CatsnCare

26/03/2025

And this is why we do what we do - and why every single person can and should contribute in any way - small or large - they can, to saving lives too.

This vet has perfectly put into words exactly what every vet and rescuer feels, thinks and wishes - every.single.day

Rest easy, Nose. Sorry your human family let you down so badly 💔

WRITTEN BY A VET:
“I have been writing this post in my head for nearly 3 years and until today I've never been brave enough to post it. But recently some people doing similar work and facing much the same reality have used social media to speak up about a topic that for so long has not been discussed. Their bravery has given me the courage to finally share my thoughts and experiences about something that I’ve needed to for so long.

Today I euthanized 5 dogs. This is not an uncommon task for a vet to perform and getting into the profession you are well aware of the fact that this is something you will have to do in your chosen career. However, the dogs I put down today were not sick, they were not injured, they were not old and they were not unhealthy in any way. They were not untamed and they were not aggressive. They were perfect, healthy and normal dogs. There was no reason for them to lose their lives today other than that they were failed by humans because of the current overpopulation crisis of domestic animals particularly dogs that so few people are prepared to accept and try to understand.

The euthanasia of healthy animals by animal welfare organisations and shelters across the world is something that we need to start talking about but it is not an easy topic for someone who is in this line of work to discuss. One, because how can you possibly put into words something that is so deeply personal and difficult to come to terms with in your own mind and two, how can you risk the possibility of losing such important funding that keeps welfare organisations and shelters alive by drawing attention to something that the public at large simply know very little about and so few people understand.

The dogs that I put down today were so excited to see me. How lucky they were to have someone in their kennel giving them attention and maybe just maybe they'd even be so lucky as to be taken out for a walk - their tails were wagging and everyone was jumping for joy. One of them was nervous and scared of me. This was a dog that had likely never had much in the way of attention or love from a human being. I have tried everything possible to make the task easier for myself and for those who assist me. I have tried doing it in their kennels, I’ve tried doing it on the grass outside so that the dogs can walk for a bit to experience one last bit of freedom and fresh air. I’ve fed them last meals, I’ve done it in the clinic and nothing makes it easier. The only thing that makes it bearable for me is to sedate them first so that they are sleeping when their lives end and not wagging their tails looking at me – I know this is a luxury that many other people doing this work do not have access to.

Today I chose to put them down in their kennels after I’d sedated them. Letting them leave on a bed and blanket that they have used for comfort for the past few weeks or sometimes even months. I take care to make sure that no other dog or animal is a witness but still the others around them must know. Usually the dogs bark endlessly at any small movement or sound but there is nothing more deafening than the silence of nearly one hundred dogs while ending the life of one of their neighbours or friends. They must know and I so often wonder if they are thinking if they are next or when their time will come.

In their final moments I tell each of them that I am sorry and for those who leave behind friends, puppies or siblings I promise them that I will take care of them and do my very best to find them homes or see that they are cared for properly. These are trivial words compared to what I should be saying to them but it’s hard to give them the apology they so deserve in the short time it takes for the life to leave their little bodies. What I should be saying to them is that I’m sorry you never got the opportunity to experience what it’s like to sleep on a couch and I’m sorry that those who did get to sleep on a couch once have ended up being unwanted and failed by the humans who took them into their homes in the first place. I’m so sorry that they were born into a world that didn’t have space for them and so many others. I’m sorry that they weren’t pretty enough or the right breed to be one of the chosen ones and I’m sorry that for months or for some of them nearly a year countless people walked past their cage and decided not to choose them or to leave and rather choose to buy a puppy somewhere else instead.

I have tried my best to cope with it as I know many others do too - by doing what I believe is everything humanly possible to find unwanted dogs and cats homes. I spend hours of my time holding them while they pose for photos, writing posts for Facebook, advertising them and putting their stories and personalities into words as best I can all in the hopes of someone deciding to choose them. I talk to people and encourage them to adopt but this does not always work. I have spayed until 10pm at night before because if I can just do one more spay it might help. Like so many others in this line of work, I have done hours of work behind the scenes and out of the public eye for no benefit other than hopefully having to euthanize one less healthy animal. I have done my fair share of adopting too having adopted 8 dogs and regularly contemplate whether I could take on another one or two despite my home already being near overrun.

But it is still not enough and the burden of this crisis and war that we are fighting against over population is not to be borne by only a small group of people across the world who are prepared to sacrifice so much because they are not ignorant to the reality of what is going on around them. It is something that everyone who has ever loved an animal has to accept as their fight too. Which is one of the reasons I am writing this post and have been trying to write it for so long.

