Hogwarts student cat

The first option is for all you Harry Potter fans, dress your cat in a stylish gown and send them off for their first year at Hogwarts. For a cheaper alternative, make your own with a simple bit of black fabric and some skillful drawing.

Count Catula

Why not try a classic outfit and dress your cat up in this blood-sucking outfit? similar to the previous option a simple bit of fabric could make an at-home DIY cloak to dress your vampire kitty to perfection this Halloween.

Magic Hat

If you are looking for a small outfit that’s on the cute side, this hat is the perfect choice. Some cats may not like an outfit that they have to wear, but this hat is good for them to ease them into the world of fashion. For all you knitting fanatics, this can also be made at home.

The lion, the cat, and the scratching post

This outfit is perfect as it lets your cat embrace its heritage and become a wild big cat. This outfit is perfect for cats as it is only a small accessory, but uses your cat’s natural look to complement the costume.

We hope this list has given you some inspiration for how to have fun with your feline friend this Halloween. All of these outfits can be found linked below, and have all been found on Etsy, we chose this as it helps support smaller companies and creators. Saving Strays Animal Rescue would like to remind you that although cats in costumes are adorable, if your feline friend seems uncomfortable in these outfits please do not force them to wear them as this could cause stress for the animal. If you choose any of these outfits for your cat please send pictures to us on social media and also let us know if you have any other amazing costume ideas.

Happy Halloween!

Hogwarts Student Cat

Count Catula

Magic Hat

Lion

The post Halloween Costumes For Your Cat appeared first on Saving Strays Animal Rescue.

Population Control

One of the most critical reasons to neuter your cat is to help control the feline population. At Saving Strays Animal Rescue, we see plenty of cats in need, there is an overpopulation issue which is why neutering your cat is important to help keep the number of strays down. Cats protection help control this number by neutering strays however, this should not be necessary if responsible owners neuter their cats themselves. By neutering your cat, you prevent unwanted litters and play an active role in curbing the number of homeless cats and kittens. 

Health Benefits

Neutering provides several health benefits for your cat. In female cats, spaying eliminates the risk of uterine infections and greatly reduces the chances of mammary gland tumors and ovarian cancer. For male cats, castration eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and reduces the likelihood of prostate problems. Neutering can also minimize aggressive behaviors and lower the risk of your cat wandering or getting into fights, decreasing their exposure to potential injuries or contagious diseases. 

Behavioural Improvements

Neutering can significantly improve your cat’s behavior. Unneutered male cats are often more territorial and aggressive, prone to marking their territory with urine, and may roam far from home in search of potential mates. Female cats in heat can be vocal, restless, and may attract unwanted attention from intact males. Neutering helps to reduce these hormonal-driven behaviors, leading to a more relaxed and well-behaved cat. 

Long-term Cost Effectiveness

While the upfront cost of neutering may deter some pet owners, it is essential to consider long-term savings. Neutering is a one-time expense, whereas caring for an unneutered cat can lead to unexpected costs, such as medical treatment for reproductive-related issues, unexpected litters, or injury treatment resulting from roaming or fights with other cats. 

Neutering your cat is a compassionate and responsible decision that has numerous benefits for both your pet and the wider feline community. From reducing overpopulation and preventing health issues to enhancing behavioral traits and promoting responsible pet ownership, the advantages of neutering far outweigh any reservations. All the cats that are available to adopt from Saving Strays Animal Rescue have already been neutered as this is our policy, along with vaccinations and micro-chipping. Saving Strays Animal Rescue thanks you for being responsible and with your help we can limit the number of strays and in turn cause less suffering for animals.  

The post Why You Should Neuter Your Cat appeared first on Saving Strays Animal Rescue.

Pictured: Chris the Kitten 

On June 19^th 2023 Saving Strays Animal Rescue was notified that an individual carelessly threw a kitten over a wall into someone’s garden. Fortunately, the kitten was not harmed but the situation could have been far more severe. This act displays a lack of compassion and neglect for the poor animal and demonstrates why acts of cruelty such as this cannot be allowed to continue.  

