Gosport Cats Protection calls for support from animal lovers to raise £500 for cat care

Cats Protection’s Gosport Town branch is feeling the pinch as supplies begin to dwindle, and is asking the community to help with raising £500 to tide it over.

Although the branch is currently unable to home the cats in its care as a precaution against Covid-19 until hands-free homing can be brought in, the volunteers continue to provide round-the-clock care and attention as they wait for a time when potential new owners can once again be found.

Christine Scott-Reid, cat welfare team leader, said: ‘We love looking after the cats in our care, of course, but the associated costs do not stop, we still need to buy food, litter, toys and all the other essentials that we need to care for cats who are with us for the foreseeable future.’

In addition to funds raised through adoption fees, the branch usually benefits from donations made from sponsored runs, bike rides, bake sales and other fundraising events throughout the year which have now been cancelled or postponed as a result of lockdown.

‘Lockdown came at just the wrong time for a couple of our cats, Ronnie and Daisy, who have been reserved by families who had visited them just before the restrictions came into force,’ said Christine.

‘As a result they have both remained in our care as there has been no safe way to transport them to their new homes.’

One of the cats being looked after and in need of a home is 10-year-old black and white moggie, Bertie.

Volunteers said Bertie likes to take things at a relaxed pace with a particular focus on being brushed, having tickles, enjoying attention and sleeping, as well as playing in short bursts.

Bertie will need to be the only pet in the home where he can spend a lot of time on someone's lap. The branch is not currently taking enquiries for Bertie but advises people to keep an eye on cats.org.uk/gosport where details of his availability will be kept up to date.

Anyone wishing to contribute to Gosport Town Branch’s #HereForTheCats appeal should visit justgiving.com/campaign/GosportTown.

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