A rescue centre in Essex facing closure due to mounting veterinary bills has received an outpouring of support that has given it “the strength to carry on.”
Friends of Felines, located in Halstead, cares for and rehomes cats across Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, and Suffolk. The centre had been struggling with £7,000 in vet bills, but the community stepped in after news of the potential closure spread. Donations of money and food have continued to flow in, easing the financial strain.
Co-owner Penelope White expressed renewed hope for the future, saying, “We’re now very positive and very hopeful about our future, knowing we have such a wonderful support network.”
White acknowledged that running a rescue centre is costly, especially during challenging times. The centre can care for up to 50 cats at once, with monthly expenses ranging from £4,000 to £6,000. A particularly difficult period occurred last Christmas when an influx of older cats with a viral disease led to overwhelming vet bills, putting the rescue centre at risk of closing.
However, thanks to the generous donations, Friends of Felines was able to pay off the debts and keep the centre open. “This financing is so important—knowing we can take on more cats, which is what we are here to do,” White said.
One of the centre’s success stories was the adoption of Nala, its longest-staying resident. Nala, a cat with previous injuries that caused intermittent incontinence, had been overlooked by adopters for four years. But when BBC News shared her story, she caught the eye of a couple from Northampton.
Britt and Matt, who wished to remain anonymous, were moved by Nala’s “bushbaby eyes” and decided to adopt her. “We have had disabled cats in the past, so I knew we could love her the way she deserved,” Britt said. “She has learned a lot from our other cat and is now learning how to use a litter box.”
Now, Nala is thriving in her new home. “She is such a little love bug. All she wants is to be close,” said Britt, adding that Nala loves spending time with Matt, even during his PC gaming sessions.
Penelope White called Nala’s adoption a “success story” that has helped raise awareness for the centre. “It’s frustrating that large national charities get millions in donations, while local rescues like ours often have to pick up the pieces,” she said. “But with our support network, we can continue helping and rehoming cats in need.”
Friends of Felines plans to keep raising awareness through social media and local events, ensuring they can continue their vital work despite limited resources.
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