Everyone has a way in which they can contribute to this fight and many are simple.
- Volunteer - spend time at a local animal shelter or organisation so you have a better understanding of what is happening out there. The animals in shelters love attention and walks even if it is only to make their time there more comfortable until it must come to an end.
- Donate if you can and especially towards sterilisation programs. We must stop these animals at their source – the more puppies and kittens we can prevent, the fewer healthy dogs need to be put down.
- Adopt if you are in a position to get a new pet. There is no reason to go out and buy a dog or cat when there are such perfect ones looking for homes. If everyone who could did choose to adopt, the world would be a much better place for it.

Thank you to those who continue to support me and my work especially through donations towards my sterilisation programs. Every donation that helps me do a spay gives me the strength to face another day and I have a lot of hope that we can change the world one spay at a time. I only wish to create more awareness about the crisis we are facing and I hope that those working in this line of work feel that my words here have done this important topic justice.

I do hope that in my lifetime I could live in a world where no healthy animal is euthanized due to lack of space, lack of homes or lack of resources available. I’m not sure if I will ever get to see that be a reality but I think we all know by now that I will never give up trying! “

📷 : Photo by Kate Jackson-Moss

The dog featured here was a dog I euthanased last year. I was very fond of him but sadly had to let him go. I still think of him often and wish things were different for him and so many others.

24/02/2025

**FOR ADOPTION - TERRIFIC TORTIE TRIPOD**

At 13 months old, Posey is an absolute stunner - in all respects!

She is without a doubt one of the most delightful young girls we've had the pleasure of having under our umbrella for quite some time and everyone in the vet clinic she is being fostered at is completely under her spell. Not really surprising given her super happy, friendly, cuddly and playful personality.

Posey was surrendered for euthanasia by her family when she broke her leg. It was fixable but costly to repair and although there was a cheaper option - that of amputation - that wasn't considered either.

Long story short, the vet simply couldn't bring herself to end this friendly, loving, endearing cat's life so she called us (on a Sunday night!) and one amputation later ($3500 was too much for us to afford) Posey is living the dream.

Having 3 legs rather than 4 hasn't slowed her down one little bit and she still plays like a loon! She is after all really only a kitten herself so would be fine with teenagers/adults and part of a busy household. Apparently when one of the vets took her home for an overnight break, she sat on the couch in amongst the vet's friends "confident just like one of the girls"!!

She is fully recovered from her surgery now and ready for adoption. She has also been desexed, microchipped, fully vaccinated, defleaed and wormed so if you'd like to have a chat about her, contact her Honorary Aunty Helen 0274 070 659 or email us at [email protected]

09/02/2025

**FOR ADOPTION**

Like many of her kind, Abby was surrendered to a vet to be put to sleep when her elderly owner had to go into care.

**UPDATE: ADOPTED SOOOO QUICKLY: GO WELL LOVELY GIRL**

We beg to differ in these kinds of circumstances and so Abby was happily sent up the line to us, so that we could find her another home.

What we got was a sensational, 11 year old honey. Abby is an old soul who simply radiates love and affection. She greets you with a gentle head bunt, lays down for a full length body stroke, holds a deep and meaningful conversation with both her eyes and gentle chirps, and is one of the most lovely cats we have ever met.

It is clear that she has been thoroughly and completely loved by her previous Mum and so we are now on the hunt for a very special person or family, take over that mantle. Abby would make a simply fabulous companion for someone who wants a peaceful, gentle, loving cat to share their life with - so if that might be you, contact us and we'll have a chat.

BTW our vet was most impressed with her shiny coat, her pearly white teeth and her overall good health - more evidence of a loving background. He also commented that she was one of the most beautiful brown tabbies that he had seen for as long, long while - and he's seen a few!

Of course she has been desexed, microchipped, fully vaccinated, defleaed and wormed and she is now enjoying the attention and cuddles from her Honorary Aunty Helen and her team. Their contact details are M 0274 070 659 or email [email protected]

30/01/2025

These AREN'T 2 of ours - but their foster Mum is!! 😄 And any kittens she fosters are guaranteed to be fabulous indeed.

We can highly recommend these wee lads because we met them at the Vet Clinic where they were desexed and microchipped, and they were cuddly, outgoing, purr machines.

26/01/2025

*FOR ADOPTION - OUR VERY FIRST DOG**

Part of a litter born in the Silverdale Animal Shelter and still a baby really, this little lady is now ready for her forever home.

