Making a difference, one paw at a time
At Special Paws Cat Rescue, we are dedicated to giving every cat a second chance at a loving home. Many of the feline friends we welcome into our care have faced unimaginable hardships, arriving with health issues, special requirements, or simply in need of extra TLC. Your support helps us provide the vital care they deserve. Discover our current appeals and how your generosity can transform a life.
Nourishing futures: Food & essential supplies
Here at Special Paws, we often take in cats who have known nothing other than living on the streets. Because of this, they often have health issues, special requirements or require that extra bit of TLC. Due to the amount of cats in our care, we frequently post food appeals on our social media outlets. As well as food, we go through an awful lot of litter, beds, toys amongst other items. We are constantly on the lookout for the best deals so any funds and donations can stretch as far as possible, ensuring our cats receive the best care.
Healing paws: Vital vet care
Some cats in our care require that extra bit of love from our amazing vets. Whether it be a health check, a little boost in the form of medication, spaying/neutering, or more severe operations, the next cat through our doors could cost thousands in vet fees. We aim to be as prepared as possible for these critical situations, as prompt veterinary attention can be the difference between life and death. Your support for our vet fund ensures we can always provide urgent medical care.
Your impact: Every bit helps
We appreciate each and every donation, no matter how small; even just £1 goes a long way. The more people who donate, the more cats we can take in and provide them a brighter, pain-free future. We only ask for financial support from our followers in the most severe of cases. We often have kitties coming into our care who require operations, which can cost thousands. We don't shy away from these severe cases, as every cat deserves a chance. Your help is needed now to ensure these urgent needs are met.
Urgent Funding Appeal
On the week commencing 26th January, we was contacting by a local team of professionals seeking urgent help following a gentleman being taken into assisted living. From the description we received, we expected the conditions to be bad, but we weren't prepared for what we was about to walk in to.
Upon arrival, the door was boarded up, meaning entry could only be gained from the rear, through a smashed window. Knee high in waste, faeces, food amongst many other things, we began our work in finding all the cats in the property. Unfortunately, our team found amongst the mess, several deceased kittens. As a rescue, absolutely heartbreaking to know that although we acted instantly, we was too late to help them all. Almost instantly, it became apparent the job was going to be bigger than we expected. We placed our traps at the property, and successfully trapped one of the male cats. After a night out in the cold, our team returned home for some well earned rest. The following day, our team returned to find what looked like a pregnant female sitting on the shed roof. In the process of trying to contain the female, we managed to bring in a further 3 cats, in a shocking condition. With help from another local rescue, we eventually managed to contain the pregnant female, and confirmed a pregnancy, which we expect will be due in the next few days. With most of the cats contained, we continue to work with others to contain all the cats present, and prevent further breeding in the property.
What happens to the cats that have been trapped?
All the cats that have been trapped at the property will receive anything they need. We suspect there will be health issues with the condition they are in, along with the conditions they've endured. They are all placed in isolation in foster homes, where they no longer need to worry about how they will keep warm or where their next meal will come from. All the cats will be taken to the vets for health checks, and all the cats will be neutered.
What will happen with the pregnant Mum?
The pregnant female is in foster with our specialist kitten foster. With the birth expected to be imminent, all we can do is ensure she is as comfortable as possible, receives all the space she requires and gets the nutrients the kittens will require when they do arrive.
What do we need help with?
We need urgent help with funding to ensure these cats receive the care and treatment they desperately need. All funds for this appeal will go directly to all the cats we take in from this property, should any funds be left, they will go towards future cats that arrive in our care.
How can you help?
There are many ways to make a financial contribution towards the cats in our care. Monetary donations can be made directly to our vets, Highfields in Derby, or please see the "how to donate" page.
Vixen - TARGET REACHED
Vixen recently joined us here at Special Paws after being contacted for help. Upon her arrival with us, her amazing foster swiftly assessed her condition and concerns arose. She was taken straight to her local vets for a health check where numerous concerns was further confirmed.
Vixen has suffered from a flea infestation causing irritation to her skin, and affecting her beautiful golden coat on her rear end. For this, our vets have placed her on steroids, applied flea treatment and provided her some pain relief.
Further to this, poor Vixen had severe dental issues. Her mouth was full with rotten and broken teeth, creating a foul smell being caused by infection. For this, Vixen requires a full dental, with an estimated cost of £700. Vixen needs your help to become pain free and start her recovery and start seeking her forever home.
To help raise funds, one of our amazing followers has offered a raffle prize of a full body massage. Details on how to enter can be found on our Facebook page.
Donations to our bank
Donations can be made directly to our business account. All designated funds will be set aside for Vixen to receive the health care she requires. Should any funds remain after, this will go towards treatment costs for some of the other cats in our care who need it.