Number of abandoned cats soars by more than 30% in UK

Leading animal rescue charity describes situation as a ‘deepening crisis’, as cost of caring for pets rises

The number of cats and kittens being abandoned in the UK has soared by more than 30% this year, according to a leading animal rescue charity, which described the situation as a “deepening crisis”.

Last year Cats Protection helped a total of 184,000 cats, which equates to about 500 a day. However, the charity has launched an urgent appeal for donations as staff struggle with a 34% increase in abandonment cases in the first seven months of 2024.