Battersea has launched its brand-new Cat Cams, to enable rescue cats of all shapes, sizes and stories to help lift the spirts of the British public through the last few weeks of lockdown.
Carefully positioned webcams in the cattery at Battersea’s London centre will allow people all across the country – and the globe – to tune in and spend some quality time with Battersea’s cats while they wait to go to their new loving homes. The stream will run for two weeks from 15 March.
Rachel Saunders, Cattery Manager says: “After lots of careful planning, we’re so excited to switch the new Cat Cams on in four of our cattery pens at Battersea. Our key workers have continued to care for our animals tirelessly throughout lockdown and every single cat we’ve been able to help has brought us so much joy during a difficult time. We decided it was time to share our rescue cats’ antics with the world and hopefully put a smile on plenty of people’s faces as they while away the last few weeks of lockdown.”
Battersea aims to never turn away a dog or cat in need of help, caring for them until their owners or loving new homes can be found, no matter how long it takes.
Having been at the forefront of animals rescue and rehoming for 160 years, Battersea first started taking in cats in 1883 and now has dedicated catteries at all three in its centres in London, Old Windsor, and Brands Hatch.
Hundreds of thousands of visitors have enjoyed spending time among its corridors ever since, with many falling in love at first sight with their very own rescue pet. Sadly, Battersea was forced to close its famous gates to public visitors for the first time every with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.
A 2020 study from the University for Leeds suggests that it might not just be a smile that Battersea’s Cat Cams could bring, but a measurable effect on wellbeing – particularly for those who may be struggling with the anxieties and mental health pressures of lockdown.
The researchers found that watching video footage of cute animals can reduce stress levels by up to 50%, with blood pressure and heart rate dropping notably after just 30 minutes’ viewing time.
Another recent piece of research carried out by the All-Party-Parliamentary Group on Cats (APGOCATS), also found that spending time with cats can help to combat loneliness and its damaging effects.
Rachel says: “Some cats that come to us may not have had the best start in life, but with a little TLC they go on to be great companions and provide love, support and enjoyment to their new families. While they wait to be fully cleared to go to new homes, our cats are primed and ready for their moment in the spotlight to show off what makes them so special.
“Particularly for those people out there who don’t – or can’t – currently have a cat of their own at home, we’re hoping to bring ‘rescues to the rescue’ via our new live Cat Cams. Together, we can all get through the next few weeks a little easier with a daily boost from Battersea’s adorable cats – even if we can’t guarantee they won’t be found curled up enjoying a cat nap half the time.”
You can watch the Cat Cams here
