RSPCA Sussex East and Hastings Branch (Bluebell Ridge)

28/11/2024

Special offer big dog neutering for £50!
We have a limited amount of neutering vouchers for castrates or spays dogs over 30kg at participating vets across Sussex, Surrey and Kent.
If you are on means tested benefits/low income of less than 25k and have a dog over 30kg follow the link below to find out if you are eligible.
Please note this is a limited time offer and vouchers are allocated on a first come first served basis.

Apply here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdcD7GWKjrmVW6jGYVYVUXDV3jrr5Qic-ODbDR45fG-HUWMzQ/viewform?fbclid=IwY2xjawG1TxpleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHUWBhk03Z6cGb-1chxvRBY2Jan2WD9Eb90jywux7Bkhs0TaN7KqiOfO8NQ_aem_mUQM7bGhOXbreiD5CFrxfg

There are still spaces available in the Big Dog Neutering Scheme -please see our PINNED POST at the top of our page for more details. If you qualify, you can have your big dog (over 30kg) neutered for £50 at participating vets across Sussex, Kent, and Surrey. Follow the link in our pinned post to apply. Let's help prevent unwanted litters! 🐶

26/11/2024

Have you got your raffle tickets yet?

There are some amazing prizes to be won, including a £50 Amazon Gift Voucher kindly donated by , an Alpaca Experience kindly donated by , free entry for 4 people to the Hastings Blue Reef Aquarium,
and free tickets for a Sound Bath generously donated by the Sound Alchemist, plus lots of other fabulous prizes donated by our lovely supporters.

All proceeds from our Christmas Raffle will be used to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome abused, abandoned, and unwanted cats, and also for future community initiatives like our Cat Neutering Scheme.

Tickets are available to buy at:-

Bluebell Ridge Cat Rehoming Centre, Chowns Hill, Hastings, TN35 4PA, including at our Christmas Fair on Sunday 8th December.

RSPCA Charity Shop, 16 Western Road, Bexhill, TN40 1DX

Or by calling 01424 752121 or emailing [email protected]

25/11/2024

Nomination for the Benefact Groups awards are open.

Please nominate us for an opportunity to win £1,000.

£1,000 can provide essential veterinary care for 10 cats. That's 10 abandoned, injured or stray cats, neutered, vaccinated, flea and worm treated.

It takes just a couple of minutes to nominate a charity. In those couple of minutes you not only support a self-funded animal charity that relies on public donations, but also 10 cats in desperate need of care and attention.

You can nominate us through this link: https://movementforgood.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawGx1FVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHRC186PaMKxajifGYP2TApmt4i2DLE9oEXpy2WJ4lvi0hQUbwSRzRc91sg_aem_i7xv-rILZuj0ne46TQ5BpA #

You can easily search for our branch by using our charity number: 206314

24/11/2024

⭐Volunteer Foster Carers Needed⭐

Hopefully this past week, we have convinced some of you to take the plunge and enquire about fostering a cat for us. If it's not for you at the moment, do you know anyone that would like the companionship of a cat, but are not in a position to give a long term commitment.

For more information about fostering a cat in need, please call 01424 752121, or email [email protected], or click on the link below.

https://www.bluebellridge.org/fostering

23/11/2024

***FOCUS ON FOSTERING***

Here's the last of our fosterer write-ups for now. Sam wrote this a while back before Slinky was adopted.

As I sit here and write this little paragraph to share my experience as a cat fosterer for RSPCA Bluebell Ridge, I have Slinky curled up next to me on my sofa all cosy, safe and warm, and I look at him and smile because there is no other feeling that can bring you so much happiness than that of knowing you are helping these adorable cats take the next step, to stay in a safe home, at a time they need it most.

