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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Pets Corner: could you give one of these North Yorkshire dogs a forever home?
The Harrogate Dog Show is taking place on Saturday, April 13, in front of Victoria Shopping Centre, and attention will be on the pampered pets as they compete to win accolades in categories such as ‘Cutest Puppy’.
April is also officially National Pet Month – but there are many animals, including dogs, across North Yorkshire who are still waiting for their chance to find a forever home.
This month, the Stray Ferret has found a few furry faces to feature, from the RSPCA York, Harrogate & the District branch. All these dogs are currently available to adopt – although hopefully not for much longer.
(Image: RSPCA)
Name: Drizzle.
Age: 12 months.
Breed: Lurcher.
Sex: Male.
Likes: Plenty of adventures, and exciting walks.
Dislikes: Spending too much time alone.
About: The RSPCA describes Drizzle as a ‘gorgeous dog’ who ‘loves to live life to the max.’ At 12 months old, he’s still got plenty of puppy energy and exuberance – but that can mean he sometimes forgets his manners, and can be a bit boisterous, especially with other dogs.
However, he’s got bags of potential and needs experienced adopters who will be able to help him along the way and give him lots of exercise – as well as the fuss and attention he deserves.
Find out more about Drizzle here.
(Image: RSPCA)
Name: Buster.
Age: 12 years old.
Breed: Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Sex: Male.
Likes: Sitting on a lap for cuddles.
Dislikes: Being left alone for long periods.
About: Don’t let his grey face fool you – Buster is 12 years fun, and still loves getting out and about on his daily walks.
Sadly, his beloved owner passed away which is how he ended up at the kennel, and he’s been having a tough time settling in. He’s affectionate with people and would benefit from joining a loving family soon.
Buster is sociable with other dogs and could live with a compatible companion after a successful meet at the centre, and he could also live with children aged 13 years and over.
Find out more about Buster here.
(Image: RSPCA)
Name: Henley.
Age: 5 years old.
Breed: Lurcher.
Sex: Female.
Likes: An endless supply of cuddles.
Dislikes: Being apart from her people for too long.
About: Sweet-natured Henley was cruelly thrown out of the back of a van before coming to the RSCPA, and while the culprits were never found, it hasn’t dampened her shine.
She’s a serious lover of snuggles, and is looking for an individual or a family with children over the age of eight to start her new life with.
While she can’t live with cats, small animals or small dogs, she is friendly with larger breeds on walks, and has previously lived with other lurchers.
Find out more about Henley here.
(Image: RSPCA)
Name: Cheddar.
Age: 3 years old.
Breed: Husky cross.
Sex: Male.
Likes: Hanging out with his favourite humans.
Dislikes: Being misunderstood.
About: Poor Cheddar has had a tough start to life and was brought to the shelter via an inspector who discovered his needs were not being met.
Cheddar needs will need experienced adopters who can tackle his insecurities and give him plenty of support to bring out the best in him.
Once he’s comfortable he is a very affectionate and loyal dog who will make a wonderful companion for the right person.
Find out more about Cheddar here.
(Image: RSPCA)
Name: Hedgehog.
Age: 14 months old.
Breed: Large crossbreed.
Sex: Male.
Likes: Socialising with other dogs.
Dislikes: New places which can be a bit intimidating at first.
About: Hedgehog is a ‘super friendly lad who can bring a smile to your face in an instant’, but unfortunately he missed out on the chance to properly be a puppy.
For this reason, he’ll need patient and experienced adopters who can make him feel comfortable in new situations, and can support him through some of his insecurities. Once bonded however, he’s a loyal and loving dog.
Hedgehog is a sociable boy, and relishes the company of other dogs – ideally he’ll be able to live with another confident dog in an adult-only home.
Find out more about Hedgehog here.
(Image: RSPCA)
Name: Lady.
Age: Around 1 years old.
Breed: Dobermann/Mastiff Cross.
Sex: Female.
