Hector’s House Cat Rescue receives £95k grant from Pets Foundation to support stray cats in Devon 

Pets Foundation has donated £95,000 to Hector’s House Cat Rescue, a volunteer-led charity based in Torbay, Devon. The grant supports the creation of the charity’s first dedicated rescue centre. 

This new facility marks a major milestone for the charity, which has operated from the founder, Zara Oldfield’s home, since its inception in August 2020.  

Hector’s House Cat Rescue is the leading local organisation focused on rescuing and rehoming stray and semi-feral cats. With the support of fosterers, the charity cares for hundreds of cats each year.  

This new centre, located in Torquay, has doubled Hector’s House’s capacity and now enables the charity to rehome over 700 cats annually. It includes a 14-pen unit with space for up to 28 cats, with additional emergency and isolation pens as well as dedicated storage for essential equipment. Furthermore, thanks to this grant, Hector’s House now has a space dedicated to microchipping, adoption meetings and community events. 

Pets Foundation granted Hector’s House the sum of £95,000 in March 2024, and thanks to this support, the new centre officially opened its doors in May 2024. This facility is groundbreaking for the charity; they are now able to meet industry standards, streamline operations, take in more cats and most importantly, no longer operate out of Zara’s home.  

As they look to the future, Hector’s House is also planning to recruit its first colleague, an Animal Centre Manager, who will oversee the day-to-day running and help establish Hector’s House as more than a community-run operation. 

“This grant has transformed our ability to help cats in Devon that desperately need support and veterinary care,” said Zara Oldfield from Hector’s House. “We’re incredibly grateful to the Pets Foundation for believing in our mission and helping us start this next chapter as an established local charity.” 

“This project truly reflects our mission to create a better world for pets and the people who love them,” said Sara Main, Manager of the Pets Foundation. “We’re proud to support Hector’s House Cat Rescue and the important work they do in their community.” 

Hector’s House Cat Rescue featured as one of the year's biggest success stories at the annual Pets Foundation Charity Ball on 9th September, where they were spotlighted for their contribution to supporting pets in their local community.