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Shropshire Cat Rescue is a cat rescue charity based in Shrewsbury that has been providing care for homeless, stray, feral, abandoned and vulnerable cats across Shropshire for more than 35 years. Sponsor a Retirement Village Cottage Help us provide a home for life for some of Shropshire Cat Rescue's most vulnerable residents. We help hundreds of vulnerable cats every year and provide lifelong sanctuary and welfare for those who need it. But now our Cat Retirement Village cottages are in urgent need of replacement. By sponsoring a cottage you are not simply funding buildings; you are helping provide lifelong sanctuary for vulnerable cats. Every sponsorship helps provide warmth, comfort, enrichment and safety for cats that have already found their forever home. Sponsorships start from £500. We are inviting businesses both in Shropshire and further afield to help us build six new purpose-built cottages for our long-term residents. As seen in the Shropshire Star. Our Retirement Village: Home for Life Our Cat Retirement Village is home to some of Shropshire Cat Rescue's oldest and most vulnerable residents – felines who, for a variety of reasons, will spend the rest of their lives in our care. The Retirement Village is a unique facility that provides a wonderful retirement home. It comprises six homely chalets that can each house up to four cats, plus the ‘Moggies Mansion’ which, as the name suggests, is a spacious home where our villagers can mix and relax together whenever they choose. For these cats, the Retirement Village is their forever home. Why Our Retirement Village Cottages Need Replacing Our existing cottages have served us well and they’ve seen plenty of patching and repair efforts over the years. But its time for their next chapter, both time and the weather has taken its toll. The new Cat Retirement Village cottages will provide: A warmer, more comfortable home for our cats Improved insulation and better facilities A cleaner, safer environment for both cats and volunteers High-quality accommodation that will support our work for many years to come The cottages have also been designed with the future in mind. We were careful to find a design that can be dismantled and relocated at a later date. As part of the PURR Project, these new cottages will be able to come with us when the time comes for Shropshire Cat Rescue to move to its future home – our long-term vision to create a larger, purpose-built rescue centre. Sponsorship Packages We're inviting businesses of all sizes to become part of this exciting project. Sponsorship opportunities start from just £500, making it easy for organisations to support the welfare of vulnerable cats while being recognised for their generosity. Our sponsorship packages include: 🥉Bronze – £500 Name recognition on a Retirement Village cottage alongside other supporters for two years. 🥈Silver – £1,000 Name recognition on a cottage shared with up to two other sponsors for four years. Quarter-page advertisement in our quarterly magazine, The Cat’s Whiskers, for one year. 🏅Gold – £2,500 Exclusive naming recognition on a Retirement Village cottage. Half-page advertisement in our magazine for one year. Recognition across our website and social media channels. As a thank you, all sponsors will also be invited to a special reception at Shropshire Cat Rescue once the new cottages are complete, giving them the opportunity to see first-hand the difference their support has made. Sponsor a Cottage If your business would like to sponsor one of our new Retirement Village cottages, we'd love to hear from you 📧 Email: donation@shropshirecatrescue.org.uk 📞 Call: 01743 872857 Every sponsorship will help us continue providing lifelong sanctuary for the cats who call Shropshire Cat Rescue home. Hear From Our Trustees Our trustee team are all extremely hands-on. Each provides their many years of experience and unique skills in support of our mission. Dianne Beaumont "Replacing our cottages is essential to ensuring the welfare of the cats in our care. The new units will provide a warmer, safer and cleaner space for our Retirement Village residents to relax and thrive, allowing us to continue delivering life-changing care for cats across Shropshire. We rely heavily on the kindness and generosity of our supporters. Whether a business chooses Bronze, Silver or Gold sponsorship, every contribution will help us provide a safe, comfortable future for vulnerable cats while investing in facilities that will serve the charity for many years to come." Frequently Asked Questions How can my business sponsor a Retirement Village cottage? To sponsor one of our new Retirement Village cottages please enquire via email or phone: Email us at donation@shropshirecatrescue.org.uk Call us on 01743 872857 Can small businesses sponsor a Retirement Village cottage? Yes. We have designed our sponsorship package to be flexible and allow for smaller businesses to also support us. But if these options aren't right for you please get in touch with us to discuss how you can still support this project. If you would still like to help