Smallish in build, Luka is a very sweet natured dog who has been trained by the wonderful volunteers at Country Retreat Animal Sanctuary - and they have very high standards indeed! The result is a dog who walks very well on the leash, obeys a range of basic commands and who has been well socialised, both with other dogs and with people.

She is bright and still only very young, so she will flourish under the steady guidance and care of a couple or a single person who can provide the patience and consistency that have proven to work for her.

We think she will do best in a family without children as she can be nervous around new people and the sudden movements and loud voices of kids having fun wouldn't be in her best interests.

What she would love however, is a dog buddy and so we're on the lookout for a family with a dog who would like canine companionship. Cats MIGHT be ok but as always, only with very close supervision and a very gradual introduction.

She loves play - she's fast on her feet and is alway on for a game - and she has the most adorable habit of greeting familiar people with a tail wag, a hand lick and a moment of leaning in on them. Such a routine gets us in the feels every single time!

If you would like to have a chat about Luka the Lovely, please contact her Honorary Auntie Helen on 0274 070 659 or Gavin on 0211 401 888

26/01/2025

**FOR ADOPTION**

**UPDATE: ADOPTED - TOGETHER OF COURSE!**

These dear little siblings weren't in great shape when they were rescued by a compassionate young couple but their plan was always to adopt them. Unfortunately their landlord gave that idea the thumbs down and so here they are, up for adoption.

Nursed back to health and given good quality kitten food meant that by the time they were surrendered to a local vet clinic, Mickey and Minnie only needed vaccinating, defleaing and worming, desexing and microchipping - which has all now been done.

They really are a gorgeous doubles act! Not only do they look alike but they stick pretty close to each other and love the same things so playtimes are hilariously chaotic and if one is receiving cuddles, the other demands the same.

As a twosome, they really are a pair of sweethearts. They must have been raised in a family home because not much fazes them and to know them is to love them.

They are available for adoption from now and are being fostered by the wonderful nurses at a vet clinic (who are all completely besotted with them!). If you'd like to have a chat about them, contact their Honorary Aunty Helen 0274 070 659 or email us at [email protected]

23/01/2025

**FOR ADOPTION**

A dog she may be, but Luka the Lovely IS one of ours and as such, she comes under the CatsnCare umbrella of care - so please share far and wide, CatsnCare followers, and help us to find this gorgeous girl, her forever family.

She is just desperate to love on her very own humans 💖and it's breaking our hearts to arrive everyday at our Rescue Cattery and see her wee face staring beseechingly at us from her kennel. She is the lonely last at Country Retreat Animal Sanctuary 😔

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LAST DOG STANDING 😢

As you may have heard Country Retreat Animal Sanctuary has sadly had to close its doors due to ill health. Gavin, Helen and the staff and volunteers have worked tirelessly for so many dogs and it has been heartbreaking for them to have had to make this decision.

They currently only have ONE dog left that needs to find her forever home - Luka the Lovely.

We can honestly say Luka is a very, very sweet natured dog; she is now just a year old. Luka is desexed, microchipped and fully vaccinated. She would suit being with another dog but not a cat unless she was introduced slowly. She doesn't bother the resident cats but her prospective home she went to when she was younger said she chased their cat hence, sadly, they returned her .

Steve - one of the fabulous volunteers - takes her on a long walk twice a week and he says she is not reactive at all but she can be a bit shy. Once she knows you however, she shows that love by leaning up against you - so cute.

She needs a patient home where someone will give her time and lots of love, as living your whole life in a sanctuary - albeit a loving one - is very different from being in a family home. If you would like to meet Luka please give Gavin a FB message at Country Retreat Animal Sanctuary.

TOGETHER WE CAN FIND HER PEOPLE 🩷🩷🩷🩷

NB On saying this the Kennels and Cattery are still up and running as usual so Luka is well cared for and loved by the staff - but she needs a home. Ph 09 425 8676 is the number for the kennels and they can answer any questions about Luka x😢

15/12/2024

**FOR ADOPTION**

**ADOPTED - FOSTER FAIL!!*

Lean and long limbed, this 12 year old honey is incredibly difficult to photograph, because she wants to be up close and personal with you the instant she spots you!

However take it from us that Dudette (or Dudie to those in her inner circle) has all the attributes of a super model thanks to her being part Russian Blue - as noted by Graham, the wonderful mobile cat groomer; that long tail and the thick undercoat quite gives her ancestry away. Note that she has had a lion cut in preparation for these hot summer days and we think she is absolutely rocking her new fur style. It's also a bonus that she loves being brushed so once her fur grows back, that magnificent coat will be very easy to keep in shape (see her "Before" photo).