Pictured: Chris with his new friends 

The kitten (named Chris) is currently being well taken care of by one of Saving Strays Animal Rescue’s heroic fosterers and has even made some new friends as Chris has been greatly welcomed by the fosterer’s other cats. With the selfless help of fosterers, kittens like Chris who have suffered from acts of neglect and cruelty can be looked after and more importantly, be shown compassion and love.  

Chris’ story is more common than you would think and animal cruelty must be stopped, here is what you can do to raise awareness of the issue and how to act against this suffering:  

• Prevention: By educating individuals about the signs and consequences of animal abuse, we can empower them to identify and report instances of cruelty. Early intervention is key to ensuring the safety and well-being of these vulnerable animals. 

• Advocacy: By shining a light on this issue, we can advocate for stronger animal welfare laws and stricter enforcement. Increasing public pressure and engagement can drive policymakers to prioritize the protection of cats and other animals. 

• Report Abuse: If you witness or suspect animal abuse, report it immediately to the relevant authorities, such as your local animal shelter or law enforcement. Providing detailed information can help initiate investigations and ensure the safety of the animal. You can report cruelty or neglect to organisations such as the RSPCA.

• Support Animal Rescues: Contribute to local charities such as Saving Strays Animal Rescue which work tirelessly to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome abused animals. These types of organisations rely on your help not only financially but also on a voluntary basis. Please donate to Saving Strays Animal Rescue and volunteer for us as the newly registered charity always needs as much help as it can get.  

• Do the right thing: If you are struggling to look after your animal and are thinking of abandoning them, please do not hesitate to contact us to surrender your pet. We are a judgment-free charity and it is far safer for both you and the animal to surrender your pet to make sure they are treated well and stay healthy rather than neglecting the animal and leaving it to suffer. 

• Educate Others: Share information about animal abuse and responsible pet ownership with friends, family, and your community. Encourage others to be vigilant and compassionate towards animals. Please share this blog with your friends and loved ones to further help spread this message. 

Saving Strays Animal Rescue does not condone animal cruelty and you shouldn’t either, if you have witnessed anything please act on it using the previous steps and if you are struggling with the responsibility of caring for an animal, please do the right thing for both you and the animal. With these actions hopefully, Chris’ story will not be repeated in the future.

The post The Seriousness of Animal Cruelty – Chris the Kitten’s Story   appeared first on Saving Strays Animal Rescue.

By adopting an animal from Saving Strays Animal Rescue, you provide a loving and secure home to an animal that is in desperate need of shelter and a family. You offer them a fresh start and the opportunity to experience love and care. Adopting helps combat the issue of pet overpopulation and reduces the strain on overcrowded facilities such as SSAR. By choosing adoption, you actively contribute to breaking this cycle of overpopulation and make a positive impact on animal welfare. Adopting animals from shelters is a responsible and ethical choice as it promotes responsible pet ownership and supports the invaluable work of animal rescue organisations. By choosing adoption, you become an advocate for animal welfare and inspire others to follow suit, creating a more compassionate and caring society.

We need your help

Saving Strays Animal Rescue is currently facing an urgent need for people to adopt the animals in their care. The rescue is reaching full capacity and new animals are constantly in need of help, leaving limited space for the fluffy companions. By adopting from SSAR, you can directly save a life and create room for another animal in need. The dedicated staff, volunteers, and fosterers are doing everything they can to provide love and care, but they need your help. Every adoption makes a huge difference, giving these animals a chance at a better life filled with love and happiness. Please adopt from the rescue and be a hero to an animal in desperate need of a loving home.

