AUGUST 11TH: LEWISHAM BRANCH UNDER IMMENSE PRESSURE DUE TO RESCUE OF 35 CATS AND NINE KITTENS THAT HAD BEEN KEPT IN A SMALL VAN FOR 5 DAYS FOLLOWING OWNERS EVICTION.

UPDATE 11th AUGUST: On Sunday 8th August in the evening, Lewisham Branch rescue team received an emergency call from an Ambulance driver who was attending a woman who was on the point of a nervous breakdown in a supermarket car park in London. She was living in a small van along with 35 cats and 9 kittens after being evicted from her home in Lincolnshire on Monday 2nd August.

Read the full story on our latest News page

The Ambulance driver had contacted other animal charities who said they couldn't assist, although very full we had to respond immediately to this emergency situation.

Whilst three members of Staff raced to the scene to collect the cats others came in from their weekend off to move cats around to make space to accommodate the cats in two of our cattery pens. Three foster carers have also come to the rescue to take care of the three litters of kittens.

You Tube - watch Hero and Parker, Doris, Elmo, Fudge, Riz, Harry and Brightstar!

The cats featured in this video clip are amongst our longer stay guests, they are struggling to compete for homes against 'cute' kittens, yet as you will see they are all delightful cats who really deserve new homes of their own.


UPDATE 23rd AUGUST: GOOD NEWS RIZ AND HARRY HAVE FOUND NEW HOMES! BUT THE OTHERS ARE STILL WAITING!

UPDATE 31ST AUGUST: FUDGE HAS NOW FOUND A NEW HOME AND BRIGHTSTAR IS BEING FOSTERED!

SEPTEMBER 2010

HELP A FAMILY?- If anyone wishing to adopt kittens would like to care for a whole family now - keeping two permanently and caring for the extras until they are weaned and ready for rehoming, do get in touch - we would really like to discuss this with you!

We especially need to hear from people who may be able to help with fostering feral or nervous mother cats with young kittens. Maybe you have previously adopted shy cats or kittens from us and have a spare room? It is not as daunting as it first sounds! We lend a kitten pen in which to keep mum and her kittens whilst they are with you and provide you with lots of advice and support.

PLEASE NOTE THESE ARE RESCUE ANIMALS!!! We take in animals that need our help, our decision is not based on colour, age or temperment.

We have our own vets and cats are vaccinated, neutered, microchipped, flea treated and wormed as well as injuries treated and ailments diagnosed and treated prior to rehoming. Our rescued animals are generally not perfect, they are often shy and need time to settle or may have long term health conditions or be recovering from ailments.
We are here to offer help and advice with settling cats in or health problems that arise soon after adoption. Our rescue and rehoming team are a small dedicated group of staff and volunteers who work very hard, and deal with awful and distressing problems on a day to day basis and do our very best because we want to improve the lives of as many cats as possible.
Thankyou so much to everyone who adopts these cats and gives them a place in their hearts and homes, we couldn't carry on without your support.

Adopting cats rescued from hardship and giving them a caring loving home is so rewarding. Cats curled up on a comfy sofa or your bed instead of the alternative - cold, hungry, threatened by humans on the streets or waiting for a seemingly endless time in a cattery pen. Enjoy the loyalty they give you as they learn to trust you - more than enough reward for your intial patience. Visit our Happy Endings page to be inspired by how YOU can transform their lives and give them a future really worth living.

The nature of the cats in our care does sometimes mean we have a limited choice of cats and kittens suitable for families with young children.

A FUTURE WITHOUT THE EUTHANASIA OF HEALTHY UNWANTED PETS?

C.H.A.T has a non-destruction policy. Having rescued our cats we will not put healthy cats to sleep to make room for more. We tend to assume that most people do not agree with destroying healthy cats and dogs. The reality is that every day in the U.K. hundreds of healthy animals are destroyed because there are not enough homes to go round. In order to achieve a future where healthy animals are not routinely destroyed not only is intensive neutering required but for people who are able to offer homes to less than perfect cats and dogs to do so.

FERAL CATS
As always we are appealing for more outdoor homes for rescued feral cats. They are ideal for farms, stables, small holdings and even some gardens. They require food and shelter but in return act as an effective rodent patrol.

DONATIONS OF NEWSPAPER AND BEDDING
We always need clean newspaper which we use for lining kennels and litter trays. Also donations of bedding are gratefully received -old towels,sheets, blankets, throws, large feeding bowls (-in particular dog size bowls) etc.
Unwanted scratch posts and cat beds also much appreciated by our cats.
Please drop donations of paper and bedding to the clinic 233-235, Lewisham Way Se4 1UY. (parking in side street- Friendly Street SE8 or stop briefly in loading bay outside clinic 10am - 4pm) Clinic open mon to fri 9am to 5.30pm. Saturday 9am to midday. Tel 0208 691 2100.

KITTEN SEASON

Many people are not aware that cats are seasonal breeders.
Cats typically have two litters a year, one in Spring, another later in the Summer.
CHAT will have cats and litters of kittens available for rehoming during the summer months until late Autumn.

