29^th Jan 2016

Two cat charities in Staffordshire have been left to look after peoples’ cats with their owners blaming landlord’s policies of not allowing pets in their properties.

Rugeley Cats Society and Kats Cradle are reporting record numbers of abandoned cats over the past twelve months. Their owners are placing the blame upon landlords who enforce a no pet policy.

Anna Whitehouse, a trustee of Rugeley Cats Society, said: "Last year we were busy non-stop, and we are preparing for kitten season in April. But there is never a lull anymore – we're always busy.

"We have had an increase in people saying their landlord will not allow cats. Landlords really need to make allowances for small well behaved pets and tenants should negotiate this."

Debbie Brookes-Hemans, founder of Kats Cradle states that 2015 was one of the worst years for dumped pets in the twenty seven years of being involved in cat rescue.

Brookes – Herman said: "It was one of the worst ever. We saw a big increase in cats who were ill with coughs, colds and viruses.

"We have also had a lot of issues with people in rented accommodation giving up their cats because their landlord won't allow them. We now have to insist on seeing written consent from the landlord before conducting a house visit. Even when people have permission for a pet written into their agreement, housing officers and landlords have changed the agreement and forced them to get rid of their pets."


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