Dudette is a chirper and a lapcat who loves, loves, LOVES smooches and she would make the ideal companion for a homebased person on their own or an older couple who may be missing having time with their grandies. She snoozes happily on her foster Auntie's knee and makes suggestions for improving posts such as this one!

Of course she has been desexed, microchipped, vaccinated, defleaed and wormed - so if you'd like to have a chat about her, contact her Honorary Aunty Helen 0274 070 659 or mailto:[email protected]

12/12/2024

He's one of ours! Please share him far and wide so we can get him the very bestest Xmas present ever - his perfect home 💝 Contact his Honorary Aunty Helen if you'd like to know more 0274 070 659 or [email protected]

01/12/2024

**FOR (SPECIAL) ADOPTION**

**ADOPTED! BY THE MOST FABULOUS DAD ###**

UPDATE 1 DEC 2024:
Everyone loves this spirited little tart! Beryl has fought her way back to good health and she comes with a bonus hilarious sense of humour!! The Vet saw her on Friday and was very happy with her - so we're on a serious hunt for her new family, someone who will love her, care for her (she will need 0.3ml of Redipred every second day for the rest of her life to ensure her gums stay as healthy as they can) and give her the time and attention she so craves as an only princess.
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SEPT 2024:
Just when we thought we had heard it all, Beryl's history almost brought this rescue group to tears.

Found far from any homes (30km~) or indeed, any sign of habitation at all, Beryl weighed in at just over 2kg. It was clear that she had had a hard time merely surviving let alone thriving and she was whisked away to a local vet, who pronounced her severely emaciated and with a mouth full of rotten teeth.

Dentals are one of the biggest costs that rescue groups face and the reality is that often, because of that they are a death sentence.
Happily, a very special fundraising group came to the party (thank you Aunty Meg) and so Beryl had her dental and is now the proud owner of just 4 incisors! But that doesn't stop this determined wee soul from eating both wet AND dry food and happily she is putting on weight and loving life in general.

Beryl loves routines (we don't dare deviate without her permission!!), sunbathing, playing with her human team of servants, has a real streak of mischief in her, has great recall (we think she might be part dog!), and would make someone a brilliant companion as she's an excellent listener :-)

She has been desexed, microchipped, vaccinated, defleaed and wormed - plus she has been delcared fit for adoption by her personal veterinary team, so she is ready to rock & roll.

If you'd like to know more about her, contact her Honorary Aunty Helen 0274 070 659 or [email protected]

11/11/2024

**FOR ADOPTION**

**ADOPTED - OF COURSE HE WAS!!**

As you lovely folk know, we normally only take in adult cats - usually older adult cats - so having a young 2 year old in our midst is something of a novelty - especially when we suspect he is the child of a goblin!!

Riccardo actually was in the care of another rescue and he was adopted at one of their Adoptathons, but for some obscure reason, he was returned. That rescue group couldn't get to him to collect him and so since he was local to us, we took him in - and we're very happy that we did.

This young buck is hilarious. He's full of mischief, loves nothing better than a full on game of ping pong (he can run like the wind and take corners like they are chicanes), will sneak into other cats' rooms to sample their food, sidles up for loves and pats any time anyone is within his reach, and generally keeps us highly entertained and on our toes.

He's a complete smooch and will detain you for as long as he can for pats and smooches. It helps that he's a bit of a looker - no one but no one can resist those "love me-love me" eyes.

We think Riccardo would do best in a family that is busy and that has someone around for at least a big part of the day. He's still young and very kitten like and although he loves snoozing in the afternoons, he really does prefer to be with his chosen someone(s). He would also do well, we suspect, as the big brother of a kitten or younger cat - or even a dog (he WILL be the Boss!!).

He has been desexed, microchipped, vaccinated, defleaed and wormed and so he is ready to be adopted. If you'd like to know more about him or meet him, contact his Honorary Aunty Helen 0274 070 659 or mailto:[email protected]

06/11/2024

Not two of ours - not even cats 😁 - but CatsnCare knows them well thanks to us sharing their location. They are brilliant wee pups and deserve fabulous homes.

So please do what you folk do so well and share this post far and wide, and find these two their forever families ###

07/10/2024

She's not one of ours - yet! Please do your magic and share this far and wide so we can get Tabatha her new bestest home ###

Tabatha is looking for a new home 🏡

Do you have room in your heart for this sweet girl? If so, please contact Francie directly.