us in other ways, please consider sharing this update to help us reach a business that might be able to help. We also have ongoing sponsorship options specifically for the cats in our long term care to help us with their ongoing costs of food, supplies and medical care. What is the Retirement Village? The Retirement Village is a unique facility that provides a wonderful retirement home for our more mature felines. Some of its residents are elderly cats, whilst others have ongoing medical or behavioural needs that make finding a home difficult. For these special cats, the Retirement Village is their forever home. Back in 2009 it was funded through donations and sponsorship. It comprises six homely chalets that can each house up to four cats, plus the ‘Moggies Mansion’ which, as the name suggests, is a spacious home where our villagers can mix and relax together whenever they choose. What is the PURR Project? The PURR Project stands for, Plan for Ultimate Rescue Relocation. After 35 years of providing rescue care across Shropshire, we realised we are outgrowing our current site. In order to help us continue our work we are also working on finding a new home. What recognition will sponsors receive? As a thank you, all sponsors will be invited to a special reception at Shropshire Cat Rescue once the new cottages are complete, giving them the opportunity to see first-hand the difference their support has made. Bronze sponsors will receive name recognition on a cottage alongside other supporters for two years. Silver sponsors will receive name recognition on a cottage alongside other supporters for four years and an advertisement in our quarterly magazine. Gold sponsors will receive exclusive name recognition on a cottage, an advertisement in our magazine for one year and additional recognition across our website and social media channels. Can I sponsor a cottage as an individual? Yes. Please get in touch with us to discuss how you can support this project. If you would still like to help us in other ways, please consider sharing this update to help us reach a business that might be able to help. Learn more about sponsoring one of our long-term residents. Will the cottages move to the new site? Yes. The cottages have been carefully designed so that they can move with us when the time comes for Shropshire Cat Rescue to relocate as part of our long-term vision for the future. Can I volunteer at Shropshire Cat Rescue? Yes. If you would like to learn more about volunteering at Shropshire Cat Rescue visit our volunteering page. We have volunteer opportunities for fundraising, customer service in our charity shop, administration support and animal care in the shelter.

Shropshire Cat Rescue needs your votes to get Rudy's informative film into the finals of the Smiley Charity Film Awards. Rudy Reporting on The Importance Of Neutering has an important message and of course Rudy and Shropshire Cat Rescue want to spread the message of why it is so important. Getting into the finals would be amazing. It could mean we see Rudy on the big screen. The votes also count towards the People's Choice Award which would be an amazing achievement and will help get the important message spread far and wide. Please head to the Smiley Charity Film awards website and vote by 30th January and help us get Rudy's paw one step closer to the big screen (don't worry we won't let it go to his head and we are sure he will continue his other duties around the shelter of supervising and testing toys). Please share with friends and family and help get Rudy's important report seen across the country.   https://smileycharityfilmawards.com/films/rudy-reporting-on-the-importance-of-neutering

Phoebe Retirement Village Resident enjoying snuggling up in a Rudolph bed (photo courtesy of SCR) Wondering which Christmas foods are safe for cats? Discover 6 festive foods your cat can  eat, plus the holiday foods they should avoid. Keep your cat happy and safe at Christmas with this complete guide. The holiday season overflows with rich meals, tempting leftovers and dropped crumbs; and it’s no surprise our cats want to join in. But while a few Christmas foods are safe for cats in moderation, many festive favourites can actually be harmful. 🍗 6 Christmas Foods That Are Safe for Cats These foods are considered safe for cats in small, controlled amounts  and without seasonings, sauces or added fat. 1. Plain Cooked Turkey (No Skin, No Bones) A classic Christmas protein, turkey is one of the safest festive foods for cats. 🎄Turkey is lean, high in protein, easy to digest.  ⚠ Avoid: Skin, gravy, stuffing, bones, salt or seasoning. 2. Plain Cooked Chicken (no skin, no bones) Similar to turkey, chicken is a cat-friendly treat when prepared simply. Chicken is gentle on the stomach and rich in amino acids. Make sure to avoid skin, gravy, stuffing, bones, salt or seasoning. 3. Plain Cooked Salmon (No Oil or Salt) A small amount of cooked salmon can be a tasty Christmas treat. Salmon contains omega-3 acids which support skin, coat and joints.  ⚠ Avoid: Smoked salmon and raw fish. 4. Scrambled or Boiled Egg (Plain) Cats can enjoy a little cooked egg at Christmas. Egg is packed with protein and vitamins.  ⚠ Never serve raw egg. 5. Cooked Carrots or Peas Some cats like a few soft vegetables. Carrots and peas contain vitamins, fibre, and low calories.  ⚠ Avoid butter, seasoning, honey-glazing, or sauces. 6. A Spoonful of Plain Mashed Potatoes Only if made without  milk, butter, cream, garlic or salt. Plain mashed potato is gentle and filling.  ⚠ Most Christmas mash contains unsafe add-ins; offer only if you have made it and can guarantee it is plain. 🚫 Christmas Foods That Are Unsafe for Cats These common festive foods should never  be given to cats, even in small amounts . 1. Stuffing Contains onions, garlic, herbs; all toxic to cats. 2. Gravy Often very salty and may contain onion/garlic. 3. Bones Cooked bones splinter and can cause choking or internal injury. 4. Chocolate & Chocolate Desserts Chocolate is extremely toxic, keep away at all times. 5. Christmas Pudding, Mince Pies, Fruitcake Full of raisins, alcohol, spices and fat, all dangerous. 6. Onions, Garlic, Leeks, Shallots Cause life-threatening anaemia in cats. 7. Alcohol (Even in Food) Highly toxic, even small amounts can be fatal. 8. Ham & Pork Products Usually salty, fatty and seasoned. 9. Dairy-heavy foods Cream, butter, custard, cheese sauces. Most cats are lactose intolerant. If you have any concerns your cat has eaten something they shouldn't then contact your Veterinary Practice immediately. Even if out of hours there will be emergency cover! Do not wait until your cats veterinary practice is open again. You can also check with the Animal Poisons Line https://www.animalpoisonline.co.uk/   🎄 Extra Christmas Hazards for Cats Tinsel and Lamenta:  Can cause dangerous intestinal blockages if ingested. Ribbon & string from presents:  High risk if swallowed. Lily Plants:  Highly toxic, the whole plant not just the pollen. Candles:  Can burn whiskers or paws. Turkey/Meat string:  Dispose of carefully. Baubles and Tree Decorations : Some are made of fragile materials that could cause injury if broken when bitten or if the decoration breaks when chased. Houseplants & festive greenery:  Mistletoe and poinsettias can irritate or poison. Christmas Lights and Wires: The extra wires around the house for Christmas lights can be even more enticing than normal. Monitor your cats reaction and use wire/cable protectors where possible. Batteries: Cats love to tap and chase things- batteries are no different. Ensure they are not left in reach. There is a risk of ingestion; especially the small coin shaped ones. The risk of them biting and ingesting the contents can cause burns and other complications. Make sure rubbish bags, bones and leftovers are secured away from cats. Cats might bite or play with Christmas decorations (Photo courtesy of SCR) How to Treat Your Cat Safely at Christmas Instead of sharing table scraps, consider: ✔ Cat-safe Christmas treats ✔ A small portion of plain turkey or chicken ✔ A new festive toy ✔ Catnip stocking fillers  Christmas can be a disruptive time. To minimise your cat's stress, consider introducing Feliway or Pet Remedy, and create a safe, cosy spot away from guests and loud noises. If you have any concerns your cat has eaten something they shouldn't then contact your Veterinary Practice immediately. Even if out of hours there will be emergency cover! Do not wait until your cats veterinary practice is open again. You can also check with the Animal Poisons Line https://www.animalpoisonline.co.uk/ Shropshire Cat Rescue is one of the UK’s largest regional cat rescue and rehoming centres and is based in Shrewsbury. The charity has been caring for and re-homing rescued and unwanted cats and kittens for over 21 years. In that time we have looked after over 8,000 cats. Can you support our mission? Donate: Donate | Shropshire Cat Rescue Thinking about adopting? Adopt a Cat | Shropshire Cat Rescue Disclaimer: This is not veterinary advice. Shropshire Cat Rescue does not accept responsibility for any action taken from this blog post. Consult your vet in the first instance if you are concerned about your cat’s well-being. References: Alger, J. and Dr. Charles, A. (2025) Holiday foods that are safe for cats: vet-reviewed safety & nutrition facts . Available at: Holiday Foods That Are Safe for Cats: Vet-Reviewed Safety & Nutrition Facts - Catster   (Accessed: 15th December 2025). Davies Veterinary Specialists (2020) Hazards at christmas: a guide for pet owners . Available at: Hazards at Christmas: A Guide for Pet Owners | Davies Veterinary Specialists (Accessed: 15th December 2025). Dickson, P. (2025) 7 great foods that cats can eat on christmas . Available at: 7 Great Foods That Cats Can Eat on Christmas | The Vet Desk (Accessed: 15th December 2025). Rogers, C.D. and Dr. Whittemore, L. (2025) What human foods can my cat eat on christmas? 10 good options . Available at: What Human Foods Can My Cat Eat on Christmas? 10 Good Options - Catster  (Accessed: 15th December 2025). Sploot Team (2025) Safe and unsafe christmas food for dogs & cats . Available at: Christmas Dinner for Dogs & Cats — Safe & Unsafe Foods (Accessed: 15th December 2025).

