The RSPCA Newbrook Farm Animal Centre and Hospital in Birmingham is full-to-bursting following a recent influx of cats and kittens - and is now appealing for kind foster carers to help them care for a whopping 474 moggies
The charity, based in Frankley Green, is currently at capacity with 69 cats at the animal centre, another 27 in foster homes, 300 cats in private boarding establishments waiting to be moved to the centre and 78 cats at the hospital.
Emma Finnimore, cattery supervisor, said:
“We are absolutely full to capacity with cats at the moment.
“This has come at a particularly challenging time as very sadly we see a dip in rehoming during the summer holiday period as families are likely to be going away so it’s not the right time for them to bring a pet into their life.
Credit: RSPCA Newbrook Farm Animal Centre and Hospital
“It feels like we’re facing a cat crisis with more cats coming in than we can find homes for - so we need people’s help. In particular, we have quite a lot of nursing cat mums and young kittens, who aren’t old enough for adoption yet, and so we are desperately looking for foster homes for them to help free up space in our cattery for other cats who can be rehomed.”
May to September is known as kitten season when typically most litters of kittens are born. This means that the charity can often see an influx of cats and kittens coming into its care throughout the summer months, but, this year there seems to be unprecedented numbers in some locations, particularly in Birmingham. The RSPCA urges cat owners to neuter their cats from four months old - as some felines can get pregnant even at that young age - to avoid unplanned pregnancies.
Sadly, in extreme cases, unwanted kittens can end up abandoned, with the animal welfare sector left to pick up the pieces.
Emma added: “We are appealing to the people of Birmingham to consider fostering cats for the RSPCA if they can. Fostering a pet is incredibly rewarding as you know that you have played a key part in helping a rescued animal recover and start their new life. You’ll get to meet and care for animals with unique personalities and see them rehomed to a new family thanks to your kindness and care. Fostering also gives people who would normally be unable to take in an animal long-term, due to other commitments, an alternative that might better suit their lifestyle.”
Credit: RSPCA Newbrook Farm Animal Centre and Hospital
Tiger-Lily came into the charity’s care last month as a heavily pregnant stray. She was microchipped but the details were out of date so the staff at the centre were unable to trace an owner. She gave birth a few weeks after arriving to a shockingly large litter of NINE kittens (pictured above) now named Madonna, Calla, Sierra, Anastasia, Stargazer, Martagon and Peace, and two boys called Soloman and Michigan.
Emma added: “This was the largest litter I’ve ever seen in my 25 years here!
“We try to place nursing queens into foster homes to prevent spaces being blocked for weeks until the kittens are old enough. Obviously these won't be ready for adoption for another nine weeks so if we can place them in a foster home this allows us to free up the space and help more cats that need to come in. It's best for the nursing queen and the kittens to be in a loving foster home too, receiving around the clock care and socialisation in a home environment. This will get them used to different people, men, women, children and the noises of a home like the TV, washing machine and vacuum cleaner.
“We give foster carers all of the support they need. We provide all of the fostering equipment and the supplies as well as veterinary checks so that our fosterers are not out of pocket.”
The centre unfortunately couldn’t find a foster home for six week old kittens, Louis V, Chanel, Prada and Armani (pictured above) when they arrived which meant they spent the next three weeks in the cattery until they were old enough to be rehomed. Although they were given lots of care and attention from the dedicated team at the centre, it meant that the space could not be filled by a cat waiting to find their forever home.
RSPCA Birmingham is also looking for foster carers for cats who may find cattery life stressful or cats recovering from surgery. Two year old Rusty was found collapsed under a tree and suffering from pancreatitis. He finds cattery life stressful and so he is much more likely to come out of his shell and gain confidence in a home environment. Cats like Shelly, who is recovering from amputation surgery and cannot be rehomed just yet, also need fostering.
Credit: RSPCA Newbrook Farm Animal Centre and Hospital
What are the requirements for becoming a fosterer?
- Be able to transport the cat/kittens to vet appointments if needed
- Have time to spend with them or be around for them
- Access to a spare room or quiet space at home (cats will not be allowed outside of your home environment, so would need a specific space)
- Have lots of love, time and patience to give to the animal whilst they are with you.
All necessary equipment, and veterinary care will be supplied and funded by the RSPCA. Fosterers will have the support of RSPCA staff on hand should they need it.
For more information visit the RSPCA’s volunteering website.
To help the RSPCA continue its rescue and rehabilitation work the charity is calling on the public to support its Summer Cruelty Appeal and choosing to donate.