Leading animal welfare charity Battersea is marking International Cat Day (8 August) by highlighting its impact on feline welfare in the UK and worldwide.
Since taking in its very first feline residents in 1883, Battersea has now cared for over 250,000 cats, finding them homes with families who love and appreciate their different personalities, offering training and welfare advice to improve the lives of cats across the globe and campaigning for changes in the law when cats deserve better. In 2023 alone, the charity has rehomed 2,112 cats across its three centres in London, Brands Hatch and Old Windsor. In recent years, Battersea has extended its expertise to animal welfare organisations around the world, offering strategic support and funding to advance animal welfare, and helping over 140,000 cats internationally as well as thousands more across the UK. Through collaborating with both local organisations like Nine Lives in Greece and Save-a-Pet in South Africa, and supporting worldwide charities such as International Cat Care, Battersea strives to broaden its reach and contribute to improving the lives of animals globally.
Battersea Cattery Rehoming and Welfare Manager Bridie Williams said: "Here at Battersea we celebrate cats every single day of the year, but International Cat Day is a great opportunity to remind ourselves of the incredible impact we can have when we work together across borders. These success stories, from London to Athens and South Africa, showcase how sharing knowledge and resources can transform the lives of cats worldwide. We're proud to play a part in creating a global community committed to feline welfare."
To celebrate International Cat Day, Battersea is sharing some of the success stories of cats they have helped both in the UK and around the globe:
Profiterole and Waffle, a pair of inseparable kittens, arrived at Battersea’s London centre facing multiple challenges. Both were timid around people, and each had a partially missing leg. Battersea's vets determined that full leg amputations would be necessary to prevent future injuries. Initially wary of human interaction, the kittens were placed in a foster home to aid their recovery and socialisation. As they recuperated from surgery, their playful personalities began to shine through. The foster environment proved crucial in their journey, allowing them to heal and grow in confidence at their own pace. Thanks to the dedication of Battersea’s staff and foster carers, today Profiterole and Waffle are thriving in their new countryside home.
In the streets of Athens, Juno's life took a dramatic turn. Found underweight with a severely damaged eye, this young male cat was rescued by Nine Lives Greece. Thanks to prompt veterinary care, Juno underwent eye removal surgery. After making a full recovery, he was successfully returned to his colony, where he’s now thriving in his familiar surroundings. Nine Lives Greece continues its vital work supporting Athens' stray cat population, bolstered by funding from Battersea.
Meanwhile in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, Save-a-Pet's cattery implemented crucial changes after attending Battersea Academy's cat behaviour course. By extending their facility and enriching outdoor areas, they created a more suitable environment for cats like Raita and Sonic, who had previously struggled in group settings. Using Battersea's specialist behaviour strategies, staff developed tailored care plans, significantly improving the cats' wellbeing during their stay.
There are also lots of cats still in need of help, including those currently in Battersea’s care waiting for a home. Among those cats looking for a home is handsome Tux, a sweet 13-year-old cat named after his charming black and white markings. Tux came to Battersea after his owner passed away, having been rehomed as a kitten from the charity’s Old Windsor branch, and has been waiting for a new home for 181 days. Despite his age, Tux still has a playful side, often entertaining himself with his favourite toy – a ping pong ball. This affectionate senior cat is now searching for a loving new home where he can spend his golden years.
To find out more about cats looking for homes or to learn about the different ways Battersea helps and champions cats, visit www.battersea.org.uk.
International Cat Day is organised by International Cat Care as an opportunity to highlight the millions of cats and the organisations helping them around the world. Visit their website to find out more icatcare.org/international-cat-day.
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For further information, images or interviews please contact press@battersea.org.uk.
Notes to editors
- At Battersea we offer our love and expert care to dogs and cats who need us by rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals at our centres, and by sharing our knowledge and resources with rescue organisations around the world. We do this because we want to help every dog and cat, everywhere.
- In 2023 Battersea directly cared for 2,529 dogs and 2,450 cats at our three centres. We also helped thousands more through campaigning work, supporting other rescues and animal welfare advocates, and sharing knowledge and advice with pet owners.
- Battersea has three centres based in London; Old Windsor, Berkshire; and Brands Hatch, Kent.
- To find out more visit our website or follow Battersea on X @battersea_, Instagram @battersea or facebook.com/Battersea.