Fur-Ever Homes Series: Expert Insights on Tackling Pet Homelessness (Vicky Halls)

In the second interview of our ’Fur-Ever Home’ series looking at how we can take action to prevent pet homelessness, we sat down with Vicky Halls, Head of Unowned Cats at International Cat Care, to hear more about how we can keep cats in loving homes.

Vicky’s career with cats started in the 1980s when she volunteered for the RSPCA. She then spent over two decades working as a veterinary nurse and in clinical animal behavior before she joined International Cat Care. In her role, Vicky works specifically on projects relating to the welfare of unowned cats around the world. She currently looks after LC, a pre-loved black moggy who had been taken into her friend’s veterinary practice as an unwanted pet. She came to Vicky aged 11 who says she has gone backwards in age ever since!

Why International Cat Care chose to become involved in Mars’ State of Pet Homelessness Project?

VH: We’re a charity that really looks at the bigger picture and is keen to deal with the root causes of issues affecting cats, rather than just the symptoms.  We got involved because we know we need to raise awareness about the plight of homeless pets. When you have your own pet it can be easy to forget that not every animal is as lucky and we have to look beyond our own. I believe that if we love the species we share our home with, then we have a moral responsibility to understand the bigger picture. The State of Pet Homelessness Project provides a snapshot of that bigger picture – it asks how we can prevent the situation from getting any worse and what we can do to make a positive difference.

As part of looking at the bigger picture, the project data revealed that over 26% of respondents had experienced losing their cat. What steps can be taken by pet owners to prevent this?

VH: The best thing you can do – and which is highlighted in the data – is to microchip your pet as it’s the surest way it will be returned to you. However, this only works if you keep your details up to date! Lots of cats end up in shelters when they turn up at the vets, but the vet can’t trace down the owners because they have moved house or changed phone numbers.

I also think there’s also a lot of work that needs to be done on advising the public about how to interact with cats in your area. For example, people often assume that a cat is hungry and that you should feed it. What people might not know is that cats are opportunistic feeders and so will always choose to eat! Unfortunately, feeding a cat that isn’t your own can actually confuse a cat who might then get lost. So – my advice is don’t feed a cat you don’t recognize! And if you think there is a stray cat in your area, ask your local vet for advice. 

The data also revealed that 16% of people would consider rehoming their pet [cat] in the next 12 months. What can be done to ensure pets stay in loving homes?

VH: It’s worth acknowledging that considering rehoming your pet can be a really sad situation – I believe no one makes that decision without heartache. Firstly, I’d encourage anyone who needs to consider rehoming to reach out as early as possible if you’re in trouble. Shelters are usually very helpful and might be able to assist in various situations, providing information, advice or in connecting you with the right support groups depending on the reasons for rehoming – whether that be cost, behavior or lifestyle for example.

Secondly, I’d remind everyone that your relationship with your cat is two-way. Before you embark on this journey, you need to ask yourself ‘Do I have what is needed to give this cat what it needs to be happy and healthy for the duration of its life?’ This isn’t just about cost – it’s also about lifestyle. Cats can live for 20 years – it’s a huge commitment! Read up on what cats need to thrive – can you afford it? What will you do when you go on holiday? Will you get insurance? Is your home set up for a cat? How will you entertain your cat? When I had my first cat, I went to the library to do my research. Now there’s a wealth of information online where you can find out more about being a responsible pet owner.

Going to the library to read up – that’s brilliant! Where else can pet owners get further advice?

VH: We publish lots of resources on our website icatcare.org and you can always speak to your local homing organizations and vet practices if you need advice. The best advice we can give is to ensure you understand the commitment you are making when you take on a cat so that both of you can get the most out of that relationship.