How many cats were adopted in 2009?

It isn't known how many cats were adopted in 2009– the data collection season, but it has been reported several cases of cats being stolen. The total number of cats found in the UK over this time is estimated to be 3.

7 million. Why did the number of cats adopted this year drop?
The total number of people in the UK who took out a cat, cat or kitten is estimated to be down by more than 50% since 2007. There were a total of 24.

7 million cats taken in in 2009– 17. 3 million in England and 26. 6 million in Scotland. Are cats now going missing more?
Although there have been a number of reports, most have turned out to be false alarms.

No evidence has been found to suggest that cats are being stolen from homes for this reason. While there have been some examples found of cats being taken on holiday and left with people, they have usually been found and returned safely.

If a stray cat is found, it can be dealt with fairly easily by a vet, provided it is properly examined. If a baby has died in the family there are many organisations in the UK to help in this way. Why is it important to educate people about how to make sure kittens and kittens' mothers are healthy?
When considering their choices, those wishing to adopt a kitten or a kitten's mother need to consider the welfare and well- being of the kitten or kitten's mother and how that may need to be ensured.

An adoption can be extremely stressful for these precious kittens. It is very important to ensure that the kittens or kittens' mothers receive proper care and feeding– it is important to make sure they all have the best possible chance of surviving the time in the adoption home.

They should be offered to people who are looking for a cat, kitten or puppy and offered to anyone who is looking for someone safe and willing to care for the cats. Cats who have been abandoned or are left home alone should be taken to the nearest animal shelter or the local pound– these should ensure the cats receive proper care until their families can be found.

How can someone adopt a kitten or a kitten's mother?
A person adopting one or both kittens may have to do this themselves (such as buying kittens or mothers from the general adoption market) .

It is very important to do this properly and avoid putting the kittens at risk from injury, illness or being left unsupervised. There is a list of organisations which offer adoption for cats on this website (including vets, shelters etc.

) . If you are considering adopting a kitten yourself, it is important that you provide the kitten's or kittens' mother with enough food and water to enable the mother to remain healthy (it is recommended to provide 10- 15% of your cat's or kitten's weight and this can be done with the help of a veterinary dietician) .

It is also important that the mother provides sufficient exercise for the kittens, and that the mother is fed regularly. In the case of kittens, this means daily feedings on a special kitten food– this is not the same as feeding a newborn kitten.

Is it ok to give a litter of kittens from the same household away?
It is not always the case that a home needs to be split into multiple households to care for a new litter of kittens. However in some circumstances this can provide the best outcomes for both kittens and their mother.

For example, if the current household has no available homes for the kittens, you may be able to adopt kittens from this new household. The new owners may wish to also adopt a separate home for some kittens they wish to take along on their holiday, but these are less likely to need a separation.

If there are already kittens being adopted by one or both of the existing families, it is important that you are aware of the best way to rehome this group of kittens before you adopt more kittens from them.

It is particularly important not to force or force- feed the mother in this situation. This may affect the mother's health, and may increase the risk of a life- threatening condition occurring within the kittens.

Always consult with a vet before you adopt kittens from other households.