Search is on for tattoo studios to hold flash days for needy moggies
This ‘kitten season’ tattoo studios across the South West as well as tattoo fans of all ages are being called on to celebrate their dedication to cats and body art by hosting tattoo-focused days during July to raise money for local needy moggies.
Cats Protection has seen a number of tattoo studios over the past two years create dedicated flash days to raise money for its cat rehoming centres and volunteer-run branches. Now the charity hopes to unite cat-loving tattoo artists with its ink-loving supporters to raise money to help more cats and kittens through the annual boom in kitten births.
Each year the number of pregnant cats and unwanted kittens arriving in the charity’s care starts to increase steadily from March to May, peaking between June and September. It is not only a challenging time for the expectant mothers and their young, but also for the teams who care for them, especially when unwanted litters are found abandoned or brought in without their mum.
Debs Bond, Cats Protection Community Fundraising Officer, says: “This July we’re holding our first ‘Tats For Cats’, a collective of tattoo studios and tattoo enthusiasts all uniting during the height of kitten season to generate much-needed funds to help us help the most vulnerable feline lives.
“We’re looking for studio hosts across the South West, from Gloucester to Penzance. Whether you want to hold a full flash day or dedicate a proportion of your sales to your local branch or centre during July or the kitten season period of your choice, we’d love to hear from you.”
For those not ready for permanent ink, but who would still like to support Cats Protection, the charity will also be supporting community groups and individuals who would like to hold temporary tattoo stalls or events during July, with free temporary cat tattoos for event organisers. To find out more visit www.cats.org.uk/tatsforcats
The charity will provide support for all taking part with promotional materials, guidance and advice as needed. All funds raised will help provide the expert care needed for newborn kittens as well as the food, vet care and homing costs for them and their mothers during the weeks before they are ready to go to new homes.
The events will also help cover neutering costs to prevent the cycle from starting again and provide the long-term health benefits of neutering to both male and female cats. The proceeds from just one £60 permanent tattoo would cover the cost of neutering a cat or kitten in charity care.
Debs adds: “Tattoos often mark important moments or connections. Tats For Cats links that personal expression with a cause that helps cats receive the care and protection they need.
“July has some key dates which may resonate for potential hosts, including Pet Remembrance Day (5 July), where clients may wish to commemorate loved pets through tattoo designs or National Tattoo Day (17 July) which celebrates the artistry, history, and personal storytelling central to tattoo culture. Whether you’d like to explore a single flash day or take part in a small way across July, we’d love to chat and hear your thoughts.”
Anyone wishing to find out more or talk through ideas should check out www.cats.org.uk/tatsforcats and fill in the ‘register your interest’ form.
