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Big rise in cats given up for financial reasons
"For many people, cats are part of the family, so it is naturally very difficult to be facing such an upsetting situation" – Peter Shergold.
A broad range of owners are now struggling with costs.

Cats Protection has seen a big increase in the number of cats being given up for financial reasons so far this year, as the cost-of-living crisis continues to hit pet owners.

During the period from January to May 2023, the charity saw an almost 50 per cent rise in the number of owners citing financial reasons when handing over a pet cat compared to the same period in the previous year.

Charities across the country, including Cats Protection, have been offering help to struggling owners through pet food banks and financial assistance towards pet care, including help with neutering costs.

However, the number of owners finding it difficult to afford to look after their pets is continuing to grow.

The most recent Animal Kindness Index highlighted that pet owners between 18-24 years old in particular were struggling with rising costs. But the problem is not confined to one group.

Cats Protection is being contacted by a variety of people finding it hard to afford to look after their pets, including a growing number of pensioners and households which would have been described as well-off before the cost-of-living crisis.

Peter Shergold, head of field operations at Cats Protection, said: “We are now regularly hearing from struggling owners who have had to make the heartbreaking decision to give up their cat because they can no longer afford the costs of their care. For many people, cats are part of the family, so it is naturally very difficult to be facing such an upsetting situation.

“Families remain the largest group citing financial reasons for giving up their cats, but we are also seeing an increase in older people and pensioners finding themselves in this position. Our research has been showing us that it is both low-income households and those who would have previously been described as well-off who are struggling financially to keep their cats.

“We’ve been working hard to support owners during the cost of living crisis and have set up an online hub where owners can find lots of information and support. We are doing everything we can to help more owners keep their cats, and we are grateful for the many animal lovers who have been supporting this work by making a donation.”

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Webinar to explore AMR in vet dentistry

News Story 1
 The WSAVA has invited veterinary professionals to a webinar on responsible antibiotic usage in dentistry.

On 19 November 2025, at 1am, Dr J Scott Weese and Dr Brooke Niemiec will share the latest advice for antimicrobial use. They will present research on oral bacterology, and explain how attendees can choose appropriate antibiotics.

The session will cover pre-, intra- and post-operative guidelines, with recommendations for various pathologies.

The webinar is designed to support veterinary professionals to make informed decisions and tackle antimicrobial resistance.

Attendees can register here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue reaches Wales for first time in 2025

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has revealed that bluetongue has been confirmed in Wales for the first time in 2025.

In their latest statistics, APHA records a total of 109 cases of BTV-3 or BTV-8 in Great Britain in the 2025-2026 vector season.

The total number of BTV-3 cases in Great Britain this season is 107. This includes 103 cases within the England restricted zone and four cases in Wales.

There has also been two cases of BTV-8, which were both in Cornwall.

As a result of the cases in Wales, a Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) is enforced in Monmouthshire. Animals can move freely under general license within the England Restricted Zone, however animals with suspected bluetongue must stay on their holding.

All premises testing positive for blue tongue can be viewed on this map.