Sunderland animal rescue Pawz For Thought has launched Project CatSnip, a bi-monthly welfare scheme offering free microchipping and neutering appointments to help reduce the growing number of stray cats in the North East.
New project targets rising stray cat numbers
Pawz For Thought, which had planning approved for an expanded animal hospital on its premises in the past year, says the new initiative addresses a crisis that has not featured prominently in headlines. Stray cats are not an overly common sight in the UK, but their numbers have been steadily growing, much of the increase thought to come from pet owners not neutering their animals.
Project CatSnip was formed thanks to a grant from Sunderland City Council. The campaign means bi-monthly pet welfare events where pet owners can access free microchipping services alongside a number of neutering appointments.
The animal rescue launched the initiative to "address the tsunami of kittens being born with no homes available". It is designed to "help reduce uncontrolled breeding, alleviate pressure on already overburdened animal shelters, and address the ongoing issue of unhomed cats being born in the community."
'The increase is frightening'
Alongside free microchipping and neutering, the events include free basic health checks, "offering guidance on both behavioural and medical concerns". The service is "aimed at supporting individuals and families who may face financial barriers in accessing veterinary care, ensuring that more pets receive timely advice and intervention."
Lorraine Thornton, rescue centre director at Pawz For Thought, said "There are absolutely loads" of stray cats in the North East, with the rescue receiving four phone calls on the morning of a visit. She described the plight of animals left behind by society as "heartbreaking", adding that the increase is "frightening".
“Every rescue is full now, and there's still kittens being born," Thornton said. She said Pawz For Thought is overwhelmed by the sheer number of animals in need and has moved to spay and castrate as many cats as possible to help stem the tide.
Cost-of-living support
A large part of the barrier to getting cats neutered is financial. Thornton explained: "if you were on benefits, you could get support, but not all people who need support are on benefits. So we thought a bit differently."
"Working families are feeling the crunch with the cost-of-living crisis, and we want to help those people as well," she said, adding that "everybody is struggling and tightening the purse strings, but when it comes to animals, it's not gonna help having a litter of kittens, it's going to increase that financial burden."
She said the rescue applied for a grant with Sunderland Council and was successful: "We got some money to contribute towards the project. So bi-monthly, you can bring your animal along, you can get them microchipped for free, but also we are doing free neutering for people that need our help."
First event success
The first Project CatSnip event was a big success, with over 50 appointments in just a day. Bookings are available on the charity's website for microchipping. There are currently no more neuter vouchers available through the booking site, but as awareness of the initiative grows and donations increase, more vouchers could become available soon.
