Bury based cat rescue is on the brink of shutting down after being hit with nearly £18,000 in vet bills, prompting desperate volunteers to plead for public help to save their lifesaving work.
Kitty Rescue Bury, a grassroots animal rescue dedicated to stray and feral cats across Bury and Greater Manchester, has warned that without urgent financial support, the doors may soon have to close, leaving hundreds of vulnerable animals without help.
The foster-based rescue, which operates without any paid staff or public funding, revealed its total vet bill for June came to £17,724.01. Although over £5,500 has been raised so far through individual fundraisers, that still leaves a staggering £12,217.44 outstanding, mostly owed to Armac Vets in Bury.
“We’re absolutely heartbroken,” a spokesperson said. “We’re tired, we’re stretched, and now we’re facing the very real possibility that we may have to stop, just when the cats need us most.”
The team of volunteers works around the clock to trap, treat and rehome feral cats, many of whom arrive in poor condition after living on the streets. June saw an unprecedented number of emergency cases, including life-threatening infections, injuries from road traffic accidents, dental disease, and multiple complicated spay and neuter procedures.
In addition to the medical emergencies, volunteers say they are already booked in with more treatments for July, meaning the bills will only rise further.
“We do this because no one else will,” they said. “These are the cats no one sees, the ones hiding in alleyways, industrial estates, abandoned buildings. We work with some of the most neglected and overlooked animals, and it costs a lot because they’ve had no care for years.”
Kitty Rescue Bury says its mission is not only to rehome cats when possible but to humanely manage feral populations through neutering and colony support. In recent weeks, they have been caring for cats like Fred, who needed extensive dental surgery; Mrs Pickles, who was rescued heavily pregnant; and Happy, who was found limping and terrified.
“These aren’t just names. They’re living, breathing souls. And when we take them in, we promise we’ll fight for them. That’s why this situation is so devastating.”
The charity is now appealing for public help to raise the remaining funds through its GoFundMe page at https://gofund.me/819e8a7d Every pound donated goes directly to paying off vet bills and keeping the rescue open.
They are also urging people to consider sharing the fundraiser, donating food or supplies, or offering their time as a foster carer or volunteer.
“We know everyone is struggling financially. That’s why we hate having to ask,” the team said. “But even just sharing our appeal can help. If 12,000 people gave £1, we’d be saved.”
The rescue is keen to stress that donations are not the only way to help, and no one should feel guilty or pressured.
“If you can’t afford to give, we understand. You can still help us by talking about our work, following us online, volunteering, or just letting people know we exist. Every small act of support is a lifeline.”
The charity’s commitment to transparency is clear, they’ve encouraged donors to verify vet bills directly with their practice and welcomed any questions from the public about how funds are spent.
“This is about trust,” they added. “We know it’s hard to donate when times are tough, so we want everyone to know exactly where their money goes. If anyone ever wants proof, we’ll show them the receipts.”
As the future of the rescue hangs in the balance, the volunteers remain hopeful, bolstered by the compassion of those who have already stepped in to help.
“We’re not ready to give up. Not yet. But we can’t do this without you.”
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