The RSPCA has issued an urgent ‘Adoptober’ plea with a record 1,700 cats needing homes

The RSPCA has issued an urgent plea for people to provide loving homes for rescue cat, with a record-breaking 1,700 moggies currently in the RSPCA Manchester & Salford Branch.

The charity has dubbed this month ‘Adoptober’ as it rushes to rehome as many of these gorgeous cats as possible.

The RSPCA has said that the number of cats needing homes has more than doubled since 2020, with an all-time high number of animals in the care of its branches.

They have also found that it’s taking, on average, a week long to find new homes for cats (rising from 32.5 days in September last year to 40 days on average this year).

There are several cats locally who are desperate to find their forever homes, like Roxy, who’s received no interest since she was placed up for adoption.

The rise in numbers is partly due to several recent large-scale cruelty and neglect cases which have led to high numbers of cats being taken into the RSPCA’s care.

RSPCA cat welfare specialist, Alice Potter said: “We have an astonishing number of cats in our care who are looking for a new home. Many have come from recent large-scale cruelty and neglect cases.

“We’re experiencing an unprecedented rehoming crisis, with centres so full they are unable to accept any more cats – so most of the incoming animals are having to be placed in private catteries until spaces become free in our own rehoming centres.

“Despite the best efforts of those who care for them, life in a cattery can be stressful for cats so by finding them loving homes as quickly as possible we can also free up space for other cats who need our help.

“This month’s Adoptober rehoming campaign is encouraging more people to consider adopting one of the lonely cats featured on our Findapet website who are looking for a forever home.”

So back to that lovely girl Roxy – this five-year-old loving cat has been looking for a home for a couple of weeks but hasn’t had any interest.

Susie Hughes, Branch Manager, said: “Roxy came into our care from neglectful conditions – she had never been to a vet and had live fleas that had made her scratch her fur thin and cause scabs on her skin.

“Roxy has been in our care three weeks now and has really started to blossom. She is clearly feeling a lot better because she has now started to show her playful side and chase catnip toys.

“Roxy is a very sweet, people orientated kitty. She loves to weave around your legs, rub against you and even enjoy a lap snuggle – she just loves a fuss!”

Roxy has now moved into a foster home where she has come out of her shell more.

She is looking for a home where she will have plenty of peace and quiet, no dogs or other cats and any children aged over 11.

“What Roxy wants is plenty of sofa cuddles, sunbathing opportunities and the chance to potter outdoors is a must,” added Susie.

“If you are reading this and you are the purrfect person for her, please get in touch. We’d love to find her a home this Adoptober!”

You can find more cats and kittens available for adoption from the branch here.

Alice added: “There’s a cat for everyone: cute kittens, marvellous moggies, fireside felines and outdoor adventurers, we’ve got every kind of cat waiting for another chance at happiness.

“We always encourage prospective pet owners to look beyond appearance, breed and colour and instead look for a personality that matches you and your lifestyle. However, we also have purebred and pedigree cats coming into our care – so even those who have a particular breed or type in mind may find their perfect partner, without fueling problematic commercial breeding.

“We’d urge anyone ready and able to adopt a rescue animal to fill in a ‘perfect match’ form with your local RSPCA centre or branch and they’ll let you know when an animal who matches you comes into their care.”

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Featured image: RSPCA