Faces of felines up for adoption amidst Birmingham RSPCA 'cat crisis'
So far this year 808 cats have already been taken in at the RSPCA's Birmingham Animal Centre in Frankley
The RSPCA has issued an urgent appeal asking people to adopt or foster rescue cats after a huge rise in the number of animals being taken in at its Birmingham centre.
The animal welfare charity has warned of a growing "cat crisis", with 808 cats already taken in at its Birmingham Animal Centre in Frankley this year – an increase of 86.6 per cent compared to last year.
With more than two months of the year remaining, the charity fears the number could double as staff struggle to cope with an increasing number of abandoned and neglected animals.
The charity is now encouraging people across the West Midlands to consider giving a rescue animal a home as part of its annual Adoptober campaign.
Among the cats currently looking for homes in Birmingham is Sparky, a kitten aged between six and 12 months who was subjected to physical abuse before being rescued.
Despite his difficult start in life, Sparky has recovered well and is described as an affectionate and playful kitten who loves attention.
Two-year-old Figaro is also searching for a new home after being found living on the streets with a facial wound, flu symptoms and ringworm.
Having made a full recovery, he is now looking for a calm home where he can enjoy plenty of affection.
Another cat, Flower, was rescued from a violent household and has struggled to regain her trust in people.
She is looking for a quieter alternative home, such as a secure summer house or suitable outbuilding, where she can have her own space.
The RSPCA said the growing pressure on its centres is being worsened by an increase in large-scale rescues involving multiple animals.
In 2025, the charity responded to 1,780 incidents involving 10 or more cats at a single address – an increase of almost 65 per cent on the previous year.
Those incidents involved more than 36,000 cats in total.
The charity currently has more than 7,000 animals in its care across England and Wales at any one time, with more than 1,000 additional animals housed in private boarding facilities while waiting for space in rescue centres.
People interested in adopting or fostering a rescue cat can find out more through the RSPCA's website.
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