South Shore cat rescue celebrates official registered charity status

Tender Paws Cat Rescue on Lytham Road was founded by Chrissie Meryem from St Anne's and New-Zealand born Christina "Kiwi" Walsh from Marton in 2016.

The rescue shop was opened to help stray, injured and abandoned cats across the Fylde coast, and during the lockdown period the women have taken over a dozen cats, including pregnant females, into their homes.

Cats are taken into foster homes in the absence of a cattery facility, and the two women said their achievement of receiving registered charity status came thanks to help from the community and its band of volunteers.

Christina said: "Society’s views about allowing cats to free roam the streets needs to be changed. Cats are not safe outside.

"Un-neutered toms are predominately the ones that get hit by cars as they are travelling in search of females. They can travel up to 7 miles a day which is why they get lost, or in territorial fights, which can result in serious and expensive injuries.

"We have a duty of care to our pets, a responsibility for their safety, we don’t allow any other pet to roam around the neighbourhood unaccompanied, so why is it okay for cats?

"It’s an outdated premise that we want to help change. This and the compulsory act of microchipping, should be the same as for dogs. Even indoor cats get out by accident.

"We would like to thank everyone who has helped us get where we are, and for their continued support as we continue to build from this great milestone."