Cats of the country unite – pet charity launches manifesto to put cats on political agenda

Dogs and their owners may be looking forward to an election day walkies to the polling station, but cats are also vying to take political ground with the launch of The Cat Manifesto from Cats Protection. 

The UK's biggest cat charity is urging voters to call on candidates from all parties to back its five-point plan to improve animal welfare legislation for one of the nation's favourite pets. 

The Cat Manifesto – launched on 3 June – outlines the steps needed to improve the lives of the UK's 11 million cats, including a ban on breeds with painful extreme characteristics like Scottish Folds, licencing of air guns, banning electric shock collars and encouraging pet-friendly renting. 

Head of Advocacy, Campaigns & Government Relations for Cats Protection Madison Rogers said: "Millions of voters own a pet cat and consider them part of the family, so animal welfare will be an issue close to their hearts.  Despite being a nation of animal lovers, there are still too many gaps and loopholes in law which leave cats vulnerable to neglect, cruelty and poor welfare.  

"Cats Protection helps 157,000 cats every year and our volunteers and employees see first-hand the issues facing cats and their owners. It is this on-the-ground experience that identifies the key areas we need to tackle to improve cat welfare and informs our campaigning work. 

"The Cat Manifesto sets out what is needed to protect one of the UK's most popular animals, and the people who own them. This includes bringing an end to animal cruelty, ensuring pets are properly recognised as an important part of family life, and preventing cats being exploited or mistreated online. 

"We already work with politicians and decision makers on animal welfare issues and over the next few weeks we'll be highlighting the ways in which the next government can help pet owners." 

To find out more about the campaigning work of Cats Protection and to support The Cat Manifesto, please visit cats.org.uk/manifesto