celia hammond animal trust
Animal Rescue Charity
Celia Hammond Animal Trust is a unique non destruction charity providing essential low cost veterinary services for sick and injured pets as well as a rescue and homing service for unwanted, abandoned and stray cats in London and the South East.
Please help us build a dedicated rescue and rehoming centre, and secure the future of our Lewisham hub for decades to come
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A NEW RESCUE AND REHOMING CENTRE IN LEWISHAM
In October 2023, we were granted planning permission to redevelop the Friendly Street warehouse and former shop at the rear of our Lewisham site into a new rescue and rehoming centre.
Phases 1 and 2A of the project have been funded by legacy gifts. Phase 1 of the building works has already been completed and phase 2A works are to commence shortly. We are now fundraising to pay for phase 2B, the construction of the main two-storey building, and we really need your support in funding the next stage of this project.
Please donate whatever you can afford and help us continue caring for animals who need us most.
Celia Hammond Animal Trust
OFFICIAL PAGE Celia Hammond Animal Trust, UK. We rescue rehabilitate and re-home abandoned animals.
Found in a hospital bin store
Candy and her five tiny kittens are now safe at our Lewisham Centre after being rescued from an industrial bin store at a busy NHS hospital. Honestly, this is the kind of call we’re getting every single day at the moment.
Amanda, who works at the hospital, had been seeing Candy around for weeks. She did everything she could to help, providing food and a makeshift shelter. The hospital porters stepped in too. They all cared, and thank goodness they did.
So when Amanda discovered Candy had given birth in the middle of the bin store, tucked between industrial bins and old medical equipment, none of us were surprised.
Heartbroken, yes. Shocked, no. This is exactly what happens when a cat is left unneutered & left to fend for herself. It’s happening far too often.
With foxes around, weekly bin collections & constant activity, Candy and her newborns were in a really dangerous spot. Amanda & a colleague spent over two hours trying to catch them before calling us. Even though we are absolutely full, we just couldn’t leave them.
Thanks to Amanda’s determination, the hospital staff’s kindness and our rescue team stepping in, Candy and her babies are now safe, warm & being properly cared for. Mum has been named after Camden & Islington NHS Trust, & her kittens are Jellybean, Truffle, Toffee, Biscuit and Nugget. They’re all doing well. Candy is being a brilliant mum.
This is the reality for us now: mums giving birth outside, abandoned cats, cruelty cases, constant requests for help. It’s not seasonal, it’s not occasional, it’s all year, every year.
We’re doing everything we can, but honestly, we’re only just holding it together. Far more cats than adopters are heading our way, and we don’t see it slowing down.
If anyone would like to support our work during this incredibly busy and challenging time, we would be so grateful. Every rescue comes with the cost of food, vet care, neutering, microchipping and ongoing support. Every donation, no matter the size, helps us keep saying “yes” when cats like Candy need us.
Donation link in the first comment below:
If you’re not able to donate, please share. Adopt, don’t shop. Thank you 🙏 ... See MoreSee Less
Chonk and Liya are still waiting for their forever home 🐾
These two have the kind of bond that quietly breaks your heart and puts it back together again.
Both around 3–4 years old, Chonk and Liya had difficult starts in life. Liya was found surviving in a greenhouse, where she gave birth to her kittens. Chonk was abandoned in a carrier in a waiting room, with no note, no history, and no one coming back for him.
When they first arrived, both were terrified.
Chonk was especially nervous and took a long time to trust. Liya kept herself completely guarded and would run at the slightest movement.
And then they met each other.
From that moment, everything began to change.
Chonk became Liya’s safe place. With him nearby, she found the courage to be braver, softer and more open to affection. She presses herself against him for reassurance, and when he is close, she allows herself to enjoy gentle strokes and attention.
Without him, her walls go back up.
Chonk has blossomed too. He is now a sweet, affectionate boy who enjoys company, welcomes fuss and loves curling up on a cosy blanket beside you.
They are not cats who should be separated. Their bond is their confidence, their comfort and their whole little world.
Chonk and Liya are looking for:
• A calm, adult-only home
• An experienced, patient owner
• A garden to explore
• Someone who understands that trust takes time
• A home together, always
We know pairs can be harder to home. We know nervous cats are often overlooked. But these two have already lost so much, and they deserve to keep the one thing that makes them feel safe: each other.
If you can offer Chonk and Liya the understanding home they need, please get in touch with our Canning Town branch at helloadoptions@celiahammond.org.
And if you can’t adopt, please share. The right person may be just one share away. ❤️
#adoptdontshop #cat #catoftheday #cats #animalrescue ... See MoreSee Less
🐾 Happy Adoption Thursday 🐾
"We adopted Ralphie from Celia Hammond Lewisham in April 2025 after he was found wandering alone in a local park.
