A significant increase in unneutered cats is being blamed for a surge in kitten numbers that Oxfordshire Animal Sanctuary has described as a crisis.
The rescue centre reports a substantial growth in enquiries about kittens over the past two years, with many cases involving stray or abandoned cats giving birth to litters in residential gardens and other locations where no owners can be identified.
The organisation’s representative described the situation as widespread, noting that animal rescues are finding it difficult to manage both the financial burden and the limited space available to take in animals promptly.
More than 70 cats are currently awaiting admission to the sanctuary, with numerous individuals either pregnant or already caring for litters of kittens.
The charity has expanded its network of foster homes fourfold over the past two years in an effort to manage the volume of enquiries, yet requests continue to arrive at a steady rate.
One particular case involved a property containing 25 cats, all of which had originated from a single unneutered female over a period of just two years.
The owner of the original cat could have avoided this situation by arranging neutering for approximately £100, or by obtaining a voucher through the RSPCA or Cats Protection schemes.
Addressing all 25 cats has resulted in costs running into several thousand pounds for the various charities involved.
The sanctuary is calling on cat owners to accept responsibility for their animals to prevent comparable situations from developing.
The representative stated that the essential message is clear: cats should be neutered, and those who cannot afford the procedure should seek assistance from organisations such as Cats Protection and the RSPCA.
Vet fees should not be cited as a reason for inaction, and individuals should not have acquired a cat if they cannot cover fundamental costs including neutering and vaccinations.