Kittens need to be at least 8 weeks old before leaving their mothers. If you would like to offer a home to our kittens, please read our policy on rehoming mothers and kittens.

FOSTERERS AND HOMES NEEDED FOR CATS WITH YOUNG LITTERS OF KITTENS.
FOSTERERS- During Kitten season we need to recruit people who could care for a mum cat and her unweaned kittens in your home until they are ready to be rehomed at 8-9 weeks old.
C.H.A.T. supplies cat litter and food you need to give them lots of T.L.C and socialising.
If you have other pets you would need a spare room as mother cats are usually very defensive of their kittens towards other animals.
ADOPTING? Would you consider taking on a mum and young kittens until those you do not keep are weaned at 8-9 weeks old and ready to go to new homes?
C.H.A.T. will supply the extra food and cat litter and you get all the fun of looking after them and get to know your kittens from a really young age.

C.H.A.T.'s POLICY on REHOMING MUMS & KITTENS

Mother cats have very strong maternal bonds with their kittens. If their kittens are taken from them they will cry and search for days. Mother cats have been known to go into burning buildings to rescue their young. Some people falsely believe they should let a cat have a litter before being neutered/spayed, then they give away the kittens leaving a distressed mother cat who has gained absolutely nothing positive from the experience - better to have her neutered in the first place.

Kittens are great fun to watch, they love chasing and playing with each other and then collapsing in a heap together to sleep and recharge for more fun and games. Growing up, they are company for each other - essential if everyone is out of the house for any length of time during the day. Rehoming kittens in pairs reduces stress for them when arriving in a new home since they comfort each other. This is also important if you already have a cat, or cats, in your home since they will be initially hostile to a new arrival whether kitten or adult. This would be very frightening for a single kitten who would be missing his or her mum and siblings. A pair of kittens will stick together, and existing cats can either play with them or leave them as they wish. Elderly cats can be put off by having lively kittens chewing their ears, chasing their tails and generally harassing them.

SO, we home a mum with one or two of her kittens, and rehome kittens in pairs. We do this in the best interests of the cats but this is also in the owners best interests because happy cats make happy cat owners!

FOSTER HOMES NEEDED!!! FOR ADULT CATS AND MOTHER CATS WITH LITTERS OF YOUNG KITTENS.

IT'S KITTEN SEASON!!! WE ARE SEEKING MORE SHORT TERM FOSTER HOMES TO HELP WITH FOSTERING MOTHER CATS AND THEIR LITTERS OF YOUNG, UNWEANED KITTENS.

WE ALSO HAVE MORE ELDERLY CATS IN CARE THAN USUAL - MANY ARE BEREAVED OF THEIR OWNERS AND ARE VERY UNHAPPY IN CATTERY ACCOMMODATION.

AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST WE HAVE SOME PAIRS OF SHY ADOLESCENT KITTENS WHO WOULD REALLY BENEFIT FROM THE EXTRA T.L.C THAT A FOSTER HOME CAN PROVIDE!

We provide all the food and cat litter and veterinary care and find permanent new homes for your fostered cats.

If you have pets of your own you will need a spare room to keep your fostered cats separately. Most fostered cats will need to be kept entirely indoors so if you live in a flat and can't have pets long term fostering may be ideal for you.

If you are considering adopting cats but are unsure whether to take the plunge fostering is a good way to trial living with cats.

Please get in touch if you would like to discuss further!

PARKER AND HERO - a very special home needed.

Parker and Hero have been rescued from the same farm in Sussex.

Their elderly owner didn't neuter her pet cats and things got out of hand and she ended up with a very large family of around 70 cats which we have neutered for her a couple of years ago. We continue to support her with caring for her cats by assisting with treating any health problems as they arise.

She contacted us for help when Parker had a lump growing on his nose. Our vets operated and removed the lump which was then sent to the lab for analysis, unfortunately it is a type of cancer which although is unlikely to spread to other parts of his body it is likely to regrow on his nose and will need further surgery. The long term outlook is not great as it is not possible to cure him and the tumour will keep growing back. His owner does not feel able to cope with having Parker returned to her care.

Hero is a young male cat who in a horrific incident returned home from an adventure across the road with a rat trap clamped onto one of his hind legs. His leg was so severely damaged that our vets could not save it and instead had to amputate the injured limb. Hero has made a good recovery and can manage well on his three legs. The farm is on a fast country lane and we think it would be taking a very high risk for him to return to the farm.

Both cats are a little shy but are friendly with people once they get to know you.

C.H.A.T will continue to provide Parkers future veterinary care via our Lewisham clinic.

View us on You Tube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92Th9SKPefs



To enquire about Parker and Hero, or to find out about other animals at Lewisham, please telephone 0208 694 6545 or send CHAT an email [Please include a contact phone number]

BRIGHTSTAR - a special home needed.

Brightstar is an adorable young cat, she was brought to us after being hit by a car and we have been unable to locate her original owners.

She had injuries to her back end and she had to have her tail removed. She can walk fine but has been left with nerve damage which has left her with a degree of incontinence. She has a short course of acupuncture which seemed to show some improvement.

