The RSPCA has seen a 166% increase in searches for cats on its website as new figures show the charity rehomes two felines every hour in Kent.

There was a massive jump in searches for cats on the FindAPet website following the first year of the pandemic and last year the charity rehomed 53 cats a day.

Centres and branches are also caring for more cats than any pet with nearly 3,000 moggies coming into the RSPCA’s care from the start of the year.

Sam Gaines, head of the RSPCA’s companion animals team, said: “It’s great to see so many people are interested in adopting cats from the RSPCA.

"The lockdown has really shone a light on the close bonds we have with our pets and for many people, their pets have become a real source of comfort during these challenging times.

“We’ve seen a huge surge in pet ownership during the past year or so.

"Whilst it’s positive that so many people want to take on a pet we are keen to highlight the importance of doing your research to ensure you’ve got the time, patience and money to care for that animal for the rest of their life.

“Our centres and branches are seeing lots of cats coming into their care at the moment.

"This could be due to the end of the kitten season when most cats are born or more worryingly, it could be as a result of people buying cats on impulse earlier in the year who are now struggling to cope with them.

“However, we’d urge anyone who has thoroughly done their research and is keen to take on a rescue cat to consider adopting from the RSPCA.”

Cats looking for homes in Kent include Dot.

The two-year-old grey female is a timid girl, but has the potential to be a lovely addition to the family.

She just need lots of time and patience, so is looking for a quiet home with patient owners who are willing to work on building her confidence up so she is happy spending more time around people.

She’ll need an experienced home with no other pets, an adult or older children (teenagers) so she can have attention as and when she chooses to.

Dot is looking for a home where someone can initially set her up in a spare room away from the main activities in the household, so she can settle in and have somewhere to go out and explore if she wants to.

Adopters will need to be aware that she might spend a few weeks (possibly even a month) spending time on her own, until she feels settled and brave enough to start exploring when everyone’s home.

For further information, contact the RSPCA Leybourne Animal Centre.

Another cat up for adoption is Smidge.

Eight year-old Smidge is a real character.

He likes to do his own thing but also likes to be around people, however, he doesn't like to be fussed over too much so needs respectful owners who will allow him to choose interaction.

He was found as a stray so there is little history of his life to date.

Smidge has a condition called Irritable Bowel Disease, which can be managed if he stays on his special diet for the rest of his life

He has a sweet nature and having been at the centre for quite a while, now is very keen to find somewhere to call home.

For further information contact RSPCA Canterbury and District Animal Centre.

Sam said: “We believe neutering cats from four months old will reduce the amount of unwanted and unexpected litters of kittens that are born and sadly end up in rescue centres.

"We understand that many owners may not have been able to get their pets neutered as understandably vets had to prioritise emergencies in the face of Covid-19.

"However, we would urge anyone with an unneutered female cat to get them neutered as soon as they can and keep them indoors until they have been spayed.”

To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care visit the website or call the donation line on 0300 123 8181.

To read more about Kent’s furry, flying and finned friends, click here.

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