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About us and how we work: The Harrogate and District branch of Cats Protection is run entirely by voluntary workers which means that all our funds go directly to caring for the cats. Most of us also work, many full-time, and we give what time we are able to helping in various ways.
On this page:	Our aims How we work Other ways we can help Funding

Our aims:

• To rescue stray and unwanted cats and kittens, rehabilitate and home them where possible.
• To encourage the neutering of cats not required for breeding.
• To inform the public on the care of cats and kittens.

How we work:

Several of our fosterers have purpose-designed pens in their in gardens, which provide refuge for the cats and kittens in our care. These pens are connected to an electricity supply to provide both lighting, and warmth in the sleeping cabins during cold weather. Our fosterers work to strict guidelines; the pens are kept spotlessly clean, while the cats are fed and watered regularly, and stimulated with a selection of toys and some human company whenever possible.

We also have fosterers who care for cats in their homes. Often, these are cats that require special attention, perhaps because they are shy and frightened, and need to acquire confidence in human company before they can be re-homed. Orphaned kittens and cats with medical conditions might also require the attention of a home fosterer.

We pride ourselves that we give the best possible care to all our cats and kittens, and we never home them unless we believe they are fit and healthy. We are always interested in recruiting more fosterers; anybody who is interested, and willing to work within the strict Cats Protection guidelines, is invited to get in touch.

Other ways we can help:

• We may be able to help with the cost of neutering your cat or kitten. If you are in receipt of income support or family credit we can offer a voucher which covers part of the cost. CATS CAN BE NEUTERED AT ANY AGE FROM ABOUT 5 MONTHS...THEY DO NOT NEED TO HAVE A LITTER FIRST. A female cat will begin to have unwanted kittens from about 7 months. If she is denied her freedom to mate she will become frustrated and develop behavioural and health problems. An un-neutered tom will roam and fight for a mate making him prone to abscesses and diseases like FIV (feline AIDS) and feline leukaemia virus, both of which are fatal. He is also likely to become aggressive and to spray urine marking around the house.
• We maintain a LOST AND FOUND register on this website (Click here). If you have lost your cat, or found a cat, let us know. We will be able to offer advice to help you find your cat.
• We may be able to assist with neuteringferal cats.

Funding:

It costs about £10 per week to care for each cat or kitten and the last few years we have cared for and rehomed about 350 cats annually.
Our funds come entirely from fund-raising events and donations from the public. We also have a Sponsorship Scheme whereby people can sponsor a pen or one of our long term foster cats for £5 per month.