With over 70,000 calls expected this festive period to the RSPCA animal cruelty hotline, rehoming a cat this Christmas could be the perfect gift for your family.
Many cats have been the victims of extreme animal cruelty and cat rescue should be taken extremely seriously. The RSPCA offer a rehabilitation period whereby they care for animals until they feel they are ready to be rehomed.
By donating to the RSPCA this festive period you will allow the charity to take care of all animals that are either being mistreated or abandoned this Christmas. The RSPCA has estimated that around 35,000 cats and dogs will be abandoned by the end of this year – needing £30,000 to look after them.
In 2013 alone, the RSPCA rescued a total of 245,590 animals and rehomed 55,323. Donations made to the charity are vital in ensuring that the correct amount of care and attention is given to each and every animal they save from cruelty and could prevent more animals from being tossed around like they’re nothing more than a plaything.
This topic, while difficult to think about over Christmas, is actually the focus of their Christmas Appeal this year and highlighted in their Snowglobe video:
This describes the impact the charity has on animals up and down the UK in great detail, and is a chilling reminder than Christmas is not always a happy and joyous occasion. For some pets, it is a period of torture, abuse, pain and neglect.
Save a rescue cat
If you want to stop this cruelty, then you can get involved in the RSPCA’s campaign by donating or even by bringing an animal into your home this winter.
If you have decided to rescue a cat then you should complete an application form with the RSPCA. They will inspect your home to ensure it is suitable for a pet and also discuss your lifestyle arrangements with you and check your experience to ensure you’re only given an animal which you can actually look after.
In some cases they may suggest minor changes to your home or lifestyle to maximise the safety of the animal and yourself. If you choose to rehome a cat then they will usually be vaccinated, spayed or snipped and microchipped before they arrive at your home – giving you both the best chance at a happy life together. You may also want to consider how to help your cat settle into its new home.
Taking home one of the rescue cats at the RSPCA could be the perfect addition to your family this winter but if owning a pet is not a suitable option then you can still support them in other ways and say no to animal cruelty.
Say #NotToCruelty by donating to the RSPCA Christmas Appeal. Text RESCUE to 84010 to donate £3.
