A West Midlands animal rescue group is raising funds to build a new cattery in memory of Maximus, a once-homeless cat who captured hearts around the world.
Maximus, believed to be around 12 years old, spent 10 years living on the streets before he was rescued by Stray Cat Rescue Team West Midlands (SCRT) in November. Despite receiving donations from across the globe for his care, he died in January after a brief time in foster care.
SCRT now plans to honour his legacy by building “Maximus Meadows,” a cattery in Wolverhampton that would provide shelter for up to 20 rescued cats. The charity is aiming to raise £7,500 to fund the project. Currently, the team cares for over 100 cats through a network of foster homes.
Lucy Strickland, who looked after Maximus during his final two months, said he had a profound impact on public attitudes toward stray cats. “He changed a lot of people’s perceptions,” she said.
Maximus was found in Great Barr, Sandwell, suffering from an immunodeficiency virus similar to HIV and with claws so overgrown that he struggled to walk. Despite his condition, Strickland described him as “the most amazing cat.”
Supporters raised more than £10,000 for Maximus’s medical treatment, which ultimately cost the charity over £13,000. Strickland hopes the planned cattery will help SCRT rescue even more cats and allow members of the public to visit them.
The rescue team has seen a sharp rise in demand since the COVID-19 lockdown, receiving more reports of stray cats than ever before. “We’ve already got a waiting list,” Strickland said, noting that the group has rehomed 106 cats this year alone.
So far, the Maximus Meadows fundraiser has received over £6,000 in donations. Strickland hopes construction will be complete by early July.
Related Topics
