A pet rescue centre in Barnsley is doing a bushtucker style trial this February to help raise vital funds that will help them keep the doors open in 2026.
Noah’s Ark Pet Rescue, based in Shafton, is daring teams of four brave people to sleep in their outdoor kennels for a night to experience how it feels to live as a stray.
Taking place from lunchtime on Saturday 7th February until 8am the next morning, I’m a KittyCat Get Me Outta Here is not for the faint hearted. Participants will be braving the freezing temperatures for over 20 hours to raise awareness of what the estimated 250,000 cats in the UK will be going through this winter.
Throughout the event there will be challenges and activities to win hot drinks, food, snacks from the Catnip Cabinet and access to a heated area in their Scratching Post.
Each person taking part will enable the Noah’s Ark team to take one cat off the streets, neuter, vaccinate, microchip and treat for fleas and worms, and keep them warm in a heated cabin with lots of fresh food and treats until a home is found.
Any donations on the night will then go towards the additional vet treatments they need, such as dental, medication or tests.
At the end of last year, the rescue centre was on the brink of closure after a large dental bill of £2,000 looked set to drain their funding pot for running costs. This was for a cat that had been surrendered to them without the previous owner notifying them of the issues.
Thankfully, the generous public, volunteers and the rescue’s owner Sam rallied round to help pay the bill and ensure they could remain open to care for cats that need rehoming.
Noah’s Ark Pet Rescue support strays, feral colonies and surrendered cats. Many of these animals have spent their lives fighting for survival with lack of fresh food, infected battle wounds, multiple pregnancies, anaemia from flea bites and diseases with no medical help.
The registration fee is £25 per person with a suggested fundraising target of £250.
If you’re interested in signing up, email samantha@noahsarkpetholidayhome.co.uk. And be sure to follow them on Facebook for live updates throughout the sleepout and a chance to help participants raise cash for food and warmth.
