A cat charity is looking forward to helping even more needy cats in 2023 after celebrating record adoption figures last year as people across the North East opened up their homes to a furry friend.

The team at Cats Protection’s Tyneside Adoption Centre has been working hard to find suitable homes for the hundreds of unwanted cats that come through its doors for all manner of reasons, from an owner passing away to people no longer being able to afford to take care of their pet.

In 2022, it rehomed 560 cats, compared with 310 in 2021.

The landmark 500th cat to leave the centre for a new life was Mac, who was adopted by Georgia Bell from Birtley, Gateshead.

The Northern Echo: Mac the cat loving life in his new home with Georgia Bell in BirtleyMac the cat loving life in his new home with Georgia Bell in Birtley (Image: Cats Protection)

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Georgia said: “I have been wanting to adopt a cat for a while now but when I saw Mac’s profile on the website I just knew I had to have him. I've never had cats before, I've had dogs and a house rabbit, who I lost in March; but I have always wanted a cat as many of my friends and family have them.

“Mac has been amazing since I brought him home, he is so loving and sweet. He always wants to be with me and he loves cuddles. He had a rough first night but he has settled in so well since then. Everybody loves him.”

As well as the centre in Green Lane, Gateshead, beating its previous homing figures, it has also managed to reduce the average time a cat spends in its care from when it is fit to home from 24 days down to 13 days.

Centre Manager Beni Benstead said: “It is a fantastic achievement for all the staff and volunteers at the centre that we have not only increased the number of cats adopted but also seen a significant drop in the time that cats are spending with us.

“While we make their stay as comfortable as possible while they are with us, a loving home is the best place for them. And the quicker we can rehome them the quicker we can bring in more cats who may not be living in the best of circumstance and help them go on to have happy and healthy lives.”

The Northern Echo: Hope/Beans the sexless catHope/Beans the sexless cat (Image: Cats Protection)

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The centre, which opened in 2019, has 42 specially designed shelter pens, and has a separate behaviour room and isolation facilities for those needing extra special care. 

Beni added: “The Tyneside Adoption Centre has been going from strength-to-strength, and I would like to thank all the team here, including our volunteers who selflessly give up their time to play an important role in the lives of rescue cats. Our appreciation also goes out to our fellow cat-lovers in the community who support us in our endeavour to help cats in need. We are looking forwarding to helping even more cats in 2023!”

To find out the cats available for adoption, visit www.cats.org.uk/tyneside/adopt-a-cat

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