What is the "cat crisis" facing the RSPCA in North Yorkshire?

The RSPCA's York, Harrogate and District branch is facing a surge in cat rescues, with the number of cats in their 14 national centres more than doubling from around 800 in 2020 to 1,700 currently.

How is the RSPCA responding to the "cat crisis" in North Yorkshire?

The RSPCA is urging people in the region to consider adopting a rescue cat, as the charity's centres are now having to place incoming felines in private catteries due to a lack of space.

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RSPCA Battles "Cat Crisis" as Adoptions Lag Behind Rescues in North Yorkshire

Q: What are the main factors behind the "cat crisis" in North Yorkshire?

According to the RSPCA, the crisis is driven by people struggling with the high costs of pet ownership, including rising vet fees and the cost of pet food, as well as a decrease in the number of cat owners neutering their felines.

20 Oct

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Summary

RSPCA's York, Harrogate and District branch faces a surge in cat rescues
Number of cats in RSPCA's 14 national centres more than doubled since 2020
People struggling with rising vet fees and pet food costs after adopting during COVID

RSPCA Battles "Cat Crisis" as Adoptions Lag Behind Rescues in North Yorkshire

As of October 2025, the RSPCA's York, Harrogate and District branch is grappling with a significant surge in cat rescues, leading to a "cat crisis" in North Yorkshire. According to the charity, the number of cats in its 14 national centres has more than doubled from around 800 in 2020 to 1,700 currently.

The RSPCA has attributed this spike in cat rescues to several factors. Firstly, many people who adopted cats during the COVID-19 pandemic are now struggling to keep up with the high costs of pet ownership, including rising vet fees and the cost of pet food. Marie Sandall, an RSPCA animal welfare supervisor in North Yorkshire, states that "a few years later, with increases in vet fees and the cost of pet food, it's hitting home" for these new pet owners.