix was born with a congenital defect of her sternum, Pectus Excavatum. This required very specialist surgery and repeated operations to try and correct the defect so that she could breathe more normally.

Temperament: Trix has now been given a new lease of life and has now been able to play and run around like any other kitten, with lots of rest in between.

Ideal home: She needs an adult only home where someone is around most of the time. Trix would enjoy the company of gentle cat companions and although she will be timid to begin with once she gets to know you she is very affectionate.

Could you give Trix a loving home? Get in touch with Harrogate Cat Rescue.

Rupert

Age: three-years-old

Rupert’s story: Rupert is a sweet boy who came into the care of RSPCA after his owner could no longer meet his needs.

Temperament: This sweet pup is friendly and likes to be out and about meeting people and other dogs but he isn’t too leen on being left alone. He will need to be at home most of the time while he learn it’s ok to be left alone.

Ideal home: He is a very active dog so needs equally active adopters to give him the exercise he needs. Rupert will need a home where there is a secure fully enclosed garden with a six-foot fence. Rupert could live with another dog after a successful introduction at the centre and could live with children aged 10 years and over.

Could Rupert fit in with you and your life? Get in touch with RSPCA York, Harrogate & District Branch. 

Dapple and Tricky

Age: Adult

Dapple and Tricky’s Story: Dapple came to the centre as an unclaimed stray, she had an injury to one of her toes which unfortunately was too old to be fixed so she had it amputated. Tricky is a sweet little rabbit who was born at the centre after his mum and dad were not wanted by their previous owner any longer.

Temperament: Dapple has great character and is a cheeky, happy girl but is also quite independent and likes to keep herself to herself and does not enjoy much handling. Tricky is a young, cheeky and playful little boy. These two rabbits have been bonded here at the centre and they love each other so much.

Ideal home: They would be suitable to live with children aged 14 years and over. Their home needs a hutch that is a minimum of six-foot with an attached run of a minimum eight-foot.

If you have space for these furry friends, get in touch with RSPCA York, Harrogate & District Branch. 

The Stray Pets Rescue Club is our monthly profile of rescue animals in and around the Harrogate district, searching for their forever family home. This month, Batman, Lux, and Cheeky Pekey are three furry friends looking for someone to adopt them.

Batman

Age: 2 to 5 years

Batman’s Story: Batman is a lovely four-year-old Labrador, ready to find his forever home. He is very affectionate and lots of fun to be around. He loves his toys and has a lot of potential.

Temperament: Batman is very strong on the lead, so he is looking for owners who will be able to keep up with him! As well as being able to hold onto him, he’d really benefit from owners that can teach him how to walk on a loose lead using positive, reward-based training (the Dogs Trust can help you with this).

Ideal home: Batman has a history of guarding his blankets and bones, so he needs owners who are prepared to manage this and follow a training plan. He can be homed with people aged 16 years and older. He is dog social, but he’d prefer to be the only pet. An enclosed garden would be really beneficial to help Batman along with his training.

If you want to take Batman on adventures, contact The Dogs Trust. 

Lux

Age: 10 Weeks

Lux’s Story: This little sweetheart arrived in rescue this week after her owners were unable to look after her. She clearly wasn’t well and was rushed to Crab Lane Vets, where she is being treated.

Temperament: Lux is a little poorly at the moment and is underweight. She needs lots of love and attention to get back on track so she can feel like herself again.

Ideal home: Lux needs a quiet home where she can recover and get her strength back. Somewhere where routines can be followed so she gets the love and attention she deserves.

Got a heart big enough to look after little Lux? Get in touch with Harrogate Cat Rescue. 

Cheeky Pekey

Age: Cheeky is an elderly dog.

Cheeky’s Story: This is Cheeky Pekey, one of four tiny little ones rescued from Romania and now looking for long-term foster care.

Temperament: Cheeky lives up to her name, she is the most courageous, wilful character, very clever,  full of life and twice as naughty! Although Cheeky is an older dog, you really wouldn’t think so.

Ideal home: Cheeky Pekey could live with another resident small dog, as she loves to cuddle another dog, but since she is tiny, it would need to be a small, friendly companion. She could also live as an only dog with someone at home most of the day. Cheeky enjoys a carry–walk and loves to pad around the garden.

Who wouldn’t want this ball of personality to keep them company? Call Miss Millies Rescue to find out more about Cheeky Pekey.

The Stray Pets Rescue Club is our monthly profile of animals in and around the Harrogate district, searching for their forever family home. This month, Nala the dog, Machita the cat and furry rabbit friends Micro and Pocket need a home.

Nala

Age: 10 months

Nala’s Story: Nala is a very affectionate and loving dog once she knows you, but is very scared of new people and strangers.

