The RSPCA is urging people to consider adopting a rescue cat, amid an all-time high in numbers of moggies in the charity’s care.
New data unveiled during the RSPCA’s Adoptober rehoming drive reveals that the number of cats in the charity’s care* waiting for homes at any one time has more than doubled from some 800 in 2020 to around 1,700 this summer.
There are always cats looking for a loving home at the RSPCA Friern Barnet Adoption Centre which is based at the Pets At Home, Friern Bridge Retail Park, Pegasus Way, Friern Barnet in London. One of them currently being Martha who has so far been overlooked.
New data unveiled during the RSPCA’s Adoptober rehoming drive reveals that the number of cats being cared for just in the charity’s fourteen national centres who are waiting for homes at any one time has more than doubled from some 800 in 2020 to around 1,700 this summer*. Whilst there are thousands more being cared for by the RSPCA’s dedicated branches network 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.
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 – like Lily – 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.”
Martha is a four-year-old Tabby. Rehoming Supervisor at Friern Barnet Pets at Home Georgina Holding said Martha is a very special cat who needs to have a feline friend.
“Martha is a gorgeous, playful tabby girl with a chilled nature,” said Georgina. “She enjoys her food and treats, and while she may be shy with physical touch, she thrives on being close to her person.
“With patience and love, she’s ready to blossom in a home where she can have a cat friend.
“We’ve seen Martha enjoy gentle paw touches when she’s relaxed, and she truly comes alive with the presence of other feline companions.
“Her patient and loving cat parent will witness her develop a taste for pets and find immense happiness with a cat friend.”
Martha came into the care of the RSPCA after a member of the public called to raise concerns about her as she had lost some fur due to flea allergy dermatitis. After some TLC and receiving some treatment, she is in great condition and ready to leave her foster home to find her forever home.
To express an interest in Martha please email the centre on friernbarnetadoptions@rspca.org.uk or fill out an online application form.
Alice added: “Sadly there are around 1,700 cats currently in the care of our national centres. We’re hoping that other animal lovers can help by adopting them.”
“Sometimes, people choose not to adopt particular types or colours of cats due to assumptions or ‘myths’ that are not evidence based.
“For example, we find that it can take black cats three times longer (29 days) to find homes than tabby cats (nine days), meaning not only are there more in RSPCA care but they are also staying for longer.
“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.
