Devon’s unwanted kitten crisis ‘worse than ever’
Report by Duncan Williams for Pulman's Weekly News
A Devon animal charity is warning of a hidden pet welfare crisis as it faces an “unprecedented” rise in the number of abandoned and unwanted kittens needing urgent care.
Blue Cross is calling on cat owners across Devon to have their pets neutered, amid concerns that the cost of living crisis is contributing to more unplanned litters as owners struggle with veterinary costs.
The charity also believes some cats may be deliberately bred for sale, only for kittens to be brought into rescue when there are not enough buyers.
Stuart Insley, Centre Manager at Blue Cross in Devon, said the charity had never seen kittens arriving for help on such a scale.
“I have never seen kittens coming in for help on a scale like this,” he said.
“Almost every week we are seeing kittens that have been discovered by members of the public. Some are incredibly young and need round the clock care to give them the best chance of survival.
“This is in addition to the many unplanned and unwanted litters being brought in as well as pregnant cats.”
The scale of the problem is already evident at the Blue Cross centre in Exeter, which has taken in 15 kittens during the first half of this year alone.
That compares with 15 kittens being taken into the centre during the whole of 2022.
With summer traditionally being the peak period for cats giving birth, and recent heatwaves creating further concerns for animal welfare, Blue Cross fears the situation could become even more challenging in the weeks ahead.
Among the kittens currently looking for a new home are Pudding and Dumpling, a bonded pair of brothers who are hoping to find a peaceful and quiet home together.
Blue Cross says there are many more kittens, cats and other pets currently in its care across Devon, all desperately needing permanent homes.
The charity is urging people considering taking on a pet to consider rehoming rather than buying, while also encouraging existing cat owners to neuter their animals to help prevent unwanted litters.
Blue Cross says the pressures facing both pets and their owners have created a hidden welfare crisis, and it needs continued support to maintain its rehoming and veterinary services.
Members of the public can help by donating, fundraising, providing foster care, volunteering at pet food banks or supporting campaigns aimed at improving pet welfare.
More information about pets available for rehoming and how to support Blue Cross can be found at www.bluecross.org.uk
( Photos: Blue Cross 📸 )