A petition calling on the Government to introduce a national strategy to tackle cat overpopulation and mounting pressure on animal rescue organisations has been launched.
Created by Bradley Shaw, the petition calls for a coordinated approach to improving cat welfare across the UK, including greater access to affordable neutering and additional support for overstretched rescue centres.
It also calls for improved education around responsible pet ownership and for the Government to review measures aimed at reducing irresponsible breeding and the abandonment of cats.
The petition comes amid growing concern about the number of cats and kittens requiring help from animal welfare organisations.
Earlier this year, the RSPCA reported a 72% increase in cats entering its care, describing the rise as unprecedented for that time of year.
Animal welfare organisations have warned of a developing “cat crisis”, with unwanted litters and cats not being neutered contributing to increasing numbers of animals requiring rescue.
The RSPCA has also reported that the overall number of animals in its care reached a six-year high, with almost half being housed in emergency boarding facilities because its own centres were full.
Rescue centres struggling with demand
The petition warns that rescue organisations across the country are facing increasing pressure, with some unable to take in any more cats and kittens.
It argues that intervention at a national level could help prevent unwanted animals entering the rescue system in the first place while improving welfare for cats already requiring assistance.
The proposed national strategy would concentrate on four key areas: affordable and accessible neutering; greater support for rescue organisations; education promoting responsible pet ownership; and measures to tackle irresponsible breeding and abandonment.
Supporters argue that reducing the number of unwanted litters could relieve pressure on charities while preventing more cats from being abandoned or left waiting for places in already-full rescue centres.
Petition open until February 2027
The petition is due to remain open until 19 February 2027.
Under the parliamentary petitions system, petitions reaching 10,000 signatures receive a response from the Government.
Those reaching 100,000 signatures are considered for debate in Parliament, although reaching the threshold does not automatically guarantee that a debate will take place.
The petition’s progress will now depend on how much public support it attracts over the coming months.
