Road Traffic Accidents Are Now the Leading Cause of Cat Deaths in the UK Study Finds

Recent findings from a study spearheaded by researchers in Bristol, have unveiled concerning statistics about the safety of our cats. Shocking revelations indicate that road traffic accidents have become the leading cause of cat fatalities in the UK. PetPlan figures show that each year 230,000 cats are involved in accidents with vehicles, with 25% of hit being fatal. However, this data is now a few years old and no large study has taken place since. We always felt the figures would be much higher than what PetPlan found during their research because many cats will not be reported. Cats found on the road may go undetected by things such as people or the local council disposing of them without recording, persons laying the cat to rest at home and not updating vet or microchip records, or even those taken by wildlife or never found in places such as thick brush.

Since the shock PetPlan data, addressing the rising number of cat deaths on our roads has been brought to light again by the Bristol Cats Study conducted in April 2025. This research not only highlights the underlying issues contributing to these accidents but also suggests some practical solutions to prevent them.

With around 11 million pet cats in the UK and 26% of households owning one or more cats1, understanding the health of the cat population is important. However, little is known about their likely cause of death, as previous studies have used vet records to establish their cause of death.

The aim of the study was to provide a more complete picture of the cause of death among the pet cat population in the UK by using data from owner-completed questionnaires;

to establish all mortality and probability of dying. Data was collected from ‘Bristol Cats’ study questionnaires - a longitudinal study of cat health, welfare and behaviour - owner communications and medical records for the cat’s first 8 years of life. Cause of death was categorised by organ-specific issues; disease or event and analysed by age and life stage.

From 2,444 cats recruited into the ‘Bristol Cats’ study, at least 362 had died before reaching nine years old. The study found the most common cause of death in cats up to 8-years-old was road traffic accident (RTA) at 45.6%. For 29 kittens, under 1- year-old, the most common causes was RTA (61.2%), feline infectious peritonitis (11.9%), and other trauma (7.5%).

The most common causes of mortality in young adult cats (1 to 6-years-old) was RTA (49.6%), non-specified (14.4%), kidney disease (6.5%), and heart disease (6.5%).

Cats aged up to two years had an annual probability of dying between 2.8–3.1%, which decreased between 2 and 3 years of age to 1.7%. The probability of dying gradually increased with age with the oldest age group (7 to 8 years) having a 3.6% probability of dying.

The research found RTAs is the leading cause of death in cats across all age groups studied. While kittens were more likely to die due to age-related infectious diseases, trauma and accidents, organ-specific issues such as kidney and heart diseases were likely causes of death in cats up to 8 years old.

The Rising Incidence of Cat Fatalities

Understanding the Numbers: A Closer Look at the Statistics

Many studies have been conducted over the years on everything from breed types, to sex and age of cats most likely to be hit by cars, to detailed studies on the time of day and throughout the seasons. There has even been a study on the most common car makes to hit an animal and what roads are the most notorious in Britain. Studies show that approximately 65% of road accidents arise in urban environments, where traffic volume is highest. We tend to hear people say they expect it to be much higher, but it actually very common to see a cat hit by a car in rural landscapes too. The reason why boils down to the irregularity of the traffic. In busy urban areas, cats tend to become familiarised with roads and tend to steer clear if they can, especially around busy times. In rural areas, the traffic tends to be much faster and there is longer periods between cars coming so cats are lulled into a false sense of security it is safe to cross. This explains why we saw a steep rise in incidents during the Covid lockdowns when less cars were on the road, and why many studies show a rise in incidents in urban areas during quieter periods such as early evening and overnight.

These figures reflect a disturbing trend that we cannot overlook. With our urban spaces expanding and traffic becoming increasingly congested, the dangers for outdoor cats continue to grow. Not just for cats, but all animals.

Contributing Factors to Increased Road Traffic Accidents

Urban Expansion and Increased Traffic

A significant cause of the rising number of cat fatalities is urban expansion, leading to increased traffic. As cities develop, more roads are built to handle the influx of vehicles. This not only raises the danger for outdoor cats but also increases the likelihood of accidents. Not only is there ever increasing infrastructure, there are also more people, more cats and more cars. In 1970, only 51% of households owned a car. That number now stands at 78% of households having at least one car. 34% of those have 2 cars or more. Not forgetting also that the population has increased by over 11 million people since 1970. Cat numbers have also increased from 4.25 million cats in 1970, to 11 million today.