Who you will be saving

We have many pets in urgent need of your care, for example, the dynamic duo Pinto and Maestro. These beautiful boys are good pals who love playing and chasing each other before cuddling up to sleep. They are gentle and good-natured and talk to each other making the most charming purring noises. They have not been adopted yet and are in desperate need of a loving, caring family, brothers such as Pinto and Maestro are prime examples of why adoption is such a necessary and beneficial cause.

Left to Right: Pinto and Maestro

How to adopt 

1. Online form 

To start your process of adopting your new family member a short form must first be filled out, this includes general details such as your name and address. Please use the following links to find the right form for you.

Cat adoption form: https://bit.ly/3MRtVJq

Dog adoption form: https://bit.ly/45oUGw4

Rabbit adoption form: https://bit.ly/3Mu4Q62

2. House check

At Saving Strays Animal Rescue, the welfare of animals is of the utmost importance, this means that when an animal is adopted, we make certain that they are given a loving, caring home. House checks are required to make sure the environment is safe for the animals. For example, it is important that the cats that are taken in do not live near a main road for the safety of the animal. 

Due to these safety concerns, there are some restrictions on who can adopt based on age and location but many of these can be determined on a case-by-case basis, for more information on restrictions please visit the adoption process.

3. Adoption fees 

A fee is required for adoption, however, compared to other organisations such as puppy farms, it still works out cheaper as the fee includes: 

• 1st and 2nd vaccinations
• Microchipping to the new owner
• Neutering
• Flea treatment for 1 month and worm treatment for 3 months
•  Free pet insurance for 5 weeks

These features are necessary for the health of your animal and can save you more money in the long run. For more information on fees please refer to the adoption application forms linked previously. 

A big thank you from Saving Strays Animal Rescue!

By adopting, you are benefiting numerous animals such as Pinto and Maestro who desperately need your help. From all of us at Saving Strays Animal Rescue, thank you to our heroes who rescue our pets in need. And to those who are considering adoption, please don’t hesitate to contact us to ask our wonderful volunteers any questions; for more information visit our adoption process, and to start your journey of finding your new family member visit pets for adoption. Don’t forget to share this blog with your friends and loved ones so that we can find our animals in need their forever homes.

The post Adopt An Animal From Saving Strays Animal Rescue appeared first on Saving Strays Animal Rescue.

“We both love cats and always intended to adopt our own one day after each growing up with cats as pets. We had only recently moved in together, when we saw the Facebook appeal for fosterer’s and knew we wanted to help. After applying via the website, which was very easy, we were contacted by a volunteer who home checked us and asked us about our experience looking after cats. Very soon after that, we received our very first foster cat – Josie! She was dropped off at our home along with food, litter, a litter tray, food bowls, a cat bed – essentially everything we needed.

Josie was shy at first, hiding away for a couple of days, but before long her “sassy” personality starting showing and she quickly made our house her own. We both knew that we weren’t going to be able to let her leave so we officially adopted her. She makes us laugh with her demanding attitude but rewards us with cuddles and headbutts.

After we adopted Josie, we wanted to continue fostering as we were really enjoying it. Next we were given Mac. Mac was found living as a stray in a dump and was a very timid boy. He spent nearly two weeks hiding behind our TV only coming out to eat and use his litter tray during the night. Our patience was rewarded, when suddenly one day Mac came to us for cuddles. After that, he couldn’t get enough attention, constantly wanting strokes and to sit on our laps. The difference in him was amazing and truly rewarding to experience.

After Mac was adopted into a lovely home, (where he is now living his best life as shown in the picture!) we received our next foster – Liberty. Liberty was surrendered rather than found straying and was the most confident of the cats we’d fostered so far. She was also the youngest and the most playful (or should we say mischievous!) but also enjoyed her strokes and attention. We didn’t have Liberty long before she was also adopted into a fantastic home where we’ve been told she enjoys hunting and being playful.

Cloud is our latest foster cat. She was also surrendered and is such a lovely, gentle confident girl. She has been a very easy cat to look after and we enjoy having her around. She is sat next to us right now as we type this, and she just loves being near us and enjoying our attention. Hopefully she will also find her perfect home very soon.

