Cats Protection is preparing to open a new cat rehoming centre in Harrow to help unwanted and abandoned cats in the area.
Work is already underway to convert a former warehouse in Tudor Road into a state-of-the-art centre to care for up to 600 cats per year while they wait to find new homes.
The charity is now appealing for help to provide equipment for the 20 specially-designed pens where cats will be looked after.
With each pen costing up to £300 to equip with sleeping areas, feeding bowls, litter trays, bedding, scratching posts and stimulating toys, the charity has launched a JustGiving appeal to raise £6,000.
When it opens in early 2020, the Harrow Homing Centre will become Cats Protection’s 37th centre, working alongside around 250 volunteer-run branches to help around 200,000 cats every year.
Cats Protection’s Regional Fundraising Manager Hannah Ashwell said: “Our existing centres in London already do a fantastic job in helping give unwanted and abandoned cats a second chance in life, but sadly there are many more cats in need of our help.
“Our Harrow Homing Centre will open in early 2020 and will take in cats from the local area, providing all the love and care they need before finding them a happy new home.
“However, it all comes at a cost, and we really need to raise £6,000 to ensure all the pens are fully furnished with everything cats need during their time with us. We’re hoping local cat lovers will join in our fundraising appeal to make this new centre a success.
“Every penny will help – so whether you want to hold your own fundraising cake sale or event, or simply want to pledge a few pounds on our JustGiving page, we’d be very grateful.”
The Harrow Homing Centre will have 20 pens, all of which require:
- A Feline Fort – an innovative sleeping and hiding space which helps cats feel comfortable and safe while at the centre.
- An on-going supply of blankets and bedding.Litter trays, litter, food and water bowls.
- A supply of cat scratchers and toys.
- Feliway plug-ins and refills to help anxious cats.
The new Harrow Homing Centre will help ease pressure on Cats Protection’s other London centres, including the Mitcham Homing Centre.
The new centre will help cats like Sooty, who is currently being cared for at Cats Protection’s nearby Mitcham Homing Centre.
One-year-old Sooty suffers from calicivirus, and has needed to have all his teeth removed as a result. Despite his condition, Sooty is a happy and friendly cat and needs a new home where he can live life to the full.
To make a donation, please visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/harrow-cats-protection-pen-appeal
To find out more about the charity, please visit www.cats.org.uk
