Need help?
We have a strict priority system to make sure that we help the cats most in need with the space we have available, working any other way would not be fair on our consciences.
If we can't help immediately, we will add you to our waiting list for help as soon as possible and give details of other organisations or ideas to try for a quicker solution.
While we may desperately want to help every cat, we have long had to face that it is just not possible but we shall keep trying our best anyway!
Finding help for a Stray Cat
If the cat is injured or poorly:
Please take the cat straight to your nearest vet.
All vets have duty of care to provide first aid and they will not charge you.
They will scan the cat for a microchip and contact the owners directly, they may not give you any further information after this point.
Please let us know the situation and give the vet our email address info@felinecare.org.uk so we can offer follow up care if the cat is not claimed by an owner.
If they send the cat home with you, please keep the cat contained and get in touch with us.
If you are unable to catch the cat to get it to a vet, please email us or leave a message on 07943 776682.
We may be able to lend you trapping equipment or we may be able to come out to catch the cat.
If the cat appears healthy:
Please take the cat to your nearest vet to be scanned for a microchip, they may hold on to the cat if it is chipped and they have made contact with the owner.
There are also lots of people with mobile scanners who will come to your home - ask on local social media to find one.
If the cat won't let you near it, start feeding them in a cat carrier so they get used to going into it gradually.
If the cat is not chipped they are likely to send the cat home with you, please keep the cat contained and get in touch with us.
We might not have room to admit the cat immediately but we might be able to guide you to an organisation that can.
If the cat has no microchip then share their photo on your local social media.
Make sure you ask for proof of ownership if you do find the owner.
Let the owner know we offer microchipping for only £5 per cat.
Finding help for an Owned Cat
If you are an owner who can no longer care for your pet due to financial hardship, housing issues, or behavioral challenges, please know that surrender is a responsible choice when done correctly.
Contact rescue organisations
Most organisations will have a waiting list all year round and how quickly they can take in cats depends on how quickly cats are being adopted and what other cats are waiting for help.
Complete an admission request to us by clicking here.
Visit CatChat to find more organisations that may help because the more organisations you contact, the more you increase the chances of finding a place soon.
If the issue is temporary (e.g. moving, financial strain) ask the rescue if they offer foster care or behavioural support to help you keep your cat.
Be honest about the cat’s medical history, behaviour, and any special needs. This helps the rescue find the right home and prevents the cat from being returned.
Whichever organisation helps, consider making a donation towards your cat's care.
There are no public services to help people rehome their cats, only charities who survive on donations.
NEVER move a cat out of it's area without a care plan in place
NEVER leave a cat in a cat carrier somewhere with the hope or expectation that someone will find it
BOTH are considered abandonment and are a criminal offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.