RSPCA concerned more cats will need care in Hampshire and Wiltshire
It's as the number of searches for "kittens near me" sky-rockets.
Last updated 19th Oct 2020
According to the RSPCA, the number of Google searches in July increased by 667% across the country compared to the same time last year.
That trend has also been reflected over lockdown, which has seen a 188% increase in searches for kittens within a few months.
The animal charity thinks the rise is due to people having more time on their hands during lockdown, but it's urging them to seriously consider whether they can definitely care for them after the pandemic.
The RSPCA's cat welfare expert, Alice Potter, said:
"It’s fantastic that so many people are interested in bringing a cat into their home this year. However, with such high increases in people searching for kittens online, it’s important that prospective owners are doing their research and not buying a kitten on impulse."
"This means making sure they have the time, money and resources to care for a cat for the rest of their lives, but also ensuring that if buying a kitten they are buying a healthy and happy kitten from a responsible breeder."
The RPSCA also revealed that since the start of this year they have responded to 1,110 cat incidents in Hampshire and 456 in Wiltshire.
Alice continued:
"Sadly, we do see cases of cats coming into our care who have been bought without the correct vaccinations, care or attention and the results can not only be devastating for the cats themselves but also the new owners who have to provide the time and cost it takes to look after these very poorly kittens."
"This is why the RSPCA and other cat charities have come together to create The Kitten Checklist to provide vital information, such as ensuring you see the kitten with its mum and siblings in the place where they were bred, and peace of mind for anyone looking to bring a kitten into their home."
As well as concerns more cats will need the animal charity's care, the RPSCA is bracing itself for a "kitten season boom" next year as routine neutering procedures had to be put on hold during lockdown.
If you have the time, money and resources to look after an animal, you can see rescue cats needing a home on the RSPCA's website.