Cats Protection in Sussex finds homes for 500 felines in a year of online adoption

Cats Protection’s National Cat Adoption Centre has marked the first anniversary of an online scheme that has found homes for more than 500 cats.
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The centre, based in Chelwood Gate, Haywards Heath, launched its successful Hands-Free Homing method last spring so that prospective owners did not have to leave their homes during the Covid-19 pandemic.

People can browse available cats at www.cats.org.uk and staff can conduct introductions via phone or video calls.

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The cats are then taken to their new family by a team of volunteers.

Annabelle, 11, is one of the cats at Cats Protection's National Adoption Centre looking for a home. Picture: Cats ProtectionAnnabelle, 11, is one of the cats at Cats Protection's National Adoption Centre looking for a home. Picture: Cats Protection
Annabelle, 11, is one of the cats at Cats Protection's National Adoption Centre looking for a home. Picture: Cats Protection

Danielle Draper, Cats Protection’s National Cat Adoption Centre manager, said: “We worked incredibly hard to get Hands-Free Homing off the ground when our centre – like all Cats Protection centres and branches – needed to close to the public in the first lockdown.”

“We’re thrilled that it’s been more successful than we ever imagined,” she said, adding that Cats Protection has provided hundreds of people with companionship during a tough year.

Annabelle, 11, is just one of the cats being cared for at the centre and is looking for a new home in her later years.

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Danielle said that the centre has also held some well-supported fundraising events online to bring in vital funds.

“It may not be the same as welcoming visitors to the centre, but it’s been great to be able to show people the work we’re doing and give fellow cat lovers the chance to see some of the lovely cats in our care,” she said.

“We’ve had to adapt quickly to the many changes over the past year,” Danielle added.

“Our wonderful staff and volunteers have been brilliant in ensuring the cats in our care have the same routine and attention as before.”

The centre has also set up an Amazon wishlist for anyone who would like to help by purchasing a toy or cat care equipment.

The item will be delivered directly to the centre.

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