RSPCA reports 67 per cent rise in mass-cat rescues
The RSPCA is reporting a significant surge in mass-cat rescues, noting a 67 per cent increase in incidents involving 10 or more cats in a single property over the last year. The charity dealt with 1,752 such incidents last year, up from 1,045 in 2024 and a 186 per cent increase from the 613 recorded in 2021.
These rising numbers are placing unprecedented pressure on RSPCA resources across England and Wales. In 2025, approximately 20,000 cats entered the charity's care, a figure officials fear may be exceeded this year. The charity also noted that cat breeding peaks between May and September, further straining limited space with unwanted kittens and pregnant mothers.
In Cambridgeshire, the Block Fen Animal Centre is currently seeking a home for Martha, a three-year-old cat rescued from a multi-cat household. Martha requires a quiet environment and access to the outdoors, and due to a history of cat flu, she would prefer to be the only pet in her new home.
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What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Mass-cat incidents rose by 67 per cent from 1,045 in 2024 to 1,752 last year. www.elystandard.co.uk · www.huntspost.co.uk · www.peterboroughmatters.co.uk
- [● 3 SOURCES] The RSPCA is facing unprecedented pressure on its resources in England and Wales due to mass-cat rescues. www.elystandard.co.uk · www.huntspost.co.uk · www.peterboroughmatters.co.uk
- [● 3 SOURCES] Approximately 20,000 cats entered RSPCA care in 2025. www.elystandard.co.uk · www.huntspost.co.uk · www.peterboroughmatters.co.uk
- [● 3 SOURCES] Mass-cat incidents increased by 186 per cent compared to the 613 recorded in 2021. www.elystandard.co.uk · www.huntspost.co.uk · www.peterboroughmatters.co.uk
- [● 3 SOURCES] The RSPCA dealt with 1,752 mass-cat incidents involving 10 or more cats in one property last year. www.elystandard.co.uk · www.huntspost.co.uk · www.peterboroughmatters.co.uk