A Tyneside animal charity is celebrating a record year after seeing a huge rise in adoptions across the North East.
The team at Cats Protection's Tyneside Adoption Centre in Gateshead made the headlines in November when they rehomed the world's first known neither-sex cat, Hope (now known as Beans). But Beans is just one of the 560 cats that the centre rehomed in 2022, as opposed to 310 last year.
Hundreds of felines have come through the centre's doors for a manner of reasons, from owners passing away to people no longer being able to afford to take care of their pet due to the cost of living crisis. Many are now in their fur-ever homes, with the landmark 500th cat to leave the centre for a new life was Mac, adopted by Georgia Bell from Birtley.
Read more: Meet the Tyneside cats looking for their purrfect home as they spend winter with Cats Protection
Georgia said: "I have been wanting to adopt a cat for a while now but when I saw Mac’s profile on the website I just knew I had to have him. I've never had cats before, I've had dogs and a house rabbit, who I lost in March; but I have always wanted a cat as many of my friends and family have them.
"Mac has been amazing since I brought him home, he is so loving and sweet. He always wants to be with me and he loves cuddles.
"He had a rough first night but he has settled in so well since then. Everybody loves him."
As well as the centre in Green Lane, Gateshead, beating its previous homing figures, it has also managed to reduce the average time a cat spends in its care from when it is fit to home from 24 days down to 13. Beni Benstead, centre manager, said: "It is a fantastic achievement for all the staff and volunteers at the centre that we have not only increased the number of cats adopted but also seen a significant drop in the time that cats are spending with us.
"While we make their stay as comfortable as possible while they are with us, a loving home is the best place for them. And the quicker we can rehome them the quicker we can bring in more cats who may not be living in the best of circumstance and help them go on to have happy and healthy lives."
The centre, which opened in 2019, has 42 specially-designed shelter pens and a separate behaviour room and isolation facilities for those needing extra special care.
Beni added: "The Tyneside Adoption Centre has been going from strength-to-strength, and I would like to thank all the team here, including our volunteers who selflessly give up their time to play an important role in the lives of rescue cats. Our appreciation also goes out to our fellow cat lovers in the community who support us in our endeavour to help cats in need. We are looking forwarding to helping even more cats in 2023!"
For more information on the cats up for adoption at Tyneside Cats Protection adoption centre, visit the website.
Have you adopted a pet in 2022 or are you planning to in the new year? Let us know!
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