Since starting fostering in June 2023, I've cared for five cats, including Slinky, my current foster. Despite not having cats for around 30 years and initially uncertain about the responsibility alongside my freelance routine, the RSPCA's support has been invaluable. From the application process to cat placements, they've offered clear guidance, flexibility, and comfort. Though apprehensive about fostering two sisters initially, their encouragement and advice alleviated my concerns. I've never felt pressured to make decisions quickly; the RSPCA's presence and assistance whenever needed has provided me with reassuring support. As to fitting in with my lifestyle, I can honestly say it has been much easier than expected, I even don't mind being woken up at 7am by a furry friend wanting their breakfast lol! I also love my visits to pick up food and litter and catch up with the team at the rehoming centre and sending in updates and photos for them to share.

When I filled in my application, I mentioned about how I would treat each cat dependent on their personality and this is what makes me laugh out loud many times a day because getting to know their little ways, and what they need from you, is one of the best things I have enjoyed. Some cats have been very nervous, some have been all over the place, and this one I have had to be on heightened alert where food is concerned but with patience, time and understanding (and lots of treats), they all have settled in quite quickly and together you work it out. It really is a special bond you build, teaching those that need to be reassured that us humans can be trusted! I have suffered myself with anxiety and periods of low mood for most of my adult life and it really was the right time for me to become a cat fosterer. Looking after these gorgeous girls & boys, has helped me as much as I help them, and it really is most rewarding.

I went into this knowing they would be moving on when the right home had been found, and I honestly am so happy when this happens because I know I have done my little part in nurturing them to feel safe and loved, and they will go onto have such a happy life with their adopters. It's lovely meeting prospective adopters and facilitating the introductions, and see the joy it will bring to them and the cats you have been lucky enough to look after.

I feel so privileged to be a part of their journey and I am sure if you are thinking about it for yourself, you too will not look back, and will feel a sense of great satisfaction becoming a cat fosterer.

If you would like to know more about fostering a cat, please follow the link below, call the cattery on 01424 752121, or email [email protected]

https://www.bluebellridge.org/fostering

22/11/2024

Do you recognise this cat?

This sweet little girl was brought into the cattery earlier today after she was found in the Church Road area of St Leonard's. She is not microchipped.

If you think this is your cat, please call RSPCA Sussex East and Hastings Branch (Bluebell Ridge) on 01424 752121 or email us at [email protected]

Please note: proof of ownership will be required.

22/11/2024

***FOCUS ON FOSTERING***

Here's another fosterer's story.

This time it's Sue.

I started fostering in November 2023, I hadn’t had a pet for 20 years, but before then I had always lived with at least one and up to seven cats. I couldn’t have a better first foster cat, Teddy was a large, black cat who thought that he was still a kitten. He was super friendly and confident.

Bluebell Ridge is always there to support you and everything is supplied for you, you just need to add the care, fun, and a safe place for them to thrive.

The best part is the first time that your foster cat sits next to you, or on you. It means that they are comfortable with you and the environment. The foster cat's first days are spent in their own room while they adjust to their new home. Within a day of being allowed out beyond his room Teddy quickly found his favourite spots to relax around the house as well as causing mischief as he explored everywhere.

Everyday, as well as feeding Teddy, I played with him.

It was such lovely news when I found out that he had finally found his permanent home.

If you would like to know more about fostering a cat, please follow the link below, call the cattery on 01424 752121, or email [email protected]

https://www.bluebellridge.org/fostering

21/11/2024

***FOCUS ON FOSTERING***

Now that we have given you more information about fostering a cat, we thought we'd share some of the lovely feedback we have had from some of our fosterers.

Here's Nancy's story.

I became a fostering volunteer in January this year, and I've cared for 3 cats.

It's a very rewarding experience to be able to care for and provide a loving home to a little animal who may have been through great hardship in their life.

The 3 cats that I have looked after have had very different personalities. Socks was very young, full of beans, and constantly wanting attention! Ginny was much more timid and nervous, but gradually she is started to trust me and enjoyed a fuss every day! Jessie was the perfect cat, very easy to look after, and a relaxed and affectionate girl.