She does sometimes use the litter tray and does have some control (i.e not an overflow incontinence) but at other times is unaware and has an accident.

She is a very friendly and loving cat.

Update 23rd July: Brightstar is still in need of a home she is a lovely cat but due to her incontinence does need a special home.

Realistically she would need to have access to part of someone's home and to a garden. i.e access to a kitchen /utility room /conservatory - areas where any accidents can easily be cleaned up rather than access to a whole house as it would not be possible to keep her from sleeping on beds and sofas etc where she could accidentally urinate.

We know it's a big thing to ask but is there anyone really rescue minded with a suitable living arrangement who could take care of Brightstar?

View me on You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92Th9SKPefs

UPDATE 31st AUGUST: Brightstar is being fostered by one of our volunteers - we await to see how she gets on....



To enquire about Brightstar, or to find out about other animals at Lewisham, please telephone 0208 694 6545 or send CHAT an email [Please include a contact phone number]

We can rescue them only you can save them.
Help Save a Life Today, please donate
to us online via the

Got a Question?

Thinking of adopting a cat? Need some advice? Want to know what happens next?
Then, take a look at our Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q's) page.

If you can't find the answer to your question, please phone or email us.

DEDE

15th July: Dede is a 2 year old Staff X Cairn Terrier.

Dede's owner was homeless and was struggling to care for his dog. Dede was living most of the time in a garden shed at the home of her owners girlfriends brother. The brother was fed up with Dede living in his shed and took her to a local dog walking park where he was observed by a member of C.H.A.T staff trying to shut her in the park and walk away! She asked him what he was doing and he said Dede was unwanted.

Dede was brought back to our veterinary clinic where she was examined by our vets and found to be suffering with mange - this has now been fully treated. Dede has also been neutered.

Dede's owner came in later and explained to us that he had nowhere to live, we agreed to care for Dede temporarily whilst he tried to find hostel accommodation that would take him and Dede. We also agreed that he was to come and take Dede for a walk every day.

That was 4 weeks ago and he has walked her a few times but has not found anywhere to live. He has now signed Dede over to ourselves and she can now be rehomed.

Dede is a friendly but at times an excitable young dog. She likes other dogs but is not good with cats, rabbits or any other pets.

To enquire about Dede, or to find out about other animals at Lewisham, please telephone 0208 694 6545 or send CHAT an email [Please include a contact phone number]

ELMO

Elmo had been living stray in a garden for 5 years where he was regularly fed by the person who lived in the house. We were contacted because Elmo didn't seem very well.

He has been thoroughly checked over by our vets including blood tests which have all been negative. However he does still look quite sorry for himself.

Elmo is shy with strangers but relaxes with people he knows.

Once rehomed C.H.A.T will continue to provide any further health care via our veterinary clinic if needed to restore Elmo to health.

Update 12th July: Elmo is a lovely older cat but he is still rather thin. He is going to receive some dental treatment before he is rehomed and our vets are carrying out further blood tests. Elmo is seeking a home under our Long Term Foster scheme whereby we will continue to provide his veterinary care via our Lewisham veterinary clinic.

View me on You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92Th9SKPefs



To enquire about Elmo, or to find out about other animals at Lewisham, please telephone 0208 694 6545 or send CHAT an email [Please include a contact phone number]

11th June: DORIS

Doris was brought into our clinic by someone who found her and was worried about how thin she is.


Our vets ran blood tests and discovered that she has an over active thyroid gland, symptoms of which are increased appetite but weight loss. Doris is now on medication to stabilise her condition.

She is a friendly cat and obviously quite old. If we cannot locate her owner she will be seeking a new home.

Update 14th July: We have been unable to trace Doris's original owners and she is seeking a new home. Doris is seeking a home under C.H.A.T's Long Term foster Scheme whereby we will continue to provide Doris's veterinary care via our Lewisham veterinary clinic.

View me on You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92Th9SKPefs




To enquire about Doris, or to find out about other animals at Lewisham, please telephone 0208 694 6545 or send CHAT an email [Please include a contact phone number]

DEAN, SAM, JENNY, AMANDALIN, SWEETHEART AND THREE FRIENDS

May 10: Ten young adult cats and three litters of kittens required help because their owner could no longer care for her growing cat family.

Their elderly owners flat was full of things and the cats spent a lot of time playing in boxes and behind furniture but it also meant that it was easy for them to hide away. They are all very shy as they are only used to this one lady and disappeared into her belongings every time any visitors came.
Her two original cats, a friendly male and female have been neutered and returned to her. However their offspring have all stayed with us to be rehomed. The young kittens have all found new homes.

6th AUG: Eight young adult cats are very, very nervous and despite our best attempts to make friends with them they are all effectively feral because their owner did not handle them when they were kittens.

These eight young cats are going to require outdoor semi-feral homes such as stables or rural gardens, they will require regular good quality food and dry shelter. However as they have no previous experience of living outdoors we cannot home them immediately. They are currently in one of our largest outdoor cattery pens at Lewisham where they can see plenty of different people, other cats and occasional dogs as well as get fresh air and hear outdoor sounds.

