An Anglian animal charity has launched an appeal for a Great Yarmouth cat with kidney disease after the 10-year-old kitty was made homeless due to a landlord’s no-pets policy.
Lynne Pothecary, Publicity Manager at Cats Protection’s Anglia Coastal Branch, said: “It’s a really sad story. Baggy’s owner didn’t want to relinquish her but she had to move home and couldn’t bring her cat with them. She was devastated when she heard that her new landlord had a no-pets policy.”
Great Yarmouth cat Baggy is not alone. Research by Cats Protection showed that less than half (42%) of the UK’s private rented housing allows cats and issues over finding cat-friendly housing are among the top five reasons for cats being handed into the charity’s adoption centres.
Cats Protection encourages more pet-friendly tenancies through its Purrfect Landlords campaign (www.cats.org.uk/purrfectlandlords). The online resource provides guidance and wording for landlords and letting agents to add to tenancy agreements, setting out simple conditions to protect and benefit both landlords and tenants and reflect modern living.
Jacqui Cuff, Cats Protection’s Head of Advocacy & Government Relations, said: “More people are renting their homes, yet too few rented properties accept cats. Often the reason is simply habit, with landlords not proactively choosing to ban cats, but instead following a standard template or advice from a letting agent. We aim to transform renting by helping landlords to see the benefits of happy, settled tenants who enjoy sharing their lives with a feline friend.
“We also offer advice to help tenants speak to their landlords to ask for permission to own a cat. Landlords are often willing to be flexible, especially as tenants with pets are likely to stay for longer. Sadly, this was not an option for Baggy.”
Baggy’s tale took a turn for the worse shortly after coming into care, more than 220 days ago, when she was diagnosed with renal disease. Her condition has now stabilised and, with the right care, diet and medication, she could enjoy a happy life for years to come.
Cats Protection is looking for a quiet home without children where Baggy could be the only pet. She would make an excellent companion cat for an older person or couple, as she would need to stay indoors, which she has been doing quite happily in foster care during lockdown.
Baggy has been in Cats Protection foster care since just before lockdown. Lynne said: “Being a fluffy girl, she’ll need someone who will keep her lovely coat in good condition with regular brushing, which she loves. She’s a very sweet natured lady, although she’s slightly nervous of strangers to start with and will need time to settle.”
If you can offer this lovely lady the furr-ever home she deserves, please contact Cats Protection’s Anglia Coastal Branch on adoption@angliacoastal.cats.org.uk or 0345 371 4202 (lines are open Mon-Fri 8.30am-6pm and Saturday 9am-3pm).
For information on Purrfect Landlords, visit www.cats.org.uk/purrfectlandlords