During our time fostering for Saving Strays Animal Rescue, we have had the privilege of looking after a mixture of all types of cat personalities and it has been amazing seeing the cats progress from shy and timid into loving and playful pets who are continuing to thrive in their new homes. Saving Strays Animal Rescue have provided great support throughout and it has been extremely fulfilling to help out such a wonderful charity. If you’re thinking about fostering, we definitely recommend you give it a go!”

You can find out more information about becoming a fosterer here.

The post Meet Our Fosterers: Nicki’s Story. appeared first on Saving Strays Animal Rescue.

We spoke to Sue about her experience of working with us:

“I’ve fostered three black and white cats, and one tabby cat so far and they have all been very different. It’s incredible to see them come out of their shells and grow in confidence while living with me. All the cats have individual personalities, and it’s great for me to have company when living on my own.”

“I love seeing the cats grow into contented, happy cats ready to go to their ‘furever’ homes.”

“Saving Strays are always there for me to answer any questions I may need. For example, I can struggle to get to vet appointments due to working full-time but the team are always there to help out. I love fostering cats, and would highly recommend using Saving Strays.”

If you’re interested in joining Sue as a fosterer, please contact us here.

The post Meet Our Fosterers: Sue’s Story. appeared first on Saving Strays Animal Rescue.

Tell us more about you and your pet.

“Fluffy is 14 years old and was originally fostered by a lovely lady called Sue in Bolton. I adopted him in mid-January, and it’s took him just two weeks to trust me enough to start sitting on my knee.

“In animal years, we are about the same age (!) and he’s made a huge difference to my life. I love seeing him greet me in the morning when I come downstairs. He’s great company, and really love exercising with his toys.

Why did you choose Saving Strays?

“I found Saving Strays on the internet and was particularly impressed with the thorough vetting process they did prior to me adopting Fluffy. They regularly follow up on how we are doing, and I know they are happy to help with any worries I may have.”

Do you want to make a difference by adopting a pet? Get in contact with us here.

The post Forever Homes: Fluffy’s Story appeared first on Saving Strays Animal Rescue.

Inviting any new pet into your home will change your life, for the better. Coming home to a friendly face who loves you every day is unbeatable, and the love from a cat or dog is unconditional.

• You’ll have a new great best friend

Most animals in shelters or rescues haven’t done anything wrong, they are just loving creatures who have been let down in life. With love, care and a little attention, your new family member will love and adore you even more than you could possibly imagine.

• Adoption helps more than just one pet

When you adopt an animal, that space then becomes free to help another stray or abused animal who needs it. This cannot be done without the incredible support of our adopters that support us and allow us to welcome more animals into our charity.

• It will cost you less

Adopting a pet ultimately costs less than buying. All we ask for is a small adoption fee, and for this your new pet will be vaccinated, neutered, microchipped and you’ll receive an adoption pack which contains 3 months’ worth of flea and worming treatment, as well as 5 weeks free pet insurance.

• You’ll save a life.

Is there any better reason? Every cat and dog deserve the best in life, and for a stray this is even more evident. When you adopt, you welcome a pet into your home and into your loving family, something they’ve been craving for their whole life.

Are you interested in adopting? Get in touch with us today here.

The post Why should you adopt not shop? appeared first on Saving Strays Animal Rescue.

Bow needs that little bit of extra attention, having enjoyed the sweet treats in life too much she now needs a low-fat diet to bring down her weight.

A Bengal cross, Bow is fully vaccinated, neutered, microchipped and is just waiting for her loving forever home. Could that be you?

Get in touch with us today to enquire about this loving cat.

The post Meet Bow appeared first on Saving Strays Animal Rescue.

Buddy is currently in foster with a calm dog and would love to be in a home with kids over 10 years old.

The post Meet Buddy appeared first on Saving Strays Animal Rescue.