Where do we come from?
We, the sanctuary cats....
Our visitors often exclaim at the number of cats "Where do they come from???"
We come from all over Malta, we are the unwanted and unloved. Our sanctuary is neither a five star hotel nor a prison camp, but has to fulfill many functions:
Our visitors often exclaim at the number of cats "Where do they come from???"
We come from all over Malta, we are the unwanted and unloved. Our sanctuary is neither a five star hotel nor a prison camp, but has to fulfill many functions:
- Orphanage,
- Hospital,
- Refuge for the homeless cats
- Hospice
Who we are
Kittens
Rescued or abandoned we arrive for sheer survival. In our case the sanctuary acts as emergency ward for very basic first aid. Milking, orphaned kittens require 24/7 care, which is NOT possible at the Sanctuary. Older stressed and traumatized kittens, separated from mother and siblings are highly susceptible to infections. A crowded sanctuary for adult street cats is NOT the place where we kittens should grow up.
Despite this we keep arriving....
Despite this we keep arriving....
The Strays - no longer able to live in the streets.
Three- legged, one-eyed, blind, starved, wounded, diseased or admitted after an accident. We were taken to vets and recovered in the "hospital". Several of us are funded by individual sponsors and finally remain for lifelong monitoring and care. Through constant handling we have become friendly. We can only dream of finding our special person to take us home. However, some dreams came true! And we continue to hope...
Three- legged, one-eyed, blind, starved, wounded, diseased or admitted after an accident. We were taken to vets and recovered in the "hospital". Several of us are funded by individual sponsors and finally remain for lifelong monitoring and care. Through constant handling we have become friendly. We can only dream of finding our special person to take us home. However, some dreams came true! And we continue to hope...
The Leukemia Cats
What happens to a Leukemia Cat? While there are vaccinations and - admittedly very expensive - treatment, a street cat who tests positive for leukemia usually has no chance. In the sanctuary the leukemia enclosure enables us patients a sheltered and secluded life, far from the madding crowd. We do not know our diagnosis and will leave this world loved ad supported by veterinary care. We are grateful to all, who sponsor this true charity.
What happens to a Leukemia Cat? While there are vaccinations and - admittedly very expensive - treatment, a street cat who tests positive for leukemia usually has no chance. In the sanctuary the leukemia enclosure enables us patients a sheltered and secluded life, far from the madding crowd. We do not know our diagnosis and will leave this world loved ad supported by veterinary care. We are grateful to all, who sponsor this true charity.
The Displaced
What happens to cats in a field which is turned into flats? Or in a derelict building which is torn down? Or in a building site nearing completion? In a quiet lane which changes into a major road?
Fortunately Malta's thriving construction industry is still matched by an often overwhelmed, but still undaunted throng of cat Carers. Tireless and courageously they are trying to protect a habitat for Malta's stray cats. And when all fails they will turn to the sanctuaries. Many of our long term carers and volunteers have found us when literally desperate for their charges.
What happens to cats in a field which is turned into flats? Or in a derelict building which is torn down? Or in a building site nearing completion? In a quiet lane which changes into a major road?
Fortunately Malta's thriving construction industry is still matched by an often overwhelmed, but still undaunted throng of cat Carers. Tireless and courageously they are trying to protect a habitat for Malta's stray cats. And when all fails they will turn to the sanctuaries. Many of our long term carers and volunteers have found us when literally desperate for their charges.
The Refugees
We are the poorest of the poor. Usually suffering, often old, terminally ill or requiring special long term care we come from establishments which cannot care for our individual condition. Csaf with the help of donations and connections often can offer these cats relief, shelter, love and care. However, at least as important as funds are committed carers who can afford and will donate the necessary time. Even one hour will help to change the world for us!
https://www.csafcatsanctuary.org/how-to-help.html
We are the poorest of the poor. Usually suffering, often old, terminally ill or requiring special long term care we come from establishments which cannot care for our individual condition. Csaf with the help of donations and connections often can offer these cats relief, shelter, love and care. However, at least as important as funds are committed carers who can afford and will donate the necessary time. Even one hour will help to change the world for us!
https://www.csafcatsanctuary.org/how-to-help.html
The Abandoned, ex-house Cats
House Cats do not cope in a Sanctuary setting. We are used to warm, cosy beds indoors – most of us have never gone outside before – with no competition for food or affection and often with no experience of other Cats around us. We must now cope with being bereaved or abandoned by the humans we are attached to while trying to come to terms with and survive this new and terrifying environment. We are always bullied by the ‘street cats’ no matter how carefully staff manage the situation resulting in huge stress, poor feeding and a rapid deterioration into depression, ill health and angry, aggressive coping mechanisms. Even if caged to keep us safe, this rapid deterioration will occur. It is no surprise when such terribly traumatized cats die, so terrified and angry they will not eat, drink or allow anyone to touch them.
House Cats do not cope in a Sanctuary setting. We are used to warm, cosy beds indoors – most of us have never gone outside before – with no competition for food or affection and often with no experience of other Cats around us. We must now cope with being bereaved or abandoned by the humans we are attached to while trying to come to terms with and survive this new and terrifying environment. We are always bullied by the ‘street cats’ no matter how carefully staff manage the situation resulting in huge stress, poor feeding and a rapid deterioration into depression, ill health and angry, aggressive coping mechanisms. Even if caged to keep us safe, this rapid deterioration will occur. It is no surprise when such terribly traumatized cats die, so terrified and angry they will not eat, drink or allow anyone to touch them.
Therefore, no longer wanted Cats must be found new loving homes!
Numerous encouraging examples of successful transfers between responsible owners prove that this is possible. In such situations it helps to transfer our belongings (dishes, baskets, toys). Even more helpful are regular visits until all parties concerned feel that we are settled happily with our new owner.
Numerous encouraging examples of successful transfers between responsible owners prove that this is possible. In such situations it helps to transfer our belongings (dishes, baskets, toys). Even more helpful are regular visits until all parties concerned feel that we are settled happily with our new owner.