Battersea Old Windsor issues appeal after rescue cat numbers reach five-year high

Battersea Old Windsor is currently experiencing the highest number of cats in its care than it has seen in five years and is appealing for residents to rehome a rescue. 

Famously known as one of the oldest rescue charities in the UK, Battersea has hundreds of cats of all ages and personalities desperately looking for homes to call their own.

The charity is urging those who can invest time and care in a rescue cat to get in touch with them, either via their website or by giving their rehoming team a call. 

Bridie Williams, Rehoming and Welfare Manager at Battersea, said: “Battersea has been rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming rescue animals for more than 160 years, but this is the largest number of cats I have seen us caring for at any one time since I started at Battersea five years ago and they are also currently spending more time with us.

"Cats continue to be brought into our care for many reasons, such as owners experiencing changes in their circumstances and making the sensible decision to bring them to a rescue, an increase in unwanted litters due to ‘kitten season’ now spanning across the year, and cats being brought to us as strays without a microchip.  

“Whilst there is no limit to the amount of time an animal can stay in our care, we urge prospective owners to get in touch and consider one of our wonderful rescue cats so that we can continue to support even more animals who need us. Whether you want to offer an older cat a quiet retirement home or are looking for a playful companion, we’d love to hear from you.” 

Among those cats looking for a home at Battersea Old Windsor is Aero, a two-year-old black and white cat who has been waiting for a home for more than 50 days.

As he can initially be shy when meeting new people, Aero is looking for a home with patient owners and a garden where he can come and go as he pleases. 

Also hoping to find the right match is thirteen-year-old Smudge. After 134 days in Battersea’s care, Smudge is hoping the right home will come along soon. 

Currently spending time on foster, his carer describes him as the perfect house guest who prefers the simpler things in life, opting to spend his days curled up on the sofa for a snooze or a fuss, showing off his impressively loud purr.

To find out more about rehoming a cat from Battersea Old Windsor, visit the charity’s website for more information: https://www.battersea.org.uk/