Warning to owners amid influx of abandoned kittens

Warmer weather and increased food availability can contribute to higher breeding rates among cats, leading to unplanned litters and homeless strays

An animal rescue centre is warning cat owners not to "get caught out this summer", as unneutered strays have caused an influx of kittens.

Bosses at Bath Cats and Dogs Home say they are currently caring for almost 30 kittens and their mums, many of which are believed to be abandoned.

The high cost of living has left many pet owners struggling to care for an unplanned litter of kittens, and a decline in adoption leaves them without a permanent home.

As the weather warms up, cats are more likely to roam, interact, and find food - prompting the shelter to urge owners to neuter their pets to prevent unwanted litters.

Cats can become pregnant as early as four months old and, if not neutered, may produce up to three litters a year - potentially resulting in hundreds of kittens over their lifetime.

This contributes to the overpopulation of surrendered or abandoned cats in shelters and rescue organisations, which are already struggling to stay afloat.

Bosses at the animal shelter said it costed about £1,700 to house a mum and a litter of kittens for a three-month stay.

On one day in May, a total of 15 cats arrived at the rescue shelter.

The charity has recently built an extension to cope with the increase in demand for accommodation and surgical theatres

In 2024, the rescue centre performed 185 cat neutering operations in their vet suite, which potentially prevented 1,700 unwanted kittens out in the community.

"It is really tough when abandoned pregnant cats or mums and their kittens are left to fend for themselves in the wild, with no food and at risk from predators," a spokesperson said.

"Luckily, some of our current rescue cats were rescued by RSPCA inspectors or members of the public who brought them to us or via a local vet."

'Please reach out'

The 2024 RSPCA Kindness Report revealed that 78% of pet owners say the cost of caring for their pets has increased over the past year.

"Don't get caught out this summer," a rescue centre spokesperson warned.

"Please ask your vet about getting your cat neutered as early as possible to avoid unwanted kittens.

"If you do have a pregnant cat and can't cope with kittens please reach out to your local vet or animal rescue centres for help."