Tag: Cats Protection

1 in 5 owners influenced by celebrities when choosing pets

More than one in five UK cat owners (22%) say they were influenced by a celebrity or social media influencer when choosing their cat, according to new research from Cats Protection – as welfare experts warn that “trendy” breeds can suffer from painful lifelong health conditions.

The survey of 2,000 cat owners found the impact of celebrity culture is particularly strong among pedigree cat owners. Over half (55%) of those with Scottish Fold, Persian and Burmese cats said a celebrity or influencer influenced their choice, compared to just 7% of owners of non-pedigree cats.

The findings come as pedigree cats now account for 36% of the UK cat population – a sharp rise from 23% in 2021 – with ownership growing fastest among affluent 18–34-year-olds, the age group most active on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

Cats Protection warns that the growing popularity of certain “aesthetic” breeds – often promoted online for their distinctive looks  –  carries serious welfare risks.

Selective breeding for features such as folded ears, flat faces, shortened legs or hairless bodies can lead to chronic health problems, including joint disorders, breathing difficulties and mobility issues.

Scottish Folds, for example, are bred for their distinctive folded ears but suffer from a genetic condition called osteochondrodysplasia, which can cause severe pain, stiffness and early-onset arthritis.

The research also suggests celebrity influence is shaping how people interact with their cats.

Owners influenced by celebrities were more likely to:

  • Walk their cats on leads (27% vs 21% overall)
  • Use transparent “bubble” pet carriers (38% vs 17%)

Cat behaviour experts warn that these trends may expose cats to stressful or unnatural situations, as many are uncomfortable being restrained or placed in unfamiliar environments.

The issue was recently highlighted by photos of celebrity Myleene Klass taking her pet kitten to work in a see-through bubble-style backpack, attracting around 300 likes on X.  

Adele Cullum, 29, from Southend, bought a Scottish Fold kitten after seeing the breed on social media posts by Love Island star Molly-Mae Hague.

“I first saw Scottish Folds on Molly-Mae’s social channels and it made me more interested in the breed,” she said.

“They looked so cute, so I decided to buy one online. For the first few months, Bella seemed fine – but then she stopped putting weight on her back legs and would cry in pain.”

A vet later confirmed Bella likely has breed-related health issues affecting her joints.

“Now she’s on anti-inflammatories and doesn’t walk the same way,” Adele said. “I worry she’ll live a life of pain. I wish I had known more before buying her.”

Adele is urging prospective owners to research thoroughly and consider adopting rather than buying pedigree cats online.

Sarah Merrett, Head of Cat Welfare Engagement at Cats Protection, said: “Celebrities and influencers can have a powerful impact – particularly on younger audiences – by shaping what’s seen as desirable or ‘on trend’.

“But they aren’t necessarily cat welfare experts, and may themselves be following trends.

“We’re concerned that increasing demand for certain breeds is contributing to serious welfare issues, especially where cats are bred for exaggerated physical traits.

“Before choosing a cat, it’s vital to seek advice from a reputable charity, vet or qualified behaviourist and consider what’s best for the animal – not what’s popular online.”

Cats Protection is calling on the UK Government to strengthen protections for cats by introducing tighter regulation of breeding and banning the breeding of cats with extreme physical traits linked to poor welfare.

Photos and video of Adele Cullum and Bella are available here ,

Letter: Mother’s Day call for change

Dear Letters Editor,

Many families are getting ready to celebrate Mother’s Day this weekend, but for too many female cats, motherhood looks very different.

Cats Protection is campaigning to ensure cats are not forgotten by decision‑makers in England. As part of our Cat Manifesto, we are calling on Westminster to introduce regulations on cat breeding, and to ban the breeding of cats with extreme characteristics. 

A lack of breeding regulations leaves female cats at risk of being used as breeding machines, producing multiple litters a year in poor and sometimes dangerous conditions. These cats are often kept solely for profit, with little regard for their health or wellbeing.

Stronger safeguards would help ensure female cats are better protected, and that anyone breeding cats meets clear welfare standards.

