Cats Trust Adoption and Protection
Annual Report 2024
Chairperson’s Message
As chairperson, I would like to say this has been a significant year for Cats Trust. Formally now, we have been recognised with charity status and have applied a great service to our communities and adhered to duties of governance to the highest standard. Our aim is to reduce the suffering of the population of feral and domestic cats by expanding our Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR) programmes.
I would like to thank our fantastic team for their sheer dedication and hard effort by giving up free time.
- Jelena, for her all-round very hard work, fundraising and leading by example doing TNR, socialising.
- Magda , Martin and Patricia, who have worked so hard creating our website and administration, not to mention looking after cats and kittens.
- Ciara and Alex, have been a great part of our team through their all-round dedication.
- Our vets.
- Our fosterers.
- Thanks also to all of the increasing number of supporters we have.
Catriona Leahy – Chairperson
About Us
Cats Trust Adoption and Protection Company Limited by Guarantee was established as a charity in 2022. Previously operating as a group of local volunteers know as Aughrim Cat Rescue. Cats Trust is focused on safeguarding the welfare of stray, abandoned, and homeless cats and kittens. We operate primarily in Wicklow.
Charity Registration Number: 20206641
Looking Ahead
Our aim is to continue to educate the public and expand into local communities the importance of neutering colonies and feral felines, understanding the importance of TNR and reducing the number of feral and domestic cats.
Our Impact in 2024
In 2024, we helped almost one thousand cats!
TNR & Cat Intake Highlights
- 570 cats were taken into care, most of these cats were kittens – we took in 462 kittens!
- 429 cats were successfully homed.
- A total of 618 cats were neutered.
- 415 cats were trapped, neutered, and returned (TNR).
Some of these cats are being continuously looked after as part of our managed colonies programme.
Projects and Highlights
Our mission is always centred around the cats and helping as many as we can. We have a strictly no-kill policy and help cats that many other organisations would simply give up on. Our biggest strength is the incredible team of volunteers and supporters who make this all possible.
Here are a few projects we completed that help us achieve the mission:
- Launched our digital presence with new website, easy online payments and subscription options and knowledge articles to support the community. https://catstrust.ie/
- Community Cat Care Program: Partnered with volunteers in local areas to feed and care for cat colonies, set up sponsorship programme for our supporters to directly impact their chosen cause. https://catstrust.ie/sponsor-a-colony/
- Partnered with local artist Gary Morrow to create beautiful cards to help us raise funds https://catstrust.ie/shop/
Financial Summary
We do not receive any government funding, we are 100% volunteer run. 95% of all donations go directly into caring for cats and TNR programmes. See full end of year statement below.
| Category | Amount (€) |
| Veterinary costs | 65,507 |
| Cat food and litter | 5,650 |
| Other (admin costs etc) | 929 |
Volunteers & Community Involvement
Over 40 active volunteers supported activities from feeding and cleaning to transport, fundraising, and digital outreach. In 2024 we:
- Hosted 6 adoption days,
- Attended 4 county council outreach days,
- Delivered 3 school talks,
- Trained 20+ new foster carers.
Acknowledgements
Our sincere thanks to:
- Individual donors and monthly supporters
- Local veterinary clinics offering discounted care
- Partner businesses supplying food and essentials
- Our incredible volunteer team
Governance
Cats Trust operates as a Company Limited by Guarantee, regulated by the Companies Act 2014. The organisation is governed by a voluntary Board of Directors and complies with the Charities Governance Code.
In 2024 the Board Members were:
- Katherine Leahy – Chairperson
- Magdalena Raven – Secretary
- Patricia Theobald – Treasurer
- Jelena Jantsen-Larionov
