celia hammond animal trust
Animal Rescue Charity
Celia Hammond Animal Trust is a unique non destruction charity providing essential low cost veterinary services for sick and injured pets as well as a rescue and homing service for unwanted, abandoned and stray cats in London and the South East.
Please help us build a dedicated rescue and rehoming centre, and secure the future of our Lewisham hub for decades to come
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A NEW RESCUE AND REHOMING CENTRE IN LEWISHAM
In October 2023, we were granted planning permission to redevelop the Friendly Street warehouse and former shop at the rear of our Lewisham site into a new rescue and rehoming centre.
Phases 1 and 2A of the project have been funded by legacy gifts. Phase 1 of the building works has already been completed and phase 2A works are to commence shortly. We are now fundraising to pay for phase 2B, the construction of the main two-storey building, and we really need your support in funding the next stage of this project.
Please donate whatever you can afford and help us continue caring for animals who need us most.
Celia Hammond Animal Trust
OFFICIAL PAGE Celia Hammond Animal Trust, UK. We rescue rehabilitate and re-home abandoned animals.
Last Thursday, we received a call from a man renovating an old car that had been sitting untouched for years. When he opened the bonnet, he got quite the surprise.
First, a black cat shot out past him in panic. Then, tucked deep inside the engine bay beneath tarpaulin and leaves, were four tiny fluffy kittens huddled together. 🐾
Although mum had clearly thought she’d found a safe place to give birth, a car hidden away in the corner of a yard, it was actually an extremely busy environment, with cars and lorries moving around constantly, making it a very dangerous place to raise her babies.
Poor mum was terrified, and for three days we tried everything we could to bring her to safety. Food, treats, warm milk, but this clever girl waited until long after we’d left before sneaking out to eat.
Yesterday morning, after hours of searching and still no sign of mum, we feared something may have happened to her. With the kittens needing warmth and feeding, we made the difficult decision to bring them back to our Greenacres sanctuary, while continuing the search for mum.
While Carolyn headed back to settle and feed the kittens, Sarah stayed behind and continued searching late into the night.
Then finally, at 10pm, mum was spotted and safely caught.
The moment she saw her babies, she immediately relaxed and began washing and feeding them. It was incredibly special to witness.
Today, the whole little family is safe together. Mum is still frightened and unsure, but she’s finally somewhere warm and secure, and she and her kittens can now look forward to a much safer future.
Moments like this make every long day, worry, and sleepless night worthwhile.
Now we just need names for these little ones… any suggestions? 🐾 #cat #kitten #catrescue #kittens #catlovers ... See MoreSee Less
So… last weekend we received a desperate call from a shoe shop in Barking 🐾
What staff had discovered were 12 kittens stuck in an unused tank in the loft. The staff had no idea they were there and were incredibly helpful once discovered, doing everything they could to assist us. They begged us to step in, as no one else was able to help. Though we are full to capacity, there was no way we could walk away from this.
These kittens had never seen daylight.
Born and trapped at the bottom of a tank they couldn’t escape from.
Soaked in urine and faeces.
Breathing in strong ammonia.
The smell was unbelievable.
They were frightened, overwhelmed… and in urgent need of help.
This has been a huge task. Our Canning Town rescue team have been going back every single day this week, setting traps, checking cameras, and catching more cats each time. We had no idea how many were there, but we couldn’t bear the thought of leaving any behind.
Alongside the 12 kittens, we have so far captured 4 females and 4 males.
At one point, we had three cats in two traps… and another waiting to go in. The cats themselves were that desperate for help.
Now the next stage. Each kitten and cat has had a desperately needed wash and clean, a full check over, and is receiving veterinary care. The focus now is recovery, and most importantly, neutering so no kittens are born into these conditions again.
This rescue has already cost at least £2,500 and counting.
With so many cats and kittens now in our care from this rescue, alongside all the others already with us, the demand on our team and resources is constant.
