# RSPCA overwhelmed as cat numbers spiral

> The animal charity is running out of space as abandoned cats arrive faster than they can find homes, driven partly by pet hoarders.
- Title: RSPCA overwhelmed as cat numbers spiral · the Guardian
- Summary: The animal charity is running out of space as abandoned cats arrive faster than they can find homes, driven partly by pet hoarders. The RSPCA faces a…
- Keywords: rspca, cats, animal welfare, rescue centres, pet adoption, england and wales, news, world, overwhelmed, cat, numbers, spiral
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2026/oct/20/rspca-capacity-crisis-cats-arrive-faster-rehomed
- Published: 2026-10-20T14:59:55+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: rspca, cats, animal welfare, rescue centres, pet adoption, england and wales, news, world
## Cats now outnumber dogs in RSPCA shelters
The RSPCA says there is a cat crisis across rescue centres in England and Wales. Abandoned felines are arriving faster than they can be rehomed, and the charity is asking people to consider adopting.
## Pet hoarders driving the surge
In two thousand twenty-five, the RSPCA responded to one thousand seven hundred eighty incidents involving ten or more cats at a single address.
## Capacity crisis across the charity
The RSPCA has run out of room for cats and dogs in its shelters. It has been dealing with capacity issues since last year, partly due to the rise in multi-animal cases alongside rising cruelty…
## Monthly intake now six hundred twenty-four cats
Beth Clements, the RSPCA's assistant director of animal services, said the charity is taking in an average of six hundred twenty-four cats each month across its fourteen national centres and private boarding establishments, not including…

> So far this year we're taking in an average of 624 cats each month across our 14 national centres and private boarding establishments.
## Numbers rising every year since two thousand twenty-one
Cat numbers in RSPCA care have climbed from four thousand four hundred thirty-six in two thousand twenty-one to six thousand four hundred eight last year.
## RSPCA calls for foster carers and adopters
Jo Rowland, the RSPCA's chief executive, said the charity has more animals in care than space in centres and branches.

> We really need help from animal lovers. If you are considering adding a pet to your home, please consider rescuing.
## Key takeaway

The RSPCA faces a capacity crisis with cats now outnumbering dogs in its shelters, urging the public to adopt or foster as numbers surge.