Thousands of cat lovers are calling for stronger protections for one of the nation’s favourite pets.

Sussex-based charity Cats Protection, headquartered in Chelwood Gate, delivered a petition with 60,000 signatures to Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street on April 14, urging the government to include cats in its proposed Animal Welfare Strategy.

Campaigners also held a silent vigil in Parliament Square to highlight what they describe as a growing and “largely unregulated” trade in kittens and cats.

The public can support the campaign by signing an open letter at cats.org.uk.

When mourners gathered to remember beloved crematorium cat who helped bereaved

When mourners gathered to remember beloved crematorium cat who helped bereaved

Cat found in abandoned car recovering after major surgery

Cat found in abandoned car recovering after major surgery

‘Great if you are a cat’ – shock at tiny flat with shower in kitchen up for rent

‘Great if you are a cat’ – shock at tiny flat with shower in kitchen up for rent

The charity is calling for regulation of cat breeding, a ban on electric shock collars, improved microchipping systems and a clear timeline for welfare law enforcement.

They warn that current gaps leave underage, sick or genetically compromised kittens at risk.

Madison Rogers, Cats Protection’s associate director of advocacy and campaigns, said: “By failing to introduce even basic safeguards for cat breeding, the government has left cats exposed to severe health problems and lifelong suffering.

“While other species have been recognised within the Animal Welfare Strategy, cats – one of the nation’s most popular companion animals – have been completely overlooked.