It didn't take long for us to fall in love with his unique looks and sweet personality, and now Ralphie is very much king of the castle and living the life of a very spoiled child.
His favourite things include naps on his heated mat, chasing flies around the house, and drinking water exclusively from clear glasses. He also has some very strong opinions. Ralphie dislikes his parents having lie-ins past 6am, closed wardrobe doors, and having any sort of curfew!
We couldn't imagine life without him and feel so lucky that he found his way to us." – Alice x
We absolutely love hearing how well Ralphie has settled into his forever home and how thoroughly he has his family wrapped around his paw. ❤️
And finally, a very happy birthday to Ralphie, who celebrated his special day last week! 🎉🎂 Everyone here at CHAT would like to wish you a wonderful year ahead, filled with fly-chasing adventures, clear glasses of water and plenty of cuddles.
➡️ Have you adopted from Celia Hammond Animal Trust? We'd love to hear from you! Send your photos via Messenger using the words "Happy Adoption" to share your update.
#cat #AdoptDontShop #HappyAdoption #RescueCat #ForeverHome ... See MoreSee Less
Dumped like rubbish in the sweltering heat.
Three tiny kittens were dumped in a plastic carrier on one of the hottest days we've had this year.
On Tuesday 26th May, just before our phone lines closed, calls started coming in from worried residents in East London. Photos had been shared in a local WhatsApp group showing three kittens abandoned inside a clear plastic backpack carrier on a housing estate.
Honestly, when we saw the photos, our hearts sank. The carrier was sitting in the heat, and the kittens were squashed together and trapped inside.
Without hesitation, Amanda, one of our dedicated rescue volunteers of more than 20 years, dropped everything she was doing and rushed to the scene.
Just 30 minutes later, the kittens were safely with us.
They arrived overheated and lethargic, but thanks to the quick actions of the local community and our rescue team, they were given the chance they so desperately needed.
Today, we're delighted to say that not only have they recovered, but they are thriving.
Meet the Little Lads ❤️ Napoleon, Prince and Tom.
These three boys are around three months old, full of character, and completely devoted to one another. They eat together, sleep together, play together and seek comfort in one another's company.
Since arriving with us, they have been fully vet-checked, neutered, and are now ready to begin the next chapter of their lives.
After everything they have endured together, we would love to see them adopted as a trio. We know finding a home for three kittens together is a big ask, but we also know that somewhere out there is a family willing to open their hearts to three little brothers who have so much love to give.
Please share their story and help us find their forever family.🐾
#cats #catrescue #kitten #kittenrescue #adoptdontshop ... See MoreSee Less
National Volunteers' Week 2026
This Volunteers' Week, we want to say a huge and heartfelt thank you to our incredible volunteers from all our centres .
The work of Celia Hammond Animal Trust simply would not be possible without your dedication, compassion and commitment. Day in and day out, you help care for the cats and kittens in our centres by cleaning, feeding, socialising and providing the love and attention they need while they wait for their forever homes.
From helping nervous cats gain confidence to supporting kittens as they grow and thrive, your care makes a real difference to the welfare of every animal that comes through our doors. Your hard work ensures our cats have clean, comfortable environments, full tummies, and the best possible chance of finding a loving new home.
We also want to recognise our incredible fosterers, thank you for everything you do behind the scenes for the cats in your care ❤️
You are all an invaluable part of our charity, and we are so grateful for the time, kindness and dedication you give so generously.
Thank you for helping us change the lives of so many cats and kittens, every single day. And if you’d like to join our team please get in touch. ❤️ #volunteering #CatsMatter #giveitago #catlovers ... See MoreSee Less
🚨 URGENT APPEAL FOR ELSA 🚨
When an independent rescuer responded to a social media advert for three cats, she never expected to find a young cat in such a devastating condition.
Elsa, who is around 6 months old was covered in urine and had a huge swelling down one side of her body. Realising this was far beyond what she could manage alone, the rescuer contacted us for help.
Once Elsa was admitted into our care and assessed by our veterinary team, the reality was even worse than anyone had imagined.
The swelling was caused by a kidney that was three times the size it should have been and filled with pus. The kidney was leaking, leaving Elsa soaked in urine and living in constant discomfort. Without emergency surgery, she would not have survived.
Two of our vets operated late into the night to remove the infected kidney and save her life.
Thankfully, Elsa came through surgery well and is now safely in our care. ❤️
Her veterinary costs have already reached £1,100, and while her prognosis is positive, she will need ongoing monitoring and management to ensure her remaining kidney stays healthy. We are committed to providing that care for as long as she needs it and, when the time is right, finding her the loving forever home she deserves.