Temperament:She is completely house trained and asks to go outside by standing by the door. She also knows basic commands such as sit, stay, wait and paw. Her recall and lead walking is generally pretty good unless she’s chasing something, though they will probably still require more work.

Ideal home:She is a beautiful dog who needs a loving, quiet home with no children or other dogs, and experienced people who are willing to work with her through some of her issues.

If you have the space in your heart for Nala, contact Miss Mollie’s Rescue. 

Machita

Age: 3 years old

Machita’s Story: Machita was unfortunately returned to the centre after being adopted as a kitten, this was no fault of her own. She is a very sweet girl who will make a fantastic addition to the family.

Temperament: She can be a little shy when meeting new people but it does not take her too long to get to know you and trust you. Machita is a playful cat who enjoys playing with her toys and interacting with her people, she misses being in a home environment.

Ideal home: Machita will need a nice quiet home where she can relax and enjoy life once again, we are looking for a home where she will be the only pet and any children will need to be aged 14 years and over.

Could you give Machita a forever home? Get in touch with RSPCA York, Harrogate & District Branch. 

Micro and Pocket

Age: 8 weeks

Micro and Pocket’s Story: Micro and Pocket came to the centre via an inspector at only 2 days old, they were lovingly hand reared by Helen and are now ready to find their forever home.

Temperament: They are very sweet little girls who have beaten the odds and are happy and healthy and will make the most fantastic addition to the family.

Ideal home: Micro & Pocket will need to live in the house for the time being while they are still so young, inside accommodation will happily be discussed with adopters by our re homing team. Micro and Pocket will be homed together.

If you have space for these furry friends, get in touch with RSPCA York, Harrogate & District Branch. 

This column is written for the Stray Ferret by Kimberley Metcalfe. Kimberley has an MSc in Applied Animal Behaviour and Welfare. Her company Pooches Galore is based in Harrogate and specialises in dog training and resolving canine behavioural problems.

After seeing Gracie on the Stray Pets Rescue Club my heart went out to her. Although I don’t know about Gracie’s situation personally sometimes rehoming ex-breeding bitches can be challenging.

Gracie, if you haven’t read about her, had been used for breeding to make money and was abandoned after reaching the maximum age for reproducing. She’d given birth to around 30 puppies in her lifetime – as a result she has been left with a large caesarean scar. She was featured in the Stray Pets Rescue Club seeking a new owner.

Often dogs who are kept purely for breeding haven’t had the same start in life as other dogs. They haven’t had the same life experiences and so don’t have the same expectations.

Although there is a great divide between bitches who are family pets, loved and treated like queens while they are pregnant and beyond, there is a darker side to breeding where dogs are kept as commodities. Used purely to make money from the puppies, once they have made the owners enough money they are discarded.

This latter group of dogs often struggle in new homes. They often haven’t lived in a family home before, they haven’t even had a comfortable bed to sleep in, so everything is new to them. It does take them some time to settle in to this new, luxurious life.

There are a number of things to consider when you take on an ex breeding bitch, all of which can be overcome with patience and love.

Often these dogs are not housetrained, having never lived in a house before so they have no understanding that there are areas that they can toilet and areas that they cannot.

They may never have been on a walk. Going out on a lead and collar is completely alien to them, as is the big outside world. This can be very overwhelming: the sights, smells and textures that they experience for the first time. I remember working with a standard poodle who had been used as a breeding bitch in a puppy farm who had never walked on grass before, the joy that it brought not only her but me also when she was leaping about was one of the best moments of my career!

Sometimes they are just shut down, they don’t know what to expect, that people can be kind to them, that they are safe as this not been the case in the past.

But I promise it is not all doom and gloom. Bringing home such a dog to live with you is one of the most rewarding experiences. All they need is some time and space to feel safe and to feel loved and they make the most loyal and caring of dogs.

We are delighted that Kimberley is to become a regular monthly columnist for The Stray Ferret. If you have any doggy questions please contact her by email on kim@poochesgalore.co.uk For more information on Pooches Galore click here.

Sirius the snake was adopted yesterday after a plea to give him a home appeared on the Stray Pets Rescue Club.

The six-foot boa constrictor had been living at the Knaresborough Exotic Rescue Centre for eight months.

Now, thanks to the Stray Ferret’s new monthly rescue club, it has new owners.

Caroline Malcolm and Terry Brohee now have 35 animals, ranging from snakes to dogs, at their Markington home, which they jokingly describe as a zoo.

The couple are passionate about rescuing animals and offering them a caring home.

Caroline said:

“Having already rescued a boa before and seeing how much the right care and environment can change a snake’s manner, we decided pretty much instantly after seeing Sirius online that we wanted to offer him a home and give him the chance to be loved as a member of a family.”

