The charity hopes that owners will get behind the manifesto to call on key policy-makers to protect cats from abandonment, harm and neglect.

Manifesto aims to put feline welfare on the political agenda

The nation's leading cat charity, Cats Protection, will today (10 Feb) launch the UK's first 'Manifesto for Cats' in parliament. The manifesto aims to put feline welfare on the political agenda ahead of the General Election.

During a reception hosted by Neil Parish MP, chairman of the Associate Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare, Cats Protection will unveil a 10-point document to MPs and invited guests.

The document, compiled following a three-month public consultation, includes a "wish list" of policies such as controlling the irresponsible breeding and sale of cats, tighter regulations on the licensing of airguns, banning snares and the inclusion of animal welfare in the National Curriculum.

The charity hopes that owners will get behind the manifesto to call on key policy-makers to protect cats from abandonment, harm and neglect.

Jacqui Cuff, Cats Protection's advocacy manager, said: “Over the past few years, we have been contacted about a worrying number of issues that our supporters and the general public want us to raise with Government.

"Cats Protection is pleased to be working with Government and to be presenting our first ever Manifesto for Cats. Delivery of the manifesto would improve the lives of thousands of cats and prevent them from harm.

“On a daily basis we hear and witness instances where cats suffer unimaginable pain and suffering – from being the unintended victim of a snare, being peppered with shots from airguns or trying to survive without food or shelter as an unwanted and abandoned stray on the streets.

“As part of a caring society, it is our duty to speak up for cats.  Policies need to change and politicians can make that happen. As we approach the 2015 General Election we are calling on existing and prospective MPs to get behind our Manifesto for Cats to ensure that one of the nation's best loved pets is fully protected by policies and the law.”

Neil Parish MP said: “As a cat owner myself I am delighted to host the launch of the first ever ‘Manifesto for Cats’. There are areas of feline welfare where more work should and can be done to tackle cat abandonment. I look forward to submitting this Manifesto to the Secretary of State”.

In addition to the manifesto, Cats Protection will also be releasing a new video on YouTube in which cat lovers will call on politicians to take action to improve feline welfare.