Some cats never have trouble with hairballs, but some cats regurgitate these slimy sausages on a regular basis. Read on to find out what a hairball looks like, why they happen, when to worry and how you can prevent them. Disclaimer: This is not veterinary advice. Shropshire Cat Rescue does not accept responsibility for any action taken from this blog post. Consult your vet in the first instance if you are concerned about your cat’s well-being. A Shropshire Cat Rescue Feline What are Hairballs? Hairballs, also called  trichobezoar,  is cat vomit, largely made up of fur (it’s own fur, or fur of another cat) and saliva that has been ingested by the cat. Despite being called a hair ‘ball’ they are usually cylindrical, dark brown and a bit sausage shaped. Here are some examples of what hair balls look like after being expelled by the cat  Sourc e: ( Tilmouth, 2025) Why do hairballs happen? Cats are meticulous groomers. They spend anywhere from two to three hours a day,  roughly 30% of their waking hours, licking themselves (and sometimes other cats). Their tongues are covered in tiny barbs called papillae  which catch loose fur, which inevitably gets swallowed. For the most part, swallowed fur passes through the digestive tract without issue. But when too much accumulates, the body expels it in the form of a hairball. Cats have small barbs on their tongues called papillae Source: ( The Woof, N.D). What is Normal VS Concerning Research suggests that it’s quite normal for a cat to cough up a hairball occasionally (no more than once a month). However if your cat is regurgitating hairballs more often, then your cat may have an underlying problem. If you are not sure, then speak to your vet. Hairballs are around twice as common in long-haired cats compared to short-haired cats; ingesting excessive fur is a major cause of hairballs. However it is important to consider environmental factors that cause increased grooming. Fleas or skin diseases can cause a cat to clean itself excessively. Anxiety, such as moving house can also stimulate cats to increase grooming and ingest more fur. Coughing up hairballs may also signal gastrointestinal disease, so if the problem is persistent, it is worth speaking to your vet . In this case, managing the disease may reduce the incidence of hairballs. Warning Signs In a regular case, a cat regurgitating a hairball will retch and throw up the hairball fairly quickly. If you hear gagging sounds, give your cat space to naturally expel the hairball. However, if the cat is: Retching without producing a hairball  Showing signs of nausea loss of appetite licking lips excessive ingestion of grass  This could indicate something more problematic. If you are concerned about your cat, speak to your vet. In rare cases, hairballs cause complications. Hairballs can form into hard lumps creating intestinal blockages which may require surgery to remove. Other complications could include hiatal hernias and colonic mucosa inflammation. These rarely happen, but if you are worried about your cat, speak to your vet. Prevention is Better than Cure! Hydrate, Groom and Enrich Hydration: A common cause of hairballs is a lack of hydration. Make sure to provide fresh clean water at all times, and if possible, add some wet food to your cat’s diet to aid digestion.  Diet: Lack of fibre is another common cause. Commercial hair ball control diets and treats are also available, where the recipe has higher levels of fibre, helping to sweep fur through the digestive system. More frequent feeding of small meals rather than large meals may also support gastrointestinal motility. Speak to your vet for nutritional advice.  Grooming: Make sure to brush your cat, especially long-haired cats, regularly to limit the ingestion of loose hair. Environment: Consider sources of stress for your cat, and mitigate them if possible. Regularly grooming your cat will limit the ingestion of lo ose hair Source : ( Berst, N.D) There are also flavoured waxes and oils for cats on the market which provide a lubricant effect. Ingesting lubricants created for cats (never use one that has not been made for cats) can help move fur from the stomach to the duodenum where it is processed into faeces. However this is not a long term solution, does not tackle the cause of hairballs, is risky and may reduce availability of fat soluble vitamins. In any case, speak to your vet if you are unsure. It should not be necessary to medicate a cat for hairballs. Know your Cat It is natural for cats to groom themselves and regurgitate hairballs occasionally. You can reduce the incidence of hairballs by monitoring your cat, and adjusting their environment to reduce stress whilst making sure to brush the cat regularly. Caring for the cat from the inside out by ensuring they are mentally well, staying hydrated and eating a diet that includes some fibre will support the cat’s ability to process hairballs. Shropshire Cat Rescue is one of the UK’s largest regional cat rescue and rehoming centres and is based in Shrewsbury. The charity has been caring for and re-homing rescued and unwanted cats and kittens for over 21 years. In that time we have looked after over 8,000 cats. Can you support our mission? Donate: Donate | Shropshire Cat Rescue Thinking about adopting? Adopt a Cat | Shropshire Cat Rescue Connect with