25% rise in kittens handed in to Norfolk adoption centre amid cost of living crisis
Many people are struggling to feed and care for their pets
A charity which rehomes unwanted cats says its seen a 25% rise in the number of kittens being handed in to its adoption centre in Downham Market.
It comes as the spiralling cost of living has left many stuggling to feed and care for their pets.
Cats Protection fears the issue could get worse, with more cats being abandoned or given up for rehoming because of financial pressures.
Sam Taylor, Manager at Cats Protection’s Downham Market Adoption Centre, said: “We are all tightening our belts to cope with rising costs, such as growing vet bills and food costs. But we have also seen how some people are faced with unimaginably heart breaking decisions.
“Recently we rescued a heavily pregnant queen who was still only young herself. From her condition and where she was found, it is likely she was abandoned by owners who simply couldn’t cope with the prospect of a litter of kittens.
"It was a very sad case that didn’t end well for the kittens, but we were able to nurse the young mother back to health and hopefully she will find a new home soon.
“We have seen an increase in people looking for advice or financial support with neutering or to discuss relinquishing their cats, which is always sad.
"It’s not a decision anyone enters into lightly. We provide what advice we can to support cat welfare and ownership, and our neutering helpline is an important part of our work in the community.”
Cats Protection offers support for neutering pets through a means-tested scheme. You can find out more here.