The RSPCA has seen a huge surge in searches for cats as new figures show that on average the charity rehomes two cats every hour.
There was a 166% increase in searches for cats on the RSPCA’s FindAPet website following the first year of the pandemic (March 2020 number 114,316 compared to Jan 2021 number 304,300.)
Last year the charity rehomed 17,868 cats which is 53 a day or two cats rehomed every hour. In Cheshire there were 1,018 cats rehomed in 2020.
Centres and branches are also caring for more cats than any pet with nearly 3,000 moggies coming into the RSPCA’s care from the start of the year (Jan 1- 31 Aug).
This month marks Adoptober, when the RSPCA shines a light on the animals in its care looking for homes, and with more cats coming into the charity’s care than any other pet this means there are plenty of feline friends looking to be adopted.
Sam Gaines, head of the RSPCA’s companion animals team, said: “It’s great to see so many people are interested in adopting cats from the RSPCA. The lockdown has really shone a light on the close bonds we have with our pets and for many people, their pets have become a real source of comfort during these challenging times.
“We’ve seen a huge surge in pet ownership during the past year or so and whilst it’s positive that so many people want to take on a pet we are keen to highlight the importance of doing your research to ensure you’ve got the time, patience and money to care for that animal for the rest of their life.
“Our centres and branches are seeing lots of cats coming into their care at the moment. This could be due to the end of the kitten season when most cats are born or more worryingly, it could be as a result of people buying cats on impulse earlier in the year who are now struggling to cope with them. However, we’d urge anyone who has thoroughly done their research and is keen to take on a rescue cat to consider adopting from the RSPCA.”
Cats looking for homes in Cheshire include:
Tilly
Tilly arrived in the care of the RSPCA Stapeley Grange Cattery in Nantwich when her owner could sadly no longer care for her due to illness.
Eleven-year-old white and black cat Tilly is such a chatty and friendly lady and although she is a senior kitty, she is very young at heart! She was quite nervous when she first arrived and is looking for a quieter, adult-only home where she can spend her golden years. She would prefer not to live with any other pets and would like access to a safe, outdoor space to relax in.
Sadly, Tilly was hit by a car when she was younger and she has some metalwork in her legs but this does not affect her mobility. However, it does make it very important that she is rehomed away from busy roads.
If you could offer Tilly a loving home please submit an application form to RSPCA Stapeley Grange Cattery at [email protected]
Felix
Felix is a five-year-old black and white female cat who came into the care of the RSPCA Warrington, Halton and St Helen’s Animal Centre after being rescued by an inspector. Sadly, she was in a sad state suffering from a bad skin allergy and covered in fleas. After lots of TLC, she is now fit and ready to find her fur-ever home.
Felix is an independent lady and a bit of a sassy pants. Don’t let her ‘cattitude’ fool you though, she also likes a fuss as long as it is on her own terms. Due to her sometimes feisty nature, she will need to be rehomed to an adult-only household and someone who has experience with feisty cats.
She has lots of energy and loves to chase and play with her toys. Felix would like access to a safe garden so that she can sunbathe and chill but will need a home away from busy roads.
For more information on Felix contact the RSPCA Warrington, Halton and St Helen’s branch via email on [email protected]
Charlie
Charlie is wondering when his new owner will get in touch so they can finally meet each other!
He is an eight-year-old black cat who came into the care of the RSPCA Cheshire (Altrincham) branch in a very sorry state. He was handed over to vets before Christmas last year when sadly his owner could no longer care for him due to various health issues which Charlie was suffering from.
He was underweight and matted and tests revealed that he also had thyroid and kidney problems. He is now on medication for his thyroid and a special diet for his kidneys.
Charlie will need to be an indoor cat as he has some stiffness in his back legs, which means he is unable to jump up, so it would be safer for him to be indoors. X-rays showed that he has arthritis in both his knees and in his spine. At his foster home there is a safe enclosed garden, and in the nice weather he enjoys going out for a wander with his ‘hoomans’ keeping an eye on him, and he likes a little nap in a sunny spot. He can manage to get up and down the stairs, just in his own time.
He would need to be the only pet in the household to ensure he sticks to his diet, and also, he is not keen on other animals.
Charlie enjoys company so would like a home where there is an owner around a lot of the time to fuss him, and for him to chat to, as he does like a good natter. If there are any children he would prefer them to be older. He is a real character who has an answer for everything. He is very friendly and can easily steal your heart with his funny ways!
His new owner needs to be experienced in looking after cats, and aware that he may require further medication or treatment in the future for either his kidneys or the arthritis if either condition gets worse.
For more information on Charlie or to adopt him contact the RSPCA Cheshire (Altrincham) branch on 01612 862503.
Jake
Jake is a two-year-old white and ginger boy who came into the care of the RSPCA Macclesfield, South East Cheshire and Buxton branch in June after he was rescued from a home with over 20 cats.
Sadly, the cats were neglected and being left to fend for themselves so Jake is now looking for a home where he can get the attention and care he deserves.
He’s a very sweet but shy boy, however he has become more and more affectionate over time and he absolutely loves to play. He has had an upset tummy whilst in RSPCA care but tests have shown this wasn’t caused by any underlying illness. He is on steroids and a special diet and this has helped.
Due to his timid nature, he would be best suited to a calm and child-free home.
For more information on Jake or to give him a loving home contact the RSPCA Macclesfield, South East Cheshire and Buxton branch on [email protected]
Lindi
Lindi is a 10-year-old semi-long haired tabby and white cat with a hint of ginger.
She came into the care of the RSPCA Cheshire (Altrincham) branch as her owners’ circumstances sadly changed and they could no longer care for Lindi. Lindi has a sweet and gentle nature and has settled in quickly into her foster home which she also shares with a large dog and doesn’t mind a bit! She enjoys being stroked and brushed but does also like to have her own space.
Poor Lindi is almost blind but you’d hardly notice as she gets around just fine. She would like access to a safe, secure and enclosed garden where she can potter around and sunbathe. She is looking for a home with experienced cat owners and would prefer to be the only cat.
For more information or to give Lindi a loving home contact the RSPCA Cheshire (Altrincham) branch on 01612 862503.
Sam added: “We believe neutering cats from four months old will reduce the amount of unwanted and unexpected litters of kittens that are born and sadly end up in rescue centres. We understand that many owners may not have been able to get their pets neutered as understandably vets had to prioritise emergencies in the face of Covid-19. However, we would urge anyone with an unneutered female cat to get them neutered as soon as they can and keep them indoors until they have been spayed.”
