Animal charity warns pet hoarders driving rise in cats needing homes

The RSPCA has reported a significant increase in the number of cats needing homes, attributing the rise to pet hoarders who keep excessive numbers of cats without adequate care. The charity described the situation as reaching a "crisis point," with more abandoned cats arriving at their centers than can be adopted promptly.

In 2025, the RSPCA experienced a 67% increase in multi-cat rescues, with 1,752 incidents involving ten or more cats at a single location. One notable case involved a home in Woking, Surrey, where a colony of over 50 cats was found living in poor conditions, including infestations of worms and fleas.

The owner of the Woking home expressed deep affection for the cats but felt overwhelmed and unable to manage the growing number, leading to the intervention of the charity. Over nine days, volunteers and officers coordinated veterinary care, neutering, and emergency fostering, resulting in 36 cats entering charity care and 17 adults being neutered and returned to the home.

The charity encourages anyone in similar situations to seek help promptly to prioritize animal welfare. An animal rescue officer involved in the operation emphasized the importance of reaching out for assistance despite the fear or embarrassment that may be felt.