They will need homes in a minimum of pairs well away from any busy roads. Initially in their new home they will be kept in a relocation pen for the first three weeks as we usually do when rehoming ferals so that they can see and get used to their new surroundings before being released.

Update 31st Aug; Two of these cats are now much friendlier... more updates on their progress to follow soon.

To enquire about these cats, or to find out about other animals at Lewisham, please telephone 0208 694 6545 or send CHAT an email [Please include a contact phone number]

We can rescue them only you can save them.
Help Save a Life Today, please donate
to us online via the

BEAR

Bear is a friendly young cat who turned up in an emaciated condition at a house.

He is recovering well from is ordeal and is ready for a new home.

A loving new home with a garden is sought for Bear.

To enquire about Bear, or to find out about other animals at Lewisham, please telephone 0208 694 6545 or send CHAT an email [Please include a contact phone number]

We can rescue them only you can save them.
Help Save a Life Today, please donate
to us online via the

ROSIE AND FRAX

Rosie and Frax were rehomed by us almost two years ago. Their owner has sadly developed allergic asthma and although she loves her cats and has tried every measure possible she now has to seek a new home for them.

Rosie and Frax are staying at their home until they can be found a suitable new home provided this doesn't take too long.

"The mother Rosie is about 4 years old, she is very friendly and likes people. She watches us constantly and craves for attention. I think she would like nothing more than being stroked all day long and be very close to people. This is where I have been unable to make her happy as I have to keep my distance from her and have to keep a limit on the attention I give her. Although I have been giving her attention but it's not as much as she would like....

The daughter Frax is more of a cat. She loves being outdoors and is a very good hunter. At first it took her a long time to adjust, she was so young. She is very shy and it takes her a while to allow people to interact with her. She is very cautious of people she doesn't know. I think she would need a garden, I know that this might be difficult to find. I think Frax will be fragile without her mother, so they do need a home together."

The cats are generally fine with their owners 4 year old daughter. Rosie is very friendly with everyone but Frax is generally shy and is more cautious of children therefore we feel she would prefer a quieter home with adults only or older children .

To enquire about Rosie and Frax, or to find out about other animals at Lewisham, please telephone 0208 694 6545 or send CHAT an email [Please include a contact phone number]

JO

26th Feb: Jo had been living as a stray for about a year and was being cared for by some people who were feeding her and had set up a box and bed in their front garden for her.

They called us as they were concerned that she was unwell and had stopped eating and drinking for two days.

Our vets have run blood tests and checked her teeth and general health but couldn't find anything wrong with her that explained why she wasn't eating.
We tried everything and eventually she has started to eat biscuits and chicken. We also made the food bowl higher for her and we think that she may be a bit stiff and aching.

She is on anti inflammatory medication and she is being monitored for now. Jo is an older cat.


Updates to follow shortly....

27th April: Jo is now being cared for in a foster home but is still seeking a permanent new home.

To enquire about Jo, or to find out about other animals at Lewisham, please telephone 0208 694 6545 or send CHAT an email [Please include a contact phone number]

We can rescue them only you can save them.
Help Save a Life Today, please donate
to us online via the

Got a Question?

Thinking of adopting a cat? Need some advice? Want to know what happens next?
Then, take a look at our Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q's) page.

If you can't find the answer to your question, please phone or email us.

LEGO, BINO, CAZOGERO, TOTTO AND POKKE

1st July: New arrivals: These five brothers had to be taken in after their owner called to say he was moving that day and had no where to take his cats.


They are all about 18 months old and hadn't yet been neutered but they are now!


They are currently a little shy but we hope they will quickly settle down.

Homes with gardens will be sought, we are hoping to find homes for a pair and a trio.

Further updates on their progress to follow soon.



To enquire about Cazogero, Totto, Pokke, Lego and Bino, or to find out about other animals at Lewisham, please telephone 0208 694 6545 or send CHAT an email [Please include a contact phone number]

We can rescue them only you can save them.
Help Save a Life Today, please donate
to us online via the

DEBBIE AND KITTENS

Debbie and her 3 kittens were rescued from a garage in East London where they had made their home.

Mum was initially very shy but is now calming down and starting to trust us more. Her three kittens are nervous and our staff and volunteers are working with them to gain their trust.


To enquire about Debbie and kittens, or to find out about other animals at Lewisham, please telephone 0208 694 6545 or send CHAT an email [Please include a contact phone number]

We can rescue them only you can save them.
Help Save a Life Today, please donate
to us online via the

LUCKY AND TIBBS

Lucky and Tibbs are a pair of friendly middle aged cats who lost their home after their elderly owner moved into residential care.

They are seeking a new home together and would like a home with a garden.

Lucky and Tibbs photos kindly provided by photographer Matthew Lemon (www.matthewlemon.com)


To enquire about Lucky and Tibbs, or to find out about other animals at Lewisham, please telephone 0208 694 6545 or send CHAT an email [Please include a contact phone number]

We can rescue them only you can save them.
Help Save a Life Today, please donate
to us online via the

16th July: Mum and Kittens

16th July: Mum and kittens, more info to follow shortly.....