us: Disclaimer: This is not veterinary advice. Shropshire Cat Rescue does not accept responsibility for any action taken from this blog post. Consult your vet in the first instance if you are concerned about your cat’s well-being. References Cannon, M. (2023) ‘Hair balls in cats: a normal nuisance or a sign that something is wrong’, Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery , 15, pp.21-29. Doi:  https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612X12470342 . Denia, K. and O’Brien, L. (N.D) ‘Hairballs are not normal: a practical approach to the vomiting cat’. Available at: Microsoft Word - OVMA 2017 Hairballs are Not Normal.docx  (Accessed: 20th September 2025) Donadelli, R.A. and Aldrich, C.G. (2019) ‘The effects of diets varying in fibre sources on nutrient utilization, stool quality and hairball management in cats’, Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition , 104(2), pp. 715-724. Doi:  https://doi.org/10.1111/jpn.13289 . MSD Manual: Veterinary Manual. (2025) Managing hairballs in cats . Available at: Table: Managing Hairballs in Cats-MSD Veterinary Manual  (Accessed: 20th September 2025). The Vets (2025) My cat is getting hairballs: symptoms & treatment . Available at: My Cat is Getting Hairballs: Symptoms & Treatment | The Vets  (Accessed: 20th September 2025). Image 1: A Shropshire Cat Rescue Cat Image2:  Tilmouth, K. (2025). An idea of what cat hair balls look like [photograph]. Our Happy Cat. Available at: Hairballs - What Are Cat Hair Balls?  (Accessed: 21st September 2025) Image3:  The Woof. (N.D). Cat licking paw showing papillae  [photograph].The Woof. Available at: Why Are Cat Tongues Rough Like Sandpaper? Explaining the Role of Papillae — The Woof — The Woof  (Accessed: 21st September 2025) Image 4: Berst, H. (N.D). Person brushing tabby cat  [photograph]. Zoetis. Cat Brushing 101 | Zoetis Petcare  (Accessed: 21st September 2025)

Here at Shropshire Cat Rescue we experience first hand how important neutering is, kitten season has arrived and our shelter is full and we have a ever growing waiting list. We understand that the price of neutering can be difficult, despite being a small charity, Shropshire Cat Rescue are committed to helping with the costs of neutering cats where possible and within reason. We can offer vouchers for £60 towards the cost of a male neuter and £80 towards the cost of a female spay. The remaining amount will need to be paid by the cat's owner/carer.  All requests will be reviewed by our Admin Team, who aim to respond within 1 week. Vouchers will be sent via email if provided and post if no email is available. Vouchers are also sent to vets directly where possible.  ​Please ensure you keep an eye on your spam folder. If you have not received a response 1 week after submitting your request, please email info@shropshirecatrescue.org.uk or call 01743 872857. To apply for a neutering voucher please complete the voucher application form https://www.shropshirecatrescue.org.uk/voucher   Unneutered Male Cats Stray Further This can mean they can get lost if they stray too far. Males who are unneutered tend to have a wider territory and will follow unneutered females who are calling. This can make them more at risk of getting lost. UnNeutered Male Cats Are More Likely To Fight They are more likely to protect their territory. This can make them at risk of cat fight injuries. Unneutered Male Cats Sustain More Injuries  Due to them straying further they are at higher risk of being involved in cat fights, road traffic accidents and other accidents. UnNeutered Males Are At More Risk Of Disease Due to them being more likely to get involved in fights and having a larger territory, they are at higher risk of contracting diseases like Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. Unneutered Males Are More Likely To urine Mark They are more likely to spray and urine mark within the home and their territory. Their urine also has a stronger scent to it than neutered males. Unneutered Female Cats Stray Further This can mean they can get lost if they stray too far. Females who are unneutered come into season and they go searching and calling for a male. This can make them more at risk of getting lost, as they may loose track of where they are due to their hormones taking over. Unneutered Female Cats Sustain More Injuries  Due to them straying further they are at higher risk of being involved in cat fights, road traffic accidents and other accidents. The act of mating is not gentle for cats and the male will hold the female by biting the back of their neck. Unneutered Females Are At More Risk Of Disease They are at higher risk of contracting diseases like Feline Immunodeficiency Virus which can be contracted through intercourse.  From Just 4 Months Old Cats Can Become Pregnant At around 4 months old cats can become sexually mature meaning cats can become pregnant before reaching adulthood.  Cats will mate with close family members That means that mums and sons, brothers and sisters, dads and daughters will mate. This can increase the risk of birth defects and health complications along with genetic abnormalities.   