Rescue 100 Crowdfunding Campaign

We started The Cat Show Live because we believe cat owners deserve a space that truly celebrates cats and spreads our mission – Responsible and Educated Cat Ownership.

But as we built the show, we kept coming back to something bigger.

The UK is in a crisis when it comes to cat rescue – rescues are overrun, volunteers work around the clock, and there are an estimated 2–3 million cats unowned or stray desperately in need of help.

Cats who desperately need homes are easily overlooked simply because independent rescue organisation have no funds or time to reach potential adoptees.

Right now, rescues have to pay to exhibit in Hope Alley.

Not because we believe they should – but because the costs of building and running a large public event are significant.

• Current rescue stand fee: £240 (inc. VAT)
• Actual cost per rescue space: around £450

That gap creates a barrier – especially for the smaller volunteer-run rescues who are already stretching every pound to care for the cats in their charge.

We believe rescues shouldn’t have to pay simply to be visible, and that’s just one of the reasons we’re launching this crowdfunder.

With your help, we will:

1.  Make Hope Alley free for rescues

Removing the financial barrier means more rescue organisations can attend, be seen, and connect with potential adopters.

2. Keep our online Rescue Directory free

A dedicated online directory helping the public discover rescues across the UK – especially the smaller organisations who often have little or no marketing support.

3. Grow #Rescue100 into a year-round campaign

Working with partners like Stray & Co, we’ll continue sharing rescue stories and adoption opportunities throughout the year – to help 100 cats find new loving homes.

• The first £13,500 raised makes Hope Alley free for all 27 rescues attending The Cat Show Live, covering the floorspace and infrastructure costs. No bill. No barrier. Just a bigger stage for the cats who need it most.

From there, the rest of the raise powers Rescue 100 beyond a single show weekend:

• Production and marketing costs to film and share more rescue stories and inspire new adopters
• Widening the reach and advertising of our Rescue Directory so more people can discover and engage with their local rescue centres

By backing the campaign you’re doing much more than supporting our event, you’re removing barriers for rescues, increasing real adoption introductions, and helping more cats find their forever homes.

Together, we can make rescue easier to see, easier to support, and more successful.

Thank you for being part of what we’re building.

A cat community that shows up for the cats who need it most.