Allerton Cat Rescue, founded by Brenda Satterley at her Allerton Road home, has helped thousands of abandoned and neglected animals for more than four decades.

Brenda said she was currently “absolutely inundated” with cats in need and had had to consider stopping new admissions.

To help the shelter continue its important work – including paying veterinary bills – a table sale and raffle is to take place at 258 Allerton Road between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on Saturday September 16.

Brenda, 73, said: “I’m really struggling to cope with demand – I currently care for around 200 cats – and I’m very worried about the future of the shelter.

“You have no idea what we are facing, it is absolutely heartbreaking.

“Some cats are in very poor condition and require urgent veterinary care. Recently we had one who was suffering from mastitis which caused his udders to explode.

“Many are full of fleas.

“We need people’s support more than ever – and one of the ways people can really help us is by coming to this weekend’s fundraiser.

“We would like to thank everyone for their support and we hope that we can continue to exist for many years to come.” »

Rescuers like dedicated Brenda have been warning of Bradford’s worsening cat crisis for many years.

The pandemic and resulting cost of living crisis, as well as high levels of neglect, cruelty and lack of sterilization, are all thought to contribute to this problem.

In a statement earlier this year, Allerton Cat Rescue said: “We are sad to say that we are on the brink of collapse and closure.

“We can’t continue like this and if something doesn’t change we will have to close the doors which will have a devastating effect on Bradford’s cats.”

Brenda rescued her first cat at the age of seven, and for over 40 years has given away part of her home to cats in need of loving homes.

She received a lifetime achievement award from the International Fund for Animal Welfare in 2002.

For more information about Allerton Cat Rescue and to find out other ways you can help, visit www.allertoncatrescue.co.uk or search for Allerton Cat Rescue on Facebook.