Catnews Archive

Ann Kirton, the manager of St Francis Animal Rescue in Stanhope Road, South Shields, has been swamped with adult cats and kittens in the run-up to the festive period, and is desperate to find them new homes.

And she said the shelter is so stretched, it is having to turn strays away.

She said: "Literally every day we've had a new cat brought to us that either needs a new owner or needs medical treatment.

"We are getting to the point where we can't take any more in until after the new year."

Mrs Kirton, 60, is currently caring for 20 cats at the centre, with the help of a pal.

But out of those, only six adults and three kittens are ready to be fostered.

The rest need further treatment, but are expected to be better soon. Mrs Kirton said: "There's no cost whatsoever to be a foster parent, we provide everything.

"All they would have to do is keep the cat indoors, feed it and love it for however long they wanted to, it would be a great help to us."

All of the cats which come from the charity are neutered, wormed, deloused and microchipped before they are placed with new owners.
And in a bid to find the cats homes as soon as possible, Mrs Kirton is offering free neutering and microchipping of cats.
One cat the charity is eager to give a good home to is Francis.

The one-year-old was knocked over
and found dragging his legs behind him. After treatment for a broken leg, he's on
the mend and would make a lovely, playful pet.

If you would like to help Francis or become a foster parent, contact Mrs Kirton on 456 9613 or Linda Mercer on 455 7053.