RSPCA East Berkshire

06/01/2025

Happy new year !
Recruitment time ! 😺😻🤗

Would you like to join us as a volunteer fundraising
branch trustee ?

RSPCA East Berks branch are looking to recruit a volunteer branch trustee fundraiser. Check out the link for info and enquiries : https://volunteer.rspca.org.uk/opportunities/75242-branch-trustee-fundraising-east-berkshire-branch-2024-10-21

Do you have previous fundraising experience? If you do or are good at coordinating and organising events, we are looking for volunteer trustees to help us manage our fundraising activities so we can raise essential funds to improve animal welfare.

24/12/2024

Happy Christmas and best wishes for the new year from RSPCA East Berks to all our supporters, volunteers, cat adopters and adopters to be !

Photo credit to: the fab couple who adopted the cats Bow & Duchy from the branch recently, they are happy lucky rescue cats enjoying the festive season in their forever home 🎄🎉🙌🏼🥂😻

19/12/2024

Recently, several members of the RSPCA East Berks 'cat cuddling' group met up over a coffee. Cat cuddlers work on a Rota so that all cats in RSPCA care have regular human interaction. They share photos, videos and notes to keep the team updated almost daily. The coffee meetup was a pleasant opportunity for volunteers to chat face to face, become more acquainted and exchange cat tales, remarkable and amusing. It was also an opportunity to acknowledge a SIGNIFICANT anniversary for the RSPCA. Two hundred years ago, a group of people also met in a coffee shop, determined to change animals' lives for the better. The cat cuddlers celebrate the bond between them and we call on more people to action. If you are interested in volunteering with the RSPCA please contact the East Berks branch via www.rspca-eastberkshire.org.uk.

02/12/2024

Kara & Minnie are still patiently waiting for their forever home. Could you find a space in your heart to adopt one of these friendly fur babies ? Please enquire at RSPCA East Berks branch.

https://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/news/24761028.maidenhead-rspca-appeal-new-home-two-female-cats/

Two female cats, Minnie and Kara, have been in the care of the RSPCA for over 250 days

21/11/2024

Friends or foes ?
This friendly resident cat lives onsite, he is super sociable with people and loves other cats. He helps decide if the branch cats may be suitable to live with other cats when adopted.

01/11/2024

These beautiful cats do look different, though they have something special in common. First from top right clockwise, we have tortoiseshells Minnie (2yr old), then Sansa (5yr old), Kara (white and black 5yr old) and finally, though not least, 5yr old Bonnie (black and white).
Their common trait? They all are people orientated and friendly. Naturally they have their individual personalities, so if you are looking for a companionable cat as a pet, you can find more information on our website: https://rspca.org.uk/local/findapet/-/rspca/east-berkshire-branch
The good news is that these four girls also have the following in common : they are fit, healthy and are all looking for adoption now to their forever homes. 🦊

09/10/2024

Before and after… RSPCA East Berks look back on the recently adopted bonded feline boys: Niko and Smoky. The RSPCA rescued them from a multi cat household, arriving in our care with numerous ailments to remedy ranging from gastric to respiratory issues. The branch nursed the chaps until well for adoption and now they enjoy an amazing new life with their dedicated new owners in their forever home. Setting forth with glistening coats, vertical jumps, garden walks and watching TV. What a success story! It’s so rewarding to adopt an RSPCA rescue cat.

Visit RSPCA East Berks website for cats available for adoption: https://www.rspca-eastberkshire.org.uk/animals-for-adoption-2

30/09/2024

If you thought you saw movement under a parked car or near the roadside in your peripheral vision, you probably did. Similarly with eye glow when driving in the dark.
Our roads get busier and our urban areas expand, so the risk to animals also increases. Everywhere, no animal is immune to the dangers posed by traffic the consequences of these encounters is often tragic.
The 10th October is World Animal Road Accident Awareness Day serves to remind us of the the need to coexist with other creatures. It prompts us to increase vigilance on the roads and to drive carefully in areas known for animal crossings.

Drive Safely - Observe speed limits.
Stay Alert - Be prepared to brake if an animal appears
Support efforts dedicated to Wildlife Conservation and road safety initiatives
Raise Awareness.
Report Incidents: If you come across an injured animal on the road, contact local wildlife rescue services or authorities for help!

02/09/2024

Stray cats are socialised domestic cats who no longer have, or don't appear to have an owner.

Stray cats, unlike feral cats, tend to be more friendly, given time and encouragement.
Strays are seen near houses and in gardens. If they are a missing pet, they may have a microchip. They may appear disoriented.
Important to check with neighbours if the cat belongs to them or they know of a missing cat. If the cat appears injured or sick then call the RSPCA for advice.
Sadly, the cat shelters receive an increasing number of strays. Generally animal abandonments have been soaring and are at a three-year high.

Calls to the RSPCA emergency line about abandonment are 33% higher than in 2020, meaning officers are busier than ever on the frontline.

The recent cost of living crisis and the pandemic, have created a perfect storm for animal welfare.
So if you are considering adopting, now is the time to contact your local cat shelter to help the desperate situation and find a new friend.

19/08/2024

We have many *very cute* faces in the rescue and we would love to give them a quick introduction.

All of our cats are healthy, neutered and gorgeous and they are supaw ready to start their lives with their new family.

