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More pedigree cats in rescue centres, RSPCA says
The animal welfare charity believes that this change in figures could be a result of their popularity in social media, film, TV and advertising.
The number of ‘designer’ and ‘purebred’ cats has soared since 2018.

RSPCA has released figures revealing that the number of pedigree cats in their rescue centres has soared in the past six years.

The most common pedigree cat in RSPCA care was the Persian cat, which has seen a 92 per cent increase since 2018. This was followed by the ragdoll, which had a 61 per cent increase.

They have also reported a 22 per cent increase in Bengal cats, as well as a 300 per cent increase in Maine Coons in the past six years.

RSPCA says that many of these ‘designer’ cat breeds entering the rescue centre have exaggerated physical features, which often cause the cats pain and suffering. It can also make them vulnerable to particular disorders.

For example, Persian cats bred to have flat faces often suffer from brachycephaly, meaning they struggle to breathe, sleep or give birth.

The animal welfare charity believes that this change in figures could be a result of their popularity in social media, film, TV and advertising.

The statistics come after the RSPCA, among other charities, wrote to Universal Studios to criticise its use of a Scottish fold cat in its latest film, Argylle. Scottish fold cats are associated with a genetic disorder which causes them severe and painful lameness, resulting from arthritis that can develop at a young age.

Alice Potter, cat welfare expert at the RSPCA, said: “We strongly believe that all those who breed cats should prioritise health, welfare and temperament over appearance when choosing which animals to breed, in order to protect the welfare of both the parents and offspring.

“We know owners want their pets to be happy and healthy, and people may not realise that cats bred with exaggerated features can struggle with extremely serious health problems. We would like to see breeders doing more to ensure they are producing kittens who are happy and healthy.

“We encourage anyone wanting to add a cat to their family to visit one of our centres and rescue a cat in need of a loving home instead.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.