A FERNDOWN rehoming centre is struggling to keep up with the amount of basic vet care cats are needing before they can be homed, which is putting a strain on its budget.

Cats Protection Dorset Cat Centre said cats in its care are taking seven days longer to be ready for adoption compared to 2023, with the rehoming centre pointing to an increase in the amount of basic vet care needed for its cats before they are considered fit to home.

The centre already homed 170 cats this year by the end of July, 27% more than the same period last year.

Since the beginning of the year, the centre has needed to provide 75% more microchips, 56% more neutering procedures, 26% more vaccinations and 33% more flea and worm treatments.

These procedures are all an essential part of responsible pet ownership and meeting cats’ fundamental welfare needs and yet owners appear to be struggling to provide them even at the earliest stage of cat ownership, with the top three reasons for cats arriving in the centre being because they are stray, part of an unwanted litter or abandoned by their owner.

Among those cats currently in care who have recently needed treatment or additional support are Odie and Kit.

Odie posing for the camera Picture: Cats Protection

Grey-and-white Odie arrived at the centre after his owner passed away and he was found by a kind family friend who had hoped to keep him but became unable to when their own health issues flared.

The nine-year-old needed his eye removed as a result of an untreated eye condition, which he may have had since birth and was causing increasing pain, discomfort and had a high risk of ongoing infections.

He also needed eight teeth removed because of poor dental health but since his procedures, his character has begun to shine through.

Deputy manager Tanya Burnett said: “Odie is such a lovely soul who was timid when he first arrived with us but we have taken things at his pace and he now loves fuss and enjoys sitting on laps.

“He’s a really good example of cats who arrive through no fault of their own and need significant care before they are ready to join a new family.

“Once Odie has recovered from his operation, we will be seeking that special someone to give poor lonely Odie the love he so hugely deserves.”

Odie’s vet and after-care has cost the centre £1,500 to-date and anyone wishing to help can visit the JustGiving page. 

Alongside Odie is Kit, an affectionate, young tabby and white cat, who, despite only being a year old is the centre’s longest-staying cat.

One year-old Kit Picture: Cats Protection

He arrived in April and the centre said he was initially a little nervous but once settled, he showed the team how much he enjoys human company by greeting them at his door, nuzzling them for more affection and purring happily.

Ms Burnett said: “Kit is young and intelligent, enjoying playing with a variety of toys and he is great with a puzzle feeder. He also enjoys quiet time and has started offering himself as a lap cat.

“Kit came to us from a very busy household where his owners reported some signs of nipping or scratching but we suspect these may have been signs of stress or frustration.

“We have rarely seen signs of this while he’s been at the centre, but he will need an owner who understands that he is curious and inquisitive, needing plenty to keep his attention, but can also become a little overwhelmed.”

The centre’s team feels Kit’s personality makes him ideal for a cat-aware adult household or one with understanding older teenagers where he can have a blend of stimulation and space.

To find out more about the work of Cats Protection Dorset Cat Centre or to enquire about offering a home to Odie or Kit, visit www.cats.org.uk/ferndown