Noah's Ark Cat Rescue and Sanctuary in Tarleton, Preston provides full-time care to some of the most injured and abused cats that may not be able to be rehomed.
One resident, 'Precious' the cat, was attacked by a dog or fox and only has half a nose and ear which makes the feline prone to infection.
This ultimately means that running the sanctuary is very costly with vet bills and other costs piling up.
Noah's Ark is run by couple Julie Tattler and John Wareing and relies solely on donations from members of the public.
It has been unable to fundraise as it normally would due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Now, in order to support the sanctuary's work, a budding volunteer has started a 'sponsor a cat' campaign.
Cathy Taylor adopted ‘Hunter’ from the Ark in December 2019.
The cat was the longest staying resident at the sanctuary due to ‘terrible behavioural issues’.
This is when Cathy first became aware of the Ark’s work and, when she was furloughed last year, she volunteered to help the sanctuary.
“This is when I realised the enormity of it: the size of the place and the time and money it takes to run it,” Cathy said.
The volunteer suggested setting up cat sponsorship because of the huge toll the pandemic took on fundraising.
Couple Julie Tattler and John Wareing run the sanctuary from their home but because of the demands of running the sanctuary alongside full-time jobs, the idea was put on the back burner.
Volunteer Cathy eventually took the reins and is looking after 'sponsor a cat'.
“John and Julie both work full-time and rely purely on donations and fundraising but fundraising has been really limited because of COVID,” Cathy said.
“There have been tears: I’m overjoyed with the sponsorship results so far.
“It would be brilliant if more people sign up to sponsor.”
Sponsors not only get the warm and fuzzy feeling of supporting the cats at the sanctuary, they also receive a welcome pack.
Cathy is determined to make sponsorship as personal as possible and donors will receive a photo of their chosen cat, a keyring, newsletters and a special birthday surprise.
More information about Noah’s Ark Cat Rescue and Sanctuary and ‘sponsor a cat’ can be found at this website or on the Sanctuary's Facebook page.
Adorable pictures of the cats available for sponsor can be found below.
. Grace
The ginger cat was due to be euthanised and was rescued from another charity. She is partially blind, has impaired hearing, and is constantly sneezing due to being a cat flu carrier. Described as 'probably the happiest cat the Ark have ever had'. Anyone visiting the Ark is likely to be approached by Grace who loves attention. Photo credit: Noah's Ark Cat Rescue and Sanctuary.
. Flo
This blind cat also has hearing impairments but she has grown more confident at The Ark. The cat is able to venture outside safely when she pleases. The cat is also a food lover. Recently, Flo discovered the cat flap; but only when the hoover makes an appearance and she still hasn't discovered that it opens inwards too. She is not a fan of rain. Photo credit: Noah's Ark Cat Rescue and Sanctuary.
. Precious
It is thought that Precious was attacked by a dog or fox before coming to the Ark, from another cat rescue. She has lost half of an ear and her nose. Her 'nose' is always wet so prone to infection but the sanctuary can keep a 'close eye' on her. Hopefully, Precious can join the other cats in the summer as she is currently living inside John and Julie's house. Photo credit: Noah's Ark Cat Rescue and Sanctuary.
. Martha
Martha has three legs and was found with a foot hanging off. Her previous owners couldn't afford vet treatment and now she is resident at the Ark where she gets around just fine on three limbs. Martha no longer suffers from hip pain due to her deformed leg. Photo credit: Noah's Ark Cat Rescue and Sanctuary.
1. Flo
This blind cat also has hearing impairments but she has grown more confident at The Ark. The cat is able to venture outside safely when she pleases. The cat is also a food lover. Recently, Flo discovered the cat flap; but only when the hoover makes an appearance and she still hasn't discovered that it opens inwards too. She is not a fan of rain. Photo credit: Noah's Ark Cat Rescue and Sanctuary.
2. Precious
It is thought that Precious was attacked by a dog or fox before coming to the Ark, from another cat rescue. She has lost half of an ear and her nose. Her 'nose' is always wet so prone to infection but the sanctuary can keep a 'close eye' on her. Hopefully, Precious can join the other cats in the summer as she is currently living inside John and Julie's house. Photo credit: Noah's Ark Cat Rescue and Sanctuary.
3. Martha
Martha has three legs and was found with a foot hanging off. Her previous owners couldn't afford vet treatment and now she is resident at the Ark where she gets around just fine on three limbs. Martha no longer suffers from hip pain due to her deformed leg. Photo credit: Noah's Ark Cat Rescue and Sanctuary.
4. Betty
This cat arrived at the sanctuary aged 8 weeks and was unable to open her mouth fully. After four operations the Ark was told to consider euthanasia. After a referral to the 'Super Vet', Betty was diagnosed with facial dwarfism. Kitten season ultimately saved the cat's life: Betty was so upset by the new kittens that she started to hiss and this acted as 'physio'. Betty's jaw improved but she lives permanently at Noah's Ark, where she can be carefully monitored. Photo credit: Noah's Ark Cat Rescue and Sanctuary.