The RSPCA is urging people across London to consider adopting a rescue cat, amid an all-time high in the number of moggies in the charity’s care.
New data unveiled during the RSPCA’s Adoptober rehoming drive reveals that the number of cats being cared for at the charity’s fourteen national centres alone, as they wait for forever homes, has more than doubled from some 800 in 2020 to around 1,700 this summer*. And 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.
At RSPCA East London and Havering Branch CIO there are many cats waiting for their forever homes right now – including Billy (pictured above) and Simba (below) who have been with the branch for a combined total of nine months. Both Simba, who arrived in the care of the branch in April, and Billy who came in July, will need some extra care and attention as they both have suffered from some health issues.
The explosion in numbers of cats in the RSPCA’s care is partly due to several recent large-scale cruelty and neglect cases which have led to record numbers of cats being taken in.
RSPCA 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.
“This month’s Adoptober rehoming campaign is encouraging more people to consider adopting one of the lonely cats featured on our Findapet website who are looking for a forever home.”
Simba and Billy – RSPCA East London and Havering Branch
Simba has endured a really tough time. His owner adored him and had really tried to help him, but his issues were too severe and he developed skin issues because of stress, which resulted in him self-harming. But his foster carers have worked miracles getting him back on his paws and breaking an ‘over-grooming’ habit.
This sensitive soul is now ready to find his forever home where he can thrive. Simba, who is around eleven years old, adores people and needs plenty of company – he really is a cat who could be the love of someone’s life.
His new owner would need to manage his medication – which the branch will provide a three-month supply of – and his cone collar which in time he should not require.
Billy was a stray suffering in pain when he was rescued, but he has thrived in the care of the branch who are seeking an experienced owner for him. He will need to be kept indoors as he is FIV positive and a calicivirus carrier, which means he will need more care and time devoted to him.
Despite his issues Billy, who is around four years old, is an affectionate cat who deserves a loving home.
If you are interested in Billy or Simba you can apply online at their online profiles.
Alice added: “There’s a cat for everyone: cute kittens, marvellous moggies, fireside felines and outdoor adventurers, we’ve got every kind of cat waiting for another chance at happiness.
“We always encourage prospective pet owners to look beyond appearance, breed and colour and instead look for a personality that matches you and your lifestyle. However, we also have purebred and pedigree cats coming into our care – so even those who have a particular breed or type in mind may find their perfect partner, without fueling problematic commercial breeding.
“We’d urge anyone ready and able to adopt a rescue animal to fill in a ‘perfect match’ form with your local RSPCA centre or branch and they’ll let you know when an animal who matches you comes into their care.”
Getting a pet brings a lot of joy, but before committing, it’s important to understand the costs. The RSPCA pet cost calculator can help you prepare. It’s also important to consider pet insurance to protect against unexpected costs
