As a nation of animal lovers, many of us long for a companion of the four-legged kind in our lives.

But while our love for animals hasn’t changed, the way we live has. Over 80% of the population in the UK now lives in an urban area, and with the population continuing to rise, so does the demand for housing.

With so many people living in urban areas, the access to outdoor space has become more limited. But our love and longing for a companion continues, creating a difficult dilemma for many.

As an animal welfare charity, we rehome cats to homes with access to a garden unless specified otherwise. While this might seem restrictive and even disappointing for some – it is a decision made with the welfare of the individual animal in mind.

So, why do cats need access to outdoor space?

We all want our loved ones to be healthy (including our pets!) and having access to outdoor space not only brings physical benefits but mental benefits too.

Having the choice to access a garden gives a cat the opportunity for additional physical exercise as well as mental stimulation. A garden can provide different sights and smells that they might not otherwise be able to explore. It also gives cats the chance to follow natural instincts. These factors can all help to reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing.

While we do rehome most of our cats to homes with access to a garden, these are some cases where we will rehome a cat as indoor only: for example, when a cat has been diagnosed with Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), has a medical condition or has previously been an indoor-only cat.

It really does depend on the individual animal and is something that is always considered very carefully by our expert team with the welfare of that animal in mind.

Being an organisation of animal lovers ourselves, we do understand the frustration of wanting a pet and not being able to meet the criteria, especially when you know that you can provide them with an endless amount of love.

However, as a charity we do have the responsibility to provide the very best for the animals in our care, which is why we make the decisions we do when it comes to rehoming.

If you are currently in a position to adopt, you can meet the cats looking for homes here. If you’re not yet able to, there are still many ways you can make a difference. From volunteering to challenge events – there’s a way for everyone to have an impact.