Motherhood matters – for humans and for animals. This Mother’s Day, we are asking readers to join us in calling for change, to give cat mums and their kittens the best lives possible.

The Government has left cats behind by failing to include any regulation on cat breeding in the new Animal Welfare Strategy. 

Readers can add their names to our open letter calling for urgent action here: 

Sign our Open Letter. 

Yours faithfully,

Annabel Berdy,

Cats Protection Advocacy & Government Relations Manager

Cats Protection launches short story competition

Cats Protection has announced the launch of a national short story competition, inviting aspiring writers from across the UK to submit imaginative tales that celebrate the unique bond between cats and humans.

Whether heartwarming, magical or mysterious, entries must feature cats at their core and highlight the special connection they share with people.

Stories will be judged by acclaimed authors Jane Fallon and Anne Twist as well as Scottish television presenter and mental health advocate Gail Porter and comedian Matt Richardson. 

“Cats have a magical place in my heart,” said Gail. “My cat always knows… well, my cat knows everything! Her special presence makes me feel so happy and I hope I do the same for her.

“I’m delighted to be involved in a competition that involves the many magical, wonderful stories you have about what makes cats so special to you. I can’t wait to read them all.”

The winning entries will be published in The Cat magazine and showcased on Cats Protection’s website, offering writers a valuable platform to share their work.

Both category winners will also win a goody bag gifted by competition partner, Cult Pens, each with a retail value of £350 as well as being offered a visit to a Cats Protection adoption centre to meet the cats awaiting rehoming.

Eligibility

  • Open to residents of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
  • Entrants must be aged 18 or over
  • Stories must be original and written in English
  • Two categories: children’s literature and adult literature
  • Minimum word count 250 words, maximum word count: 1,000 words
  • Stories must use Arial, 12pt, be double-spaced and be submitted by a word document or PDF using the entry form with the short story title as the file name 
  • One entry per person per category (separate entry fee required)

Entry Process

  • Complete the entry form and pay the fee of £10
  • Instructions for submitting stories will be sent via email
  • The competition is open to entries between Tuesday 20 January and Tuesday 31 March 2026.

“This competition is a wonderful opportunity to explore the charm, mystery and companionship of cats through storytelling,” said Abby Jackson from Cats Protection. “We’re excited to read the creative ways people capture the human-cat bond.” 

All stories must include or centre around a cat. Writers are encouraged to refer to Cats Protection’s Cat Welfare guidance to ensure responsible representation.

Full terms and conditions, along with tips from the judging panel, can be found at cats.org.uk/shortstory

Letter: Cats Protection urges action as cold snap bites

Dear Editor 

As temperatures plummet, we urge people to keep a caring eye on stray and abandoned cats without access to shelter or food. For them, the risk of hypothermia or painful frostbite is real.  

In the past 12 months, Cats Protection has taken in more than 26,000 cats left behind by life, including over 3,000 kittens from unwanted litters.  

Through no fault of their own, these cats have been given up or abandoned. They know only cold, fear and hunger. But we’re here for them until the tough times pass. 

Our winter fundraising and awareness campaign (cats.org.uk/alfie) aims to provide food, shelter and care for neglected cats.  

We have some simple tips to help all cats stay safe and warm this winter:  

  • Provide warm, draught-free resting spots. Self-heating pads are ideal for older cats. 
  • Tap your car bonnet and check underneath before starting up – cats love to hide there.
  • Check sheds and garages to ensure that cats seeking shelter don’t become trapped inside. 
  • Wipe your cat’s paws and coat when they come in. Grit, salt or antifreeze can be toxic if licked. 
  • Provide fresh water, checking it cannot freeze over. An indoor litter tray means your cat doesn’t have to venture out. 
  • Keep your cat in at night – and lock cat flaps to prevent them sneaking out in the cold. 

Cats are good at finding warm places to rest but for outdoor cats struggling to find shelter, we have tips to create a safe and dry winter bolthole that might save a life this winter. 

Yours faithfully  

Daniel Warren-Cummings 

Central Behaviour Officer, Cats Protection 

Cats Protection urges action as winter cold snap bites

As winter temperatures plummet across the UK, Cats Protection is urging people to keep a caring eye on stray and abandoned cats. 

