RSPCA Cymru in 'cat crisis' with record number in need of rehoming
New data from RSPCA Cymru reveals that the number of cats being cared for across England and Wales has more than doubled
New data from RSPCA Cymru reveals that the number of cats being cared for at the charity’s fourteen national centres (across England and Wales) has more than doubled.
The stats show a rise from 800 in 2020 to around 1,700 this summer:
The charity also believes thousands more cats are being cared for by independently-run RSPCA branches across England and Wales.
RSPCA records also showed cats are now waiting more than a week longer to find a new home - 40 days on average, a rise from 32.5 days in September last year (23% increase).
Although RSPCA centres and branches across England and Wales rehome more cats than any other animal - more than 17,000 last year or about two every single hour - there are still record numbers of cats in the charity’s care.
The rise in numbers is partly due to several recent large-scale cruelty and neglect cases which have led to high numbers of cats.
“We’re experiencing an unprecedented rehoming crisis"
RSPCA Cymru and England cat welfare specialist, Alice Potter said:
“We have an astonishing number of cats in our care who are looking for a new home. Many have come from recent large-scale cruelty and neglect cases.
“We’re experiencing an unprecedented rehoming crisis, with centres so full they are unable to accept any more cats - so most of the incoming animals are having to be placed in private catteries until spaces become free in our own rehoming centres.
“Despite the best efforts of those who care for them, life in a cattery can be stressful for cats so by finding them loving homes as quickly as possible we can also free up space for other cats who need our help."
RSPCA Cymru said it can take black cats three times longer (29 days) to find homes than tabby cats (nine days), meaning there more in care but they are also staying for longer.
The charity is encouraging people to adopt the animals during their 'Adoptober' campaign.