Cats Protection wants cat welfare to feature on the political agenda.

Cats Protection is calling on candidates from all political parties to back its ‘Cat Manifesto’, as election campaigning continues across the country.

The document, which was launched today, provides a five-point plan for legislation to improve the welfare of cats and kittens in the UK.

Cats Protection’s five key points cover animal welfare, animal cruelty, protecting cats in the digital world, cats in the family and cat safety.

The ‘Cat Manifesto’ sets out how these changes can be enforced by political parties,

The charity is calling for political parties to support a ban on electric shock collars, stricter licensing on air guns, and a ban on breeds with extreme characteristics, such as Scottish Fold cats. It is also calling for more pet-friendly renting regulations to be introduced.

It also includes licensing for cat breeding, the prevention of kitten smuggling, and tightened rules on selling cats online. Cats Protection would want animal welfare establishments to be regulated, and the end of unsuitable activities involving cats.

The manifesto also calls for better representation of cats, such as healthy cat representation in the media and advertisements, and the prevention of harmful content being shared on social media.

Madison Rogers, head of advocacy, campaigns and government relations for Cats Protection, said: “The Cat Manifesto sets out what is needed to protect one of the UK’s most popular animals, and the people who own them. This includes bringing an end to animal cruelty, ensuring pets are properly recognised as an important part of family life, and preventing cats being exploited or mistreated online.

“We already work with politicians and decision makers on animal welfare issues and over the next few weeks we’ll be highlighting the ways in which the next government can help pet owners.”

The full manifesto can be read here.

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