Likes: Being active and getting lots of exercise.
Dislikes: Meeting new people – especially children – at first.
About: Lady is the definition of a gentle giant, as this nervous girl can find new situations and people quite frightening. However, once her confidence has built she’s a happy and playful pup, who loves to stay active.
She’ll need an adult-only household where someone is home most of the time, and who can help her realise the world isn’t so scary after all.
Lady is very good with other dogs and gains confidence around them so it would be beneficial if she could live with another neutered dog who can show her the ropes, and be a companion for her.
Find out more about Lady here.
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Harrogate Dog Show will return next month.
Harrogate Business Improvement District announced today the event will be held on the piazza outside Victoria Shopping Centre on Saturday, April 13 at 10am.
Different classes will be judged throughout the day, from dog that the judge would most like to take home to best cross breed.
No pre-booking is required: to register to take part dog owners can simply turn-up on the day from 10am and join in. The event will include a new ‘have-a-go’ mini dog park and dog training workshops with Scott Adair will be held throughout the day.
Today’s announcement also said a star judge, whose identity will be revealed at a later date, will appear at this year’s show.
The dog show first took place during the four-day platinum jubilee celebrations in 2022.
Matthew Chapman, Harrogate BID Manager, said it would be a fun event that contributed to the vibrancy of the town centre. He added:
“The worth of the UK pet care market was recently valued at £7.2 billon, so while this is a wonderful event that no doubt increases footfall, it also has a hugely positive impact on our local economy.”
Photo (from left): Bethany Allen, business and marketing executive at Harrogate BID with chair Andrea Thornborrow and joint vice chair Sara Ferguson.
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Axolotl one of first animals cremated at Harrogate pet crematorium
With its “smiling” face, pointy gills and the ability to regenerate lost limbs — the axolotl is undoubtedly the most unusual animal to pass through North Yorkshire Council’s new pet crematorium.
It opened at Stonefall Cemetery on Wetherby Road in February with a promise of providing a dignified cremation for the region’s beloved pets.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service asked the council through an FOI request for a list of all the animals that have been cremated there so far.
It’s been a modest start for the service, with 10 dogs, eight cats, two rabbits, one rat, one guinea pig, one hamster and one axolotl being cremated over the last five months.
Depending on the animal, the council charges a fee of between £76 and £125 per cremation.
Owners can then collect their pets’ ashes along with a memorial certificate.
What is an axolotl?
Axolotls are a species of salamander found in cool waters in Mexico but they’ve become more popular as a pet in the UK thanks to fame on the video game Minecraft and on TikTok.
But the recent trend has led the RSCPA to raise concerns about some owners not being able to look after them properly.
Axolotls require a large aquarium, live for up to 15 years and can grow as long as 120cm.
They are carnivores and their diet consists of live invertebrates such as earthworms, blood worm, black worm and shrimp.
Critically endangered in the wild, axolotls can also regrow lost limbs, making them popular with scientists who want to understand regeneration.
Jordan Mangham, owner of pet shop Peculiar Pets in Heckmondwike, told the LDRS why the creatures are becoming more popular as a pet in Yorkshire.
He said:
“Axolotls have become popular due to their simple care routine, long life expectancy and constantly ‘smiling’ faces. They found a little extra fame through Tik Tok and also the game Minecraft.
“Luckily the responsible selling of axolotls led to them becoming popular and not a disposable pet. There’s a huge amount of information available on Google, YouTube and through specialist pet shops like myself.
“They cannot be handled and are essentially treated like a pet fish, but they learn quickly who feeds them and most will greet their owners and accept food from tongs or fingers quite happily and become quite interactive little pets.”
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Pet crematorium opens today in Harrogate
A pet crematorium opened in Harrogate today.
The crematorium, run by Harrogate Borough Council, gives pet owners the chance to say farewell to their cats, dogs and small animals.
Prices start at £72 for small animals and from £85 for cats and from £115 for dogs.