If you love cats but can't commit to looking after one forever, fostering is a great way to enjoy a cat's company and help them on their journey to adoption. I would thoroughly recommend it!

If you would like to know more about fostering a cat, please follow the link below, call the cattery on 01424 752121, or email [email protected]

https://www.bluebellridge.org/fostering

20/11/2024

***FOCUS ON FOSTERING***

How fostering can help you?

It’s a rewarding role.

You will know that you are playing a key part in helping a rescued cat recover from a life of suffering and start a new life.

You’ll get to meet and care for cats with unique personalities and see them rehomed to a new family.

Fostering gives people, who would not normally be able to take in a cat long term, an opportunity look after and have the companionship of a cat.

Holly fostered Jess for us. Jess was a real character at the cattery. An independent girl with a cheeky sense of humour. She was always giving us a little swipe whenever we walked past her outdoor run. We couldn't help but love her. She ended up staying at the cattery a long time due to her age and being a black cat so we decided to move her to a foster home. Holly ended up falling in love with Jess and decided to adopted. Unfortunately, we lost a fosterer, however, Jess gained her forever home and that made it more than okay with us.

If you would like to know more about fostering a cat, please follow the link below, call the cattery on 01424 752121, or email [email protected]

https://www.bluebellridge.org/fostering

19/11/2024

***FOCUS ON FOSTERING***

What do you need to become a fosterer?

~ You will need to be over 18 years old.
~ Have empathy, and be able to adapt to the different needs of the cats in your care.
~ Have experience caring for pets (we will provide training and ongoing support).
~ If caring for pregnant females or mums with kittens, experience is essential.
~ Own your home, or have written permission from your landlord to foster cats.
~ Have a good-sized room for your foster cat to settle into & have as a safe space.
~ A calm home, with no young children.
~ Be local to the Hastings area.
~ Have your own transport.
~ No other cats or dogs in the home.
~ Have a willingness to learn and follow our procedures.
~ Good communication skills.

Little Olive was fostered by Liz & Roger. She was a shy and sensitive little soul. She had some health issues that delayed her rehoming journey and she started to show signs of stress and anxiety at the cattery. Liz & Roger took care of her in their home until we found a forever home for her.

If you would like to know more about fostering a cat, please follow the link below, call the cattery on 01424 752121, or email [email protected]

https://www.bluebellridge.org/fostering

19/11/2024

18/11/2024

***FOCUS ON FOSTERING***

What does fostering a cat involve?

As a fosterer, you will be temporarily caring for a cat, or cats, while they wait for their permanent home. Cats will normally stay with you for between a few weeks and a few months.

During this time, you will be taking care of their needs, including feeding them, providing fresh water, keeping their litter tray clean, grooming them, socialising and playing with them.

You will need to monitor their health and behaviour.

Some cats will also need medicating and taking to vet appointments.

You will need to keep accurate records.

We like our fosterers to provide us with photos and videos of the cat, and information about their personalities to help us to match them with their perfect adopter.

You will need to be able to accommodate visits from potential adopters (who will have passed our adoption checks).

You don't need to worry about the costs involved when you foster a cat from Bluebell Ridge. Food, litter, bedding, equipment, and any veterinary treatment are covered by the Branch.

Alice fostered Daniel for us. He was abandoned at the cattery with two other cats. The other two cats got rehomed quickly, however, Daniel didn't seem to get much interest and was becoming unhappy at the cattery whilst waiting for his forever home. Daniel stayed with Alice until we found him a new home with a lovely couple where we knew he would get the much needed attention that he craved.

If you would like to know more about fostering a cat, please follow the link below, call the cattery on 01424 752121, or email [email protected]

https://www.bluebellridge.org/fostering

17/11/2024

***FOCUS ON FOSTERING***

This week we are going to being running a feature on fostering, including how rewarding it is for those that foster cats for us, and the benefits to the cats that are fostered.