If you’re able to support us at this time, whether that’s kitten food, help towards veterinary care for all the cats involved, or any donation at all, we would be incredibly grateful 💙 The donation button is attached or in our bio
More updates to follow… #cat #catrescue #kitten #kittenrescue #animalrescue ... See MoreSee Less
Happy Adoption Thursday🐾
Tissues at the ready for this one… 💛
“My beloved late husband David’s love of cats led to meeting the remarkable Celia Hammond. During the rescue of over 180 cats from what became the QEII Olympic Park, Dave and his brother welcomed Celia into their smokehouse with hot teas and mountains of chocolate.
At the same time, they were caring for a pregnant feral cat, Maddie, giving her a safe, warm place by the boiler. Celia later took Maddie and her kittens into her care… but Dave was adamant she would come back to us, and she did, joining our other rescue cats, Barney and Wally. The three of them were the most loving companions.
Years later, after saying goodbye to them, we only lasted six months without cats before returning to Canning Town… where we fell in love with sisters Pixie and Lotte. That was 15 years ago, and they are still the most wonderful companions.
During Dave’s illness, Lotte would stay by his side, walking with him in the garden and sitting with him in the sunshine. Their bond was something truly special.
Without Pixie and Lotte, life after losing Dave would have been even more difficult. They are not just pets, they are family.”
Denise & in loving memory of Dave 💛🐾
This story is such a special one for us. Dave wasn’t just a supporter, he was part of our history, and both Celia and the whole CHAT team hold him very close in our hearts.
From rescue, to companionship, to love that lasts a lifetime.... this is why we do what we do.
➡️ Have you adopted from Celia Hammond Animal Trust? We’d love to hear from you. Message us your photos using the words “happy adoption” to share your story 💙
#happyadoption #cat #cats #inlovingmemory #catlover ... See MoreSee Less
Aperol is STILL waiting for her forever home… and honestly, she knows she shouldn’t be 😼
This stunning 6-year-old diva has bags of personality and absolutely knows her worth. She wants to be your best friend… on her terms. Affectionate, chatty, and full of character, Aperol will keep you entertained, but she’s not afraid to set boundaries… and yes, sometimes that includes the odd swipe if you don’t read the room!
Cattery life really isn’t her thing, and it’s likely not helping her show her best side. What she needs is an experienced, cat-savvy human who appreciates a strong personality, someone bold who isn’t put off by the occasional swipe and is happy to let her take the lead.
Aperol is looking for:
• An experienced, adult-only home
• No other pets (she wants you all to herself)
• A secure garden with cat flap access, away from busy roads
She’s bold, she’s sassy, and she’s got a lot to say for herself… but underneath it all is a girl who just needs the right person to understand her.
So… could you be Aperol’s forever? 😏🐾
If you think you could be her perfect match, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact our Greenacres Sanctuary 📞 01424 882198 #adoptdontshop #cat #cats_of_instagram #adoptme #divacat ... See MoreSee Less
Hi everyone, it’s Rory here 🐾
Have you heard the news? We’re going to have some new cats available for sponsorship very soon!
Over the next couple of weeks, keep your eyes on our social media and website, we’ll be introducing you to some new faces joining the sponsorship family. I can’t wait for you to meet them… they’re a pretty special bunch (but don’t worry, I’m still the star).
If you’d like to sponsor one of our existing cats, including me 😼 you can do so here:
www.celiahammond.org/shop/
Stay tuned!
Rory🐾
#cat #cats #sponorcat #catsofinstgram #catlovers ... See MoreSee Less
Oh, hi Celia…
22 years old.
Three legs.
Zero intention of slowing down.
Celia is doing remarkably well at our Greenacres sanctuary, and clearly not ready for a quiet retirement just yet, reminding us all that age is just a number.
And just like her human namesake, our wonderful Celia, unstoppable.
