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 stray 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 at home and contact your nearest rescue organisation for advice.
You can find a comprehensive list of cat rescue organisations here.
To see if we have space available to admit the cat, please complete our admission request form.
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 stray cat appears healthy:
Please take the cat to your nearest vet to be scanned for a microchip.
If the cat won't let you near, please start feeding them in a cat carrier so they get used to going into it gradually then, when you are ready to take the cat to a vet, you can shut the door on the carrier.
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 is microchipped, the vets may hold on to the cat if they have made contact with the owner.
If the vet is unable to make contact with the owner via the microchip details, or if the cat is not microchipped, they might ask you to take the cat home again.
Please keep the cat contained and please contact as many organisations as possible to see if they have space to admit the cat.
Please complete our admission request form.
We might not have room to admit the cat immediately but we might be able to give advice on how else to help.
Make sure you ask for proof of ownership if you do find the owner of a cat that is not microchipped.
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
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.
How quickly a rescue organisation can help will depend on how quickly cats are being adopted and what other cats are waiting for help.
Be honest about the cat’s medical history, behaviour, and any special needs because it really helps the rescue find the right forever home.
Whichever organisation helps, consider making a donation towards your cat's care.
Please bear in mind, there are no public services to help people rehome their cats, only charities made up of kind hearted people doing their best for cats in need.
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.