Spain faces rising cat abandonment and shelter overcrowding

Animal shelters and associations in Spain are reporting a critical surge in cat abandonment. According to data from the Affinity Foundation, over 116,000 cats were rescued across the country last year, marking one of the highest figures in the last decade.

Local organizations are facing severe capacity issues. In Ponferrada, the shelter Peludines sin suerte reports an occupancy rate of 200% following the rescue of numerous litters. Similarly, in Marratxí, the association Moixets recently rescued kittens found in a trash container. Experts and local officials note that abandonment is a constant year-round issue rather than a seasonal one, highlighting a lack of effective public policies and social awareness.