7th November 2025
The event showcased its newly published Cats Manifesto Scotland and call for stronger political support to improve the lives of Scotland’s cats and their owners.
Marie said: “I was pleased to sponsor the Cats Protection reception at Holyrood alongside my colleague Christine Grahame MSP.
“It was great that so many MSPs came along to find out more on Cats Manifesto Scotland and it is vital that they spread the word on this important initiative that could give cats an improved quality of life.
“As a cat mum of two, I know how important this is, and I was delighted to highlight all the amazing work done by Cats Protection."
With an estimated 840,000 pet cats living in homes across Scotland, Cats Protection emphasised the importance of ensuring cat welfare is not overlooked in policy decisions. The reception aimed to raise awareness of the charity’s work and encourage MSPs to engage with their local branches and cat centres, helping to strengthen support for cats and their owners within communities.
The day was not only educational but also interactive, giving MSPs the opportunity to take part in a ‘true or false’ feline welfare challenge, where a leaderboard tracked the fastest times, and the winner Emma Roddick MSP received a cat-themed prize. MSPs were also invited to meet Cats Protection’s mascot cat and pose for photos to show their support for the charity’s work.
Cats Protection Advocacy & Government Relations Manager, Alice Palombo, said: “It was so promising to see MSPs and other animal welfare organisations attend our reception in Parliament to discuss our new manifesto. Many cats in Scotland continue to be victims of cruelty, neglect and accidental harm, and we hope our campaigning efforts will ensure cats are not forgotten by policy decision makers.”
Recent findings from Cats Protection’s research reveal there has been significant growth in the pedigree population. This is a worrying trend that could lead to welfare challenges. Some cats are being bred to have certain characteristics which come with health implications and a lifetime of pain and suffering.
The charity is concerned as 6% of cats acquired in Scotland in the last 12 months were breeds which can have characteristics that could be described as extreme and cause health and welfare issues, including Scottish Fold, Persian, Munchkin, Bully cat and Sphynx.
The reception featured a series of informative stalls hosted by Cats Protection teams from across Scotland, showcasing the breadth of the charity’s work and how MSPs can support both locally and nationally. Attendees had the chance to speak directly with representatives from their Lifeline, Cat Welfare, Operations and Advocacy teams.
The Cats Manifesto Scotland calls on decision makers to take action across five key areas:
Give cats the best life by improving cat breeding and rehoming activity regulations and ending unsuitable activities for cats such as cat cafes and cat yoga.
End cruelty by recognising offences such as cat theft and dog attacks and banning aversive training devices including shock collars.
Protect cats online by tightening rules around digital sales and addressing harmful cat-related content.
Recognise cats as family through compulsory microchipping and promoting pet-friendly rented housing.
Keep cats safe by restricting fireworks and improving labelling on toxic household products.
Cats Protection also highlighted that stress is now a greater barrier to vet visits than cost, highlighting the need for more accessible and cat-friendly veterinary care.
With 93% of Scottish cat owners viewing their pets as family, and younger owners increasingly influenced by social media and video content, the charity is urging policymakers to support targeted education and ensure cats are fully considered in future legislation.
Alice added: “We ultimately want to improve the lives of cats and their owners and protect them from harm. Scotland is a nation of cat lovers, and while there is already some strong legislation in place to protect cats, there is always more that can be done. It was wonderful to welcome MSPs who were keen to find out how they can support cats and the people who care about them.”
To find out more about Cats Protection’s campaigning work and download the full Cats Manifesto Scotland, visit: www.cats.org.uk/manifesto-scot
Ends
For a photo or more information, please contact Cats Protection’s Media Office on media.office@cats.org.uk or phone 01825 741 911.
Notes to Editors:
Cats Protection, the UK's leading cat welfare charity, helps an average of 157,000 cats and kittens a year through its national network which includes around 200 volunteer-run branches and 32 centres.
Cats Protection was founded in 1927 as the Cats Protection League. We ask that you use the name Cats Protection when referring to the charity.
Cats Protection is a registered charity 203644 (England and Wales), SC037711 (Scotland) and is listed as a Section 167 Institution by the Charity Commission of Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (06772997). Registered office National Cat Centre, Chelwood Gate, Haywards Heath, Sussex, RH17 7TT