Introduce a national strategy to tackle the cat overpopulation and rescue crisis

This strategy should seek to expand affordable neutering, support overwhelmed rescue centres, strengthen responsible pet ownership education, and review measures to reduce irresponsible breeding and cat abandonment.

Animal rescues across the country are overwhelmed, with many unable to take in more cats and kittens. We believe the Government should introduce a national strategy to reduce cat overpopulation by expanding access to affordable neutering, supporting rescue organisations, improving public education on responsible pet ownership, and reviewing measures to reduce irresponsible breeding and abandonment, helping to improve cat welfare nationwide.

As part of the Animal Welfare Strategy (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/animal-welfare-strategy-for-england/animal-welfare-strategy-for-england) published in December 2025, this government committed to take steps to improve our understanding of the size, scale and current management practices related to cat breeding. This government also committed to draw on expertise from the sector and consider any further steps which may improve welfare practices in the cat breeding sector.

As part of our strategy commitments to 2030, this government will be working with the sector, animal welfare organisations and local authorities so that the welfare of animals is better protected in both regulated and non-regulated pet sales. This government will work with the sector to support work that is already underway to encourage responsible sourcing practices by prospective owners. We will also work with the sector, animal welfare organisations, and local authorities to ensure that the relevant guidance applicable to The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 (the 2018 Regulations) is clear and proportionate, and promote consistent and effective enforcement through working with local authorities.

Under the 2018 Regulations, any licensed business selling pets must hold a valid licence from their local authority. When selling cats, they must ensure that the prospective owner is provided with information on the appropriate care of the animal, including in relation to neutering, veterinary care, housing, and the life expectancy of its species. Under the statutory guidance for the 2018 Regulations, pet care leaflets or other similar written or electronic instructions must be given at the point of sale to encourage responsible pet ownership. They should refer to an owner’s obligations to meet the five welfare needs set out in the in the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Staff have the right to refuse a sale if they are concerned or are not satisfied to the best of their knowledge that the prospective owner is able to meet that animal’s welfare needs.

To help cat owners meet their obligations under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, the government has published a Code of Practice for the Welfare of Cats (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/code-of-practice-for-the-welfare-of-cats). The code summarises important information for owners and helps them make decisions about how best to care for their cats, including providing information on neutering. It also advises cat owners to carefully think about all factors that will affect their ability to care for a cat, including whether they have the financial resources to meet a cat’s requirements throughout their lifespan.

This government remains concerned about the impact of the rise in the cost of living on all aspects of people’s lives. We meet stakeholders regularly to understand issues and trends that are affecting the sector, including the impact of the rise in the cost of living on pet keepers and welfare organisations. We welcome the support stakeholders are providing through pet food banks and financial support with veterinary treatment which is helping to reduce the pressure on pet owners. A number of animal welfare organisations, such as Cats Protection (https://www.cats.org.uk/what-we-do/neutering) and the RSPCA (https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/cats/health/neutering), already support neutering through community neutering programmes. They can be contacted directly for advice and support around subsidised neutering services.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.