Campaigners from Cats Protection gathered in Parliament Square today as the UK’s largest cat charity called on the Government to urgently address the abandonment of cats from their recent Animal Welfare Strategy.

The gathering brought together supporters, volunteers and staff to highlight the growing and largely unregulated trade in kittens and cats - a market the charity warns is putting thousands of animals at risk.

Cats Protection representatives also travelled to 10 Downing Street to deliver a petition with more than 60,000 signatures urging the Government to introduce regulation of cat breeding in England.

Madison Rogers, Associate Director of Advocacy and Campaigns at Cats Protection, said: “By failing to introduce even basic safeguards for cat breeding, the Government has left cats exposed to severe health problems and lifelong suffering. While other species have been recognised within the Animal Welfare Strategy, cats – one of the nation’s most popular companion animals – have been completely overlooked.

“This lack of action is allowing a largely unregulated breeding market to thrive, where underage, sick and genetically compromised kittens can be bred and sold with little oversight.

“Rising demand for extreme‑trait breeds, fuelled by social media trends, is becoming a ticking time bomb for cat welfare, despite the well‑documented and lifelong health issues these cats can face.

“Today’s action shows just how strongly the public feels about this issue. More than 60,000 people have added their names to our call for change, and they are right to expect the Government to act.

“Cats deserve the same protections as other animals, and we urgently need clear commitments to close these welfare gaps and prevent further suffering.” 

Cats Protection is urging the Government to commit to:

·       Regulating cat breeding to prevent harmful and extreme breeding practices

·       Banning electric shock collars

·       Creating a single point of search for microchipping databases

·       Providing clarity and timelines on enforcement of current welfare laws, banning snares, and protecting rescue and rehoming organisations

The charity warns that without regulation, underage, sick or genetically compromised cats will continue to be bred and sold.

Demand for extreme‑trait breeds - such as Scottish Folds, Munchkins and Sphynx cats - is rising, despite well‑documented and lifelong welfare problems associated with these breeds.

Cats Protection is urging the public to add their voice by signing an Open Letter at www.cats.org.uk