The rescue of a stray cat and her week-old kittens is just one recent positive outcome of two Sheffield charities partnering together.

Last year saw Cats Protection Sheffield & District take on 15 pens at the RSPCA shelter in Attercliffe to use as temporary homes for unwanted cats and kittens.

Seven months on, the partnership between the animal charities has seen Cats Protection admit 71 per cent more cats than the previous year, and there’s been a 61 per cent increase in those rehomed.

The RSPCA staff have taken care of the welfare of the feline residents, who had previously been living in unsuitable and potentially dangerous conditions. Their care includes feeding, grooming, playing and socialising, cleaning their pens, and arranging any vet treatment.

Peach was rescued after a member of the public found her living in a garden and struggling to care for her litter of kittens. | Cats Protection

placeholder image — Peach was rescued after a member of the public found her living in a garden and struggling to care for her litter of kittens. | Cats Protection

James Nunn, team leader for Cats Protection Sheffield & District Branch, said: “The partnership has certainly been a learning curve for all, but we’ve been able to adapt and change to meet each other's needs.

“The hard work that was put in at the beginning of the process has ensured it has been a success and we are being rewarded by seeing just how many more cats we are able to support.

“From the start we were keen for this not just to be about renting space from the RSPCA but an opportunity to work closely together to benefit cats.”

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Among recent cats in peril that have been saved are two-year-old Peach and her five kittens, who were discovered living in a garden by a member of the public.

Two adorable kittens, named Pumpkin and Damson, have been saved from an uncertain future thanks to the partnership of two cat charities in Sheffield. | Cats Protection

Peach was incredibly underweight and struggling to care for her tiny offspring when they were brought to the RSPCA centre. Tragically, three of the kittens were so sick that they died.

James said: “They were in a bit of a state when they were found: mum was dehydrated and the kittens’ eyes were so gunked up they would not open. Sadly, they were so poorly that only two of the kittens survived.

“Both our pens and the RSPCA’s were full but we contacted our cat welfare advisor, Diane Armer, who found them space with a fosterer at Cats Protection Trafford within the hour. Our transport volunteer Chris was able to drive them to their new temporary home where they began to thrive.

“This rescue highlights how charities working together is hugely beneficial to our shared commitment to helping animals in need.”

For more information on Cats Protection Sheffield & District, visit: www.cats.org.uk/sheffield