CATS report launches to aid feline welfare

A leading feline welfare charity has announced a new annual report into cats and their owners, with its first highlighting some key “welfare issues of concern”.

The Cats and their Stats (CATS) report – the UK’s largest and most comprehensive report into cats and their owners – has been launched by Cats Protection, and is based on more than 10,000 interviews with cat and non-cat owners.

Findings

The report found:

• Approximately 2.6 million cats are not microchipped.
• A total of 88% of cats are neutered or spayed; however, 16% of females have a litter first.
• The majority of cats (79%) have no health concerns, but the most frequently occurring issues are dental and obesity (both 3%).
• A total of 1.7% of owners reported their cat had been poisoned and 1.6% reported their cat had been shot by an airgun – both equating to approximately 100,000 households in the UK.

‘Detailed data’

Cats Protection chief executive James Yeates said: “The report celebrates the special relationship we have with felines, highlighting how cats bring joy to our lives, and how we can better understand and adjust to their complex needs and behaviours.

“We now have detailed data on cat welfare issues of concern, such as the number of unmicrochipped cats or the number of cats affected by airgun attacks, which will greatly help Cats Protection’s campaigning efforts and calls for positive action.”

Annual report

Cats Protection plans to publish a CATS report every year, with a view to it being used to aid its rehoming, neutering, education and advocacy work.

One CATS report covers the UK, while regional versions for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are available. To view all reports, visit Cat Protection’s website.