our initiative to support cats protection

Blackheath Whiskers, a local, cycling  cat-sitting business run by mother and son, has decided to make a difference for cats in need.

Starting from April 6th, 2025, Blackheath Whiskers will donate 50p from every cat-sitting visit to Cats Protection, the UK’s leading feline welfare charity.

It was Oliver’s idea to donate to Cats Protection, after enquiring about being a volunteer as part of his Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award. 

We have been donating clothes and items to our local, Cats Protection branch in Blackheath for  years.

Our elderly cat is a Cats Protection rescue cat so this charity holds a special place in our hearts.

We also want customers to be part of our giving journey! Whilst Cats Protection is our chosen charity, we are open to supporting additional cat welfare or animal-related charities in the future. 

Each year we will invite our customers to nominate and vote on a charity for us to donate to in the next tax year.   If you know of an organisation doing amazing work for animals, let us know, we’d love to hear your suggestions!

By booking with Blackheath Whiskers you are not only ensuring your pet is in safe hands, but you’re also helping us give back to animals in need.

Our rescue cat Tim’s story 

The inspiration behind this initiative comes from our experience with Tim, our beloved rescue cat and former fluffy rescue cat, Leo. 

Tim and Leo had spent time in foster care, surrounded by many other cats in need before they were adopted from Cats Protection. Tim was adopted when I was pregnant with Oliver. He has a metal pin in his leg after surgery (you would never know!) and during pregnancy he sat on my belly and reassuringly at my feet during the onset of labour.

Tim has become more than just a pet; he’s a source of comfort and companionship, especially for Oliver, who, being an only child, found in Tim a loyal friend.  Their bond has only grown stronger over the years.

Why cats protection?

Cats Protection has been rescuing, caring for, and rehoming cats since its founding in 1927 by Jessey Wade, an animal welfare advocate.

Originally called the Cats Protection League, the charity set out to improve the lives of cats, who were often treated as pests rather than cherished companions.

Today, Cats Protection helps over 157,000 cats and kittens every year, the UK’s leading cat welfare charity.

My family has always been passionate about supporting Cats Protection. My visiting parents always popping in and buy some thing, a book, a jigsaw.

A funny story!

Oliver had outgrown playing with a beautiful ‘White Company’ large, wooden, London double decker bus. It had a complete set of wooden passengers that you could seat on the top and bottom deck.

I decided to donate it to the Cats Protection Blackheath shop on Old Dover Road, SE3 8SY.

My parents visited the next day only to tell me off  for giving it away and rapidly marched down to the Cats protection shop hoping it had not sold.  Lucky for them, they purchased it.  I am happy to say the bus now resides at their home where my young niece, Sienna loves it. 🤗.

BLACkheath whiskers

donation breakdown

As UK taxpayers, our donation increases with Gift Aid. For every £1 donated, Cats Protection can claim an additional 25p at no extra cost.

Here’s how much our donation can grow with Gift Aid:

2 days of cat sitting: £1 becomes £1.25

7 days of cat sitting: £3.50 becomes £4.38

14 days of cat sitting: £7 becomes £8.75

28 days of cat sitting: £14 becomes £17.50

This additional support helps Cats Protection provide even more care and services for cats in need.