Cold snaps can worsen conditions such as arthritis for all cats and wintry chills pose a particular danger to outdoor cats without access to shelter or food. For them, the deadly risk of hypothermia or painful frostbite is real. 

Daniel Warren-Cummings, Cats Protection Central Behaviour Officer, said: “In the past 12 months, our teams have taken in more than 26,000 cats who have been left behind by life, including over 3,000 kittens from unwanted litters. 

“Through no fault of their own, these cats have been given up or abandoned. They don’t know why they’ve been discarded, can’t tell us how they feel. They know only cold, fear and hunger. But we’re there to listen until the tough times pass.” 

This winter, Cats Protection has launched a fundraising and awareness campaign (cats.org.uk/alfie) to reach even more stray and abandoned cats in need of urgent help. 

As well as raising cash to provide food, shelter and care for neglected cats, Cats Protection has some tips to ensure cats stay safe and warm this winter: 

  • Provide warm, draught-free resting spots. Self-heating pads are ideal for older cats.
  • Tap your car bonnet and check underneath before starting up – cats love to hide there.
  • Check sheds and garages to ensure that cats seeking shelter don’t become trapped.
  • Wipe your cat’s paws and coat when they come in. Grit, salt or antifreeze can be toxic if licked.
  • Provide fresh water, checking it cannot freeze over. An indoor litter tray means your cat doesn’t have to venture out.
  • Consider keeping your cat in at night when temperatures drop – and lock cat flaps to prevent them sneaking out.  

Cats are good at finding warm places to rest but for outdoor cats struggling to find shelter, the charity has tips to create a safe and dry winter bolthole that might save a life this winter. 

For guidance on how to keep cats warm indoors and outside, visit: 

cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/home-and-environment 

Scottish cat owners continue to choose pedigrees over moggies

Pedigree cats continue to be the pet of choice for cat owners in Scotland with the scale tipping further in favour of breeds rather than moggies, according to Cats Protection. 

The charity’s Cats and Their Stats (CATS) Report 2025 revealed that between March 2024 and 2025: 

  • 126,000 cats were acquired in Scotland
  • 59% were pedigrees vs. 32% moggies
  • In the previous year: 37% were pedigrees vs. 51% moggies (out of 120,000 cats) 

Pedigrees now make up 37% of Scotland’s total cat population of 840,000 and alarmingly 6% of cats acquired in Scotland in the last 12 months are breeds with traits which can be described as being extreme, including Sphynx, Scottish Fold, Savannah, Munchkin and Bully cat. 

Alongside this increase, the proportion of ‘bought’ cats in the total Scottish cat population acquired over the past 12 months has increased by 4% (to 41%), bringing the percentage higher than the UK as a whole where 38% were bought rather than adopted or obtained by other means.  

Sarah Elliott, Cats Protection Central Veterinary Officer, says: “In the UK cat acquisition is increasingly skewing towards pedigree cats and purchase over adoption.

“We therefore need to motivate Scottish cat owners to help reverse the increasing popularity of buying and become enthusiastic adopters by championing the moggy, as well as highlighting all the benefits of adoption – including the adoption of pedigree cats from rescue organisations, when they occasionally become available.  

“When adopting from Cats Protection, like many other animal welfare organisations, not only does your pet come neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and with a clean bill of health, but there is also the huge satisfaction of giving a home to a cat that really needs one.” 

Elsewhere in the report a picture of Scottish owners shows them to be ‘cat focused’. Owners across the country are researching the needs of their cats more, and still primarily turning to their vet for advice.

Nonetheless, social media and video content are a pull for younger owners, and the charity advises them to ensure they are following reputable sources and continue to consult their vet. There has additionally been an increase in owners keeping their cats indoors as they fear them getting hurt or lost and in line with the rest of the UK, companionship is still the leading reason for Scottish people to own a cat.   

Vet engagement remains consistent in Scotland, however for the first time stress for either cat or owner has become the primary reason for Scottish owners not visiting the vet as much as they would like.

