RSPCA fears for unwanted kittens
The RSPCA is concerned a boom in kitten buying could lead to more cats coming into rescue centres and needing new homes.
The charity said there were 434 cat-related incidents in Shropshire this year.
This July saw Google searches for ‘kittens near me’ increase sixfold compared to the same period last year, according to the RSPCA.
During lockdown, there has also been an 188 per cent increase in searches for kittens within just a few months.
As people have more time on their hands, be it due to furlough or lockdown, the RSPCA has found that many have sought a pet to keep them company.
However, the animal charity has urged anyone thinking of getting a pet to consider whether they can care for them in the long-term – and not just for the pandemic.
Alice Potter, the RSPCA’s cat welfare expert, said: “It’s fantastic that so many people are interested in bringing a cat into their home this year.
"However, with such high increases in people searching for kittens online, it’s important that prospective owners are doing their research and not buying a kitten on impulse.
"This means making sure they have the time, money and resources to care for a cat for the rest of their lives, but also ensuring that if buying a kitten they are buying a healthy and happy kitten from a responsible breeder.
“It’s true that we see much higher cases of puppy farms than unscrupulous kitten breeders but it does happen which is why it’s so important to do your research and make sure you’re buying from a reputable seller.”
Since the start of the year, the RSPCA has received more than 45,000 incidents relating to cats meaning there are lots of cats in our care looking for homes.
The RSPCA would always encourage people to adopt a rescue cat instead.
If you are interested in offering a pet a home, see here
