Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary in Edenfield has launched a major appeal to expand and improve its cattery, as the region faces a growing crisis of abandoned and stray cats.
The sanctuary recently took in a 10-month-old stray named Abba, who was found in severe pain with a damaged eye. After veterinary assessment, her eye had to be removed.
“Abba would have been in so much pain,” said Sanctuary Manager Karen Weed. “If she hadn’t come to us, she would have been left to suffer alone.”
In response to the increasing number of cases like Abba’s, the sanctuary is beginning ‘Project Purrfect’—a £300,000 plan to renovate and expand their current facilities. The goal is to house more cats and improve their welfare while they wait for permanent homes.
In 2024, Bleakholt rehomed over 500 cats, but demand continues to grow. The cattery currently has space for about 70 cats, yet hundreds remain on the waiting list.
“There is a massive cat problem in the north-west,” said Weed. “Each year, we and other local charities try to help as many as possible, but we simply don’t have the space. The condition some cats arrive in is heartbreaking.”
The sanctuary hopes the new development will allow it to care for more cats and improve the environment for those already in their care.
Bleakholt’s president, Hits Radio presenter Gemma Atkinson, is backing the campaign. “We want to help as many animals as we can,” she said. “This renovation is essential. With vet bills already at £40,000 a month, it’s a huge financial strain, but helping more cats is what matters most.”
The sanctuary is appealing to the public for donations to fund the project and continue supporting the many animals in need across the region.
Related Topics
