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.

Additionally, the charity has suggested that a decrease in the number of cat owners neutering their felines is contributing to the problem. As Alice Potter, an RSPCA cat welfare specialist, explains, "The average litter of kittens is about five or six. If those don't get neutered either, it becomes a vicious circle." This has led to an ongoing influx of cats and kittens needing rescue and rehoming.

To address the crisis, the RSPCA is urging people in North Yorkshire to consider adopting a rescue cat, as the charity's centres are now having to place incoming felines in private catteries until spaces become available, which can be stressful for the animals.