RSPCA Hillingdon Rescues Starving Persian Cats from Squalor as Vet Bills Soar into the Thousands—Charity Pleads for "Urgent Help"

Malnourished Cats Saved from Squalor as RSPCA Battles Rising Neglect Cases

The rescued cats where extremely thin and had to be shaved as their coats where to badly matted to leave them

Thirteen severely malnourished Persian cats, have been rescued from an unregulated breeder after the owner signed them over to the RSPCA. The animals, now under the care of RSPCA Hillingdon, Slough, Windsor, Kingston & District Branch, were discovered to have thick, matted fur, some so severely entangled that it had to be entirely shaved off to prevent further suffering.

The long-haired breed requires daily grooming, but the neglect they endured had left them in agonising pain, with some struggling to move under the weight of their own unkempt coats. Many were also found seriously underweight, a clear sign of prolonged deprivation. Several had untreated eye infections, concealed .

“These stunning animals, which should be groomed every day and cherished by their owners, have had the most appalling start to life. Our team has worked hard to remove their disgusting matted coats and is providing them with the best possible care to nurture them back to health. They will need homes with experience of long-haired cats. We greatly appreciate any donations that will help with their care in the meantime.” said An RSPCA spokesperson.

Once their coats were removed, the animals had to be fitted with small dog jackets to protect them from the cold. They are now being treated for malnourishment, infections, and stress-related issues, but their recovery will take time. Once back to full health, they will be neutered and rehomed, but the financial burden on the charity is already considerable, with costs exceeding £2,000.

The cats are receiving treatment from the rspca and look a lot healthier than they did when rescued

The case highlights the growing strain on local RSPCA branches, which rely entirely on public donations to continue their work. Unlike the national body, branches such as RSPCA Hillingdon operate independently, funding veterinary care, food, and shelter for rescued animals through community support alone. Last year, the RSPCA responded to over 100,000 cases of cruelty and neglect, a number that has been steadily rising. With the cost-of-living crisis pushing more owners to abandon pets and unregulated breeders continuing to profit without oversight, the charity is struggling to keep pace.

“We are seeing more cases than ever before, but with rising vet bills and increased demand, we are struggling to cope,” The spokesperson added. “These Persian cats alone will cost thousands to treat, and without the generosity of the public, we simply cannot continue to rescue every animal in need Donations are urgently needed to cover the cost of treatment, food, and rehabilitation".

Donations can be made via the branch’s Facebook page, PayPal, JustGiving, or by calling 01895 833417 to donate by card. Cheques can also be sent to RSPCA Clinic, 16 Crescent Parade, Hillingdon UB10 0LG.

Despite the introduction of Lucy’s Law in April 2020, which banned third-party puppy and kitten sales to crack down on irresponsible breeding, loopholes remain. Unlicensed backyard breeders continue to evade regulations, often selling animals online or posing as private sellers. The breeder responsible for these Persian cats had clearly lost control of the situation, yet such cases continue to go unchecked. The RSPCA is now investigating, but with limited enforcement resources and a lack of regulation on backyard breeding, they fear that many more animals will be left to suffer before authorities can intervene.

For these Persian cats, the nightmare is finally over—but for thousands of other animals still trapped in neglect, the fight to rescue and protect them continues. Ways to donate can be found below:

CLICK TO DONATE TO THE RSPCA VIA JUST GIVING

Facebook: Click on the Donate button at https://www.facebook.com/RSPCAHillingdon PayPal: Paypal.me/hillingdonclinic (please use Family & Friends option)

JustGiving: justgiving.com/rspcasud/donate (please mention the Persian cats)

Call: 01895 833417 to donate by debit/credit card

Cheques payable to RSPCA HSWK to RSPCA Clinic, 16 Crescent Parade, Hillingdon UB10 0LG