Charity Cats Protection has issued an urgent appeal for donations to cover the rising costs of care after they helped 184,000 felines last year
The UK’s leading cat welfare charity has revealed a 34% increase in cases of abandonment compared to this time last year.
On average, cats spend 39 days in the care of Cats Protection before finding their forever home with a new owner. As a result, the charity has issued an urgent appeal for donations to cover the rise in costs of care, in particular for food, shelter, medicines.
In just the first half of 2024, basic veterinary treatment for abandoned animals cost the charity £50,000. Last year alone, they helped 184,000 cats—an average of 500 cats per day.
During filming of the Cats Protection TV appeal , the importance of this winter appeal became even more evident when a real-life abandonment occurred on set. A cat, now named Crumpet, was left at the centre and discovered by Alison Richards, the Head of Clinical Services, who was there for the filming.
Crumpet is now safe, receiving the care and attention she needs, and is up for adoption. Her story is a reminder that Cats Protection’s vital work never stops – and that public support is more important than ever in helping them continue their life-saving efforts this winter.
Mike Elliott, Feline Welfare and Operations Director at Cats Protection, said: “With the average cat spending 39 days in care, we’re passionate about supporting every cat’s journey and giving them a safe and warm place to stay, until they find their forever home.
“Right now, abandoned cats are hungry, cold and afraid. We understand that tough times can lead to heartbreaking decisions, however abandoning cats puts them in great danger. Because of the rise in abandonment cases this year, we’re in urgent need of support to ensure we can continue providing cats with the food, shelter and care needed to keep them safe.”
Six cats who were discovered by builders after being dumped in an abandoned garden are among the thousands left to fend for themselves.
Among the cats found dumped was six-month-old Princess Sushi Paws, who was found by builders sheltering under discarded mattresses in an abandoned garden, along with three litter mates and two male adult cats.
The cats – who were found in Wembley, North London – were all in a poor state, with the kittens all suffering with ulcerated eyes thought to have been the result of untreated cat flu. While the others recovered well, Princess Sushi Paws needed to have an eye removed but is now recovering well at the charity’s National Cat Adoption Centre in Sussex.
Justine Greene, BBC Radio 2 and BBC 6 Music newsreader, who provided the voiceover for Cats Protection’s new TV campaign, said: “I was floored by not only the number of cats and kittens that require help every year, but the cost of providing it. The amount of work that goes into taking care of cats, and their owners, is outstanding and I am delighted to be supporting Cats Protection on this journey.
“My cat, Oscar is my absolute world, and it breaks my heart to think of others like him hungry, alone and cold this winter. Cats don’t understand why abandonment happens, but we do – and with your support, we have the power to provide these cats and their owners with the guidance to hopefully prevent more abandonments happening.”
Abi Clarke, podcaster & comedian, added: “My cat, Jekyll brings so much joy into my life, and it’s devastating to think of so many cats being left behind by their owners. I can only imagine the struggles these families must be facing. With abandoned cats up by 34%, Cats Protection is working tirelessly to give them a second chance. Your donations can help these cats find safe, loving homes and ensure no one feels they have no other option but to abandon their beloved pet.”
Cats Protection’s 024 Winter Appeal will air from 23rd October.
For more information about Cats Protection’s Winter Appeal, to watch the TV appeal or for help and advice if you own or have found a cat, visit: Cats.org.uk/abandoned