Turn the volume up to hear those beautiful non-stop purrs, and please share some love for our 22-year-old beautiful lady below 🐾💛#cat #catrescue #rescuecats #seniorcats #ageisjustanumber ... See MoreSee Less
An update on Char 💙
When Char first arrived, he was exhausted, painfully thin, and struggling with a badly damaged eye. Life as a stray had clearly taken its toll.
Thanks to the kindness of the people who found him and brought him straight to us, everything began to change.
In those first days, Char was very quiet. He wouldn’t eat, as if he didn’t yet feel safe enough to let his guard down. But slowly, with warmth, care, and patience, he began to relax.
After surgery to remove his damaged eye, the difference in him has been remarkable.
Just look at him now!
He’s pain-free and no longer fighting to survive, and his true personality is starting to shine through. He really is such a lovely boy.
Char is gentle and affectionate, always leaning in for headbutts and happiest when he’s close to people. Recently, he’s even started to discover toys, something we’re not sure he’s ever had before. Watching him learn how to play has been incredibly special. Those small moments say so much about how far he’s come, and how much he still has ahead of him.
We think Char is around 3 years old, and he’s now ready for the fresh start he’s waited so long for.
He’d love a home with a garden where he can explore safely and take things at his own pace. He could live with older children who understand his gentle nature, but he’d prefer to be the only cat so he can fully relax.
Char has already done the hardest part. He’s survived, he’s recovered , and he’s learning to trust again.
Now he just needs someone to see him for who he is, a kind, resilient boy who deserves a safe, loving home.
If you think you could give Char that fresh start, we’d love to hear from you. 🐾
#goodnews doptdontshop #oneeyedcat #rescuecat #cat ... See MoreSee Less
We’d love to share something really special with you all 💚
If you’ve visited our Greenacres centre in East Sussex recently, you may have spotted a beautiful new Cabin in the grounds. This space has been created in memory of Helen, a lifelong cat lover and rescuer, and as a safe, peaceful home for the cats she adored.
Helen spent her life rescuing and caring for cats. When she sadly passed away, she left behind several older and semi feral cats who still needed comfort, safety and a place to call home. Thanks to the dedication and generosity of her wonderful rescue friends, Gillian and Ray, her legacy has grown into something truly lasting.
Helen’s Cabin is a warm, fully equipped home designed especially for older, shy cats. It has cosy lounges, all the mod cons we could ever dream of, and safe covered catios front and back so the cats can enjoy birdsong, fresh air and sunshine while staying protected. It’s calm, peaceful and exactly what they deserve.
Right now, the cabin is home to Helen’s own cats as they settle in. But in the future, it will also help other cats who need a little extra support — older cats, those on medication, or cats who simply aren’t suited to life on the main sanctuary grounds but still deserve freedom, dignity and a safe place to be.
Helen’s love for cats didn’t end when she passed away, it lives on here, and will continue helping the most vulnerable cats for many years to come. Please, please share this post with fellow cat lovers x
#cats #catlover #seniorcats #feralcats #rescuecat ... See MoreSee Less
Happy Adoption Thursday 🐾
“We adopted Pi (formerly Marley) from Celia Hammond Canning Town in March 2025.
He was rescued with a terrible leg injury and sadly had to have his leg amputated, making him our little tripod… but that hasn’t stopped him one bit!
He’s living a full and happy life, is an absolute sweetheart, and follows us around everywhere. He never says no to a good belly rub either!
We adore him and will always be so grateful to Celia Hammond for rescuing him and bringing him into our lives 💕”
Beth & Pi xx
Stories like Pi’s mean so much to us… from injury and uncertainty to a life full of love, comfort, companionship and living his best tripod life, one leg down, zero slowing down 🐾
➡️ Have you adopted from Celia Hammond Animal Trust? We’d love to hear from you! Message us your photos using the words “happy adoption” to share your CHAT cat update 💙
#happyadoption #adoptdontshop #catlovers #catoftheday#tripod ... See MoreSee Less