Cats Protection makes urgent winter appeal
Feline abandonment cases have increased year-on-year since 2021.
Cats Protection has issued an urgent appeal for donations, as new statistics suggest a challenging winter ahead.
The cat welfare charity has already seen a 34 per cent increase in feline abandonment, with cases having increased year-on-year since 2021. Providing basic veterinary care to abandoned cats cost the charity £50,000 in the first half of 2024.
Now, with cats spending an average of 39 days in the charity’s care, it is asking members of the public to donate what they can to support its work.
Cats Protection will soon be broadcasting its TV appeal, which it says will highlight its commitment to cat welfare. The film explores the work of the charity in rescuing and rehoming cats which have been abandoned.
During the filming of the appeal, the film crew encountered a real life abandonment as it happened.
Alison Roberts, who is head of clinical services at Cats Protection, was with the film crew when she discovered a cat abandoned at the centre. The cat, now named Crumpet, has now received attention, and is already up for adoption.
The charity believes that Crumpet’s story acts as a reminder of its important work and why public support is so vital.
Although the charity always cares for and rehomes cats and kittens when needed, its main focus is to prevent the abandonment of cats. Cats Protection offers expert advice and a range of support and services to keep cat owners with their cats if possible.
The charity says that just £5 can provide food for a cat for 25 days. £15 would cover the cost of worming treatment for three cats, while £20 would buy ten fleece blankets for the cats.
Mike Elliott, feline welfare and operations director, said: “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.”
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Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
