Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Birmingham facing ‘cat crisis’ as charity overrun
Tiger-Lily arrived at the RSPCA heavily pregnant, before giving birth to nine kittens.
The RSPCA is caring for 474 cats and kittens.

The RSPCA has warned of a ‘cat crisis’, as its Birmingham-based animal centre reaches capacity with cats and kittens.

The charity’s Newbrook Farm Animal Centre and Hospital, in Frankley Green, is currently responsible for 474 cats and kittens. This includes 69 cats at the animal centre, 27 in foster homes, 300 in private boarding and 78 cats in its hospital.

It is believed to be the result of so-called ‘kitten season’, which occurs from May to September. This is when it most litters of kittens are born, resulting in charities across the country seeing an influx of cats and kittens coming into their care.

However in some locations, such as their Birmingham premises, the RSPCA is seeing an unprecedented number of cats.

One intake included Tiger-Lily, a heavily pregnant stray who came to the charity in July. Although she was microchipped, her details were out of date and staff could not trace an owner.

A few weeks arriving, Tiger-Lily gave birth to a litter of nine kittens.

Emma Finmore, cattery supervisor, said: “We try to place nursing queens into foster homes to prevent spaces being blocked for weeks until the kittens are old enough.

“Obviously these won't be ready for adoption for another nine weeks so if we can place them in a foster home this allows us to free up the space and help more cats that need to come in.

“It's best for the nursing queen and the kittens to be in a loving foster home too, receiving around the clock care and socialisation in a home environment.”

This is a particularly challenging time for cat rehoming, since there is often a reduction in cat rehoming during the summer holidays. This is believed to be due to families going away on holiday.

Ms Finmore said: “It feels like we’re facing a cat crisis with more cats coming in than we can find homes for - so we need people’s help.

“In particular, we have quite a lot of nursing cat mums and young kittens, who aren’t old enough for adoption yet, and so we are desperately looking for foster homes for them to help free up space in our cattery for other cats who can be rehomed.”

Fosterers are provided with all the necessary equipment and veterinary care by the RSPCA. They will also have the support of RSPCA staff when needed.

For more information, visit the RSPCA website.

Image © RSPCA

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Survey launched to investigate EHV

News Story 1
 Zoetis has launched a new survey to identify management techniques for Equine Herpes Virus (EHV).

EHV is a contagious, airborne virus that can cause respiratory problems and severe diseases in horses and ponies. It spreads among horses over short distances, direct contact and through shared equipment.

The survey will explore current knowledge and management practices with EHV in the UK. It is quick to complete and participants could win one of 10 equine first aid kits.

Complete the survey here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
WSAVA launches pet travel guidance factsheet

A new pet travel guidance factsheet for veterinary professionals and caregivers has been developed by the WSAVA in collaboration with the World Veterinary Association.

The Dog and Cat Welfare During Transport factsheet provides step-by-step guidance for all stages of a journey, from pre-travel checklists to post-travel care.

Brachycephalic breeds or animals prone to travel-related anxiety are given special focus in this guide, which also provides links to IATA container regulation and WSAVA vaccination guidelines.