Mina and Leo are currently RSPCA Hillingdon, Slough, Windsor, Kingston & District Branch’s ‘longest stay’ cats after arriving in their care back in August.
New data unveiled during the RSPCA’s Adoptober rehoming drive reveals that the number of cats being cared for and needing homes – just in the charity’s fourteen national centres – has more than doubled from some 800 in 2020 to around 1,700 this summer*. Whilst there are thousands more being cared for by the RSPCA’s dedicated branches network across England and Wales.
At RSPCA Hillingdon, Slough, Windsor, Kingston & District Branch there are several cats waiting for their forever homes right now – along with Mina and Leo.
RSPCA records also showed cats are now waiting more than a week longer to find a new home – 40 days on average, a rise from 32.5 days in September last year (23% increase).
Although RSPCA centres and branches across England and Wales rehome more cats than any other animal – more than 17,000 last year or about two every single hour – there are still record numbers of cats in the charity’s care.
The rise in numbers is partly due to several recent large-scale cruelty and neglect cases which have led to high numbers of cats being taken into the RSPCA’s care.
RSPCA cat welfare specialist, Alice Potter said: “We have an astonishing number of cats in our care who are looking for a new home. Many have come from recent large-scale cruelty and neglect cases.
“We’re experiencing an unprecedented rehoming crisis, with centres so full they are unable to accept any more cats – so most of the incoming animals are having to be placed in private catteries until spaces become free in our own rehoming centres.
“Despite the best efforts of those who care for them, life in a cattery can be stressful for cats so by finding them loving homes as quickly as possible we can also free up space for other cats who need our help.
“This month’s Adoptober rehoming campaign is encouraging more people to consider adopting one of the lonely cats featured on our Findapet website who are looking for a forever home.”
Mina and Leo – RSPCA Hillingdon, Slough, Windsor, Kingston & District Branch
Mina and Leo are young cats aged one year old and have been waiting for far too long for a loving home to call their own.
Branch Volunteer Jenny Hodge said: “We really hope there is someone out there who is the perfect person for our wonderful pair of feline friends Mina and Leo,
“These two came to us through no fault of their own and are now waiting patiently for their forever home.
“You’ll often find them asleep happily curled up or having a play.
“Sometimes Mina gives Leo a bop on the head, mostly because he is bigger and squashes her during her nap. They are both friendly and full of character.”
Mina and Leo could live with teenage school children and once settled will need access to a garden.
If you are interested in Mina and Leo please visit their online profile or contact the branch via rspca@rspcahillingdonclinic.org.uk. You can find more cats and kittens available for adoption from the branch here.
Alice added: “There’s a cat for everyone: cute kittens, marvellous moggies, fireside felines and outdoor adventurers, we’ve got every kind of cat waiting for another chance at happiness.
“We always encourage prospective pet owners to look beyond appearance, breed and colour and instead look for a personality that matches you and your lifestyle. However, we also have purebred and pedigree cats coming into our care – so even those who have a particular breed or type in mind may find their perfect partner, without fueling problematic commercial breeding.
“We’d urge anyone ready and able to adopt a rescue animal to fill in a ‘perfect match’ form with your local RSPCA centre or branch and they’ll let you know when an animal who matches you comes into their care.”