Sirius is Caroline and Terry’s 35th animal.

Sirius will now live in a large enclosure with the correct amount of darkness and heat.

During their trip to the centre, on Knaresborough High Street, the couple also took home another boa called Hermione and three young rats.

Caroline added:

“We are hoping his confidence around humans will be improved by regular interaction and his true nature will come through.

“There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that we will continue to rescue creatures of all shapes and sizes!”

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The Stray Pets Rescue Club is our monthly pet profile of animals in desperate need of a loving home. This month’s selected pooches are Gracie and Boki with the addition of a six-foot Boa constrictor, Sssirius, and adorable kitten, Rosie…

English Bulldog, Gracie 

Age: 5
Gracie’s story: Gracie was rescued by Saving Yorkshire Dogs. She was used for breeding to make money and was abandoned after reaching the maximum age for reproducing. Gracie has given birth to around 30 puppies in her lifetime. As a result, she has been left with a large caesarean scar.
Temperament: Despite her rough life, Gracie gets along very well with humans and other dogs and she loves to give slobbery kisses.
Ideal home: She loves her food a little too much, so be sure not to leave any sitting on tables or counters. She is also very strong to walk with on a collar and lead, so she is currently being trained to walk on a harness. She will not be rehomed with families who have cats or children under 10 years old.

To find out more about Gracie and the adoption process, you can visit Saving Yorkshire Dogs‘ website by clicking here or contact them on 07562 986101.

Boa constrictor, Sirius – ADOPTED

Age: 8
Sirius’ story: Sirius was named after the Harry Potter character and is a staggering 183cm in length (6ft). He was rescued by K’rescue Knaresborough and was covered in sores after coming into direct contact with an unprotected heated bulb which has been treated.
Temperament: Sirius arrived at the rescue as a cautious and very cage-defensive (protective of the enclosed area) individual. He has since become passive and extremely inquisitive through hours of taming sessions. With his good-hearted nature and beautiful colours and patterns, Sirius would make a fine pet for any reptile-loving family.
Ideal home: Sirius will require a large enclosure. As these snakes are typically nocturnal, a hiding area should be provided. His new home must include a water bowl and a protected heat bulb or heat mat. Reptiles are ectotherms; they acquire thermal energy from the environment. A thermometer must be used to check that the temperature is at 25 degrees and he must be fed a large thawed rat every two weeks.

To find out more about Sirius and the adoption process, you can visit K’rescue Knaresborough‘s Facebook page by clicking here or give them a call on 07837 445352.

Golden Retriever/Collie, Boki

Age: 5
Boki’s story: Boki was saved by Miss Mollies Rescue from Romania when he was a puppy. He was run over by a car and left on the side of the road when the rescue found him. He has since made a full recovery and is now looking for a permanent home.
Temperament: When he first arrived at the rescue, he was quite a nervous pooch and didn’t like to interact with people. But after years of TLC, he has blossomed into a sociable pet and is ready to find his forever family. He is clean, non-destructive and a gentle soul – perfect for a family with children.
Ideal home: Boki needs a home that already accommodates a canine to be his companion and somewhere with a regular routine in a quiet area.

To find out more about Boki and the adoption process, you can visit Miss Mollies Rescue‘s website by clicking here or call them on 07585 324172.

Kitten, Rosie – FOSTERED

Age: 10 months
Rosie’s story: Celia, who owns Harrogate Cat Rescue, found Rosie abandoned on the street with her kittens after their carer died. So, she took them into foster care, but noticed that Rosie’s breathing was louder than usual. After taking three doses of prescribed antibiotics with no improvement, she returned her to the vet. She was diagnosed with Laryngeal Hemiplegia, a disease which causes paralysis of the voice box (larynx). This is rare in cats and usually affects horses. Her illness has now lead to lung inflammation. She is currently taking steroids to reduce the inflammation. She now needs a long-term foster home and Harrogate Cat Rescue will cover her veterinary treatments.
Temperament: Rosie is the most sweet-tempered, affectionate girl who loves human company. She is very family-friendly and would make a wonderful companion. She still has a full life ahead of her and is looking for some tender, love and care.
Ideal home: She is after a long-term foster family (rather than adoptive) and all she needs is dust-free cat litter, as dust exacerbates her noisy breathing.

To find out more about  Rosie and the foster process, you can visit Harrogate Cat Rescue‘s website by clicking here or call Celia on 07305 332961.

The Stray Pets Rescue Club currently works with four different rescues on its monthly profiles; K’rescue Knaresborough, Miss Mollies Rescue, Saving Yorkshire Dogs and Harrogate Cat Rescue.