A COUNTY RSPCA rehoming centre has appealed for a new family for an Evesham 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.
Shadow, who was found as a stray in Evesham, was suffering from a severe case of cat flu.
She was brought into the centre by an RSPCA inspector in April and was given medication.
She had to be kept in isolation to prevent the spread of infection, with staff believing this to have had an impact on her progress.
Shadow tends to hide away in her bed, only venturing out for food, although she now accepts strokes and head rubs from people she trusts.
She is looking for a quiet, calm and patient home with people who are going to give her plenty of space and continue to build up her confidence.
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.
