Purr-fect idea for a fundraiser

RSPCA staff are planning a lengthy cat nap to raise money for the pussies they look after.

The fundraising sleepover with a difference is taking place later this month as they aim to raise £1,000 for cats in their care.

Six members of staff at the RSPCA’s Ashford Garden Cattery, in Station Road, will be spending a night sleeping in the centre’s cat pods to raise awareness of the plight of abandoned and unwanted cats.

Cattery assistant and fundraiser organiser Becky Drake said: “In 2014, five of us took part in a sleep-out in the car park to raise awareness of the huge number of cats living on the streets (pictured).

“This year, we decided we wanted to publicise the work that charities, such as the RSPCA, are doing to help the abandoned and injured cats.”

Each of the volunteers will bed down for the night on Friday, December 16, in one of the branch’s 25 cat pods with a furry friend for company and will spend 12 hours in the pod - from 6pm to 6am.

Becky added: “Although these pods are better for the cats than the cold, challenging and sometimes dangerous conditions they face on the streets, being in a cattery isn’t ideal and our aim is to find these cats new, loving homes.

“Money raised will help pay for the cats food, veterinary treatment and general care costs. Last year, it cost the branch more than £175,000 to operate – around £3,400 a week.

To support the sleep-in, visit RSPCA Ashford Garden Cattery on Facebook to pledge your support or send a cheque made payable to Ashford Garden Cattery (with ‘sleep-in’ on the reverse) to 34 Station Road, Ashford TN23 1PH.

Volunteers at the RSPCA cattery in Ashford are holding a sleepover to raise funds