The RSPCA is urging people to consider ‘adopt and not shop’ as rescue teams struggle with rising cases of dozens of animals – sometimes hundreds – at a single address.
Kittens Spike and Willow who are being cared for by RSPCA South London Branch CIO were rescued as strays from an area where someone had moved out leaving behind unneutered cats that continued to breed.
Aged at five months old they are now patiently waiting for a forever home to call their own.
New data unveiled during the RSPCA’s Adoptober rehoming drive has revealed that RSPCA frontline officers are dealing with an average 410* ‘multi-animal’ incidents – involving 10 or more every single month – an increase on 2025 which was a record breaking year.
Out of the 3,280 multi-animal cases reported across England and Wales already this year – 1,468 were cat cases and 757 dog multi-animal incidents.
Many of the animals rescued from these homes have behavioural and medical issues requiring rehabilitation and the RSPCA urgently is calling upon experienced and patient pet owners to consider helping by rehoming and fostering. The RSPCA is now calling urgently for adopters to help rehome pets so they can help more in need.
RSPCA South London branch CIO Animal Welfare Officer Cheska Servini said Spike and Willow are looking for a home together and are currently in foster care.
“Both are very shy, but with their foster mum they absolutely love to play and get into trouble like normal kittens,” said Cheska.
“Tabby Spike can be scared of sudden movements, but his curiosity wins out when you give him a bit of patience.
“He is food motivated, a good climber, playful and a very good fly catcher.
“Spike is also very comfortable with his sister and will let her eat his food if she’s particularly hungry.
“Willow loves hiding and observing, and is also food motivated. She’ll go up onto her back legs to play with toys, and is sharper and less goofy and is more composed than her brother.
“She makes very sweet noises and her confidence is growing. She’s smaller but seems more dominant than Spike.
“They both like looking out of the window, and it’s very sweet to catch them cuddling.”
It is thought that Spike and Willow are not suitable for small children, however the branch would be happy to look at applications from all backgrounds. They may be able to live with a friendly dog.
Cheska added: “We really hope that our rehoming drive Adoptober will help find Spike and Willow a perfect home.
“Please do get in touch if you can offer a perfect forever home for the duo. We would be thrilled to see them have their happily ever after this Adoptober.”
