Welfare and Rescue

Updated 4 February 2024

WOULD YOU LIKE TO OFFER A HOME?

In that case, we would be delighted to hear from you! Please contact Rescue & Welfare Co-ordinator Alison Lyall at: alison@lyall.uk
PORTERS HOUSE,
PEBBLE HILL,
TOOT BALDON,
OXON
OX44 9ND
We look forward to hearing from you.


For rescue emergencies, please contact Di Taylor on 01564 823213




If you are genuinely interested in offering a Somali a new home, please read ALL of this page.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT WELFARE & RESCUE.

1. WHAT IS IT?

The Somali Cat Welfare Trust exists to help Somalis who, for whatever reason, need to find a new home. We keep a list of those people who would like to offer a home and when a cat becomes available that may be suitable for their circumstances, we make contact. Fortunately, not many Somalis need rehoming, so patience is required - you may have to wait for some time. We are also here to help with any queries you may have about your Somali. We never re-home unneutered cats.

2. ARE THERE ANY CONDITIONS ATTACHED?

We like to arrange a home visit to meet you and see the environment offered and if you adopt a cat, you will be required to sign a form indicating that you will keep up vaccinations and provide veterinary treatment as necessary. In order to adopt a Somali, a donation will be required to the Somali Cat Welfare Trust and we like to hear of the progress of the cat from time to time.

3. MUST I HAVE EXPERIENCE OF RESCUING A CAT?

Not necessarily, just a vast fund of patience, some experience of cat ownership and the time to give the attention and affection that all Somalis need.

4. HAVE THE CATS UP FOR ADOPTION BEEN MALTREATED?

Very rarely. Most are in good health and need re-homing for social reasons - marriage breakdown, not getting on with other cats in the household, moving abroad etc. but historically, a high proportion need to be re-homed to a household without other cats. Should there be cases wher a cat needs veterinary attention or vaccination, we have a couple of Welfare pens in Di Taylor's cattery south of Birmingham where health issues can be treated and temperament assessed prior to a new home.

5. MUST I KEEP MY CAT IN?

We try to home adult cats to households that are as similar as possible to the original home. Thus, if the cat is used to going out, we look for a rescue home that can safely offer access to the outdoors. All cats that have been re-homed need to be kept in for a least four weeks to enable them to bond with their new owners and become familiar with their new surroundings. All cats MUST be kept in at night & a litter tray provided. A cat that has been kept in may enjoy some limited outside access, but a cat who is used to going out will rarely adapt to being kept in unless there is plenty of human company and stimulation available.

6. WHERE ARE THE CATS FOR REHOMING LOCATED?

We try to re-home our cats from their existing homes direct to their new owners in order to minimise stress from travelling. Thus, cats needing new homes can be located all over the country - our Welfare & Rescue Co-ordinator does not run a cattery for them where you can come and choose! When you contact her, it is always helpful to give your name, address, telephone number and details of your circumstances and what you can offer eg. other animals kept, safe outside access, proximity to busy roads, children, whether there is someone home during the day and any experience with settling adult cats into a new environment.

7. MY SOMALI NEEDS A NEW HOME

If you need assistance in finding an appropriate new home for your Somali, we need to have all the information about them that you can give to enable us to find the perfect match. Please contact Alison on alison@lyall.uk who will send or email a form to be filled i so we know as much about your cat as possible.