Ten thousand cats have been successfully homed during the Covid-19 crisis, thanks to an innovative door-step delivery solution specifically tailored to overcome lockdown restrictions.

Cats Protection is celebrating the commitment of its care teams and volunteers who delivered in trying times to make such a landmark success of its new Hands-Free Homing process.

When the UK went into lockdown in March, it became clear that the nation’s largest cat welfare charity would need to engineer new ways of working. Its centres were closed to the public but care continued and there was a need to rehome cats as speedily as possible to reduce their time in care.

The solution was simple; Hands-Free Homing matches prospective owners with cats in need using interactive video technology and safely delivers them to their new homes without need for human contact.  As lockdown restrictions eased a Covid-safe collection service was also introduced following the online matching process. Mike Elliott, Cats Protection’s Director of Field Operations, said:

“Everything changed overnight. Lockdown forced us to rethink how best to support the welfare of cats in need. We had to find new ways of working and fast. Hands-Free Homing has allowed us to find homes for more than ten thousand cats; that’s an achievement worth celebrating.

“This milestone is testament to the teamwork, commitment and dedication of our volunteers, staff and fundraisers who pulled together for the sake of the cats and delivered when we needed them most. We couldn’t be more proud of everyone who represents Cats Protection and helped us remain here for the cats.”

By November, the number of cats homed since lockdown began clocked in at 10,859. The method has been such a success for cats and their new owners that it has become standard practice as the charity continues to care for cats during the pandemic and beyond.

Collaboration has been key to this success. Volunteers and fosterer's from across the charity’s national network have supported staff at homing and adoption centres to match cats to new homes and find ways to deliver costly care and treatment for a number of emergency cases. Cats Protection’s Regional Fundraising Manager Hannah Ashwell, said:

“We took a big hit when most organised fundraising events and sponsored activities were cancelled. But our work goes on and the need doesn’t go away. Thankfully, our supporters have been life savers, coming up with creative ways to raise money through sponsored walks, climbs on their stairs and sleepovers.

"With new restrictions upon us, we are empowered by the invaluable support of cat lovers who show willing to dig deep, even when cash is short.”

To donate to the ongoing work of Cats Protection and ensure that thousands more cats can be homed and treated, please visit their JustGiving page