Essex Cat Rescue Centre Faces Relocation Challenges Amid Crisis
Pussycat Lodge in Brentwood struggles to find a new home for its rescue cats
Brentwood, Essex, Pussycat Lodge, Cat Rescue, Animal Welfare
Brentwood: A local cat rescue trust is reaching out for help as they face the tough task of relocating. Pussycat Lodge (PCL) has been a beloved spot for cat lovers in the area for 25 years, thanks to the hard work of dedicated volunteers.
Founded by Jennie Hurley in 1999, the trust started in her garden, taking in cats that needed a home. Now, with Jennie’s health issues, they need to downsize, but the trust can’t afford to buy their current place.
According to their website, they must move by the end of 2025. This facility is crucial for their work, as they rescue and rehome around 250-300 cats each year. Without it, they fear they won’t be able to continue.
Andrea Nicholls, the warden, shared the challenges they face in relocating and the urgent need for financial support. They aim to raise £500,000 to secure a new home for the cats.
She expressed how heartbreaking it is to leave, especially with the strong ties they have with local vets and the community. But until they raise the funds, they can’t even start looking for a new place.
Running the trust costs over £4,000 a month, and with Brentwood being pricey, they hope to stay in the area. Andrea mentioned that a big donation from a celebrity or company could really help kickstart their efforts.
As they prepare for the move, the number of cats needing help keeps rising. Last year, they rehomed nearly 300 cats, which is typical for them. Thankfully, they have a good rehoming rate, but the situation is dire nationally.
Andrea described the ongoing crisis in cat rehoming, saying they feel like they’re fighting a losing battle. There’s always a waiting list, and as soon as one cat finds a home, another comes in.
With stray cats breeding quickly, shelters are overwhelmed. Andrea emphasized the need for collaboration among trusts to keep cats healthy and reduce the strain on shelters.
If you want to help, you can donate to Pussycat Lodge or buy items for the cats to ensure they have a safe home in the future.