RSPCS urges residents to adopt cats in ‘cat crisis’

COVENTRY RSPCA branch has seen an 11% increase in the amount of abandoned cats from 2019 to 2024.

This marks one of the highest levels of abandonment the charity has seen and is driven by factors including the rising cost of living, compulsory microchipping, increased vet fees, lack of neutering and the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The branch houses up to 80 cats and is at capacity daily and is often forced to turn away cars in need.

Other local animal charities, including Coventry Cats Protection and Coventry Cat Group, are also overwhelmed.

The RSPCA said six kittens were found abandoned in a closed cardboard box at Prologis Park in Coventry.

The cats, now named Crunchie, Fudge, Malteser, Picnic, Rolo and Twix, are currently at the center awaiting rehoming.

The cats were rescued from the side of the A45 and left with a note saying “I can no longer afford to look after these kittens, please look after them for me”.

Lorraine Bryan-Arnold, center manager, said: “This is the worst year for cats and kittens being abandoned that I have seen in my 20 years working at RSPCA Coventry.

“We have increased our farm in the last five years and we are already at full capacity.

“This is combined with a lack of interest in older cats, black cats and those with medical problems who stay with us longer.

“We are here to support the public, but as an independent charity for the national RSPCA, when we don’t have the space we strive to do more. “If we can raise funds and increase maternity staff, those will be two ways to help this crisis.”

Visit: rspca-coventryanddistrict.org.uk/donate/ to donate or email (email protected) to promote.