Donations and fundraising are needed to help Sheffield Cats Shelter move out of its well-loved but worn-out building to a newer, larger and more accessible property.
For over two years, the shelter has been looking for a more modern property to move into but needs more money to help it achieve its goal.
The shelter, currently based in Travis Place, Broomhall, heavily relies on its legacy money, said apprentice Jordan Jonathan, 26.
She said: “Sadly, because of funds, vet fees going up and the cost of living crisis, we have to use legacy money quite a lot.”
Jordan added that it is not sustainable to rely on this money which is why donations and support are so vital.
The property is over 60 years old and has only ten rooms. Expansion is the next step so it can house more cats and keep them safe.
The shelter’s property in 2026 and in the 1960s.
Last year, Sheffield Cat’s Shelter worked closely with architecture students from the University of Sheffield and came up with a presentation named “Should we stay or should we go?”. This suggested ways the shelter could improve its current building.
The shelter is also looking for people to take on the role of a fosterer for the shelter, which helps with the temporary housing of more cats.
Miss Jonathan said: “If we didn’t have our fosterers, we would be limited to the rooms we have.”
Information and applications to become a cat fosterer are found on the shelter’s website.
Supporters can also help by adopting cats the shelter is caring for and giving them a forever home. The adoption process and information are also found on their website.
Three animals currently at the shelter are tabby Valentine, and British shorthair cats Winny and Jacob. Their rooms designed for the cats’ individual needs and comfort.
Nervous and shy shelter cat, Winny, given blankets and a cat tower for extra comfort and security.
However, while the shelter takes great care of its cats, it’s not a long-term solution, and forever homes for them are needed.
The shelter also wants people to interact with it on social media by sharing its posts, which is essential for raising awareness and increasing the visibility they need. Miss Jonathan said: “Word of mouth helps massively.”
The shelter is active on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
It also has three charity shops around Sheffield, found on Ecclesall Road, in Broomhill, and in Hillsborough. These shops welcome donations and purchases, which go towards the shelter’s charity.
The shops now also sell the shelter’s new, branded cat toys. These include two adjustable cat wands with four fluffy worms and four feather toys, sold for £10.
“You’re getting a gift for your cat and still helping our cats,” said Miss Jonathan.
Another of the shelter’s cats, Jacob, playing with their new, branded cat wands.
The shelter is a partner charity for the Sheffield 10K in September and supporters are invited to take part in the run. For last year’s 10k, the shelter runners wore branded Sheffield Cat Shelter top, cat ears and temporary tattoos.
Additionally, the shelter holds a street party to celebrate its birthday on 30 May with it achieving around £2,000 last year. Miss Jonathan said: “It’s just so lovely seeing so many supporters.”
Another entertaining way to help support is attending the Steel Paws Festival. Held by a foster couple for the shelter, the music festival is put on to raise money for charities. Last year, they chose the Sheffield Cats’ shelter charity, raising £3,000 in the process, and are doing it again this year.
The shelter’s website can be found here: https://thesheffieldcatsshelter.org/
