Livestream enables pet-lovers to watch the antics of Battersea's felines.
Animal rescue charity Battersea has launched two live cat webcams to enable its furry residents to boost spirits during the last few weeks of lockdown.
Carefully positioned inside catteries at Battersea's London hub, the new Cat Cams will give people worldwide a chance to spend quality time with the felines before they move on to their forever home.
“After lots of careful planning, we’re so excited to switch the new Cat Cams on in four of our cattery pens at Battersea,” commented cattery manager Rachel Saunders. “Our key workers have continued to care for our animals tirelessly throughout lockdown, and every single cat we’ve been able to help has brought us so much joy during a difficult time.
"We decided it was time to share our rescue cats’ antics with the world and hopefully put a smile on plenty of people’s faces as they while away the last few weeks of lockdown.”
A recent study evaluating the health benefits of cute animals suggests that watching Cat Cams could have a measurable effect on wellbeing, particularly for people struggling with their mental health during the lockdown.
Researchers at the University of Leeds found that watching video footage of cute animals can lower stress by up to 50 per cent, with blood pressure and heart rate falling after 30 minutes of viewing.
Another study by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Cats (APGOCATS) revealed that spending time with cats can help combat loneliness and its damaging effects.
“Some cats that come to us may not [have] had the best start in life, but with a little TLC they go on to be great companions and provide love, support and enjoyment to their new families,” said Ms Saunders. “While they wait to be fully cleared to go to new homes, our cats are primed and ready for their moment in the spotlight to show off what makes them so special.
“Particularly for those people out there who don’t – or can’t – currently have a cat of their own at home, we’re hoping to bring ‘rescues to the rescue’ via our new live Cat Cams," she added. "Together, we can all get through the next few weeks a little easier with a daily boost from Battersea’s adorable cats – even if we can’t guarantee they won’t be found curled up enjoying a cat nap half the time!”
Click here to catch a glimpse of the action. The stream launched on 15 March and will run for two weeks.
Image (C) Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
