Foster carers urgently wanted for needy felines

28 August 2007

The Blue Cross animal adoption centre in Northiam is calling out for cat lovers to foster special cats needing caring new homes. Two female cats were brought to the centre separately in April this year after being found as abandoned strays. They have both been diagnosed with a kidney condition which means they are now on a special diet. They are both looking to find new homes under the charity’s foster care programme. The scheme means that The Blue Cross will pay for their special diet and any future treatment relating to their kidney condition.

The younger of the two cats is Silver, a beautiful six-year-old female tabby. Although she can be a shy girl she is sociable and loving when she gets to know you. Silver enjoys having a stroke and being groomed and would love a garden to play in.

Ebony is a friendly ten-year-old short-haired cat. She loves to say hello to new people and spending time in human company. She enjoys evenings in front of the TV and sleeping on the bed at night. She will make an affectionate companion for the right carer.

Maria Marmo, Blue Cross centre manager at Northiam said: "Both of these loving cats get overlooked because of their condition. Although they do need special care and the right diet they will both lead long and happy lives and make rewarding, loving pets."

Silver and Ebony would prefer to move somewhere within half an hour’s drive from the Northiam centre but locations further afield might be possible. Both cats need new homes where they are the only pet and they cannot live with children under 12.

The Blue Cross fostering scheme was first introduced to cater for elderly or infirm animals that can be difficult to rehome on a permanent basis. The scheme means the charity continues to pay for a pet’s medical bills (for known medical conditions) and provides ongoing support to new owners. All Blue Cross animal adoption centres now run a fostering scheme. In the last year, more than 6,000 animals were rehomed by The Blue Cross, of which more than 200 were on a foster care basis.

To find out more about adopting or fostering Silver or Ebony please contact The Blue Cross animal adoption centre in Northiam on 01797 252243 or visit the centre at St Francis Fields, Northiam, Sussex.

Media contact: Louise Lee
Direct line: 0207 932 4066
Mobile: 07880 781637

Notes to editors

• Images of Silver and Ebony are available
• The Northiam animal adoption centre was opened in the late 1960s, and serves the communities of South East Sussex and parts of Kent. The site was converted from old farmhouses, and the reception is housed in a distinctive Oast house formerly used to dry hops.
• The centre can accommodate up to eleven dogs and 34 cats, as well as providing ample facilities for up to 25 horses and ponies on the equine part of the site. Hundreds of animals are successfully rehomed every year.
• To contact the centre please call 01797 252243. Companion animal reception opening hours: Monday & Wednesday - Saturday: 9.30am - 12noon & 1pm - 3.30pm. Sundays: 10am - 12noon. Bank Holidays: 9.30am - 12noon & 1pm - 3pm.
• The Blue Cross is Britain's pet charity, providing practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners. Through its network of animal adoption centres it rehomes thousands of animals each year. Its hospitals provide veterinary care for the pets of people who cannot afford private vets' fees.