The UK is facing a severe crisis in animal welfare, with abandoned cats and kittens increasing by over 30% this year, according to a leading charity, Cats Protection. The organization reported helping around 184,000 cats last year—approximately 500 a day—but now urgently needs donations as abandonment cases surged by 34% in just the first seven months of 2024.
Once seen as a nation of pet lovers, the pandemic prompted a spike in pet ownership, with over 3 million households acquiring pets. However, many families now struggle with rising costs of food, vet bills, and insurance, leading to an alarming number of pets being left behind. This crisis has caught the attention of the Competition and Markets Authority, which is investigating potential overcharging in the veterinary market.
Cats Protection is finding it increasingly difficult to rehome cats, taking an average of 39 days per animal. The charity's annual report indicates a decline in cat ownership, with the pet population dropping to 10.6 million from 11 million in 2023. Financial strain is evident, as one in three cat owners report feeling significantly affected by the current economic climate, prompting cuts in essential veterinary care.
The issue extends beyond felines, with the RSPCA urging the public to adopt pets rather than purchase them, as rescue centers are overwhelmed. The average wait time for adoption has risen nearly one-third in the past five years, from 31.7 days in 2019 to 41.4 days in 2023. With limited space available in rehoming centers, many animals are now kept in private boarding, costing charities around £500,000 monthly. As Karen Colman of the RSPCA stated, "We're currently facing an animal welfare crisis," emphasizing the urgent need for support and adoption initiatives.