International Cat Day 2024 is being celebrated on Thursday (August 8) and what better way to mark it than by reading about how London’s Battersea has saved some purrfect moggies?
From helping three-legged kittens find new homes to giving street cats in Athens a second chance, Battersea's reach has always extended far beyond its capital base.
For nearly 150 years, workers at the renowned animal rescue centre formerly known as Battersea Dogs & Cats Home have devotedly supported felines in need.
A spokesman for the charity said: “Since taking in its very first feline residents in 1883, Battersea has now cared for over 250,000 cats, finding them homes with families who love and appreciate their different personalities, offering training and welfare advice to improve the lives of cats across the globe and campaigning for changes in the law when cats deserve better.
“In 2023 alone, the charity rehomed 2,112 cats across its three centres in London, Brands Hatch and Old Windsor. In recent years, Battersea has extended its expertise to animal welfare organisations around the world, offering strategic support and funding to advance animal welfare, and helping over 140,000 cats internationally as well as thousands more across the UK.”
Battersea’s cattery rehoming and welfare manager, Bridie Williams, added: "Here at Battersea we celebrate cats every single day of the year, but International Cat Day is a great opportunity to remind ourselves of the incredible impact we can have when we work together across borders. These success stories, from London to Athens and South Africa, showcase how sharing knowledge and resources can transform the lives of cats worldwide. We're proud to play a part in creating a global community committed to feline welfare."
Read on for some of the feel-good feline success stories that will have you purring with delight.
Profiterole and Waffle
This pair of inseparable kittens arrived at Battersea with many issues, including having a missing leg each and severe anxiety problems.
Battersea's vets jumped into immediate action once they were dropped off and decided they both should immediately undergo leg amputations.
Initially wary of human interaction, the kittens were placed in a foster home to aid their recovery and socialisation, but their luck soon turned.
A spokesman said: “As they recuperated from surgery, their playful personalities began to shine through. The foster environment proved crucial in their journey, allowing them to heal and grow in confidence at their own pace.
“Thanks to the dedication of Battersea’s staff and foster carers, today Profiterole and Waffle are thriving in their new countryside home.”
Juno
Juno is one of the overseas cats who has found a loving home at Battersea.
He was found underweight on the streets of Athens with a severely damaged eye and was taken in by a partnership group named Nine Lives Greece. Thanks to prompt veterinary care, Juno underwent eye removal surgery.
After fully recovering, he was successfully returned to his colony, where he’s now thriving in his familiar surroundings. Nine Lives Greece continues its vital work supporting Athens' stray cat population, bolstered by funding from Battersea.
Raita and Sonic
Sonic was found with Raita in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, by the Save-a-Pet animal rescue centre which works with Battersea. Staff developed tailored care plans using Battersea's specialist behaviour strategies.
These significantly improved the cats' well-being during their stay, helping them to overcome their fear of humans.
Tux
But please paws for thought as Battersea needs your help.
Moggies such as Tux are still in need of their fur-ever home. He is a sweet 13-year-old named after his charming black and white markings that resemble a posh suit.
Tux came to Battersea after his owner passed away. He was rehomed as a kitten from the charity’s Old Windsor branch and has been waiting for a new home for 181 days.
Despite his age, Tux still has a playful side, often entertaining himself with his favourite toy — a ping-pong ball. This affectionate senior cat is now searching for a loving new home where he can spend his golden years.
For more information about Tux and Battersea’s other cats, visit the centre’s website here.
