Puurfect care for paws in need

Glossop Cat Rescue have just celebrated a heart-warming milestone - their third birthday.

What began as a simple act of kindness between two friends has blossomed into a vital mission, that has so far seen 930 cats and kittens rescued and rehomed across Glossop and the surrounding areas. 

Founded in 2021 by Julie Banks and Nicola Ormerod (below), Glossop Cat Rescue is run entirely by volunteers, and focuses exclusively on the cats who are most in need - the strays, the neglected and the medically vulnerable. Their motto is ‘Rescue, Rehabilitate and Rehome’. 

“It all started with a kitten called Cooper,” recalls Julie. “I was working at another rescue and he was at risk of being put to sleep because of his many health issues. I was having coffee at Nicola’s and said, “I need a space for this little cat” and without hesitation Nicola said she’d have him."

Cooper’s condition was severe - he’s doubly incontinent, has spina bifida, spondylitis and had to have his tail amputated. But that didn’t deter Nicola, who’d previously worked at a vets. She took him in, became an expert at changing his nappies, and gave him the chance to live a happy life. 

Today, Cooper (below) is four years old. He’s a lively, curious cat who enjoys outdoor adventures just like any other. Neighbours have reported finding his stray nappies in trees - proof that nothing is holding him back! 

Cooper became the inspiration for Glossop Cat Rescue, and Julie and Nicola began fundraising and built a small cattery in Julie’s garden. They sourced local foster homes willing to take in the often complex cases, and gradually, the rescue grew. 

What makes Glossop Cat Rescue special is its unwavering commitment to cats who would otherwise have no future. The rescue does not generally take in owned cats. Instead, it focuses on strays and cats with serious medical needs - animals that many larger rescues just can’t accommodate and who would sadly be put to sleep. 

One of the many cats saved is Hera, a victim of a violent home where her sibling was killed and she was left barely clinging to life. Now, albeit with PTSD, she’s living peacefully with her fosterer Tracey – a nurse who’s since embraced life as a “crazy cat lady” now with six cats and a house filled with cat trees and toys. 

Then there’s Keith (below), a stray found in Gamesley with just a 5% blood count. He was rushed to an emergency vet, Animal Trust in Failsworth, where thanks to a vital blood transfusion from a staff member’s lurcher dog, he survived. 

Julie and Nicola currently manage 75 cats in their care, either in the cattery or in foster homes. These include tiny kittens not yet ready for adoption, elderly cats with health problems, and cats with long-term medical needs. Some are placed in forever homes, others in long-term foster care, where the rescue covers all medical costs while fosterers provide food, love and shelter. 

“We work with amazing vets,” says Julie, referring to Knox & Devlin in Whaley Bridge. “They took a chance on us when we were just starting out, and they’ve been unbelievably supportive ever since - especially in emergencies. The staff are fantastic.” 

Choosing to work with animals with severe needs does not come cheap - in June alone their vet bills came to over £3,000. Donations, especially through their Amazon Wishlist, help enormously - as do the many local supporters who generously give food at designated drop-off places such as Night Owl Tattoo Studio in Hadfield and Gaeowyn the Crafty Witch at Glossop Market. 

Glossop Cat Rescue now has a team of 30 volunteers on a daily rota who care for the cattery - cleaning, feeding and administering medication, come rain or shine. Julie and Nicola, who both work and have families, give all the time they can to the never-ending necessary tasks - from answering adoption enquiries to driving cats to the vet, conducting home checks and microchipping kittens. “There are days we leave the house at 7:30am and don’t get back until 9pm,” says Julie. “But we do it because we love cats.” A fact proven, as Julie herself now has nine plus a dog and Nicola has six! 

Each cat adopted from the rescue is microchipped, neutered, flea-treated and wormed, and each adoption follows a strict careful process. Potential adopters can visit the cattery or foster carer by appointment, then undergo a home check to ensure the chosen cat is going to the right place. “We don’t rule anyone out,” Nicola explains. “Not even homes where there are already pets, however we make sure the cat’s personality will fit with the family - for example by ensuring a shy cat doesn’t get matched with boisterous children.” 

The rescue is also one of the few that takes in cats with Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (feline AIDS). Due to the severity of their condition and the need to remain indoors, these cats are often euthanised by other rescue centres, however Julie and Nicola believe they deserve a chance - and they’ve successfully rehomed several. 

Despite their enormous efforts, Glossop Cat Rescue is not yet a registered charity - simply because they haven’t had the time to complete the paperwork. “We’ve just been too busy looking after the cats,” says Julie. “But we’re very transparent. We publish all our vet bills and people are welcome to visit the cattery by appointment and see for themselves how spotless and well-managed it is.” 

On Saturday 26th July, the community came together to celebrate the rescue’s third birthday at Bradbury House in Glossop. The event raised over £2,000 through morning coffee, afternoon tea, craft stalls, raffles, and bric-a-brac sales. 

Looking ahead, Julie and Nicola would love to expand the rescue, but for now they’re focusing on staying sustainable and finding more local fosterers. All they ask is that potential fosters have a spare room, no dogs and can get a cat to the vet if needed. The rescue will provide medical support and all the guidance they need. 

Reflecting on the past few years, Julie and Nicola share the same heartfelt message: “We want to thank our incredible volunteers - we simply couldn’t do this without them - also the local community, whose support has been phenomenal. We look forward to continuing our mission, always believing that every cat deserves a chance and with help and support, we’ll ensure that each and every one gets exactly what it needs.” 

If you would like to help to make a difference please visit their Amazon wishlist: https://tinyurl.com/nh9uu8r5