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Big rise in cats given up for financial reasons
"For many people, cats are part of the family, so it is naturally very difficult to be facing such an upsetting situation" – Peter Shergold.
A broad range of owners are now struggling with costs.

Cats Protection has seen a big increase in the number of cats being given up for financial reasons so far this year, as the cost-of-living crisis continues to hit pet owners.

During the period from January to May 2023, the charity saw an almost 50 per cent rise in the number of owners citing financial reasons when handing over a pet cat compared to the same period in the previous year.

Charities across the country, including Cats Protection, have been offering help to struggling owners through pet food banks and financial assistance towards pet care, including help with neutering costs.

However, the number of owners finding it difficult to afford to look after their pets is continuing to grow.

The most recent Animal Kindness Index highlighted that pet owners between 18-24 years old in particular were struggling with rising costs. But the problem is not confined to one group.

Cats Protection is being contacted by a variety of people finding it hard to afford to look after their pets, including a growing number of pensioners and households which would have been described as well-off before the cost-of-living crisis.

Peter Shergold, head of field operations at Cats Protection, said: “We are now regularly hearing from struggling owners who have had to make the heartbreaking decision to give up their cat because they can no longer afford the costs of their care. For many people, cats are part of the family, so it is naturally very difficult to be facing such an upsetting situation.

“Families remain the largest group citing financial reasons for giving up their cats, but we are also seeing an increase in older people and pensioners finding themselves in this position. Our research has been showing us that it is both low-income households and those who would have previously been described as well-off who are struggling financially to keep their cats.

“We’ve been working hard to support owners during the cost of living crisis and have set up an online hub where owners can find lots of information and support. We are doing everything we can to help more owners keep their cats, and we are grateful for the many animal lovers who have been supporting this work by making a donation.”

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."