Cats Protection has tips for making vet visits less stressful which can be found at www.cats.org.uk/cats-blog/how-to-make-vet-visits-less-stressful-for-your-cat   

Alice Palombo, Cats Protection Advocacy and Government Relations Manager, says: “The increase in pedigree cats acquired over the past 12 months in Scotland, particularly those with extreme characteristics is a worrying trend.

“To safeguard cats’ welfare, we are calling for the licensing threshold for cat breeding to be lowered to two litters and would like to see more breeds of concern included in the government’s guidance offered to local authorities including exotic hybrid cats like Savannahs.

“It is notable that despite the increase in pedigrees acquired in Scotland, our recent Freedom of Information request revealed just 28 registered cat breeders across the country, compared with 249 dog breeders.

“This suggests perhaps breeders are not being incentivised to apply for cat breeding licences or there is a lack of enforcement which raises strong concerns about the health and wellbeing of the cats involved.”  

Elsewhere in the report a picture of Scottish owners shows them to be ‘cat focused’. Owners across the country are researching the needs of their cats more, and still primarily turning to their vet for advice.

Nonetheless, social media and video content are a pull for younger owners, and the charity advises them to ensure they are following reputable sources and continue to consult their vet. There has additionally been an increase in owners keeping their cats indoors as they fear them getting hurt or lost and in line with the rest of the UK, companionship is still the leading reason for Scottish people to own a cat.

Vet engagement remains consistent in Scotland, however for the first time stress for either cat or owner has become the primary reason for Scottish owners not visiting the vet as much as they would like. Cats Protection has tips for making vet visits less stressful which can be found at www.cats.org.uk/cats-blog/how-to-make-vet-visits-less-stressful-for-your-cat

Alice Palombo, Cats Protection Advocacy and Government Relations Manager, says: “The increase in pedigree cats acquired over the past 12 months in Scotland, particularly those with extreme characteristics is a worrying trend.

“To safeguard cats’ welfare, we are calling for the licensing threshold for cat breeding to be lowered to two litters and would like to see more breeds of concern included in the government’s guidance offered to local authorities including exotic hybrid cats like Savannahs.

“It is notable that despite the increase in pedigrees acquired in Scotland, our recent Freedom of Information request revealed just 28 registered cat breeders across the country, compared with 249 dog breeders.

“This suggests perhaps breeders are not being incentivised to apply for cat breeding licences or there is a lack of enforcement which raises strong concerns about the health and wellbeing of the cats involved.”

Further details can be found in Cats and their Stats Report Scotland 2025 with the UK-wide report  here.

Additional information about Cats Protection can be found at www.cats.org.uk 

Letters: Cats Protection thanks players of People’s Postcode Lottery

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF CHARITY

Dear Letters Editor,

This International Day of Charity (5 September) we would like to say thank you to each of the players of People’s Postcode Lottery whose generosity has enabled us to help around one million cats to date.

Since 2018, People’s Postcode Lottery players have raised £12,439,702 for Cats Protection, helping us be there for cats and kittens in need. One million cats’ lives have been changed for the better and this incredible milestone could not have been achieved without players’ support.

Thanks to People’s Postcode Lottery players we have been able to remain at the forefront of research on cat welfare, using our decades of experience to support cat owners to keep their pets happy, healthy and safe.

Helping people understand their cats means we can often avoid owners having to give up their pets. But when rehoming is the right thing to do, our teams look after cats with care and kindness,  finding them loving new homes.  

We speak up for cats, changing laws to give cats more protection and also run the world’s largest single-species neutering programme, for both pets and feral cats. 

When cat owners face hard times, we work to keep them with their pets, offering a temporary foster service for those fleeing domestic abuse, supporting those facing the loss of their cat as well as peace of mind when an owner passes away that their cat will be looked after and rehomed. 

Whatever it takes, we’re here for cats and the people who care for them, thanks to People’s Postcode Lottery players. 

