In light of today’s news about the so-called Croydon Cat Killer, Cats Protection has issued a renewed plea for owners to keep their cats in at night

Dr Vanessa Howie, Cat Protection’s Head of Clinical Services, said: "While we have not been involved in the investigation, our advice remains the same – for owners to keep their cats in at night to protect them. It is impossible to know for sure what caused these tragic cat deaths but keeping cats in overnight reduces the risks of fighting, infectious disease and road traffic accidents. Cats should also be neutered because it makes them less likely to roam or fight with other animals.

"For anyone concerned about their cats coming into contact with foxes, we would also recommend creating a cat-friendly garden which will encourage cats to stay closer to home. For example, by providing some hardy plants planted close together to create nooks and crannies for hiding, planting cat mint (for catnip) as well as creating a toileting site by freshly digging over a border close to the house. Owners can also discourage foxes by not leaving food out in their garden (if leaving food out for birds place it on a bird table well away from a fox or other animal’s reach) and ensuring dustbin lids are secure."

A leaflet containing further advice on keeping cats safe can found here

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For further information or an interview, please contact Cats Protection’s Media Office on 01825 741 911, at media.office@cats.org.uk, or @CPMediaTeam on Twitter.