The Thomasina Cat Sanctuary was founded in small premises in Zurrieq in 1990. At that time 50 to 60 cats were kept. In 1995 the National Cat Society took over and the Sanctuary was moved to the present day premises in Luqa Road, Qormi.

At the beginning, and till a few years ago, the National Cat Society used to organize Open Days and fundraisers at the Sanctuary. This is no longer possible as the premises forms part of the School of Agriculture and since then there has been a change in the management who no longer permit the Sanctuary to organize fundraising activities within the premises. Now our only fundraising activity is the weekly bazaar we organize at Sliema on Sunday afternoons.

Some years ago the Government promised the Society some new premises but this promise seems to have fallen by the wayside.

Another problem for the Sanctuary is the lack of space and volunteers. There are in our care over 400 cats and even though we do our best to take care of them we cannot keep them in the best condition possible. A very big expenditure is food. We have no sponsorship for food and this causes a hefty bill.

The National Cat Society does have some kind persons who contribute financially to the Sanctuary. To these persons the Sanctuary is forever grateful. We spend approximately 750 euro a month and this is topped up by donations, for these the cats are forever grateful. These contributions mean a lot to us but they are only a drop in the ocean of the Sanctuary's financial needs. 

Work of the NCS

The NCS care for and accept unwanted pets, kittens left motherless, sick cats, and cats recovering from operations that have left them without a leg or blind. Some of the cats are from road traffic accidents or have just been in need of help. No healthy animal is ever put down and of the 400 + cats cared for some of the residents are old friends by now. If you are interested in adopting please contact the sanctuary, a few of the cats are on our adoption page but there are loads to choose from at the sanctuary!

The NCS has a neutering programme for the strays and rehabilitates cats that have been traumatised, seeking to domesticate the feral or ’wild’ cats, where they cannot be returned to their old territories. Advice on cat care is available to the general public and people who re-home a cat are given special support and advice. A sponsorship scheme is in place for people wishing to help, but who cannot offer a home.

Visitors are always welcome but an appointment has to be made as the Sanctuary, due to the lack of volunteers, is not manned all the time.

Visit our Shop

At the beginning, and till a few years ago, the National Cat Society used to organize Open Days and fundraisers at the Sanctuary. This is no longer possible as the premises forms part of the School of Agriculture and since then there has been a change in the management who no longer permit the Sanctuary to organize fundraising activities within the premises. So we have opened a shop!

The Shop can be found at 45, St.Peter Street, Fgura.
Opening hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. Friday - 9 am till 11 am Sunday - 8 am till 10 am and most afternoons from 5 till 6 pm.