RSPCA sees 166% surge in online searches for cat adoptions as charity rehomes 217 pussies in Hertfordshire
The RSPCA has seen a huge surge in online searches for cats as figures show that the animal welfare charity is rehoming two cats every hour on average.
There was a 166% increase in searches for cats on its FindAPet website following the first year of the pandemic – 304,300 in January this year compared to 114,316 in March last year.
In 2020 the charity rehomed 17,868 cats – an average of 53 a day or two every hour. In Hertfordshire last year the figure was 217.
Centres and branches are caring for more cats than any pet with nearly 3,000 moggies coming into the RSPCA’s care from the start of 2021.
This month marks Adoptober, when the RSPCA shines a light on the army of feline friends in its care looking for homes.
Sam Gaines, head of the RSPCA’s companion animals team, said: “It’s great to see so many people are interested in adopting cats from the RSPCA. The lockdown has really shone a light on the close bonds we have with our pets, and for many people their pets have become a real source of comfort during these challenging times.
“We’ve seen a huge surge in pet ownership during the past year or so, and whilst it’s positive that so many people want to take on a pet, we are keen to highlight the importance of doing your research to ensure you’ve got the time, patience and money to care for that animal for the rest of their life.
“Our centres and branches are seeing lots of cats coming into their care at the moment. This could be due to the end of the kitten season, when most cats are born, or, more worryingly, it could be as a result of people buying cats on impulse earlier in the year who are now struggling to cope with them.
“However, we’d urge anyone who has thoroughly done their research and is keen to take on a rescue cat to consider adopting from the RSPCA.”
Among the cats in Hertfordshire looking for homes are Robin and Roma, a pair of curious, sweet siblings who can be a little nervous at first and, therefore, need a quiet and calm home where they can slowly grow in confidence.
They were born at Southridge Animal Centre after their mum was brought in as a stray. They haven’t had the usual start in life that most kittens get, so they’ll need adopters who will give them plenty of time to get used to living in a home environment.
Independent kitty Meiqui (pronounced Mei-Chow) is a lovely cat who deserves a forever home. This chap has already had a couple of homes before he came into the care of RSPCA Hertfordshire East branch through no fault of his own.
The charity says: "We believe he gets a little scared if there are lots of people around and we therefore think his ideal home will be where he is the only pet and where there are no children. Once settled in, he is affectionate and enjoys playing with his toys."
Sam added: “We believe neutering cats from four months old will reduce the amount of unwanted and unexpected litters of kittens that are born and sadly end up in rescue centres.
"We understand that many owners may not have been able to get their pets neutered as understandably vets had to prioritise emergencies in the face of Covid-19. However, we would urge anyone with an unneutered female cat to get them neutered as soon as they can and keep them indoors until they've been spayed.”
To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care, visit its website or call its donation line on 0300 123 8181.
