THESE photos show three adorable kittens who may give paws for thought if anyone can find them a new home as cat numbers in RSPCA care reach a record high.
The RSPCA is urging people to consider adopting a rescue cat from RSPCA Worcester and Mid-Worcestershire Branch.
New data unveiled during the RSPCA’s Adoptober rehoming drive reveals that the number of cats being cared for and needing homes in the charity’s 14 national centres has more than doubled from some 800 in 2020 to around 1,700 this summer.
At RSPCA Worcester and Mid-Worcestershire Branch there are several cats waiting for their forever homes right now - including three kittens, Ellie, Eden and Elisha who defied the odds and survived after becoming severely ill at eight weeks old.
RSPCA records also showed cats are now waiting more than a week longer to find a new home - 40 days on average, a rise from 32.5 days in September last year (23 per cent increase).
The rise in numbers is partly due to several recent large-scale cruelty and neglect cases which have led to high numbers of cats being taken into the RSPCA’s care.
RSPCA cat welfare specialist, Alice Potter said: “We have an astonishing number of cats in our care who are looking for a new home. Many have come from recent large-scale cruelty and neglect cases.
“We’re experiencing an unprecedented rehoming crisis, with centres so full they are unable to accept any more cats - so most of the incoming animals are having to be placed in private catteries until spaces become free in our own rehoming centres."
This month’s Adoptober rehoming campaign is encouraging more people to consider adopting one of the cats featured on the Findapet website.
Ellie, Eden and Elisha in the RSPCA Worcester and Mid-Worcestshire Branch are a bonded trio of kittens who suffered with Parvovirus as babies.
Claire Wood from the branch explained that at just eight weeks they had a home lined up but they fell ill with severe diarrhoea.
Recommended reading:
- 'Training hours pay off' as Eden hits eight from eight conversions
- Is 'big cat' prowling golf course after huge paw prints shock 'man with big feet'?
- 'More than Nimbyism': Plans for children's home turned down
She added: “Little Eden in particular, was extremely poorly and all three were admitted to hospital where the prognosis was not good.
“Their potential adopters were told to expect the worst, and advised that they may be better to adopt other needy kittens. Things were looking very bleak indeed.
“Yet somehow, these girls defied the odds and survived and all we now see are playful, happy and healthy young cats who are thriving and finally ready to find their forever home."
If potential adopters cannot home all three together, Elisha is described as 'the most confident of the gang'. -Those who are interested in adopting the kittens are asked to email animalcentrestaff@rspcaworcester.org.uk to enquire.
If you are interested in Ellie, Eden and Elisha please fill out an online application form.
More information about cats and other animals available for adoption can be found on the RSPCA’s ‘Findapet’ webpage.
