CatKind, a multi-agency partnership focused on improving cat health and welfare through research and neutering initiatives, is looking for cat owners in Llanelli and Swansea to take part in a one hour online focus group.
The focus group will help provide information for a multi charity initiative – called CatKind – to help better advise and inform the public about how to care for their cats.
The 10 charities, made up of the RSPCA, PDSA, Cats Protection, Celia Hammond, Blue Cross, International Cat Care, Battersea, WoodGreen, Scottish SPCA and Mayhew, have joined together to understand general views on cat health and welfare and particularly attitudes to neutering. This work will have a direct impact on the launch of the CatKind initiative and a 2022 public campaign.
RSPCA campaign manager Carrie Stones said: “Sadly, Covid has cut into cat population control efforts – whether that be via vets not being able to provide routine appointments or charities not being able to support the public as much through offering advice as well as on the ground neutering schemes.
“We know there has been an increase in demand for animals as our statistics show more people are searching for ways to adopt cats and kittens. There is a concern that if we don’t get the correct messaging out there to these potential new owners we could be faced with a welfare problem further down the line.
“Now is more important than ever to reach out to the public and make sure our messaging on cat health and welfare resonates and inspires action. This is why we need your help, if you own a cat please do get in touch and sign up – taking part will lead to real action and improving the lives of animals across the country.”
RSPCA research into Google Keyword searches have shown that during lockdown in April 2020 there were 17,000 searches for ‘kittens near me’ compared with 1,600 searches in April 2019. In April 2021 this was 4,400.
Between March and August 2020 there were 1,229,424 visits to the RSPCA’s ‘Find a Pet’ page specifically looking for ‘cats’ this is an increase of 114% when compared with the same time period in 2019 – pre lockdown.
Already this year (correct as of July) the RSPCA has taken in 2,271 cats into it’s care that have been victims of neglect or cruelty.
They are looking for 15 people to share their views in our online discussion group.
To book your place please visit: www.cats.org.uk/discussion