The ashes will be placed in a scatter tube, which owners can collect, along with a memorial certificate.
The crematorium is located at Stonefall Cemetery and Crematorium on Wetherby Road.
The crematorium is at Stonefall on Wetherby Road.
Councillor Sam Gibbs, the council’s cabinet member for environment, waste reduction and recycling, said:
“Pets are like part of the family and they deserve an ending with dignity and respect, just like humans.
“The new pet crematorium will provide the most sympathetic setting for people to say goodbye to their pets.
“This service will also provide people, as well as veterinary surgeries, a local, trusted and reliable pet cremation service – operated by experts in bereavements.”
The Stray Ferret revealed last year the council was set to award a £40,000 contract to create a pet crematorium at Stonefall.
Further information on the facility is available here.
Inside the crematorium
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Why Fountains Abbey is pawfect for dogs
This story is sponsored by the National Trust.
Finding something to do at the weekend can be challenging, especially if you have dogs, but the National Trust team at Fountains Abbey say they’re on a mission to make it easy.
Under the National Trust’s Paw Print dog-friendliness scheme, the attraction has been named a three-paw site – the highest possible rating.
Jenni Shepherd, senior marketing and communications officer at the National Trust, said:
“We’re always getting comments about how welcoming we are to dogs at Fountains Abbey.
“The admissions team even has doggy treats on hand for the waggiest tails!”
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Park is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and includes the ruins of the medieval monastery, the Georgian water garden and the deer park.
Where you lead, your dog can follow!
Visiting dog-walkers can see all the historic attractions up close, as well as following paths around the site and trails through surrounding woodland.
“When people see the amazing abbey ruins, they often think they can’t possibly take a dog there, but actually at Fountains, dogs can go pretty much everywhere their owners do,” said Jenni.
“We get a lot of tourists visiting from other areas of the country, where historic sites perhaps don’t welcome dogs so readily, and so they think they can’t bring their dogs here either.
“But Fountains Abbey is actually one of the best places to bring a dog.
“There are drinking stations and dog waste bins throughout, and there’s a wide range of pet products for sale in the Visitor Centre shop.
“There’s even dog-friendly ice-cream available at the Studley refreshment kiosk and in the Visitor Centre restaurant.
“Your dog can go everywhere you go. Dogs are even allowed in the deer park, as long as they’re kept on a short lead.”
Woodland walks are a favourite pastime among dog-owners visiting Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal.
Last month, the National Trust unveiled plans to upgrade its facilities at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal.
A new visitor building will be built around the existing tearoom. There will be a fully accessible café, more toilets and a new admissions area, with all areas remaining dog-friendly. Jenni added:
“Yorkshire as a destination is a dog-lovers’ paradise, and Fountains Abbey really stands out as one of the best places here to take your dog.
“There’s so much to do and see here, you can stay all day – and your dog never has to leave your side.”
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Find out more about visiting – with or without dogs – here.
Photo of the Week: Christmas across the district
This week we have a selection of photographs celebrating Christmas day across the Harrogate district.
Photographs by Kate Filippi and Brittany Thompson
Photographs by Helen Sunderland and Jenni Foley
Photo of the Week celebrates the Harrogate district. It could be anything from family life to capturing the district’s beauty. We are interested in amateur and professional photographs, in a landscape format.
Send your photographs to letters@thestrayferret.co.uk for a chance to be featured next week, we reserve the right to adjust and crop images to fit into our format.
Photo of the Week: Captain’s walk in the mistThis week’s photograph was taken by John Chadwick, featuring his wife Julie walking Captain the Lakeland Terrier across the Stray in this week’s mist.
John Chadwick
Photo of the Week celebrates the Harrogate district. It could be anything from family life to capturing the district’s beauty. We are interested in amateur and professional photographs, in a landscape format.
Send your photographs to letters@thestrayferret.co.uk for a chance to be featured next week, we reserve the right to adjust and crop images to fit into our format.