Raising Kittens Is Costly and time consuming To keep the female healthy during pregnancy and nursing she will need a kitten food throughout and until the kittens are weaned. At 4-5 weeks the kittens will start to require food meaning you will have more mouths to feed until they have homes. If the kittens require hand rearing the cost in money and time increases dramatically. Finding Homes For the kittens can be difficult You could be left with some of the kittens. Caution should be used when looking for homes for them as it is difficult to determine if people coming forwards for them are what they appear to be and the kittens could come to harm. Speak with Your Vets If you have any concerns about getting your cat neutered please speak with your vet. They can help and advise on the right age and discuss the procedure with you and answer any further questions you may have. Check out our film highlighting the importance of neutering. https://youtube.com/shorts/beuU720umuQ?si=D9c2GLyuqmcxuk1L

We need your votes in the Smiley Charity Film Awards. We have entered our The Human Animal Bond Matters To Us and to get to the next stage we need as many votes as possible. If you like our film and want to support us to help spread the word that the Human Animal Matters To Us. https://smileycharityfilmawards.com/films/the-human-animal-bond-matters-to-us Our film shows at Shropshire Cat Rescue the human animal bond matters to us, it also shows how alot of our Retirement Village Residents come into the shelter. As a rescue we fully understand that everyone's situation is different and sometimes they are just no longer able to care for their cats, the bond they have with their cats and their cat has with them is not underestimated by us. Our Retirement Village means we can care for senior and super senior cats who need ongoing veterinary medication and care. The majority have Osteoarthritis and have a monthly injection which has made a huge difference for them. We also have a physiotherapist who comes once a week she works with some of our residents. Voting ends on 29th January 2025 so please share. You can only vote once.

Micky our mascot has been out and about around Shropshire clocking up the KM to his 100km target to reach the virtual North Pole in time to pass on the lovely letters received from children saying what they think their pets and animals in rescue would like for Christmas. Micky is nearing the end and has been seen out walking and running around Shropshire, Micky entered the Shropshire Santa 5K in Oswestry and had a great time. As Micky nears the end of his challenge he is going to be at The Halfway House on the Wrekin Sunday 22nd December between 1pm and 2:30pm so you can come along and say hi and write a letter for Micky to deliver to Santa Paws. Micky has been working hard as Santa Paws assistant to help spread the Christmas cheer. Micky will be walking to the top of the Wrekin before 1pm and then again after 2:30pm. You can sponsor Micky via the Just Giving Page https://www.justgiving.com/page/micky100kmtonorthpole Santa Paws will be delivering the gifts donated to Shropshire Cat Rescue live via Facebook, TikTok and YouTube on Christmas Eve at 7:30pm. There is still time to donate gifts for the cats and the easiest way is via our online shop. You can choose which toys the cats would like and when checking out select Donate to Shelter as the postage option. https://www.shropshirecatrescue.org.uk/donate-to-shelter-cats For more info about The Halfway House on the Wrekin head to their website https://halfwayhouseonthewrekin.co.uk/news-events/

The film is about how some of the cats in our Retirement Village arrive with us. The bond humans have with their pets are really important to us and we always understand how hard it is when they can no longer look after them. There are various ways you can help us care for the cats in our Retirement Village. You can sponsor the Retirement Village for just £60 per year. https://www.shropshirecatrescue.org.uk/sponsor-a-cat For other ways to support us head to our donate page https://www.shropshirecatrescue.org.uk/donate

Sadly, we said our final good bye to Pongo the end of August. He has been living with Chronic Kidney Failure since arriving at Shropshire Cat Rescue and in the last 6 months he really started to deteriorate and sadly his quality of life was deteriorating so we made the hard decision to say good bye. Pongo had been with us since December 2019 he initially was destined for the Retirement Village but escape artist Pongo had different things to say about that and swiftly made his exit. He broke back in once and instantly regretted it and requested to be let back out. Pongo became one of the meet and greeter gang, he also ensured he kept the admin volunteers in check in the office. Pongo could sniff out treats and catnip with impressive precision he was on paw to ensure that the catnip toys heading to Ukraine when we filled 2 lorries with our Paws for Ukraine appeal were up to scratch. Pongo was a keen attendant at the vet visits because he knew vets = treats. Pongo loved events as he knew events meant cake and he was known as the cake thief and even had a warning sign to warn guests he would steal their cake in cat burglar style when they weren’t looking if they weren’t careful. Pongo would also wait in the queue for cakes from Paws for a Cuppa. Pongo was a huge character that is going to be greatly missed by our volunteers and supporters, each of us have special memories of him.

