NUMBER OF ABANDONED CATS SOARS BY MORE THAN 30% IN UK

The number of cats and kittens abandoned in the UK has surged by over 30% this year, according to a leading animal rescue charity, which has labelled the situation a “deepening crisis.”

Last year, Cats Protection assisted a total of 184,000 cats, averaging about 500 per day. However, the charity has issued an urgent appeal for donations as staff face a 34% rise in abandonment cases during the first seven months of 2024.

“We recognize that difficult times can lead to heart breaking choices. However, abandoning cats puts them in significant danger,” said Mike Elliott, feline welfare and operations director at Cats Protection. He noted that the charity spent £50,000 on essential veterinary care for abandoned cats in the first half of the year. “Currently, abandoned cats are hungry, cold, and scared.”

The UK has long been recognized as a nation of pet lovers, but lifestyle changes brought on by the pandemic led to a dramatic rise in pet ownership, with over 3 million households acquiring a pet. Demand for puppies, in particular, surged during the lockdowns.

However, this boom has turned into a bust, leaving animal welfare charities struggling to cope. Many households now face challenges in caring for their pets or can’t afford rising costs for food, insurance, and veterinary bills.

The increase in homeless cats coincides with heightened scrutiny over the expenses associated with pet ownership. The Competition and Markets Authority, the UK’s competition regulator, is investigating the veterinary market after discovering concerns that pet owners may be overpaying for treatments and medications.

As Britons become more cautious about bringing new pets into their homes, Cats Protection reports it now takes an average of 39 days to rehome a cat. “We’re in urgent need of support to ensure we can continue providing cats with the food, shelter, and care they need to stay safe,” said Elliot.

Interestingly, cat ownership in the UK is declining, with the pet population at 10.6 million, down from 11 million in 2023, according to the charity’s annual Cats and their Stats (Cats) 2024 report. Recent research by the charity found that one in three cat owners feel “greatly impacted” by the current financial climate, with nearly 20% (18%) reducing spending on essential veterinary services, such as vaccinations or microchipping.

The issue extends beyond just cats. The RSPCA is urging the public to consider adopting pets rather than buying them, as the cost of living crisis has left its rescue centers “drowning in animals.”

According to new figures from the charity, the average wait time for dogs, cats, and rabbits to be adopted has increased by nearly a third over the past five years, rising from 31.7 days in 2019 to 41.4 days in 2023.

As a result, many rehoming centers are overflowing and unable to accept new animals. This has led to a significant rise in the number of animals in private boarding, costing the charity approximately £500,000 a month.

Karen Colman, the RSPCA’s head of animal logistics and welfare oversight, stated: “We’re currently facing an animal welfare crisis. Spaces at our rehoming centers are like gold dust. The longer rescue animals remain unadopted, the longer others have to wait for a space.”

This article was updated on 24 October 2024. An earlier version stated that Cats Protection spent £50,000 on basic veterinary treatment in the first six months of the year; this figure should have been specified as being solely for abandoned cats.