Animal rescue centres across England and Wales are struggling to cope with an unprecedented influx of abandoned cats, the RSPCA has warned, as the charity reveals felines now outnumber dogs in its shelters for the first time.
According to the Guardian, cats are arriving at RSPCA centres faster than they can be rehomed, forcing the charity to issue an urgent appeal for adopters and foster carers. The organisation has completely run out of space in its shelters, dealing with capacity issues that began last year.
Beth Clements, the RSPCA’s assistant director of animal services, said the charity is taking in an average of 624 cats each month across its 14 national centres and private boarding establishments – a figure that does not include the thousands more being cared for by independent local branches.
“We’ve seen a huge influx of cats and kittens. Sadly it just isn’t slowing down – and it’s having a massive impact on our centres and branches,” Clements told the Guardian.
Pet hoarding drives sharp increase
A significant factor behind the crisis is a dramatic rise in pet hoarding cases. In 2025, the RSPCA responded to 1,780 incidents involving 10 or more cats at a single address – almost five every day and a nearly 65 per cent increase on the previous year. These incidents involved more than 36,000 cats in total.
The numbers have been climbing steadily since 2021, when the charity welcomed 4,436 cats into its 14 animal centres. Last year that figure jumped to 6,408, and by October 2026 the RSPCA had already taken in 5,616 cats. With the cat breeding season just finished – which typically leads to an influx of stray cats – the charity expects this year’s total to exceed last year’s.
Including all foster centres and independent branches, approximately 20,000 cats were taken into RSPCA care last year, a number the charity expects will increase for 2026.
Urgent appeal for homes and foster carers
The RSPCA is particularly keen to find homes for adult cats, who are often overlooked in favour of kittens, as well as those requiring experienced or patient owners to help them settle into a new life. The charity is also urging pet owners to neuter their cats, as kittens are increasingly being found dumped in dangerous conditions.
Jo Rowland, the RSPCA’s chief executive, said the situation is heartbreaking and that other animal charities and rescue centres are facing similar challenges. “We currently have more animals in our care than space in our centres and branches,” she said.
Foster carers, who look after animals until they can find a permanent home, have become crucial to the RSPCA’s operations. The charity is working to increase its number of foster carers and modernising its rehoming process to get animals into loving homes more quickly.
“We really need help from animal lovers. If you are considering adding a pet to your home, please consider rescuing – and if you can’t adopt, could you consider fostering?” Rowland said.
What this means for Poles in the UK
Polish residents in England and Wales who are considering getting a cat can help address this crisis by adopting or fostering from the RSPCA rather than buying from breeders. The charity operates 14 national centres across the country and has numerous independent local branches.
Those living in rented accommodation should check their tenancy agreement allows pets before adopting. Adult cats are often easier to rehome in flats or smaller properties than kittens, and the RSPCA can advise on which animals suit different living situations.
If you cannot commit to permanent adoption, fostering offers a flexible way to help. Foster carers provide temporary homes until animals find permanent owners, and the RSPCA provides support and guidance throughout the process.
Current cat owners should ensure their pets are neutered to prevent unwanted litters contributing to the problem. The RSPCA and other animal welfare organisations offer low-cost neutering services for those who cannot afford standard veterinary fees. Details of local RSPCA centres and information about adoption, fostering and neutering can be found on the charity’s official website.