The Historic CatsMatter Petition Now Heads to Parliament to Protect Our Feline Friends

Cats face many dangers every day, but one of the most urgent threats is road traffic. Every year, thousands of cats are injured or killed on UK roads. This reality has sparked a powerful movement to change the way the government protects these beloved animals. The CatsMatter petition has now officially become the largest cat-related petition in UK history to ever go before Parliament. This milestone marks a turning point in feline welfare and road safety.

Thanks to the overwhelming support from cat lovers and animal welfare groups across the country, the petition will be officially handed in to 10 Downing Street this July. This blog post shares the story behind this historic campaign, what comes next, and why this moment matters for cats and their owners everywhere.

The Power of a United Voice

The CatsMatter petition started as a call to action for better protections for cats on roads. It quickly gained momentum as thousands of people signed to demand change. What makes this petition historic is not just the number of signatures but the collaboration behind it.

• 69 animal welfare organisations have also signed a joint letter urging the government to introduce legislation that protects cats on roads.

• Some of these organisations are among the largest and most respected in the UK animal welfare community.

• The petition reflects a clear message: the government can no longer ignore the call for feline road safety.

  
  

This united front shows how much people care about cats and their safety.

Below is the letter we will be handing in alongside the petition.

What the Petition Proposes

The petition hand in will be more than just a copy of the list of signatures, it will also include detailed proposals on how legislation could work in practice. These proposals aim to reduce the number of cats injured or killed on roads by:

• Introducing clearer road safety measures specifically for cats.

• Raising public awareness about the risks cats face near roads.

• Supporting research into effective ways to protect cats in urban and rural areas.

  
  

What Happens Next

In July, the petition will be formally handed in at 10 Downing Street. This event will mark the official start of the government’s consideration of the issue. While the petition itself does not guarantee immediate legislative change, it creates a strong foundation for ongoing advocacy.

The government will soon have to respond to the petition and the accompanying letter from animal welfare organisations. This response will determine the next steps, which could include:

• Further details on the Parliamentary debate.

• Development of new policies or laws.

  
  

The campaign team and supporters will continue to push for meaningful action, ensuring the voices of cat owners and animal lovers remain heard.

Why This Campaign Matters to Everyone

Cats are more than 'pets'; they are family members who bring joy and companionship. Yet, many cat owners live with the constant fear of losing their cats to road accidents. Cats deserve a chance at survival should the worst happen, and owners deserve to know that everything has been done to save their family member, or that efforts were made to minimise their suffering and show them the dignity in death that they deserve.

How You Can Help

Even though the petition has closed and is now about to be handed in, the campaign is far from over. Supporters can continue to make a difference by:

• Sharing information about feline road safety with friends and family.

• Supporting animal welfare organisations involved in the campaign.

• Staying informed about government responses and upcoming debates.

• Contacting your MP once a date has been scheduled for the big debate.

  
  

Every action helps keep the momentum going and increases the chances of lasting change.

The CatsMatter petition has shown what happens when people unite for a cause they believe in. It has made the issue of feline road safety impossible for the government to ignore. As the petition moves to Parliament, the future looks brighter for cats across the UK.

If you care about cats and want to see safer roads for them, stay engaged and spread the word. Together, we can protect our feline friends and ensure they live safer, happier lives.