So, why do we move some cats out of the cattery and into a foster home?

Many of the cats that come into our care have either suffered abuse or neglect, or are not used to the care and attention that they deserve. They may have been stray cats or cats from a multi-cat household. Some of these cats don’t cope well in the cattery setting. This is where we need fosterers to provide them with a real home environment, even if it is only on a temporary basis.

Living with a foster family provides these cats with one to one care, allowing them to build up their confidence, and helping them to get used to a normal lifestyle in a home.

Fostering a cat awaiting rehoming is an important role. It helps to play a vital part in the rehabilitation of cats, and it helps improve their chance of finding a new home.

It frees up a space in the cattery for us to offer shelter to another cat in need.

Ultimately, it helps us to help more cats.

One of our first fosterers is Tracey. Over the years, she has fostered a number of cats for us. These included Emily, who we suspected was having seizures, however, we never saw her have one when we were at the cattery. Tracey was able to provide the one to one care that Emily needed and was able to take video footage of Emily which confirmed that she was suffering with seizures. Tracey also fostered Donnie, a cat that was very unhappy in the cattery setting, and who had been at the cattery for some considerable time. Tracey worked wonders with Donnie, gaining his confidence, and bringing him out of his shell. Over time, Tracey fell in love with Donnie and adopted him. Tracey also fostered Fleur who was another cat struggling to cope in the cattery. She worked her magic and ended up adopting her too.

If you would like to know more about fostering a cat, please follow the link below, call the cattery on 01424 752121, or email [email protected]

https://www.bluebellridge.org/fostering

17/11/2024

🎅Christmas Fair🎅

Just 4 more weeks until our Christmas Fair! Have you got your tickets yet?

Come and join us for a festive day filled with joy and cheer at RSPCA Sussex East & Hastings Branch (Bluebell Ridge).

Get into the holiday spirit with a live band, yummy treats, fun activities, stalls, and more!

Whether you're young, or young at heart, there's something for everyone to enjoy at our Christmas Fair. Don't miss out on this merry event - mark your calendars and bring your loved ones along for a jolly good time!

Tickets to the event are free, with donations on the day encouraged. All proceeds from the event go straight back to RSPCA Sussex East & Hastings Branch (Bluebell Ridge) to help us to continue the work we do with abused and abandoned animals.

To get your tickets, please follow the link below or call 01424 752121

https://bit.ly/3UEx2bc

15/11/2024

***FEATURE FRIDAY***

Today's Feature Friday is a very special pair of boys - Aiden & Arnie.

These 2 boys have come from a multi-cat household where the previous owner was no longer able to cope with the number of cats that they had.

They are 4 years old.

Arnie is partially sighted, and Aiden is blind.

Understandably, these boys have found their change in circumstances quite scary and bewildering. They have been shy boys at cattery, however, their previous owner has described them as friendly cats, and we believe that, once settled into their new home, they will come out of their little shells, and make a lovely addition to a home.

They are seeking an indoor only home together, or a home where they can have access to a catio in a garden.

If you are interested in offering this dear little pair of boys a home, please call the cattery on 01424 752121, or email [email protected]

Their details aren't on our website yet but will be soon.

13/11/2024

Are you able to help us?

Are you a cake maker or baker?

We need cakes, pastries, cookies, and gingerbread men to sell at our Christmas Fair to help us to raise money for animals in needs.

Please message us, call us on 01424 752121, or email [email protected]

12/11/2024

We had a very successful month in October, with 21 cats finding their forever homes and being adopted.

Jerry, Wiggins, Stripy, Bluebell, Rex, Jade, Noddy, Lucy Lou, Mango, Big Mac, Storm, Mickey & Minnie, Tinkerbell, Salt & Pepper, Marmite & Eve, Campbell, Delia, and Galaxy.

Thank you to all of their adopters for giving these beautiful cats a second chance.