If you purchase an entry to our lottery between 1st August and 30th September, then you will be entered into a draw to win 1 of 4 Pet Remedy packages. Just head over to our website to get your tickets; each ticket costs £1 per week. Every entry you purchase between 1st August and 30th September gets entered into our Pet Remedy draw. www.shropshirecatrescue.org.uk/lottery 1st   prize is a Pet Remedy bundle containing heat mat, boredom buster, luxury grooming and massage kit, 250ml Pet Remedy Spray Bottle and a travel size 15ml Pet Remedy Spray Bottle. 2nd prize is a Pet Remedy bundle containing a boredom buster, 250ml Pet Remedy Spray Bottle and a travel size 15ml Pet Remedy Spray Bottle. 3rd and 4th prize is a set of 250ml Pet Remedy Spray Bottle and a travel size 15ml Pet Remedy Spray Bottle. Pet Remedy helps calm and gets to work instantly, it helps mammals, reptiles and birds so it is perfect for your whole pet family. You can buy now via our website www.shropshirecatrescue.org.uk/for-pets or you can also donate Pet Remedy items to the shelter via Pet Remedy’s charity shop and they will match any item you purchase so if you by one calming wipes pack then they will send us two. www.petremedy.co.uk/charity-shop/ As you can see the Retirement Village residents enjoy the Boredom Buster. Info about our Lottery. We rely on donations and sponsors to keep our shelter going each year. By setting up a lottery we hope that our supporters will join and so generate more funds to support our work. In addition to the satisfaction of helping the cats and kittens in our care, our lottery supporters will have a chance of winning a prize, which could be as much as £25,000. The number sequence is chosen at random for participants and the draw is made every Friday. There is a 1 in 63 chance to win 1 of the 4 prizes. To win the top prize of £25000 your sequence of numbers has to match the winning number sequence generated e.g. if your number is 123456 then to win £25,000 the winning number needs to be 123456. If your number was 654321 then you would have no winning matches. 3 digit match in same position = 5 entries into the next draw (odds for winning 1 in 69) 4 digit match in same position = £25 (odds for winning 1 in 823) 5 digit match in same position = £1,000 (odds for winning 1 in 18,518) 6 digit match in same position = £25,000 (odds for winning 1 in 1,000,000).   ·        It costs £1 per entry into the weekly draw. (There is a maximum of 20 entries per week). ·        Participants must be 18 or over to sign up to enter.  ·        A minimum of 50% of the total lottery proceeds go to supporting the work carried out by Shropshire Cat Rescue, 18.4% on prizes and 31.6% on expenses and administration of the lottery. ·        The platform we are using for the lottery is Unity. To find out more about how Unity uses your personal details, and for other information about the lottery, please click the Frequently Asked Questions button.  Please Be Gamble Aware and seek help, advice or support from  BeGambleAware .  They have a freephone number available 24-7. It is 0808 8020 133.

If you are concerned that your cat may be exhibiting signs of FIC then please contact your veterinary practice immediately. If your cat is unable to pass urine this is an emergency and you need to contact your veterinary practice straight away, if they are closed there will be a out of hours provider. For further information about FIC and Feline Urinary Tract Disease you can gain further information from your veterinary practice or heading to www.icatcare.org

At the beginning of March Shropshire Cat Rescue was buzzing with excitement as they welcomed Dr Scott known for being This Morning’s vet he came along to film for his new YouTube channel Rescue Vet. Dr Scott was shown around by volunteers and he described it as a super cute retirement village, Titch made sure he felt welcome by snuggling up close as soon as he sat down in Moggies Mansion. The volunteers set him to work with a vet clinic where he met cats like Dotty and Winston who’s skin was in a poor condition due to flea allergic dermatitis. He also met Bronwyn who is now looking for her forever home after coming into the rescue in November lacking fur, needing a dental and being underweight she was believed to be an elderly girl so went into the Retirement Village but as Dr Scott confirmed she is younger than previously believed so she is looking for a forever home. Dr Scott fell in love with Johnny who is a resident at the shelter, he is 3 years old cat who came to the rescue 10 months ago from another rescue. Johnny was desperate to be outside but due to being blind, deaf and having neurological issues this was not possible where he was. Johnny has a fully enclosed secure outside space with his own castle in and gets take on regular walks by volunteers. Dr Scott enjoyed taking Johnny out on one of his walks. Dr Scott’s YouTube channel Rescue Vet is a brilliant platform to help highlight the struggles rescue centres are facing and how staff and volunteers are working tirelessly to care for the animals coming in. The episode where Shropshire Cat Rescue is featured went live on 17th April 24. The support for the Retirement Village in the comments has been overwhelming and very positive with people sharing stories of their senior and super senior cats. It is so lovely for our volunteer’s hard