This mum cat was living stray in a back yard when she gave birth to her 5 kittens.




To enquire about this family, or to find out about other animals at Lewisham, please telephone 0208 694 6545 or send CHAT an email [Please include a contact phone number]

Photo kindly taken by volunteer Kirsten Priebe http://arcreation.co.uk/default.aspx

NINJA

Ninja is an old stray who is currently being treated for a wound on his neck.

He is quite timid and we are trying to make friends with him.

Updates to follow....

To enquire about Ninja, or to find out about other animals at Lewisham, please telephone 0208 694 6545 or send CHAT an email [Please include a contact phone number]

Photo kindly taken by volunteer Kirsten Priebe www.arcreation.co.uk http://arcreation.co.uk/default.aspx

16th July: RED AND FRIEND (Fostered)

16th July: New arrivals, more info to follow shortly....

Update 3rd Aug: Red and Friend are currently being fostered.





To enquire about Red and friend, or to find out about other animals at Lewisham, please telephone 0208 694 6545 or send CHAT an email [Please include a contact phone number]

Photo kindly taken by volunteer Kirsten Priebe http://arcreation.co.uk/default.aspx

16th July

16th July: New arrivals more info to follow shortly....

These two young adult cats came to us because their owners were moving and couldn't take them with them.


A home with a garden is sought.


To enquire about these cats, or to find out about other animals at Lewisham, please telephone 0208 694 6545 or send CHAT an email [Please include a contact phone number]

Photo kindly taken by volunteer Kirsten Priebe http://arcreation.co.uk/default.aspx

FRANCESCA

Francesca came to us after her owner died.

More info to follow shortly.....



To enquire about Francesca, or to find out about other animals at Lewisham, please telephone 0208 694 6545 or send CHAT an email [Please include a contact phone number]

GABBY - foster me?

20th July: New arrival: Gabby is a friendly 10 month old female cat.

Gabby's owner handed her in for rehoming because her new husband was allergic and because Gabby has health problems.

Gabby has had lots of problems with her skin and ears and is currently being treated. Although many reasons had been ruled out by tests carried out before she came to us the exact cause of her problems has not yet been established but is probably an allergy which hopefully can be controlled or eliminated.

C.H.A.T will continue to provide Gabby's veterinary care via our veterinary clinic for as long as she requires it.

Gabby would benefit from being fostered whilst her treatment continues and whilst a permanent home is sought.

Gabby is used to living indoors only and is fine to live with other cats.

To enquire about Gabby, or to find out about other animals at Lewisham, please telephone 0208 694 6545 or send CHAT an email [Please include a contact phone number]

MUNCH

Munch was dumped in a cat basket in our waiting room.

She was extremely thin and is clearly very old.

Blood tests revealed that she has an overactive thyroid gland for which she is now on medication (tablets in food).

Munch is very friendly. She is seeking a new home under our Long Term Foster scheme whereby we will continue to provide her veterinary care via our Lewishm veterinary clinic.

Munch requires an indoor only home.

Update 23rd July: Munch's thyroid condition is still very unstable so unfortunately she cannot go to a new home yet as she is under the care of our veterinary staff. Updates about Munch's progress to follow soon.


To enquire about Munch, or to find out about other animals at Lewisham, please telephone 0208 694 6545 or send CHAT an email [Please include a contact phone number]

LILLYPAD, FROG AND TOAD

Lilly Pad (mum) is a really friendly cat who has clearly once been a pet but had ended up stray.

She and her kittens took up residence in the grounds of sheltered accommodation for elderly people where a kind man began feeding them and called us for help.


Frog and Toad are 11 weeks old and are a little shy but are getting used to people.

They would like a home ideally as a trio. As they are used to going outdoors a home with a garden is sought.


To enquire about Lilly Pad, Frog and Toad, or to find out about other animals at Lewisham, please telephone 0208 694 6545 or send CHAT an email [Please include a contact phone number]

TOMMY

Tommy was a stray who was living in the grounds of sheltered housing for elderly people (the same place that Lilly Pad, Frog and Toad had made home).

Tommy is a rather tatty male cat who wasn't neutered and has clearly been in the wars. He is now neutered and will soon start to look rather more handsome.

Tommy is friendly and must have once been a pet cat.

A home with a garden is sought.

To enquire about Tommy, or to find out about other animals at Lewisham, please telephone 0208 694 6545 or send CHAT an email [Please include a contact phone number]

T.BONE AND SAUSAGE

Newly arrived two shy 7 week old kittens from behind local shops.

White/black male and tortie female.

These two will be seeking an home together.

Update 17th august: T.Bone and Sausage are now being fostered.


To enquire about these kittens, or to find out about other animals at Lewisham, please telephone 0208 694 6545 or send CHAT an email [Please include a contact phone number]

SEMI FERAL CATS SEEKING SAFE, UNDERSTANDING HOMES

We always need homes for rescued feral and semi-feral cats.
Lewisham Branch currently have 32 feral cats who are all rather shy seeking caring outdoor homes.

