Main Office:
Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Wilberforce Way
Southwater
Horsham
West Sussex
B29 5UP
United Kingdom
 0870-3335-999 (UK)
 0044-707-5335 999 (Outside UK)
 http://www.rspca.org.uk

RSPCA Centre
Gonsal Farm
Dorrington
(Near Shrewsbury)

 0870-0104253 (UK)

Birmingham Branch:
Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Animal Centre
Weoley Castle
Birmingham
B29 5UP
United Kingdom
 0121-427-6111 (UK)
 0121-427-2599 (UK)
 http://www.buyapaw.com/

Slough, Uxbridge & District Branch:
Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
13 Crescent Parade
Middlesex
UB10 0LG
United Kingdom
 01895-231435 (UK)
 www.rspcahillingdonclinic.org.uk
 rspca_hillingdon@btconnect.com

How you can help. Tell the RSPCA about an injured animal or an animal which is being cruelly treated by calling the RSPCA Nationwide 24 hour cruelty line:
0300-1234-999 (UK).

The work of the RSPCA is as important today as ever. Originally founded in 1824 to fight animal cruelty, they have grown to become an authority on animal welfare, respected around the world. Fighting animal cruelty in all its forms is still the most vital part of their work - but another important part is educating the general public about the responsibilities of pet ownership.

The RSPCA is a registered charity (no. 219099) and receives no State or lottery aid. They rely totally on voluntary donations to undertake their vital welfare work. The running costs are over £40 million a year!

Currently there are over seven million cats in the United Kingdom - and around half a million kittens. One in four households owns a cat; and for the first time, the number of cats owned has overtaken the number of dogs in Britain.

A Cat Needs:

• Companionship - to be with other cats or people some of the time.
  
• Regular meals which do not include any type of bone.
  
• A constant supply of fresh clean drinking water.
• A garden or safe place to play in each day.
• Warmth and shelter when required ­ a cat flap is very useful.
• A litter tray.
• A scratching post which may stop it damaging the furniture.
• Regular brushing, particularly when shedding its coat.
• To be registered with a veterinary surgeon.
• Injections against certain serious diseases.
• To be neutered at an early age.
• Worming and occasional flea powder/spray treatments.
• To be looked after when you are away from home.
• Your time and interest for the rest of its life.

Additional Information:

• Lifespan: 12-16+ years.
Sexually mature: Males seven to nine months. Females six months.
• Breeding: Due to the thousands of unwanted kittens born every year, the RSPCA advises that an early appointment be made with a veterinary surgeon to arrange for neutering to be carried out. This stops cats from producing unwanted kittens.
• In season (when female cat is 'fertile' and can be made pregnant): The female cat comes 'into season' about three or four times a year.
• Gestation: Nine weeks.
• Litter size: Average three to five.
• Handling: Place one hand beneath the cat's chest and the other round its back legs, so that all its weight is supported. Do not pick up an adult cat by the scruff (skin at the back of the neck) or by the front of its body.
• Companionship: A cat needs to be able to get to a garden and will look for friendship as needed.

Health Problems:

• It is always a good idea to take out insurance to cover veterinary fees and also third party claims.
• Parasites: Breaks in the skin, discharge in the ear can be caused by parasites. Medication is available.
• Ringworm: Cats suffer from the fungal disease called ringworm. This can be passed on to other cats and to people. Cuts and breaks in the skin cannot always be seen,so be careful when handling a strange cat.
• Vaccinations (injections to help stop cats getting diseases): A kitten must be vaccinated against cat flu and feline enteritis and given regular boosters (more injections) throughout its life. Go to a veterinary surgeon who can also advise on any other necessary vaccinations, including feline leukaemia vaccine.
• Worms (parasites living in the cat's gut): Tablets are available to cure this problem.
• REMEMBER: If you have any concern about your cat's health, do ask your Veterinary Surgeon.