Lola
Making a safe space for a pregnant cat
Cats, Rescue
How unneutered cats affect your community and BCDH
The RSPCA reports that 14,568 cat incidents were recorded nationally between May to September last year and there were 7,879 reports of abandoned cats.
3,000 – the number of reports of abandoned cats nationally so far in 2025
So far this year, the RSPCA has received nearly 3,000 reports of abandoned cats and they expect this to rise significantly as the breeding season continues.
Locally, in May we had in our care 28 kittens under 6 months, and 11 under 1 year old. 13 of these were born in our cattery.
13 – lucky for them – the number of kittens born in our cattery in May
Did you know that cats can get pregnant from 4 months old? And one cat can have up to 20 kittens a year. If half of them are female and they go on to have kittens… well it snowballs! One unneutered female cat can be responsible for an astonishing 20,000 cats in 5 years.
4 – the age in MONTHS when a female cat can get pregnant.
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Kimmy with her litter of kittens, desoite having a birthing box prepared for her she chose to give birth in her (clean!) litter tray
Our costs
Caring for a mum and her kittens can cost our charity around £1,700 during a typical stay of 3 months. This includes everything from mum’s protein-rich dinner to the heating or air con that keeps the cattery at a steady temperature.
But it is time that is the hidden cost. Mum and kitten pods need extra deep cleaning and monitoring, kittens need to be weighed weekly, and we have a litter in now who need to be hand fed to supplement their diet 4 times a day. Our cattery team are stretched for time and pushed emotionally.
We’re committed to helping every animal that comes through our doors, but the ongoing need places increasing pressure on our space and resources.
Kitten Satsuma having his weekly weigh-in
What you can do
Neuter your cat. If you have a cat – did you know female cats can get pregnant from about 4 months old? Find out more about neutering on our website https://www.bathcatsanddogshome.org.uk/pet-care-advice/neutering-your-cat
Need financial assistance for neutering costs? Cats Protection may be able to help towards the cost of neutering in some areas, find your local branch here. or if you are on a low income and live in Bristol take a look at PDSA.
If you find a cat if there are concerns that a cat or kitten has been abandoned in a property, please contact the RSPCA to report this on 0300 1234 999.
If a pregnant cat has been found, unless she appears to be sick or injured, there's usually little to worry about. If she is in labour, give her space and try not to disturb her. Leave her a little bowl of water and a shelter nearby should she need it, whilst trying to track down an owner.
Adopt an adult cat. What?! Yep, we have kittens and they are cute, but adopting an adult cat quickly frees up space so that we can take in even more felines in need. There are plenty of gorgeous adult cats looking for their second chance at happiness! » Take a look at our current cats here.
Donate. Your donation, whether a one-off of a monthly gift, can pay for everything from milk and food, to vet checks and expert staff time. If you want some flexibility, with our monthly donation portal you can change or pause your gift at any time.
» Read Lola's story and donate to our Kitten appeal with a one-time or monthly gift.
