EARLY morning vet appointments, emergency call-outs, and conversations with people looking to give up eight cats at a time.

These are just part of Tracie Satterley’s 12-hour-long days as a volunteer for Allerton Cat Rescue.

Founded by her mum Brenda at her home on Allerton Road, the charity has saved thousands of cats who would otherwise be left suffering on the streets.

But the cat rescue has now hit capacity and is £11,000 in debt with vet bills.

Just this week, Tracie arrived at her mum’s house to see an envelope containing £20 and a blanket-covered cage.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Tracie arrived at her mum’s house to see an envelope containing £20 and a blanket-covered cage with kittens and a mumTracie arrived at her mum’s house to see an envelope containing £20 and a blanket-covered cage with kittens and a mum (Image: UGC)

Two kittens and their mum had been surrendered by an owner who couldn’t cope with rising costs.

“We had the mum and newborn kittens, two more kittens brought in, it’s just an absolute nightmare,” said Tracie.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

“Until we home some we can’t take anything else in. I can’t leave a kitten on the street, what can we do? It’s just awful. 

"The situation’s not going to improve. It’s just going to get worse."

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Donations to Allerton Cat RescueDonations to Allerton Cat Rescue (Image: UGC)

She added: “There’s a family. I took a lot of kittens off of them. Some had enteritis [an aggressive and highly infectious disease caused by the feline parvo virus]. We lost a lot of them. They have more kittens, they’ve got the neighbour there ringing, saying they’ve got more kittens for me. I can’t take them but then I’m leaving them in the middle of Girlington. 

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: This cat was rescued by Allerton Cat Rescue just before it had a litter of kittensThis cat was rescued by Allerton Cat Rescue just before it had a litter of kittens (Image: UGC)

“We owe about £11,000 to the vets. 

“It’s getting worse. 

“It’s costing us more for everything. All the litter, the food, the vet bills have gone up. The three that came in on the doorstep, they couldn’t afford to look after them anymore. It’s just hard.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Brenda Satterley, founder of Allerton Cat RescueBrenda Satterley, founder of Allerton Cat Rescue

“I’m having to turn cats away. We always used to pride ourselves that we didn’t turn cats away, 10 years ago, even five years ago, but we’ve nowhere to put them. It’s awful.

“I can’t turn pregnant cats away. I can’t turn kittens away. We feel sorry for Toms, they’re coming in with abscesses from fighting.”

How you can help

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Chester, 2, was rescued from the streets by Allerton Cat Rescue and is now living a happy life with his new familyChester, 2, was rescued from the streets by Allerton Cat Rescue and is now living a happy life with his new family (Image: UGC)

The charity recently opened a charity shop at 1 Cobden Street and is appealing for volunteers to help her mum, who is in her 70s. 

Allerton Cat Rescue urged anyone who is able to donate a small amount to help its fund towards new cages, cat and kitten food, and vet bills.

Anyone interested in becoming a foster carer is urged to reach out via the Facebook page.

People can donate via Paypal using acrfundraising@hotmail.com or directly to the cat rescue’s HSBC bank account (sort code 40-46-58/account number 11252615).

Cat owners can help rescues by making sure their pets are neutered or spayed and microchipped.