Cats Protection, the largest cat welfare charity in the UK, will open a Harrogate store tomorrow.
The boutique-inspired store, located on Oxford Street, will sell designer clothes to raise money for the charity.
Store manager, Joanna Swinburn, said people can expect the likes of Paul Smith and Kenzo to be stocked for both men and women.
She added:
“The aim was for it not to look like a typical charity shop.
“There was a need for a boutique store in Harrogate; there’s lots of run-of-the-mill charity shops – there’s nothing different.”
The charity, which launched in 1927, helps to re-home unwanted and stray cats.
The Harrogate shop will be the fourth of its kind – with others in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Ealing.
Ms Swinburn added:
“The reception to the store opening has been amazing.
“Since we put the mannequins in the window, lots of people have knocked on the door and asked what the store will be.”
Cats Protection Harrogate will open its doors tomorrow at 10am. There will be prosecco and cakes on offer for the official opening.
It will be open 7 days a week from 10am – 5pm.
Read more:
Cat charity to open new Harrogate shop
Cats Protection is set to open a new shop in Harrogate.
The store, which will operate under the charity’s boutique retail arm called Cattitude, will be located at 8 Oxford Street.
The shop, which will sell fashion items and accessories, is seeking volunteers.
Sarah Jordan, retail operations manager at the charity, said:
“We have been hoping to open a store in Harrogate for many years and we’re delighted to finally be able to make this happen.
“The final touches are being put together as we speak and we hope to be able to announce an opening date very soon. In the meantime, anyone looking for new, exciting retail positions is invited to get in touch.”
Cats Protection helps an average of 157,000 cats and kittens a year through its national network, which includes around 210 volunteer-run branches and 34 centres.
Its retail arm helps to raise funds to ensure as many cats as possible can go on to live happy lives.
For more information about volunteering at the charity, visit the Cats Protection website.
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Special Harrogate cat helps Jessica, 16, with seizures
A special cat from Harrogate is in the running for a national award for helping her companion Jessica Swift cope with various health conditions.
Jessica, who is 16, has a chromosome disorder known as 15q11.2 deletion, as well as autism, epilepsy, learning disabilities and disordered eating.
Her best friend is Max, a male seven-year-old tabby.
During the night Jessica sometimes has seizures and Max will run to her parents to let them know that she needs help. After she’s had a seizure, the devoted mog will cuddle up and comfort her.
Sometimes Jessica has to spend time in hospital and mum Zoe Curtis said that at such times Max is not himself, and that he paces around and jumps into her arms as soon as she gets home.
Ms Curtis said:
“Max and Jessica are inseparable, and they get so much enjoyment from each other’s company.
“Jessica can sometimes have seizures in the night, and we have an alarm to let us know when this is happening. But Max is often already on the case, running to us to let us know we need to come and help Jessica. After she’s had a seizure, he’ll cuddle up close to her, which is such a comfort for her.
“Max has his own health problems, as he has a heart condition which needs daily medication. Jessica will hold him while I give him his tablet – there’s no one else he’ll allow to do that.
“Jessica will have little tea parties for her toys, and Max always joins in. The love they have for each other is clear for everyone to see. In Max, Jessica has a best friend and a constant companion.”
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Max has been named as a finalist in Cats Protection’s National Cat Awards 2022.
He beat hundreds of other entries and is one of three contenders in the Furr-ever Friends category, which celebrates the bond between children and cats.
Cats Protection’s awards organiser Kate Bunting said:
“It’s truly heartwarming to hear of the incredible bond Jessica and Max share, and how they care for each other. Their story really highlights what an amazing effect cats can have on the lives of people of all ages.”
If Max wins his category, he will also be in with a chance of being crowned National Cat of the Year.