These cats have all been born outside to stray cats and were rescued as adults or adolescents and have not become friendly enough to rehome as domestic pets. They have all been rescued from situations where they could not be neutered and returned mainly due to demolition and redevelopment of their homes. Many have been rescued from industrial sites but some have come from garden settings where either no one would feed them or the cats were experiencing unacceptable levels of hostility/ cruelty.

They are seeking homes in pairs or family groups. Farms, stables, smallholdings and of course gardens are ideal. They require shelter in the form of cosy hay barns dry sheds or outbuildings. These cats are used to and require good quality food but in return they will act as an effective rodent patrol.

We rehome feral cats in Sussex, Kent, Surrey and to suitable London garden homes. We visit you first to discuss the needs of the cats and advise on suitability, the cats are delivered to you in an holding pen initially which they are kept in for 2-3 weeks to settle them in. C.H.A.T is always there to provide advice and assist should a rehomed feral become sick or injured and require help.

GARDEN CATS
We have lots of semi-feral cats, many have been living in gardens and are the offspring of stray and abandoned pet cats.
Instead of being able to neuter them and return as we would ideally aim to do these are cats that have had to be taken in due to redevelopment, feeder/ carers moving away or attacks by hostile humans. Given a chance in a domestic home they would stand a good chance of becoming tame over a few weeks or months. The problem is that there are so many cats that are borderline between feral and domestic and not enough suitable homes to give them that chance.
Since many of these cats were quite happy living in London gardens there really is no reason why more of them shouldn't be rehomed to garden homes again rather than waiting for homes at farms and stables which are in such short supply. They are all neutered and used to living with other cats so it is highly unlikely that there would be any territory issues between them and local cats.
C.H.A.T. will assist with catching and treatment should they get injured or unwell.

This may be the ideal solution if you or a family member is allergic to cats but you would really like to help. Or maybe you already have house cats and could not take any more in your house. Or you would just like to help give a home to some of our long-term cats who wonder when it will ever be their turn for a home.

An outbuilding or weatherproof garden shed will be required for shelter and the cats need to be fed the same amounts of good quality cat food as a pet cat would expect. They wll catch rodents which may be an added benefit for you but this is not to be considered as a food source.

For more on feral cats, see our feral cat page.

If you think you could offer some of these guys a home, please call us on 0208 694 6545 or send CHAT an email

ADULT FERAL CATS

These are just a few of a dozen feral cats that have been rescued from a waste processing depot which has closed down.

The cats were living on restaurant scraps that were amongst the rubbish at the site. The cats themselves were welcomed at the site because they also caught rats but it was a very dangerous place especially for kittens.

These cats have all been neutered and are seeking new outdoor homes in pairs or more at rural homes such as a stables, farms or smallholdings.

They will require good food daily and dry shelter but will act as an effective rodent patrol.

We deliver cats in initial relocation pen and provide life long support should the cats require veterinary care.

Photograph kindly provided by photographer Matthew Lemon (www.matthewlemon.com)


To enquire about these cats, or to find out about other animals at Lewisham, please telephone 0208 694 6545 or send CHAT an email [Please include a contact phone number]

MANALO and CHIP are seeking an outdoor semi-feral home.

Manalo and Chip are nervous young cats who came to us separately as strays. We have tried to befriend in the hope that they were once pets but it is clear that they are feral cats.

We have paired them up and they are getting on well.

They are now seeking an outdoor semi-feral home such as a stables, smallholding or farm, they will require regular good quality food and dry shelter but will earn their keep as a rodent patrol.

To enquire about these cats, or to find out about other animals at Lewisham, please telephone 0208 694 6545 or send CHAT an email [Please include a contact phone number]

YUKI, MIXIE, GIGI AND KIKI

Mum and her three 4 month old kittens. This mum and her kittens were living stray in a garden where they were being fed.

They have come in for neutering and mum and one kitten will be going back to the garden that is there home where they will continue to be fed.

The other two at the moment are not being returned and are rather shy - we hope we can tame them if not they will require an outdoor semi- feral home. Updates on their progress to follow soon.

HAZEL, WOODY AND EVELYN

Mum and her two kittens.

They were living on an estate near a very busy road in Deptford.

Mum is friendly and has obviously belonged to someone in the past. Her kittens are 3-4 months old and are quite shy as they have not been used to being handled.

Our staff and volunteers are working with them every day to try and gain their trust.

To enquire about Hazel, Woody and Evelyn, or to find out about other animals at Lewisham, please telephone 0208 694 6545 or send CHAT an email [Please include a contact phone number]

LEE-LEE

Lee-lee was dumped in a basket on our doorstep.

She is a friendly young cat.

To enquire about Lee-lee, or to find out about other animals at Lewisham, please telephone 0208 694 6545 or send CHAT an email [Please include a contact phone number]

BELLA, BEAU, SNUGGLES ,SMUDGE AND PATCH

18th AUG: Fostered family now ready for new homes:

BELLA (mum) is approx 2 years old, she is black and white with piano key colouring on her toes.

