Willowsway Cat Rescue 'overwhelmed' by pets needing help

Willowsway Cat Rescue in Northwich has issued a desperate appeal for support.

It comes as the charity has been 'inundated' with requests for help from members of the public.

Trustee Martine Gum said: “The number of cats being surrendered is overwhelming.

“We are struggling to cope with the number of cats and kittens needing help.

“This is not unique to this area, it is a nationwide problem.

“We have seen a growing trend in stray cats, cats being abandoned by their owners and cats being surrendered to us.”

Queenie, one of the cats in Willowsway's care. Despite already having four kittens of her own, Queenie took on three additional kittens who were found in a garden with no sign of mum (Image: Supplied)

Willowsway Cat Rescue currently has more than 90 felines in its care, with a long waiting list of cats needing to come in, and daily messages looking for help.

The charity has also started covering an ever-increasing area beyond Northwich, meaning volunteers are having to travel further afield to lend a hand.

All of the team at Willowsway are volunteers, many of whom juggle this with full-time jobs and families.

Martine added: “We have amazing support from our members and followers but we need more help if our work is to continue. 

“With many rescues closing their doors, due to the financial pressures of animal rescue, we are having to deal with more and more cases.”

A new law that requires all cats to be microchipped by the time they are 20 weeks old came into force on June 10, but owners have a 21-day grace period, ending on July 1, to have their cats undergo the procedure.

This has further added to the pressure on cat rescues, with owners asking for help getting their pets microchipped or in some cases wanting to surrender their cat rather than take responsibility.

“The majority of the public are unaware of the demands being placed on animal rescue charities,” Martine said.

Laurel was found in a garden with her seven kittens, painfully thin and starving. Thankfully, all are now doing well (Image: Supplied)

Willowsway’s work is carried out by a team consisting of Martine, fellow trustees Becky Jones Peach and Gillian Clewes and owner Liz Peach as well as a group of foster carers.

Fundraising events such as bingo nights, coffee mornings and sponsored walks help support the work they do.

The charity is on the lookout for local businesses that can help provide prizes for these events.

If you can help in any way, visit www.willowswaycatrescue.net, email willowswaycatrescue@gmail.com or call 07596 461177.