Changes in Cat Behaviour

More cats are being allowed to roam outdoors, reflecting a shift in attitudes towards pet ownership. Many now see cats as companions that require freedom, rather than pets confined indoors. This change has heightened the risk of unmonitored cats crossing busy streets, becoming easy targets for fast-moving cars. Data from the Bristol study shows that nearly 70% of pet cats have unrestricted outdoor access. It is also human behaviour that contributes to these cats wandering, such as people feeding cats before finding out if they are owned and, if so, how far are they travelling to get to their house. Do they cross a busy road? Other issues that cause cats to roam are not being neutered, cats being left for long periods outside alone where they roam to seek shelter, food, comfort to relive boredom, or even cats that don't feel safe in their area due to aggressive cats in their territory, or even changes at home they are not happy about.

Distractions for Drivers

Moreover, the rise of technology has added more dangers on the roads. A survey from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) indicates that four out of ten drivers admit to being distracted by their mobile devices while driving. Another survey also found 86% of drivers admitted to being distracted by technology overall while driving. This lack of attention poses a serious threat to the lives of pets, including our feline friends.

The Role of Cat Owners in Preventing Road Accidents

How We Can Make a Difference

In light of these findings, cat owners must take proactive measures to protect their cats. We offer a wide range of resources to help owners prevent these tragic accidents and advice on how to keep their cats safe on our website. We are a campaign group that want a change in the law so drivers are made to stop and report incidents so we can preserve as much life, and prevent as much suffering, as possible, but we urge people to take steps available to limit the risk so their cats hopefully never find themselves in the position of having been hit by a car. No trick is fool proof, but there are certainly ways to drastically limit the risk.

Monitored Outdoor Time

One effective way to keep cats safe is to supervise or monitor their outdoor time. Try to keep your cat to a schedule whereby they are inside when traffic is at its heaviest. To help encourage them to adhere to this, you can coordinate their meal times with rush hour. Also, make yourself visible to them every so often, give them a call every half hour/hour. Leaving your cat to fend for themselves all day whilst you are out could result in them going for a wander looking for food, shelter or out of boredom. Cats left to their own devices all day/night in cold weather, tend to seek warmth in car engines. This has led to countless cats being displaced miles from home...or worse! Also, when you go to bed, so should your cats. Though many think that it's safer to let cats out at night when it's quieter, statistically, this is the most dangerous time for cats to be outside. Additionally, headlights are very confusing for cats. For all their strengths, cats are poor at measuring distance and speed, and may make a dash for safety once the headlights have passed, only to run into (or under) the rest of the vehicle. Cats' eyes also do not adjust to light as quickly as ours do, which means sudden bright lights can dazzle them and make them disorientated.

Using Technology for Safety

Technology can significantly enhance the safety of our furry companions. GPS collars allow owners to track their cat’s location, ensuring they stay within safe boundaries. Many apps can send alerts if a cat strays too far, enabling quick responses if they wander onto busy roads. This method is especially useful to understand where your cat goes and, if you do find they are roaming too far and over roads they shouldn't be, you can take steps to putting a stop to it by understanding what they are going there for.

Motivate Your Cat to Stay Close

Cats are curious... as the saying goes. While they will most likely want to leave the garden, you can convince them not to stray too far with the right strategy. If you cannot have a cat flap fitted, leave a door open or an accessible window when your cat is outside so (s)he can easily get back inside when desired. Also, make sure to feed and water cats regularly. Cats are less likely to wander if they are onto a good thing, so make sure that their needs are being met. If you suspect your cat has a 'second home', find out where this is and ask they do not feed your cat. Many cats cross busy roads to get to their 'second home'. Turn your garden into a cat friendly space. Providing a safe and enriching environment will encourage them to stay close to home. Provide shelter from rain and comfy sunbathing spots for them. Large bare spaces can make cats feel vulnerable so provide hiding places and vantage points. Cats love anything new (if only for a week) so continuously provide more stimulation and entertainment for them to keep them interested. This could be something as simple as getting them a new cardboard box and placing it in a new spot in the garden. Plant cat favourites such as Catnip, cat thyme and cat grass. Avoid temptation to encourage neighbourhood cats as they may appear as a threat to your cat. Your garden is your cat's territory, and it is important your cat feels safe and secure. However, if you suspect a cat might be a stray never hesitate from contacting your local rescue/shelter.

