RSPCA Worcester takes in 60 kittens in eight weeks as cost-of-living hits pet owners

The RSPCA’s Holdings Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Kempsey has seen 60 kittens arrive over the last eight weeks

The charity believes this to be the affect of the cost-of-living crisis, with many pet owners left struggling to afford to care for their animals.

So far this year, the Worcester shelter has taken in 99 kittens, compared to 104 and 77 for the whole of 2021 and 2020 respectively. 

Volunteer Claire Wood said: “As a charity we’re seeing more and more pregnant female cats - barely more than a year old themselves - coming into our care, as well as litters of unwanted and abandoned kittens and unneutered male cats who are battered and bruised as a result of fighting and straying.

“We know that many people are under immense financial pressure at the moment and that pet owners are hugely concerned about rising prices and how this will impact on their ability to care for their animals, something they fed back to us in our Animal Kindness Index.

“Along with other cat and vet organisations we’d strongly encourage people to get their cats neutered from four-months-old to protect them from certain diseases, prevent unexpected and costly litters of kittens and help ease the pressure on animal welfare charities like ourselves.”

Rochelle and her kittens were found in a garden in Worcester (Image: Rochelle and her kittens were found in a garden in Worcester)

Among the recent arrivals are Aspen, Francis, Spruce, Rowan and Juniper who, at roughly six weeks old, were found living outside after their mum Rochelle gave birth to them in a garden in Worcester.

Volunteers from the centre, run by the RSPCA’s Worcester and Mid-Worcestershire branch, spent several days trying to trap the homeless feline family after the concerned homeowner contacted them for help.

It is thought that Rochelle, who is still only young herself, has already given birth to several litters of kittens.

She has now been neutered and is ready for her forever home.

Staff who have cared for her describe her as a “sweet-natured” cat that enjoys food and fuss.

Rochelle is ready for her forever home (Image: Rochelle is ready for her forever home)

The RSPCA is urging anyone looking to bring a pet into their home to consider adopting rather than buying.

This comes as the charity launches its annual Adoptober rehoming drive, which runs throughout October.

You can find out more details about how to adopt an animal from The Holdings by visiting the centre’s website.

The RSPCA is urging people to consider adopting over buying (Image: The RSPCA is urging people to consider adopting over buying)