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.
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
FOUND CAT – SOUTH LONDON
We’re trying to trace the owner of this little girl who was found alone in a play park in South London.
She wasn’t microchipped, but what stood out immediately was the homemade bandage wrapped around her leg. By the time she’d been reported to us and one of our team went out to help her, the smell coming from the bandage and wounds was overwhelming.
Once the bandages were removed, it became clear she had a severely ingrown dew claw along with significant wounds to her leg. Our vets believe the bandaging had been done at home rather than by a veterinary practice.
At the moment, our Lewisham vet team are treating her wounds and, thankfully, they are hopeful her leg can be saved. There is only a slight risk of her losing it, but close ongoing care is going to be vital while she heals.
We have contacted local vets and checked missing cat pages in case she genuinely went missing after the bandage was applied, but so far nobody has come forward. There are houses backing onto the park where she was found and we’ll continue making enquiries locally.
We can’t say for certain what happened to her. We suspect she may have been abandoned, but right now our priority is simply getting her comfortable, pain-free and well again. Despite everything, she is an incredibly sweet little cat and has been nothing but gentle with the team caring for her.
We are holding a fundraiser towards her veterinary treatment if anybody would like to help support her care. Treatment through our Lewisham clinic has already cost £658, private veterinary treatment would have been significantly higher.
Please share in case somebody recognises her or knows where she may have come from.
⚠️ One of the photos and the video in the post is a little graphic, although we haven’t shown the full extent of her injuries. The bandage removal and treatment shown were carried out while she was under general anaesthetic. We will post an update later in the week 🧡 ... See MoreSee Less
Names Reveal!
The little family rescued from inside the engine bay of an old car finally all have names… thanks to all of your brilliant suggestions.
Meet mum, Shadow 🖤
And her four beautiful babies…
🐾 Mini
🐾 Beetle
🐾 Morris
🐾 Brum
We loved reading through all of your suggestions, and these names felt perfect for this very special little family.
It’s incredible to think that not long ago they were hidden away beneath tarpaulin and leaves inside an old car, and now they’re safe, warm and starting a brand new chapter.
Thank you to everyone who has followed their story so far. Please keep sharing their journey to help us continue our vital rescue work.
Mum and kittens are not quite ready for adoption yet, but anyone within 20 miles of our Greenacres adoption centre is welcome to register an interest via greenacresrehoming@celiahammond.org
And while Dodge Shadow’s kittens are keeping us very busy, they’re far from the only hungry little mouths in our care right now.
We’re desperately low on kitten food, especially Whiskas Kitten in Jelly and Royal Canin Babycat Mousse which help feed many vulnerable rescue kittens currently in our Sanctuary care.
If anyone is able to help by sending food via our wishlist, or you know anyone who could help our rescue kittens we would be incredibly grateful 💙
The link to our wish list is in the first comment below, please share far and wide🐾
#cat #catrescue #kitten #catoftheday #catfamily ... See MoreSee Less
💔 Meet Dobby 💔
This beautiful boy was brought into our Lewisham clinic on Monday, carried in someone’s arms with a heartbreaking story behind him.
While Dobby thankfully arrived safely, we would always strongly encourage cats to be transported securely in a suitable carrier basket, as carrying cats without one can be extremely dangerous and stressful for them on so many levels.
Dobby is a 3-year-old unneutered male Sphynx cat with more complex needs than most cats due to his breed, and it’s incredibly sad to think about the circumstances that may have led him here.
We were told that a friend left Dobby with the man around 3 months ago and never returned for him. Thankfully, Dobby is microchipped, and we immediately contacted the registered keeper by phone and email on Monday, but so far, we have received no response.
Despite everything, Dobby is a gentle and friendly lad, although understandably a little shy while he adjusts to all the changes around him. 🖤
At this stage, Dobby will NOT be available for rehoming while we carry out an extensive search for his owner and investigate the circumstances that brought him into our care. We know many people will already be falling in love with his lovely little face, but our priority right now is making sure we do everything possible to find answers for him. ... See MoreSee Less