THE Cats Whiskers, a non-profit cat rescue and rehoming shelter located on Broad Street in Alloa, has secured £150,000 in funding from Social Investment Scotland (SIS). The financial support aims to facilitate the shelter’s expansion, allowing it to care for more than 150 cats and kittens in the upcoming year.
Established in 2018 by four trustees with over two decades of pet-care expertise, The Cats Whiskers initially set out to treat and rehome 50 cats annually. However, the shelter has surpassed this target, and with the backing from SIS, it plans to upgrade its facilities, including the creation of a memorial garden and various enrichment areas benefiting both the feline residents and the wider community.
The funding enables The Cats Whiskers to take ownership of its premises in Alloa, providing stability and security. Plans also include minimising the shelter’s environmental footprint by enhancing garden biodiversity and introducing solar panels.
Donna Hingley, a trustee at The Cats Whiskers, expressed gratitude for the support, emphasising the newfound security in their premises. This, she stated, allows the organisation to focus on the welfare of the cats and owners, ensuring the health of every adopted cat.
She said, “As proud cat lovers, we are thrilled to have the support from Social Investment Scotland. This will enable us to have the security and stability in our premises, which will allow us to focus on the care for our cats and owners, by being able to care for cats on a short-term basis too, ensuring every adopted cat is in the healthiest state possible.
Chris Jamieson, Head of Investments at SIS, commended The Cats Whiskers for its remarkable work in feline care. The funding not only enables the shelter to purchase its building but also extends its services, creating positive impacts on the broader local community. SIS looks forward to supporting The Cats Whiskers as it embarks on this exciting phase of expansion.
He said, “The Cats Whiskers is doing amazing work for our feline companions, giving them the care and attention, they need before going to their forever home. We’re pleased to have helped the organisation purchase the building of the shelter, allowing them complete control of the premises. Not only will this allow them to extend their service, but also provide positive impacts for wider local community. We’re looking forward to supporting Donna and the team as they embark on this exciting next chapter for The Cats Whiskers.”
The shelter, which presently operates with 50 volunteers and collaborates with nearby charities, including Play Alloa and Home-start Clackmannanshire, aims to enhance its sustainability practices through this funding, offering a welcoming space for both cats and the community.