Consider a Compromise

Why not consider some of the middle of the road options available such as catios, roller bars and other cat containment fencing systems available - giving cats the best of both worlds where they can roam free outside, yet are less open to the dangers of the outside world. See the options available from the UKs leading enclosure company, ProtectaPet, here.

Indoor cats can still escape so, if you do have indoor cats or cats with an enclose/fencing, be aware that the new sights and sounds of the outdoor world they are not used to make them especially vulnerable if they do escape their homes. They could even escape enroute to places like cattery's or the vets, so make sure carriers are secure. We tend to see the indoor V outdoor argument a lot on social media but, in terms of what we see and hear from people, we would suggest it's not quite as clear cut as first thoughts. Of the incidents we hear about, around 40% of those were indoor cats that escaped, highlighting the caution always needed when it comes to RTAs and cats.

Outdoor Cat Checklist

• Microchip your cat! Microchips are their only voice when outside your home. Cats are disposed of by vets/councils or re-homed because an owner could not be identified. Also, vets may refuse to treat a cat, beyond basic pain relief, should an owner not be traced.

• Neuter/spay your cat. In tact cats are at much greater risk as they are more motivated to stray.

• Fit a cat flap, a microchipped-operated one preferably. Allowing your cat to have quick easy access to their home will discourage the need to wander for food and shelter in bad weather.

• A harness. New adult cats should stay indoors for 2-6 weeks so they can familiarise themselves with, and be comfortable in their new surroundings. In this period, walk them around their garden with the safety of a harness on. Go at their pace and let them investigate their new territory in preparation for going it alone.

• Get in the habit of bringing your cat inside at bed times, and when you go out, early on. If you're not home, your cat should be.

The Role of Drivers in Preventing Road Accidents

Sadly accidents happen but it's basic human decency to stop the car if you have hit a cat. Even if you don't like cats the chances are good that there's another person who loves the one you have just hit and will be devastated, not only that they were injured or killed, but that nothing was done to help.

It is also crucial to remember that statistically only 25% of road traffic accidents involving cats are fatal, so the chances are good the cat can survive with urgent care - instead of being left to suffer a needlessly slow and painful death because they were abandoned at the scene.

If you have hit a cat while driving, it is likely that you are in a residential area and not on a busy motorway. In this situation, stopping the car will in no way put you or other drivers at risk, so should not be a reason to keep driving and leave the animal.

As much as you may not want to confront what has just happened - the owner of the cat is counting on you to do the right thing and the decision you make in this crucial moment can be the difference between life and death.

If the cat was lucky enough to survive the incident, there might be a need for basic first aid to get them stable / comfortable before the journey to the vets.​

NOTE: VETS WILL NOT CHARGE YOU FOR BRINGING AN INJURED OR DECEASED ANIMAL TO THEM. You can use this tool to find your nearest vet.

In some cases cats will run off. This in no way signals they are OK. Follow our advice on what to do if the cat runs off following a collision. If you suspect the cat is pregnant or lactating, regardless of being alive or deceased, please follow our advice here. You might just help save numerous lives. If out of hours, follow our advice here.

Find out how you can be an animal friendly driver here and how you can make sure you are vigilant when driving here.

Find out why cats run out in front of cars in the first place and potentially predict their movements by thinking like a cat.

Adjusting Legislation

Strengthening Animal Welfare Laws

In light of these alarming statistics, there is a new call for the strengthening animal welfare laws cantered around road safety. The results from the Bristol Cats Study should prompt fresh immediate action from cat owners and the wider community. With road traffic accidents being the leading cause of cat deaths in the UK, and this trend worsening, we all bear a responsibility to make a change.