A CAT sanctuary says it is facing life or death and is urging people to donate so it can continue its work.
Yorkshire Cat Rescue, which is based in Keighley and is currently responsible for a record 234 cats and kittens, is facing the unthinkable and says it is in desperate need of help.
The charity's finances must cover vet bills, food, heating, insurance, salaries, and more.
Highlighted in its appeal, which said, 'life or death, that's what we're facing right now', Yorkshire Cat Rescue said: "In just an eight-week period, based on an average, the cost of caring for the 38 mums and 160 kittens in our care is a staggering total of £65,750."
Broken down, that's £9,500 on food, £1,800 on litter, £19,800 in emergency vet bills, and £34,650 on general medical care.
The cat rescue added: "This is just to keep them alive. To give them warmth, safety, and hope.
"Yes, we receive adoption fees - they will bring in £24,070.
"That’s a devastating shortfall of £41,680 - and that doesn’t even touch the cost of the 36 other cats, or keeping the rescue itself running."
So far, the charity has taken in more than 500 animals in 2025, a number they only reached by September of the previous year. This influx has raised concerns as the charity prepares for its most demanding year yet.
Describing itself as “at breaking point” with limited options going forward, the charity is “preparing for the worst” and attempting to tackle the deficit before it's too late.
While primarily, the charity is in desperate need of financial donations, it is urging people to help by sharing its story, sending items on its wish list, fostering, as well as engaging with the online shop, through both donations and purchases.
People can also help by volunteering or fundraising.
“If we are unable to generate the £43,000 we will have to close the doors to intakes completely until we can pay for the cats we have already committed to helping,” CEO Lynn Nicholls said.
The reasons for such a shortfall are extensive.
An increase in kittens due to a lack of neutering, a seasonal influx of cat flu sweeping the UK, and increases in large-scale cat rescues all contribute to the dwindling funds.
The charity also hopes to expand its facilities in the future to increase the number of cats taken into its care.
These plans include a veterinary area on site, a quarantine area, and a safe area for kittens. The estimated cost of this is more than £250,000.
"We desperately need all the support we can get,” Nicholls added.
Share