Pawsome Weekend for Cat Lovers in Sheffield: CatVideoFest is here!
By Cassidy Chan
December 6, 2024

Whether you are a cat lover or just a consistent scroller on the Internet, no one can resist a cat video.

Catvideofest is coming to the UK for the first time, raising money to support the Sheffield Cats Shelter.

The festival originated in the United States in 2019, and shows a 75 minute compilation of cat videos, ranging from funny and heartwarming to memes and animations. 

This year, Sheffield is one of three cities to host the event. They will be raising money for the Sheffield Cats Shelter, one of the oldest cat shelters in the UK. The shelter has been running since 1897, providing vital care and rehoming to cats across Sheffield and surrounding areas.

The festival has raised more than $150,000USD since starting, which goes towards support for adoptions, fostering, volunteer sign-ups and more. They have plans to evolve around the world.

Cat shelters have been facing hardships since the start of the cost of living crisis and many families can no longer afford the care needed for their cats. Rescues have been trying their best to keep up with the rising demand for their service. 

Despite surviving two world wars and the pandemic, Sheffield Cats Shelter is struggling to keep up with the needs of the community.

Becki Hollingworth, Cat Welfare Manager of the rescue said: “It was a very pleasant surprise to be a nominated charity to raise funds for CatVideoFest.

“All rescues around the world and around the country are definitely struggling at this point in time with the cost of living crisis. 

“I think it is a really good way for people to just support us and the work that we do.”

CatVideoFest opens at the Showroom Cinema at 6pm this evening, and will be attended by the shelter’s friendly cat mascot Travis. It will continue into Sunday.

CatVideoFest Poster