A CAT rescue charity which holds regular bazaars in Musselburgh has found its fundraising income has “plummeted” as a result of the Covid-19 crisis.

Lothian Cat Rescue, based at Bonnyrigg, has lost more than £25,000 after events it relies on for cash have been cancelled amidst the pandemic.

Its charity shop on Easter Road, Edinburgh, is also closed for business.

Janette Cooper, the charity’s business manager, said: “Whilst our outgoings are largely unaffected by the pandemic, our fundraising income has plummeted. To date, these closures and cancellations have resulted in losses of over £25,000 of fundraising income.”

Although its rehoming activities are “extremely restricted”, the number of calls it receives about cats in need is as high as ever.

Janette explained: “Our shelter is full to capacity. We usually operate an open door policy but, for now, our gates are closed.”

She added: “As lockdown restrictions ease, we look forward to reopening our charity shop, with new procedures to ensure the safety of staff, volunteers and customers alike. We will also recommence our fundraising events, although we have no certainty on when these will restart.”

The shelter is trying to contact the owners of a cat called Kizzy, who has a microchip which shows she is registered to an address in the Mayfield Crescent area of Musselburgh.

Janette said: “Kizzy is an older lady and she has a medical condition called hyperthyroidism, which went untreated during her time on the streets.

“Left untreated, this condition can kill but thankfully it is easily managed with medication. Now her medication has been started, Kizzy is feeling much happier. She was found wandering the streets of Dalkeith and, sadly, all attempts to contact her owner have drawn a blank. If they can’t be traced, we will look to find Kizzy a new home for her twilight years. For now, she is safe, happy and well.”

To make a donation or find out more about the shelter, go to www.lothiancatrescue.org or phone 01875 821025 between 9am and 5pm daily.