Cat charity marks anniversary with adoption appeal

The cat centre estimates it has rehomed 20,000 cats and kittens

An animal charity is marking 20 years of its Sussex home by holding an open event.

The United Kingdom Cat Centre in Chelwood Gate, near Danehill, East Sussex opened in 2004.

Run by the charity Cats Protection, it estimates it has rehomed 20,000 cats and kittens in that time.

The open event, which hopes to match more humans with cats, takes place on 29 September.

Anyone interested in rehoming a cat can drop in without an appointment between 12:00 and 14:00 BST.

The centre will be hoping to find homes for some of its older and longest serving residents, including Teddy Ruxpin, who has been there for six months, and Lady Dorothy, both 14.

Teddy Ruxpin is the centre's longest serving resident looking for a home

Centre manager Danielle Draper said: “We have so many cats in need of a new home, from the playful to the outdoor-loving sociable cat, and our staff will be on hand to discuss the ideal match for anyone looking to welcome a new cat into their family.

“We hear stories of people who feel their only choice is to give up their cat due to personal issues.

"We don’t judge and if people are struggling, we hope that they contact us before doing anything rash like dumping them. Advice and reassurance can help and we’ll do all we can to support them until a space is available at our centre or with local fosterers.”

Lady Dorothy is a 14-year-old cat in need of a new home

As well as people interested in rehoming cats, the charity is also looking for volunteers to work at the centre, and for fosterers.

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