RSPCA faces capacity crisis as cat numbers hit all-time high

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 22:44 · Archive

The RSPCA says cats are arriving at its shelters faster than they can be rehomed, with about 20,000 taken into care last year.

The RSPCA has warned of a cat crisis at rescue centres across England and Wales, with abandoned cats now outnumbering dogs in the charity's shelters. About 20,000 cats were taken into care last year, and the charity believes that figure will be exceeded this year. Cats are arriving faster than they can be rehomed, despite staff finding homes for almost 70 animals a day.

A significant factor is the surge in large-scale rescues from hoarders. In 2025, the RSPCA responded to 1,780 incidents involving 10 or more cats at a single address – almost five every day and a nearly 65% increase on the previous year, involving more than 36,000 cats in total. Last month, 26 cats and kittens were found in sealed plastic boxes and carriers dumped beside flytipped rubbish in a Birmingham alleyway; many were struggling to breathe, underweight and flea-ridden.

Beth Clements, the RSPCA's assistant director of animal services, said: 'We've seen a huge influx of cats and kittens. Sadly it just isn't slowing down – and it's having a massive impact on our centres and branches.' The charity is urging pet owners to have their cats neutered as kittens, and is asking people across England and Wales to consider adoption. The Independent reports that mental-health struggles, the cost-of-living crisis and breeders with poor practices contribute to households where large numbers of animals are kept in poor conditions.

How it is being reported

• RSPCA struggling with capacity crisis as number of unwanted and homeless cats hits all-time highRecord toll of felines needing new homes strains charity’s centres as large-scale rescues soarThe Independent · 20 Oct, 22:22
• ‘We really need help’: RSPCA faces capacity crisis as cats arrive faster than they can be rehomedAbout 20,000 cats were taken into charity’s care last year, an increase driven in part by pet hoarders There is a cat crisis in rescue centres across the country, the RSPCA has warned, as abandoned felines now outnumber dogs in the charity’s shelters. Cats are arriving in RSPCA centres faster than they can be rehomed, and the charity is asking people across England and Wales to consider adopting. Pet owners are being urged to neuter their cats as kittens are increasingly being found dumped in perilous conditions. Continue reading...Guardian World · 20 Oct, 15:59

In this story: RSPCA · England · Wales · Beth Clements · Birmingham

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