work to be appreciated so openly and for people to have a peep into what goes on at Shropshire Cat Rescue. Vera steered clear of the vet checks but did get involved in letting supporters know about Dr Scott’s visit and has been encouraging supporters to watch the episode and also subscribe to Rescue Vet to ensure people don’t miss any episodes. https://youtu.be/getg88d64XA?si=kGKcjKdk43baY13y To watch the cutest cat Retirement Village episode on Rescue Vet head along to YouTube https://youtu.be/6hjIlQw62AQ?si=Pm1sqhcKcGFhvzR_ If you are interested in supporting Shropshire Cat Rescue you can donate to our Feral Appeal https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/feralappeal If you are interested in adopting from us then please head to our adoption page and complete n online application form https://www.shropshirecatrescue.org.uk/adopt-a-cat

Micky finished the 100mile virtual walk to the South Pole in March. Micky's fabulous selfies meant that Micky won a prize for having the best pictures. The prize is free entry into the Ultra Challenge Kent Downs 50, Micky is excited about doing the 50km walk on 12th October but would really appreciate some walking buddies for support and company along the way. If you want to join Micky on the 50km trek in Kent then please pop along to the Ultra Challenge website and book your space. You would need to self fund and the cost is £139 with that you receive full support during the walk with stop points that provide food and drink, they have medical teams and ensure the route is fully marked out so there is no need for you to navigate your way around. So why not go check out the Ultra Challenge website and get yourself booked on to walk with Micky. To join Micky's team when booking onto the walk select to join Micky's Walking Buddies team. https://www.ultrachallenge.com/kent-downs-50-challenge/ Micky will be training around Shropshire to get ready for the 50km walk so keep a eye out and don't forget to say hi Micky is always happy to join you for a selfie too. Check out Micky's latest film here https://youtu.be/zUlAz_sgCwE?si=03MYwtemGidoxrak Here are just some of the fabulous pictures Micky got whilst out walking 100miles from 26th December till 24th March.

Rudy is using his reporting skills and his 3rd Birthday to help boost the reach of our Feral Appeal. Rudy has created his report and explains why Shropshire Cat Rescue’s support of feral colonies is so important to him. Rudy explains how as a day old he was found orphaned in one of the feral colonies we support, he was brought into the shelter and hand reared by Marion the shelter manager who ended up adopting him. Rudy turned 3 years old on the 8th April, so is requesting people support the Feral Appeal for his birthday by sending gifts of food for the feral colonies or donate money to the Feral Appeal. Shropshire Cat Rescue currently supports 6 colonies by providing food, the support does not stop there. Veterinary care is provided when needed due to illness or injury, along with neutering. By providing this support to those looking after the feral colonies it means the people looking after the colonies can get access to the veterinary care quickly. We also support colonies that need help with Trap Neuter and Return (TNR) so they can help reduce the impact kitten season can have on a colony if neutering isn’t undertaken. Sometimes returning is not an option and we support those trying to relocate the cats, we avoid bringing the cats from feral colonies into the shelter as they do not cope in the shelter environment. The stress of being confined can cause fear and anxiety which is dangerous for all involved. The increased stress caused by confining feral cats can result in illness as heightened stress reduces their ability to heal and fight off infections. When kittens are orphaned like Rudy we of course bring them in straight away as they are not equipped to survive without their mum. Kittens can be helped with careful socialisation up until the age of 10 weeks after that age it becomes increasingly difficult to socialise them to human contact or presence, we treat each kitten and situation individually so it suits that individual. Rudy has taken on the role as supervisor around the shelter, he helps out volunteers and regularly tries to break into the Retirement Village and is always keen to play with kittens and other cats. He does also go on toy stealing missions when the gift shop is open on event days, he is not the only cat to spot a opportunity to get a new catnip toy Pongo and Maya are two of the free range residents who spy and take up the opportunity as soon as volunteers backs are turned. So please help us make Rudy’s 3rd Birthday special by donating to our Feral Appeal. For information about food drop off locations and other was to donate head to our website https://www.shropshirecatrescue.org.uk/donate To make a donation please head to our Just Giving Feral Appeal page https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/feralappeal You can check out Rudy reporting on the Feral Appeal Film by heading to our YouTube channel. https://youtu.be/rBucpngQaLQ?si=KEGUhDlMJpUzd68F If you need support with a feral colony then please contact us by either emailing info@shropshirecatrescue.org.uk or complete the Enquiry For Help form on our website https://www.shropshirecatrescue.org.uk/enquiry-for-help