OK, this is not strictly speaking a dog story, but these poor older cats are in Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, and they deserve a loving forever home.
The cattery at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home in Old Windsor has reached full capacity, with the charity issuing an urgent appeal for people to consider giving a home to an unwanted cat.
The feline residents currently calling Battersea ‘home’ are almost all golden oldies, as the rescue centre witnesses an influx of 14-19 year-old cats coming into its care. These cats are much harder to rehome than the youthful one-year-old’s that fly out the door.
Cats can find new homes within days, but because most of the current cats are older, they are staying much longer in the charity’s care. Battersea will care for cats and dogs for as long as it takes to find a suitable home – no matter how elderly they may be.
Current residents at the Berkshire centre include Kevin, a 17-year-old Domestic Medium Hair that was brought in by his elderly owner because she was moving abroad, and 14-year-old duo Gally and Ginny who came into Battersea Old Windsor together when their owner passed away.
Tamara Willis, Battersea Old Windsor Cat Rehomer said: “Rehoming has really slowed down for us. Our cattery is full of lovely older felines that would make wonderful lap cats but are constantly being overlooked because of their age. Rehoming an older cat is so rewarding and there are many reasons we want to pair people with their perfect pet. Older cats are generally less demanding than youngsters and need less supervision, and they love a lap to curl up on with regular food and affection. Cats regularly live into their late teens, so most of our golden oldies like Kevin, Dolly and Mimi will have many years of life and love to give a potential owner.”
Last year Battersea Old Windsor cared for 650 cats. While many cats come into the Home as strays, over 60 percent more come in as their owners can no longer look after them.
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home gives all potential new owners help and advice before taking on a cat. If you think you can offer a cat a loving new home please contact Battersea Old Windsor on 01784 494 443 or email us at bow.rehomers@battersea.org.uk.