Number of unwated cats reaches a six-month high

The number of orphaned and abandoned cats at Warnbro Veterinary Hospital has climbed to its highest in six months.

Practice manager Corrina Watts said the business, which had been a refuge and adoption facility for 15 years, had been inundated with homeless cats since Christmas.

She said some cats were brought in by concerned animal lovers, while others were practically thrown at her over the counter by pet owners no longer wanting the responsibility.

“Every cat here has a sad story about being found in the bush, abandoned at a rental or injured,” she said.

At present, the hospital has almost 50 cats, including more than 20 kittens and about eight newborns.

“The demand for us to look after them is constant,” she said.

“We take dumped cats weekly, but only adopt one a fortnight.”

Ms Watts urged people to consider adopting a cat because it would mean giving a “rescued animal a second chance which would normally not be possible”.

She said because the rescue cats had been through such trauma, they tended to love their new owner unconditionally.

Ms Watts said the practice was willing to work with pet owners to find the best option for both parties.

Warnbro Veterinary Hospital’s cat and kitten adoption fees include sterilisation, micro-chipping and vaccinations.