More than one in six cats arriving at Mayhew this year have been abandoned with cases more than doubling compared to the same period last year.

So far this year, we’ve seen a 110% increase in cat abandonments compared to the same period in 2025, placing significant pressure on our resources and facilities.

Around 34% of the abandoned cats taken into Mayhew this year have been kittens, prompting concerns about unwanted litters and preventable abandonments.

In just four days during early June, 16 cats were abandoned at Mayhew equivalent to more than a third of our 42 cat cabins being filled in less than a week. *

Among those arriving are kittens such as Adam and Nathan, who were found abandoned in a cardboard box in a park at just 12 weeks old.

At such a young age, these kittens are still very vulnerable and need ongoing care. Without this, their health could rapidly deteriorate, putting them at great risk. They are now safe and will receive the care they need before being rehomed.

Head of Cattery, Leyla Necati, said: “Almost every week we are finding abandoned carriers outside our doors, kittens in boxes in parks, and litters of kittens being left next to bus stops. While we remain committed to helping every animal who comes through our doors, this increase is placing significant pressure on our resources and services.”

We currently have 88 cats in our care and operate with 42 cat cabins on site, alongside foster placements. At times, this means more than a third of our on-site capacity is occupied within days of intake surges.

It costs around £8,000 a day to keep our services running, including emergency rescue, veterinary treatment, shelter, food and enrichment.

We are urging cat owners to ensure their pets are neutered to help prevent unwanted litters and reduce pressure on rescue services. We are also encouraging people to consider the full cost and responsibility of pet ownership and to seek support early if circumstances change, so pets can be safely rehomed rather than abandoned

Mayhew provides free preventative veterinary care – including neutering for cats and dogs whose owners live locally and can’t afford private vet fees.

Despite increase demand, we remain committed to ensuring every animal in our care receives essential veterinary treatment, safe shelter, nutritious food and enrichment, as well as the opportunity to find a loving home.

If you’d like to support Mayhew during this difficult time, please consider donating here.

*A cat cabin can hold more than one cat at a time and Mayhew also have cats out on foster, so 42 cabins does not mean capacity for 42 cats. At the time of writing this press release, the charity has 88 cats currently in their care.

*A cat 12 months and under is considered a kitten.

The numbers and stats were accurate at the time of writing this in June.