Gateshead-based branch finds a home for the thousandth cat in its care.

Cats Protection’s Gateshead & District Branch has rehomed its 1,000th cat – Camilla.

Camilla is the 1,000th cat rehomed by the Gateshead & District Branch

Camilla and her newborn kittens were found taped up in a box at a recycling centre. The branch was alerted by a member of public who came across the abandoned family, who were distressed, cold and hungry. They were moved into a foster home and their health gradually improved once they were given the good care they deserved. The kittens thrived and were successfully found new loving homes. Camilla’s terrible experiences left her timid and frightened but she also became more settled over time.

It has taken two years – much longer than average – to find Camilla her permanent home.

Beryl-Anne Massey from Frosterly, County Durham adopted Camilla on 15 November. It was love at first sight for Beryl-Anne. “I very sadly and unexpectedly lost my beloved cat Pookie earlier this year,” she explained. “I saw Camilla’s picture and immediately wanted to meet her. She is a very special cat and I’m really looking forward to sharing my home with her.”

Ann Clarke, Branch Co-ordinator, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to reach our 1,000th cat adoption. This landmark figure reflects all the hard work of the volunteers past and present at Cats Protection’s Gateshead & District Branch. However, it sadly also highlights the number of cats who, for many reasons, are being abandoned or given up.”