A COUNTY RSPCA rehoming centre has appealed for a new family for a Droitwich cat found as a stray after ‘heartbreaking’ statistics revealed more unwanted furry friends were taken in this year than at any time since the shelter first opened in 2016.
Nearly 200 cats have come through the doors of the Holdings Animal Centre this year, a rise of 32 per cent compared to the same period in 2022.
The impact of the cost-of-living crisis has left many more people choosing to rehome their pets, although several cats have also been deliberately abandoned or become injured or pregnant while trying to survive on the streets.
Patch came into the centre’s care in June after living on the streets for at least six months.
The cat, thought to be around three years old, was suffering from a nasty injury to his right ear which had turned septic and sadly had to be removed.
He is said to be a gentle and easy-going boy who loves his food and is often found waiting for his next meal at the front of his pen.
He has also taken the centre’s kittens under his wing.
Claire Wood from The Holdings, which is run by the RSPCA’s Worcester and Mid-Worcestershire Branch, said: “We’re seeing a record number of unwanted cats and the situation is showing no sign of slowing down.
“Together with our small team of fosterers, we’ve currently got 48 cats and kittens in our care and we also have a long waiting list.
“We’re also getting calls on an almost daily basis from people who want to relinquish their pets, it’s heartbreaking.
“We’ve seen a slowdown this year in people wanting to adopt kittens, particularly pairs.”
Visit www.rspca.org.uk/cruelty for more information.
