Rehoming centres are ‘bursting’ as Covid yearning for pets sours

Chopper, a black kitten with a white bib and spats, is one of the success stories in a time of uncertainty for pets.

The yearning to acquire cats and dogs brought on by the need for companionship during Covid lockdowns is in reverse as first-time owners feel the financial squeeze.

Pet charities reported record numbers of “relinquishment inquiries” from owners whose incomes have not kept pace with the cost of keeping a pet.

Chopper is one of a litter of kittens born to Nami, a cat who arrived pregnant at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home’s centre in Old Windsor, Berkshire.
­Nami’s owners gave her up “with a heavy heart” after looking after her for two years because they could no longer afford pet food and