Cats worth thousands of pounds are being dumped by people who choose them for their looks without realising how much care they need, a charity has warned.

Wandsworth Times:

Battersea Dogs and Cats home has seen an influx of more expensive breeds such as Siamese, Bengal, British Short Hair and Persian cats.

The charity has cared for eight times the number of Siamese cats this year than at the same time in 2014.

It has taken in three times the number of Persians and double the number of British Short Hair cats at its London centre.

Battersea has also had a 60 per cent increase in Bengal cats, which have markings like a leopard, and can be boisterous, territorial and vocal.

Boogedy the Bengal found herself with charity after her owners moved and left her abandoned and locked in their flat.

The landlord found Boogedy and brought her to the centre, where she was given medical treatment. She is now searching for new owners prepared to take on a Bengal breed.

Head of cattery, Lindsey Quinlan, says: “Breed cats shouldn’t be chosen on looks alone, as they have specific needs that many new owners won’t realise.

“It’s really unusual for us to see so many different breeds like this at Battersea because breed cats, as opposed to mixed breed moggies, are very desirable for people. So far this year we’ve even seen a Rag Doll, Maine Coon, Exotic Short Hair and Scottish Fold – just to name a few.”

Between March 2014 and March 2015 the charity saw:

29 Siamese

23 Bengal

22 Persian

15 British Short Hair

7 Burmese

They have also recently had Sphynx, Egyptian Mau, Exotic Short Hair, Norwegian Forest, Ragdoll, Maine Coon, and Oriental Short Hair cats.  

If you can offer Boogedy a home, contact Battersea on 0843 509 4444 or email cat.rehoming@battersea.org.uk