I WOULD like to ask local residents who may be thinking of having a cat, before they look at paying from one from an advert or pet shop, to consider our wonderful local shelter. From talking to people I have learnt many people do not know about SHUA Safe House for Unwanted Animals, based in Sully. This refuge is run by Kay and Jacqui who have been taking in and caring for unwanted cats for many years.

The charity shop on Barry High Street and donations, open days etc provide the bulk of their finance, which goes towards the care of the cats, vet bills, medication etc.

They do not charge a fee for a cat but desperately need donations for the next cats coming in! They are now at a crisis level they have never before encountered as they are finding they are no longer able to accept cats because re-homing numbers have dropped dramatically recently. In past years they have re-homed about 250 cats a year but last year it was only 90. They spend many hours a day reassuring frightened cats who may have been found in awful conditions, helping them settle and giving the best life possible under the circumstances – but all these cats need a loving home.

They have many adults and adolescents that have been here for more than six months, some even longer than that. It is heartbreaking to see. They do not want to turn needy cats away but now find they must do this and are finding this distressing. So please do consider a rescue cat before you look elsewhere as they have cats of every age, colour and personality and will give valuable help and advice if you need it to help your newcomer settle in.

Their contact details are 07831 216170 (for adoption queries please only call Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm; out of hours is for emergencies only). However, e-mail is the preferred method of contact – e-mail contact@shua.org.uk Debbie Stein Penarth