What is a Sanctuary?
A Sanctuary is a place of refuge. A safe, peaceful haven free from all the dangers in the world. That is why we chose to call our rescue facility a sanctuary, as this is how we wanted it to function.
As well as taking in unwanted cats and kittens for rehabilitation and re-homing, we provide somewhere safe and secure where elderly, disabled or disturbed cats and kittens can live out their lives.
Our policy is that no animal is put to sleep simply because it is too old or unsuitable for re-homing.
In memory of Carole.
Mann Cat Sanctuary started in 1996 by Carole Corlett and myself. We were both acutely aware of the problems that face the Island's cat population. There are many elderly unwanted animals, their owners were no longer able to care for their pets and others that had been abandoned or neglected. Without a sanctuary many animals had little future to look forward to.
The Mann Cat Sanctuary is set within 6 acres of paddocks, just off the main road in Santon. The residents enjoy a free roaming policy and are only restricted if quarantine is required for medical reasons. This enables the cats to choose where they would like to live and encourages natural behaviour - resulting in happier cats!
Daisy - our meet and greeter, will always make you feel welcome when you visit!
We started with six pens. Over the next few years we recruited the help of a small team of dedicated volunteers, financial support from local businesses and of course, many more cats and other animals.
The cats enjoy pleasant living area, complete with fireplaces, furniture and multi-level napping areas. The Mann Cat Sanctuary is now the permanent home to many elderly cats.
The Sanctuary has a policy not to turn away any animal in need of care, if the species is beyond our capabilities to house, we seek out another organisation that can. In addition to the cats, you will also find a wide range of animals including Horses, Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, an aviary of birds and several dogs. It makes for a very interesting community!
Mann Cat’s Guiding Principle
Until he extends the circle of his compassion to all living things, man will not himself find peace.
Albert Schweitzer
Most of the resident's here are unsuitable for re-homing. However, they are able to live out the remainder of their natural lives here in peaceful, tranquil surroundings. Unless an animal is suffering from a terminal illness, we avoid having them put to sleep until all other possibilities have been explored.
The main cattery area, now an executive lounge for cats!
We do re-home young, well cats that come into our care - we only do so if we are totally satisfied the new owners can provided the necessary long term care. For this reason we are unable to re-house cats outside of the Isle of Man.
I appreciate the time you are taking to browse our site, without the support and interest of caring people, the sanctuary's work could not continue. The site will grow over the coming months, with articles on cat-care and the latest news from the Sanctuary being published on a regular basis. The Photo's are all new, with more to be posted shortly.
So, please follow us on Twitter or add us as a friend on Facebook to keep up with all the happenings at the Mann Cat Sanctuary. It's wonderful to have you as part of our community.