"Bella is a delightful loving young cat and is an excellent mum. She is incredibly friendly with all people, and is bit of a ‘shoulder cat’ as she likes to watch the world go by as you hold her. She is best suited to a home with a garden as she longingly stares out of the flat windows."

BELLA'S KITTENS ARE 8 weeks old:

BEAU -Black and white female with a white bow tie just above her mouth.
"Beau has a wonderful caring personality and is very close to her mum as they spend a lot of time grooming one another. She also lovingly grooms Snuggles and Smudge. She is an adorable kitten who loves to play and curl up on a person or another cat."

SNUGGLES - Black and white male with beautiful green/gold eyes
"Snuggles, as his name suggests, loves to snuggle up and go to sleep on any person or cat that he is near. He is a very playful and intelligent kitten who loves to bring you his toy mice and balls so that you can play with him too!"

SMUDGE - Black and white male with a white smudge on his face.
"Smudge loves to play with anything that is near him, cats, people, toys whatever. Like Snuggles and Beau, his favourite places to sleep are on a person or another cat."

PATCH - White and tabby male.
"Patch is a very energetic boy who loves to explore his surroundings and play with his siblings. He is always looking for adventure but makes sure you are near so he can come back and play with you as well."


To enquire about Bella and her kittens, or to find out about other animals at Lewisham, please telephone 0208 694 6545 or send CHAT an email [Please include a contact phone number]

ANKA, CAIRO NILE AND SETH

Anka is mum of Nile and both Anka and Nile had a litter of kittens each which they have raised together. The whole family are being cared for in one of our foster homes. Two pairs of kittens have been reserved but Anka, Nile and kittens Cairo and Seth are still waiting to be chosen.

Anka (first on left in photo) is Nile's mother and a young, beautiful, friendly cat. She is polite and friendly but rather quiet in foster care; she is a very loyal cat and she misses her previous owner. She would be a very faithful and grateful friend in a loving home.

Cairo (second from left in photo) is an enormously affectionate kitten who loves people. He is gentle and sensitive, except when he's playing with his toy mouse!

Nile (on right in photo) is the daughter of Anka and only a kitten herself. She is bold, friendly and playful as well as being a stunning looking cat. Her golden eyes and sleek fur enhance her natural elegance.

Seth (in photo on right) is a gentle giant who is tranquil, friendly and sweet natured. When his brothers try to bully him, he just sits on them and washes them! He looks a bit grumpy because he didn't appreciate the camera flash, but he sat patiently until the photos were done.

They are seeking homes in pairs but could be paired as either kitten/mum or kitten/kitten, with the mothers going together. The mothers are great pals.

All the kittens have been well-handled and met loads of people, so they are pretty bold and friendly.

Update 31st August: Cairo and Seth have found a new home together. Anka and Nile are still waiting.

To enquire about Anka, Nile and kittens, or to find out about other animals at Lewisham, please telephone 0208 694 6545 or send CHAT an email [Please include a contact phone number]

MARSOG AND MISSY

18th AUG: Imminently coming in! - Marsog and Missy were rehomed by C.H.A.T at the end of last year.
Their owner has now got a new job and is moving and can no longer keep them.

The black cat is called Marsog and is male about 5 years old. The tabby/white cat is Missy and is female, also around five years old.

They enjoy going outdoors and would like a home with a garden and cat flap.

They are both friendly, Marsog is particularly affectionate.


To enquire about Marsog and Missy, or to find out about other animals at Lewisham, please telephone 0208 694 6545 or send CHAT an email [Please include a contact phone number]

SIX CATS

Six young cats were left homeless when their owners moved and couldn't take them.

They are all friendly and are seeking homes in pairs.

To enquire about these cats, or to find out about other animals at Lewisham, please telephone 0208 694 6545 or send CHAT an email [Please include a contact phone number]

BOOTS, TOOTS AND JELLY

Boots, Toots and Jelly were rescued after their owners were evicted and had been forced to leave their three cats behind.

A neighbour took over feeding the cats in the garden of their now boarded up home and contacted us for help.

They are mum and two kittens that are about 8 months old. One boy and one girl.

They are all friendly and ideally would like a new home together.

To enquire about Boots, Toots and Jelly, or to find out about other animals at Lewisham, please telephone 0208 694 6545 or send CHAT an email [Please include a contact phone number]

GIGI

Gigi was brought in to us by a man who apparently found her in the local park being kicked by another man.


Gigi is a friendly cat.


To enquire about Gigi, or to find out about other animals at Lewisham, please telephone 0208 694 6545 or send CHAT an email [Please include a contact phone number]

LEO

Leo was brought into us by his owner who had recently obtained him because Leo wasn't getting on with their existing cats.

Leo was still unneutered so thats obviously why! - he is now neutered.

He was very frightened when he first came in but is now relaxing.

To enquire about Leo, or to find out about other animals at Lewisham, please telephone 0208 694 6545 or send CHAT an email [Please include a contact phone number]

THREE CATS

These three cats came to us after their owner moved and couldn't take them.

