BRISTOL and Wales Cat Rescue has received funding from Barratt David Wilson Homes South West as donations have dried up during the cost of living crisis. The charity will take in any cat and its vet bills total to around £10,000 every month, writes Wilkin Beukes-Boulter.

The Nailsea charity rescues, fosters and rehouses hundreds of cats every year across the South West and Wales that have been badly treated, abandoned or are unwanted and volunteers are typically asked to take in around six cats every day. 

“The current economic crisis has been a disaster for pet owners,” said volunteer Margaret Brittan. “For the first time we're hearing people say they can't afford to feed their pets and many need veterinary treatment which owners are really struggling to pay.  We find ourselves in the eye of a perfect storm – we’ve seen a huge increase in stray and abandoned cats which is to be expected when rescue spaces are so scarce and adoptions are down too which is a result of people struggling financially.

“We were so pleased when we found out Barratt David Wilson Homes South West had given us £1,500. Donations like this are incredibly important and we’ll use every penny to fill hungry bellies and buy equipment to set up foster homes for the 150 cats that depend on us or pay costly vet bills. This donation has eased the pressure for us – it’s come as a huge morale boost and genuinely does feel like a weight has been lifted from our shoulders.”