The charity fears high cost of living has led fewer owners to neuter their cats. 

Animal charity Blue Cross has reported a 15 per cent rise in unwanted and abandoned kittens compared with 2025.

The charity says the UK is facing a ‘hidden pet welfare crisis’ as the cost of living continues to soar, and fears pet owners may not be getting their pets neutered to avoid fees.

It also warns that owners may be deliberately breeding their cats to sell the kittens, only to abandon them when buyers fail to materialise. 

The warning comes after the charity rescued a litter of eight kittens found dumped in a bin bag in Grimsby. Thought to be around eight weeks old, the kittens were given routine health checks before being transferred to the Blue Cross rehoming centre in Burford, Oxfordshire. 

Thankfully, following care from the team, all eight kittens have now successfully found their forever homes.

Hannah Wiltshire, Centre Manager at charity’s Burford centre, said: “It is heartbreaking to think that so many unwanted kittens are being left alone, often when they are far too young to fend for themselves.
 
“These eight kittens were incredibly lucky to be found and brought to us. They have now got the happy ending every kitten deserves, but there are many more out there who may not be so fortunate. We are urging anyone who is struggling to care for any animal, or who has an unwanted litter, to seek help rather than abandon them.”

Image (C) Blue Cross.