They are slightly shy until they get to know you.

They are used to a home with a garden.

To enquire about these cats , or to find out about other animals at Lewisham, please telephone 0208 694 6545 or send CHAT an email [Please include a contact phone number]

TRUFFLES

24th Aug: New arrival: A nice cat who loves his food!

To enquire about Truffles, or to find out about other animals at Lewisham, please telephone 0208 694 6545 or send CHAT an email [Please include a contact phone number]

OLD FERAL

24th Aug: New arrival: An old feral cat rescued from East London. He has an old broken hip that has left him with a limp.

We may pair him up with Ninja.

Updates to follow soon.....




To enquire about this cat, or to find out about other animals at Lewisham, please telephone 0208 694 6545 or send CHAT an email [Please include a contact phone number]

BIF AND BOBBY - Fostered

Bif and Bobby are stray kittens who are now in the care of a foster home.

"They are doing really well, now eating normal food, still very nervous with strangers but they both purr when held, they both come to me for food, ' bif' the black/white is really friendly, loves cuddles, he was very weak and poorly for a long time, ' bobby' the black one is bigger and took longer to come round but now loves being stroked, he gets very carried away and chews my fingers!"

Bif and Bobby are seeking a new home together. They are a bit shy so an experienced, calm and patient adult home is sought.


To enquire about Bif and Bobby, or to find out about other animals at Lewisham, please telephone 0208 694 6545 or send CHAT an email [Please include a contact phone number]

ROSE AND MARTHA (can be homed seperately)

Rose and Martha are two year old sisters. They were rehomed by ourselves as kittens to a family.

All was well until about six months ago and sadly they are now seeking new homes. There are lots of cats living around their home and the gardens are fairly small. Rose and Martha have become scared of some of these cats who are quite dominant. They have retreated indoors and are showing signs of stress which has now also led to them fighting with each other. It is a busy household with three children, Rose has become very shy and now hides for most of the daytime, Martha is confident and friendly but tends to dominate her sister.

Rose is priority as she is the most unhappy, she would be happy to be rehomed as an only cat and would enjoy a quieter adult only home - we are confident that she will become much friendlier again once rehomed.
She is a very pretty long haired tortoiseshell, neutered and up to date with vaccines, flea and worming treatments.

Martha - is a 2 year old, neutered female, short haired black cat, with a couple of white patches. She is up to date with her vaccinations, flea and worming treatments. She is also bullied by the local stray cats but is more sociable with people than her sister.

Rose and Martha's owners love their cats but having tried to make them happy and feel more settled over the last six months have realised that it is fairer to find them new homes. Rose is priority.

They are currently remaining in their home whilst we seek a new home as the rescue centre is full.

To enquire about Rose or Martha, or to find out about other animals at Lewisham, please telephone 0208 694 6545 or send CHAT an email [Please include a contact phone number]

WILLOW AND HER KITTENS (FOSTERED)

Willow and her kittens are in the care of one of our foster homes. They will be seeking new homes in pairs.




To enquire about Willow and her kittens, or to find out about other animals at Lewisham, please telephone 0208 694 6545 or send CHAT an email [Please include a contact phone number]

28th Aug: WAITING TO COME IN ....DAVE, COLIN AND ERIC, 3 ELDERLY CATS (Would be suitable for an indoor only home)

Please help: We have received the following request for help: "my name is Abby and i need help finding three lovely old cats new homes. they belong to my mum who has had them for ever but she has recently been told she has a brain tumour and is dying.

I live in America and my sister has a dog. it is so important that we find a special place for them as she loves them dearly. she is unable to go home again where she lives in south london and at the moment we are doing our best to look after them and friends are helping."

Lewisham Branch rescue centre is currently completely full and we have nowhere to take these cats into. They are currently being fed and cared for in their empty home by friends and neighbours. We are trying to help by appealing for a home that they can go directly to.

Abby tells us:
"Dave is a 15yr old black and white female. she looks exactly like the felix cat. she is very chatty and affectionate and loves attention and food

Colin is a 17yr old female who is tabby. everyone thinks she is a kitten in a looks and personality. she loves chasing tin foil and chewing pens and if you rub her tummy she curls up into a ball

Eric is a 16yr old male, tabby and the son of Colin. he will paw you if you dont give him hugs. he was recently run over and had to have a bolt in his jaw but it hasn't stopped him being lovely.

All three are very sweet and affectionate and we would love to be able to find them somewhere to live in there last years.
They are used to going out but to be honest they will stay in all day cuddling if you let them. We usually have to throw them out... They love sleeping on radiators. If someone will love them I don't think a garden is important.

Many thanks Abby"

If anyone can offer these cats a home C.H.A.T will of course health check them and undertake any treatment they may require, and ensure that they are microchipped and vaccinated. Offers of a home will be subject to a successful home visit by ourselves. They would be suitable for an indoor only home or a home with a garden.

To enquire about Dave, Colin and Eric, or to find out about other animals at Lewisham, please telephone 0208 694 6545 or send CHAT an email [Please include a contact phone number]