Staff at the RSPCA Stapeley Grange cattery in Nantwich are caring for an “alarming” number of stray and abandoned kittens, as the centre reports an unprecedented surge in young cat admissions this summer.
Currently, 45 kittens under six months old are being looked after at the facility. In response, the charity is calling on the public to help reduce the numbers by neutering their cats.
An urgent appeal has also been launched to find adoptive homes for the growing number of kittens in care.
Among the newest arrivals are five-week-old kittens Nick, Charlie, Elle, and Tao. They were rescued by a member of the public in Crewe on September 8 during heavy rain. The kittens were found cold, wet, and covered in fleas. Their mother was nowhere to be seen and may have moved them due to flooding.
Just three days earlier, five 11-week-old black kittens—Galaxy, Rolo, Smartie, Sherbert, and Skittle—were found in Wistaston, again without their mother.
Cheddar, a young black and white cat estimated to be between six and twelve months old, also arrived at the cattery recently. She was discovered in a Crewe garden with her five kittens—four males and one female. Cheddar was not microchipped.
“We’ve never known a summer as challenging as this one,” said Nicola Chilton, deputy cattery manager. “The number of kittens coming through our doors has been unprecedented. Right now, we have 45 kittens and only four adult cats in care.”
Chilton believes several factors may be contributing to the problem. “Some owners might be avoiding neutering due to cost. Others may think they can rehome a litter, but later find they can’t. On top of that, demand for pets rose during the pandemic, and backstreet breeders have taken advantage by selling kittens online. Combined with the cost of living crisis, this has led to more cats needing care, many in poor condition.”
She urged potential pet buyers to use the RSPCA’s Kitten Checklist to make informed decisions.
The RSPCA warns that cats are prolific breeders. A single female can produce up to 18 kittens a year. To prevent overpopulation, cats should be neutered at four months old—before they can become pregnant.
Neutering not only helps reduce the number of unwanted cats but also benefits their health and wellbeing. Neutered cats are less likely to roam or fight, lowering their risk of injury and illness.
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