Stark rise in cats seeking forever homes
Cats Protection has noted a decline in people wishing to adopt cats, with every cat spending four days longer in its care compared to last summer.
The number of cats waiting for their forever home has soared to a 'historic high' because of the cost-of-living crisis, the UK's leading feline charity has warned.
Cats Protection says there was 46 per cent rise in cats waiting to enter its 34 adoption centres in July 22, with a staggering 2,582 felines waiting to be adopted. In July 2021, this figure stood at 1,766 cats.
Peter Shergold, head of field operations for Cats Protection, described the situation as 'the worst in organisational memory' with regards to the pressure on its services to take in cats.
“A 46 per cent increase in demand on our waiting lists is well above our historical average and looks likely to continue for the near future,” he said.
“The rise is directly linked to the cost-of-living crisis, such as not having the funds to afford the basics like cat food or cat litter or a much more serious consequence such as a loss of a job or having to move into rented accommodation where pets aren’t allowed.”
Cats Protection has also noted a decline in people wishing to adopt cats, with every cat spending four days longer in its care compared to last summer.
Findings from Cats Protection’s CATS Report, due for release this autumn, reveal that 30 per cent of cat owners fear they will struggle to pay bills or living costs owing to price increases.
The report also found that 19 per cent of non-cat owners would like to adopt a cat but cannot for financial reasons.
The BSAVA has opened submissions for the BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026.
