RSPCA urgently appeal for West Midlands homes due to cat crisis

The RSPCA has revealed that cats are the current most unwanted pet with rising numbers of multi-cat rescues and 20,000 cats being rescued last year.

The animal charity, that uses frontline rescue teams and inspectors to investigate reports of animal cruelty, found 26 cats and kittens in sealed plastic boxes and carriers beside fly-tipped rubbish in a Birmingham alleyway last month.

Alongside this recently three sick kittens were found dumped in a Birmingham church car park.

These are just two of many cases of cats being rescued from neglect or cruelty across the country and with cats arriving faster than they can be rehomed, the RSPCA is urgently appealing for adopters and fosterers to give cats of all ages the chance of a loving home.

The charity currently has hundreds of cats and kittens in its national centres alone, with thousands more in other branches and private boarding as staff are struggling to find space to care for the increasing numbers.

Beth Clements, RSPCA assistant director of animal services, said: “So far this year we’re taking in an average of 624 cats each month across our 14 national centres and private boarding establishments and that’s not including the massive numbers our independent local branch network are taking in too.

“In January we had a similar number of cats and dogs in our care but cat numbers have significantly increased throughout the year. Now we have more cats in our care than dogs.

“There are simply more cats and kittens coming into our care than we have the space for.”

The RSPCA is currently raising awareness during Adoptober, which is where the charity dedicates every October to raising awareness of the animals who are looking for homes in RSPCA centres and branches, after being rescued from heart-breaking cruelty and neglect.

The charity urged people to visit the RSPCA website to help rehome the influx of cats.