Shetland being the most northerly inhabited part of the UK, located 133 miles north of John O Groats. A group of islands so far out in the North Sea/ Atlantic Ocean that Norway feels as close as Scotland.
Where there are many unowned or feral cats, who breed and struggle to survive in what can often be very harsh conditions.
We formed Shetland Cat Rescue to help them and any other cats who are suffering.
For feral cats we use Trap, Neuter and Return (TNR), internationally recognised as the best and most humane way to help them live longer and healthier. The adult cats are trapped, neutered then returned to site (as they would not become suitable pets), and their kittens fostered and socialised (as they are young enough to adapt to living with people).
We also find homes for cats whose owners can no longer care for them.
We never euthanise healthy cats.
In July 2022 we applied to become a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (charity), as well as for a licence to Trap, Neuter and Return feral cats, plus rehoming licence. These were all finally granted in September 2023.
*
The task of raising the money we need to pay for our work (vet care and neutering etc), started with a memorial fund set up in Vivienne Gaffney’s memory.
Vivienne was a great cat lover, who was instrumental in the early days of setting up this organisation, but sadly died before she could see Shetland Cat Rescue up and running.
We then started a regular charity stall, at Bolts/ The Toll Clock Shopping Centre, on the first Saturday of every month from 9:00-15:30. Where there is always a wide selection of goods on offer at very low prices, all donated by supporters.
If you’d like to donate items for us to sell you can either bring them to the stall or contact us (by email: shetlandcatrescue@hotmail.com) to arrange collection in Lerwick.
We have also held Sunday Teas, which have been very popular and are advertised on the Latest news & events page of this site as well as on our Facebook page (click on the links to be redirected).
100% of the money raised or donated goes to running Shetland Cat Rescue. There are no paid staff and it is run entirely by volunteers.
Raising enough to do everything we want for Shetland cats is an endless task. Thankfully there are a lot of very generous folk out there keen to help us. Most want to give anonymously, via our How you can help us page. But some don’t mind us sharing how kind they’ve been. Here are just a few:
YOUR CAT magazine
were our very first supporter (click here to visit their website). Who not only paid for our rehoming licence and donated equipment, but continue to take an active interest in what we’re doing and publish it in their digital magazine.
*
TOMMY
Another keen ambassador and supporter of Shetland Cat Rescue. If you didn’t know already, he’s the most famous cat in Shetland (click here to visit his Facebook page). He donated part of the proceeds from his calendar.
*
TORANA BLAND (aka TESS) & GARY (featured below)
paid for our annual subscription to host this website from 2025-2026.
*
NISA ELLESMERE STORES
in both Scalloway (The Checkout) and Lerwick (Brae Stores Ltd) have successfully nominated Shetland Cat Rescue for an award from their head office charity Making A Difference Locally.
*
GENGHIS KHAN (pictured below) & Kathy
paid for our annual subscription to host this website from 2024-2025.
*
GOTT CATS
the cattery in Tingwall, owned by cat lover Christine Henry since 1982, generously covered the cost of running this website for 2023/24 (click here to visit their website).
*
AND here are some more of our supporters:
swipe to see them all
HARBRO, the agricultural and pet food supplies company in Lerwick gave us vouchers to raffle at our Sunday Teas. Click here to visit their website.
HALO, the most popular microchip scanner in the UK donated a scanner. Click here to visit their website.
MASKOT, who can provide all your design and print needs from their Lerwick office gave us a generous discount towards the cost our banner. Click here to visit their website.
SANDWICK PET CARE, a cat (& dog) sitting service covering all of Shetland paid for the rest of the banner. Email: sandwickpetcare@gmail.com. Telephone: 01950 431 742.
THE ANNEX SHETLAND, a peerie stash of Shetland crafts situated in Gulberwick and online sells our crafts. Click here to visit their website.
TOLL CLOCK SHOPPING CENTRE provide us with a space for our monthly fundraising stall. Click here to visit their website.
We are very grateful to them all.
*
If you would like to become a sponsor or offer help in some other way, click here to be redirected to our how you can help us page.
*
Enter your email below to receive regular updates of News & Events.
click on the buttons above to be redirected to our social media pages and Amazon Wish List.
*
SHETLAND CAT RESCUE
a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation number: SC052820
Shetland Islands Council – Licence number: AWE/22/01, under the Animal Welfare (Licencing of Activities involving Animals) Regulations 2021
shetlandcatrescue.co.uk 