Increase in cat attacks

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Last year the RSPCA saw the numbers of cats being shot, abandoned and attacked rise, challenging our reputation as an animal-loving country.

Across the country, there have been incidents of cats being horrifically injured after being shot with air rifles.

The RSPCA received 205 reports of cats being shot in 2010. It is believed that this is just the tip of the iceberg as many attacks go unreported and some owners don’t even realise that their pets have been shot.

In addition to shootings there has been a dramatic rise in the number of cats abandoned. By the end of 2010, the total of abandoned reached an incredible 10,610, which is a staggering amount compared to 7,609 abandonment’s in 2008.

Cats were also the victims of terrifying attacks including being set on by dogs, thrown from buildings and one young cat that was found with a shoelace tied so tightly around his neck that it ate into the flesh and became infected.

RSPCA chief veterinary officer, Alastair Macmillan, said: “Year after year we see hundreds of cats with terrible injuries caused by air weapons or shot guns and the numbers certainly aren’t decreasing. We also believe that those reported to the RSPCA represent only a fraction of the total number of attacks as many go undiscovered or unreported.

“The news of massive rises in abandonments and other attacks is alarming and shows a frightening trend in cat abuse and neglect.

“We don’t know why we are seeing such increases and hope that people are not starting to see cats as worthless things which can be targeted with weapons or just dumped when people don’t want to care for them anymore.

“The worst thing is that all of this is so unnecessary. If you have a cat which you don’t want, there are animal welfare organisations that can help. We also urge people to get their cats neutered - if they don’t, they may find themselves with litters of kittens for which they cannot find good homes.

“There are lots of organisations which offer discounts and vouchers towards the cost of neutering so there can be little excuse for failing to neuter a pet cat.”