Cats Protection
Over 100 shops supporting the UK's largest cat rehoming charity
Cats Protection was founded in 1927 as the Cats Protection League by Jessey Wade, a cat lover who was troubled by the scale of feline suffering — stray cats, unwanted litters, and animals kept in poor conditions were a common sight in inter-war Britain. Wade established the League to carry out rescue, neutering, and welfare advocacy, and over the following decades it became the UK's leading authority on cat welfare. The charity adopted the shorter name Cats Protection in 1998.
Today Cats Protection is the UK's largest cat rescue and rehoming charity, operating a network of around 220 volunteer-run branches and 37 adoption centres across the country. It rehomes approximately 130,000 cats and kittens every year and neuters around 150,000 cats annually as part of its work to manage the feral and stray population. Cats Protection also operates a national microchipping service, funds welfare research, and runs the UK's only dedicated cat crisis line.
Cats Protection operates over 100 charity shops across the UK, run by local branches and their volunteer teams. The shops stock donated clothing, books, homeware, jewellery, and accessories, and many also sell cat-themed gifts, greetings cards, and Cats Protection-branded merchandise. Cat lovers are a loyal shopping demographic, and Cats Protection shops have a warm, distinctive character that reflects the charity's mission.
Every purchase at a Cats Protection shop funds the charity's core work: rescuing and rehoming cats, funding neutering campaigns in areas with high stray populations, providing emergency veterinary care, and educating the public about responsible cat ownership. Around 250,000 cats are currently registered with local Cats Protection branches — and shop income is a vital part of what keeps that network operating.
Cats Protection relies on volunteers to run its shops. One regular session a week is typically all that's needed.
Volunteer with Cats Protection ↗ Guide to charity shop volunteering →What can I donate to Cats Protection?
Drop donations at your nearest Cats Protection shop. No home collection service.
- Clothing & shoes
- Accessories & jewellery
- Books, CDs & DVDs
- Homeware & gifts
- Cat-themed items
- Toys in good condition
- Large furniture
- Electrical appliances
- Duvets & pillows
- School uniforms
- Damaged goods
Cats Protection — common questions
When was Cats Protection founded and what was it originally called?
Cats Protection was founded in 1927 as the Cats Protection League by Jessey Wade. The charity adopted its current shorter name, Cats Protection, in 1998. It is now the UK's largest cat rescue and rehoming organisation, rehoming approximately 130,000 cats and kittens every year.
What does Cats Protection do?
Cats Protection rescues, rehomes, and neuters cats across the UK. It operates around 220 volunteer-run branches and 37 adoption centres, rehoming about 130,000 cats per year and neutering around 150,000 annually. The charity also runs a cat crisis line, funds welfare research, and provides education about responsible cat ownership.
What can I donate to a Cats Protection charity shop?
Cats Protection shops accept good-quality clothing, shoes, accessories, books, CDs, DVDs, homeware, jewellery, toys, and cat-related items and accessories. Items should be clean and in good condition. The charity does not generally accept large furniture, electrical appliances, duvets, pillows, or damaged goods. Contact your local shop if you are unsure.
Does Cats Protection only support cats?
Yes. Cats Protection is exclusively dedicated to cat welfare — it does not rescue or rehome dogs or other animals. If you need help with a dog, the relevant organisations include the RSPCA (England and Wales), Dogs Trust, or Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.
How do I find my nearest Cats Protection charity shop?
Use the postcode or location search on this page to find Cats Protection shops near you, or visit the official store finder at cats.org.uk/support-us/charity-shops.
Can I adopt a cat from Cats Protection?
Yes. Cats Protection rehomes around 130,000 cats and kittens per year through its network of branches and adoption centres. Visit cats.org.uk and use the rehoming search to find cats available for adoption near you. All cats are health-checked, vaccinated, microchipped, and neutered before rehoming.
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