Appeal to find Tigger a home after 400 days in care

Overlooked and forgotten - could you change things for Tigger, who has already been looking for his forever home for more than 400 days?

Black and white cat Tigger is under the care of the RSPCA Macclesfield, SE Cheshire and Buxton Branch.

He has been waiting for a home for far too long after arriving back in August 2023 - more than 400 days ago!

His rehoming appeal comes as the RSPCA reveals it is facing a rehoming crisis across England and Wales. New figures show that in 2023, 42% more animals arrived at the RSPCA than were adopted.

Rehoming centres across England and Wales are at near or full capacity, with pets either waiting to be adopted, or being assessed for adoption - leaving countless dogs, cats and other animals still in emergency boarding waiting for a place at a rehoming centre.

In response, the RSPCA - which is marking its 200th year - is launching its annual ‘Adoptober’ rehoming campaign; urging animal lovers to adopt a pet from a rescue centre or RSPCA branch rather than buying from a breeder to help ease the spiralling rehoming crisis. 

Twelve-year-old Tigger is one of the rescue pets who has been looking for a home for far too long.

He came into the care of the RSPCA Macclesfield, SE Cheshire and Buxton Branch after his elderly owner sadly passed away. 

Despite his advancing years, Tigger’s energy and behaviour are more akin to a cat half his age, and he would make a lively and engaging companion. He loves playing with shoelaces and catnip-stuffed toy bananas, and his favourite sleeping spot is a laundry bag. Tigger can grab if he gets over-excited, so he will need experienced and patient cat owners in an adult-only home. 

Tigger is a big confident cat who would also suit a child free home.

Potential adopters can find out more about Tigger or express an interest by getting in touch with: 

RSPCA Macclesfield, SE Cheshire and Buxton Branch.

Last year, while the RSPCA’s 14 rehoming centres and 135 independently-run branches found new homes for an incredible 28,208 dogs, cats, rabbits and other pets, that was far fewer than the 40,118 animals that arrived at the shelters across England and Wales.

Karen Colman, who leads the RSPCA team finding places for rescued animals, said:

“Our rescue centres are jam-packed, and across the board, we’ve been seeing more animals coming to us than we are rehoming. 

“We are issuing a rallying cry to anyone considering adding a pet to their family to step in and help by giving a rescue pet a second chance instead of buying from breeders.

“Our rehoming centres have reached crisis point and are full-to-bursting, creating a bottle-neck where we’re having to care for rescued animals at emergency boarding kennels and catteries.

“Last year, across England and Wales, the RSPCA took in over 40,000 dogs, cats and other animals, but only around seven out of 10 of those - 28,208 - were rehomed. This increasing discrepancy between animal intake and rehoming numbers is a worrying trend, and means so many animals are still waiting for a home”.

Karen added:

“We are also still seeing the effect of the pandemic on dogs and an increase in those coming into care with complex behaviour, which is contributing to the pressure for spaces at rehoming centres. This is compounded by the cost of living crisis with fees associated with their pet care beyond the means of some people at the moment.

“The cost of living seems to be a driving factor across the board. Our recent Animal Kindness Index found that 76% of pet-owners in the North West felt that the cost of looking after their pet had become slightly or much more expensive, with owners finding the costs of pet food and vet bills higher. 

“But our amazing teams are doing all they can. Our 135 independently run branches continue to rehome at a phenomenal pace and we are extremely proud of the work that they do.They play a vital role in local communities across England and Wales and whilst they feel the pressure of taking in more animals they have done an incredible job finding so many loving new homes.”

The RSPCA hopes its month-long Adoptober rehoming campaign will increase adoption rates across England and Wales. The drive celebrates the benefits of rescue pets, highlights the many animals that are waiting to find their perfect ‘forever’ match and dispels myths about rescue pet rehoming.

Karen added:

“There’s nothing more heartwarming than a successful adoption, and the wonderful staff at our branches and centres celebrate every time an animal finds their forever home. 

“So if you’re looking for a pet - whether it’s a cat or dog, a donkey or a bearded dragon - please visit our user-friendly ‘Find A Pet’ webpage and ‘adopt don’t shop’ this Adoptober.”