Cat crisis: RSPCA receives 364 reports in Greater Manchester since lockdown

The RSPCA is facing a cat crisis as the charity cares for more cats than any other pet with more than 1,000 felines currently in its care.

Since lockdown, the charity has taken 324 cats into its care, more than any other pet, and fears that the situation is set to get worse, as the traditional kitten season gets underway.

There is always an influx of youngsters at this time of year, but lockdown means that it is harder for owners to neuter their pets and the charity’s experts fear they will see even more unwanted litters coming through its doors.

Since the start of lockdown, there have been 6,630 incidents reported to the charity’s hotline about cats, with 364 incidents reported in Greater Manchester.

These include a mother cat and her three kittens which were rescued by the RSPCA on April 20 after a member of the public found them abandoned in a carrier bag in Salford.

Luella and her kittens, who are about 18 days old, are now being cared for by the RSPCA Manchester and Salford branch.

Ruby is another young mum who was rescued by the RSPCA after being found struggling to give birth in Hyde.

She’s so young she couldn’t give birth naturally and sadly three of her five kittens passed away.

Animal rescuers at the charity have been designated key workers by the Government and the charity has launched an emergency appeal for vital funding which  is needed to help the RSPCA’s frontline staff continue this crucial work across England and Wales.

Dr Samantha Gaines, head of the RSPCA’s companion animal department, said: “We are currently caring for more cats than any other pet throughout the coronavirus crisis.

"Every year, the scale of the cat overpopulation problem becomes even more apparent from May to September when most cats are born as the RSPCA is often overwhelmed with kittens.

"The kitten season this year will continue despite COVID-19 and so the charity is bracing itself for even more cats.”

The charity is currently caring for 1,013 cats (as of May 13) which is more than any other pet in its care, including 10 cats at Greater Manchester Animal Hospital.

Last year (2019), there were 108,190 incidents reported about cats, with 5,217 in Greater Manchester.

Sam added: “Our frontline officers will continue to rescue as many cats as we can and our animal centre staff, hospitals and branches will carry on caring for the many cats coming into our care throughout the crisis.

"We rely on donations from our generous supporters to carry out this vital work and need their support now more than ever as our services become stretched to the limit.

“We believe neutering cats from four months old will help tackle the cat overpopulation problem the UK faces.

"This will reduce the amount of unwanted and unexpected litters of kittens that are born and sadly end up in rescue centres.

"We understand that many owners may not be able to get their pets neutered at the moment as understandably vets are prioritising emergencies in the face of Covid-19 and restricting other procedures.

"It is important to follow your vet’s guidance and understand if they cannot neuter your pet at this time.

"We would urge anyone with an unneutered female cat to keep them indoors.

"If you have a male/female pair or really can’t keep your cat inside, do call your vet to discuss options.”

The RSPCA has plenty of information on how to keep your cat entertained indoors on its website.

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