We stepped in because Elsa had nowhere else to turn. We have taken responsibility for her future, her veterinary care and her eventual rehoming. Now we need your help.
🐾 Can you help us cover the cost of Elsa's lifesaving treatment? 🐾
Every donation, no matter how small, will help towards her surgery, recovery and ongoing care. If you can't donate, please share this appeal. The more people who see Elsa's story, the more chance we have of raising the funds needed to support her.
This young cat has already endured more pain and neglect than any animal should. Thanks to the quick actions of an independent rescuer and the dedication of our veterinary team, she now has a future.
❤️ We’ve also included a direct donation link in the first comment below.
#UrgentAppeal #CatRescue #AnimalRescueUK #VetBillAppeal #RescueCat #DonateToHelp #EveryShareCounts ... See MoreSee Less
🐾 Happy Adoption Thursday 🐾
"We adopted Kafka (formerly Pia) from Celia Hammond Lewisham two years ago, and have been head over heels in love with her ever since.
She is full of personality, the boss of the house, and a huge cuddle bug when the evening rolls around. Last October we moved to a house with a garden, and it's been amazing to see how much she loves having outdoor space to explore. She spends most of her time outside, happily nibbling on plants and keeping an eye on the neighbourhood. She's certainly embraced her adventurous side too, even managing to get herself onto the neighbour's roof recently! 😹
We are absolutely obsessed with our fluffy tuxedo kitty and are so thankful to CHAT for bringing us together." – Isabelle and Sam
We love seeing how much beautiful Kafka is thriving and enjoying life in her forever home. 🖤🤍
➡️ Have you adopted from Celia Hammond Animal Trust? We'd love to hear from you! Send your photos via Messenger using the words "Happy Adoption" to share your update.
#cat #AdoptDontShop #HappyAdoption #RescueCat #ForeverHome ... See MoreSee Less
🚶♀️JOIN US FOR THE THAMES BRIDGES TREK 🐾 London Saturday 12 September 2026 10km & 25km distance options
This is a walking-only event.
We’re thrilled to be taking part in the Ultra Challenge Series Thames Bridges Trek to raise funds for the Celia Hammond Animal Trust, and we’d love for our supporters, friends, and family to join us for a fantastic day out in London.
By signing up and selecting us as your chosen sponsorship charity, every step you take will help us continue caring for stray, abandoned, and unwanted animals. 💙
👉 Sign up here: www.ultrachallenge.com/events-calendar/listed-charity/
Can’t make this event? No problem! Take a look at the other amazing challenges available and sign up for something that suits you. Find the link in the first comment below.
📩 Want more information? Please contact us — we’d be happy to help!
#DoItForYou #ForCats #CatLovers #ThamesBridgesTrek #UltraChallenge #CharityWalk #Fundraising #AnimalRescue #LondonEvents ... See MoreSee Less
Usually, Thursdays at CHAT are for happy adoption stories showcasing adoption photos and fresh starts. Cats finally leaving sanctuary life behind for sofas, warm beds and people of their own.
But another Thursday has come around… And Aperol is still here.
Her last post reached thousands of cat lovers and received almost 2,000 likes. But liking a post and offering a home are two very different things. People told us how beautiful she was
And they’re right. She is beautiful. But despite all of that attention, not a single application was made for her.
She’s affectionate, chatty, funny, nosy, full of personality and every inch the classic sassy tortie. She loves companionship and likes being involved in whatever you’re doing.
Because we also need to be honest about Aperol.
She becomes overstimulated very quickly and when she’s had enough, she’s not afraid to scratch or bite to make her feelings known. She is clever, confident and extremely clear with her boundaries.
Cattery life is no place for a cat like her. You can see the frustration building the longer she waits.
That’s why she is looking for:
• An experienced adult-only home
• No other pets
• Outdoor access away from busy roads
• Someone who understands cat behaviour and will respect her boundaries
We could make her sound easier than she is. It would probably get more interest.
But rescue should never be about just getting cats out the door. It’s about finding the right home, and giving them the best chance of never ending up back in rescue again.
Aperol isn’t an easy cat. But she’s still worthy of love, patience and understanding.
After nearly a year in our care, we just desperately hope her person is out there somewhere.
Please contact our Greenacres Sanctuary on 01424 882198 if you think you could offer Aperol the experienced home she deserves.
And if you can’t adopt, please share s much as you can. Sometimes one share really does change a life. #adoptdontshop #cat #catdiva #cats #catoftheday ... See MoreSee Less