Mad hatter's tea party finds families for Northampton's cats and rabbits

RSPCA Northamptonshire staff dressed up as Alice In Wonderland characters and opened their doors to the public in a drive to rehome the dozens of animals in their care.

Potential adopters enjoyed cake and coffee while viewing cats and rabbits in the branch's hutches and cattery.

The tea party raised £112 and saw more than 100 visitors at the centre at Mill Cottage, in Creaton Road, Brixworth.

Vicky Bayley and her son, Andrew, 10, visited the centre for tea and cake and ended up leaving with a new family pet.

Mrs Bayley said: "We're taking a playmate home for our other cat, who we also picked up from here at Christmas.It's just so nice to give them a forever home.

"We weren't expecting to take one home today either."

Andrew said: "His name is Oscar and he has a very chilled attitude and he will be good company. We think he will be a lap warmer cat."

By the end of the day, 10 cats and two rabbits had found new families.

Emma Markham, adoptions manager at the centre, said: "Today was a great success and busier than we've ever seen it. We've had people come in just for tea and cake, which is fine, but we've had some really good adoptions.

"We were hoping to reserve more rabbits just because we have so many of them. The RSPCA is looking after more than ever before and there's also a long waiting list for cats to come to our cattery.

"Thank you to everyone who came down today. It was good fun to dress up and act silly for a day."

The branch's cattery was built and opened in September 2016 after a legacy donation from a lady who sadly died.

It has twelve pens and provides 'five-star accomodation' for up to twenty-four cats.

Adopting an adult cat costs £70 while kittens cost £75.

Adopting a rabbit costs £45.

For more information or to enquire about adopting any animal from the RSPCA Northamptonshire Branch, email [email protected].