Yours faithfully

Cat Jarvis

Senior Philanthropy Communications Officer, Cats Protection

Petplan partners with Fern Britton and Cats Protection to promote cat rehoming across the UK

Petplan, the UK’s No.1 pet insurer, is proud to collaborate with Fern Britton and Cats Protection to shine a spotlight on the number of cats in need of a forever home, as the numbers of cats in rescue centres across the UK increases.

Following the success of the TV series; Fern Britton: Inside the Vets, where Fern saw first-hand how much of a pet loving nation we are as she goes behind the scenes at The Grove veterinary practice, this initiative highlights the essential work done by rehoming centres to rescue and rehome cats across the country.

Cats Protection currently has around 2,000 cats in their centres. They take in cats for various reasons, including strays, unwanted litters, and changes in owners’ circumstances.

Each year around 3,000 cats are given up to Cats Protection due to behavioural issues. 66% (2,000) will have had difficulties settling into their home often because they aren’t getting along with the existing cat in the household. And 10% (300) are due to urinating or spraying in the home.

During a visit to the Cats Protection North West London Cat Centre, Fern witnessed the dedication of employees and volunteers working tirelessly to improve the lives of cats in rescue centres.

With thousands of cats awaiting new homes, the partnership encourages the public to consider adopting a cat and providing them with a loving forever home as well as offering advice to help reduce cats being given up and keep cats and their owners happy.

All cats rehomed from Cats Protection receive 4 weeks free Petplan insurance to help cover the cost of any vet bills that arise as they settle into their new surroundings.

Fern Britton is delighted to be working on the campaign and said: “As a proud cat mum, I’m thrilled to work alongside Petplan and Cats Protection to bring attention to the wonderful work being done in rescue centres across the UK.

“Every cat deserves a chance at a happy life, and by raising awareness, we hope to inspire more people to open their hearts and homes to these incredible animals.”

Mike Elliott, Cat Welfare & Operations Director for Cats Protection emphasised the importance of this initiative, and said: “We are delighted to have the support of Petplan and Fern Britton in our mission to find loving homes for the cats in our care.

“With so many cats in need, it is crucial to raise awareness and encourage adoption. Preventing cats coming into our care can be aided by following a gradual integration program at the cat’s pace, neutering cats when they are four months old, and ensuring pet cats are microchipped with the contact details kept up to date.”

Jo Maclennan, Director of Trading at Petplan, said: “Petplan is proud to have been working in partnership with Cats Protection for over 20 years and are committed to supporting animal welfare and helping pets get access to the care and love they deserve.

“We provide 4 weeks free insurance for every cat rehomed by Cats Protection to help cover the cost of any vet bills that arise as they settle into their new surroundings.

“We hope together with Fern Britton we can help Cats Protection rehome even more pets this summer”

Letter to the Editor: Cats need sun protection too

Dear Letters Editor,

This Sun Awareness Week (12-18 May) we would like to remind cat owners that it’s not only humans that need sun protection as the weather heats up, but cats too, especially those with pale or thin fur.

At Cats Protection we often take cats into our care who have been out in the sun for extended periods and have developed cancerous cells as a result. Cats with unpigmented ears or noses are susceptible to skin cancer through sun damage and we know that a third of all skin cancers that are presented in cats are due to sun exposure.

We recently treated all-white cat Gracie’s sun damaged ears which had become burned and painful, leading to the development of skin cancer.

The treatment she needed was the complete removal of her ear flaps.

Thankfully she has made an excellent recovery and has been successfully rehomed, however this could easily have been a different outcome if the cancer had developed further.

There are some simple tips that can help protect cats in the sun including:

  • Keeping your cat indoors when the sun is at its hottest, typically between 10am and 3pm
  • Speaking to a vet about a suitable sunscreen for your cat
  • Ensuring there is outdoor shade, such as boxes or plant pots placed close together
  • Providing outdoor water to avoid the risk of your cat becoming dehydrated.

The Cats Protection website has plenty more tips and guidance for keeping cats safe during warm weather  – www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/home-and-environment/cats-and-warm-weather   

Yours faithfully

Sarah Elliott BVetMed MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats) MRCVS

Central Veterinary Officer, Cats Protection