You can find more information and their application forms on our website: https://www.rspca-eastberkshire.org.uk/animals-for-adoption-2 ❤️

🖤 Charming Cookie & Jaffa are around 1 years old

🖤 Wonderful Winnie is 13 years old

🖤 Treasure Toby is 7 years old

🖤 Super Sweetie & Candy are 1 years old

🖤 Beautiful Bronson is 7 years old

🖤 Extraordinary Ellie is 6 years old

29/07/2024

Thinking of having two cats in your life?
If you have had a cat for a while, you might think they sometimes seem lonely. Cats generally need plenty of physical and mental stimulation, social interaction and enrichment. Yes, another cat might help them stay active if they become friends, through play and companionship. On adopting a second cat to your household, it’s very important to consider whether your current cat would like to share their home, and you, with another cat. If you are out of the house regularly and your cat is left by themselves, then a second cat might help make them feel better, though only if they are social.
Some caution, while breeds and individuals are different, cats are not always keen on a new feline in their space – unless it’s one they’ve been brought up with or have been introduced to when young. So, introducing a new cat into a home with an existing cat can be risky – though you can make this work in time, and they will be good friends.
When looking for a second cat, it’s best to choose those with complementary personalities. When cats are shy or show a tendency to be particularly solitary or territorial, the likelihood of conflicts and tension is higher. Younger cats are usually more welcoming of change, so you might consider a kitten. When introducing a new cat to the household, it's important that both are highly social and as young as possible. Furthermore, the introduction of the new cat should always be gradual.
However, if you know you want to own two cats, a good idea would be getting two related kittens that grow up together, as this gives you the very best chance of having two feline best friends and thereby avoid any trouble. At the RSPCA centre, it is common to have pairs of cats already bonded that looking are for their forever homes. So if you don’t already own a cat, and are likely to want more than one, adopting a companionable pair upfront is purrfect.

11/07/2024

A special appeal for dear Toby the cat. He is still waiting for his lucky day. Toby is such an affectionate boy who loves to be picked up and cuddled and would make the loveliest pet cat. Any lucky new owners to be, please get in touch with RSPCA East Berks branch.

29/06/2024

🐶 It's scorching hot outside! Don't forget to keep your furry friends safe and cool at home. Avoid taking them out for exercise during the hottest parts of the day and provide plenty of water and shade. Keep your dogs happy and healthy this summer! 🌡🌞

Dogs should have regular exercise and involving them in your outings and family fun is expected but when the weather gets hot (though not necessarily sunny🌞), there are some considerations and practical steps that we must take to ensure our dog's health and welfare are protected. If the weather is warm, exercise can be too much or even lethal for our dogs.

The RSPCA are running some interactive workshops for the general public. The workshops will be held online, covering everything from dog health in the heat to recognising signs of heatstroke and emergency first aid. To book your spot, just click on either links at https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs/health/dogsinhotcars or https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs/health/hotwalks and register your interest.

Thursday 25th July 2024 Time: 10-11:30am
Thursday 29th August 2024 Time: 3-4:30pm

11/06/2024

RSPCA East Berks branch would like to introduce Toby the cat to you. Toby is sooo lovely and affectionate, still looking for his new forever home.

If you have a space for Toby in your heart please enquire at: https://www.rspca-eastberkshire.org.uk/animals-for-adoption-2/rescue/2541

28/05/2024

Did you know that scheduled play sessions with your cat is good for you and your feline friend? Cats do require you to share your time with them offering companionship and bonding.
Cats can simply enjoy being with you and being whispered to, though play offers more benefits and is of course fun! Playing games with your cat is important for their wellbeing and health and is key to a kitten's development.
Why is this so? Cats that can freely access the outdoors will engage in hunting activity or play with fallen leaves or long grass blowing in the wind. This drive to hunt is not due to hunger, instead this activity, i.e. stalking and pouncing, releases ‘happy’ hormones known as called endorphins. Play is very important for kittens, as it teaches them skills and provides experiences with the world. Play allows all cats to use energy, keep fit, be toned and healthy whilst keeping their brains sharp and active.
The best play allows cats to safely stalk, pounce, chase and paw objects. Toys need not be expensive as crunched-up balls of foil, shoelaces and repurposed cord from bags are suitable as long as the cats are unable to swallow them. Cat wands with feathers and fabric mice are ideal as teasers. However, it is important to allow the cat to catch the toy as this releases the endorphins. Laser pens are therefore less effective as there is a risk of the cat becoming frustrated at not being able to ‘catch their prey’.
Kittens may need up to ten daily play sessions though they could spend some of this time with you. Older cats benefit from up to four sessions daily, each up to 15min duration. The total daily play time will depend on the age, weight and health of your cat. A good time to schedule is early evening when cats are active. This time will also reduce the risk of garden birds and other wildlife being preyed upon. These daily play sessions will deepen bonding, useful in the early days of adoption. Furthermore, your pet will be less stressed after play minimising potential undesirable behaviour such as aggression and indoor spraying.
Play is more fun if you get involved providing some self-care mindfulness. Which type of toys do your cats enjoy playing with?

21/05/2024

Hagrid was successfully adopted last week! 😻 Sylvie & Ninja still waiting for their forever homes. For enquiries please get in touch with RSPCA East Berks branch.