Common misconceptions by cat owners lead to high numbers of unwanted kittens

Overpopulation in cats is recognised to contribute to high numbers of cats entering rescue shelters each year. New research suggests that the high number of unwanted kittens may be due to common misconceptions held by cat owners. The research led by academics at the University of Bristol's School of Veterinary Sciences is published online in the Veterinary Record . The researchers obtained data from 715 cat owning households in a cross-sectional telephone survey. Demographic and lifestyle factors were assessed for their link with accidental litters and with owner knowledge of cat reproduction. The study found 128 litters were produced by 552 female cats. Eighty per cent of litters were reported to be accidental.