Policy is outdated and unfair

An animal welfare charity is urging the Scottish Government to do more to ensure people who rent homes can benefit from owning a pet cat.

Cats Protection says that the widespread use of blanket no pets policies is unfair and outdated, and that an overhaul of how pets are viewed in the rented sector is urgently needed.

Cats Protection’s Alice Palombo said: “The pandemic has really highlighted just how important pets are in our lives – whether it’s providing companionship to people living alone, comfort for those with ongoing health conditions or simply a fun and much-loved part of family life.

“Yet as the law stands, it can be impossible for people who rent their home to own a cat. It cannot be right that pet ownership is largely reserved for those people who own their own home.”

Research from the charity’s Cats and Their Stats Scotland report, published in 2021, shows 94% of owners in Scotland saying their cat is part of the family and 91% saying their cats bring them joy.

The Scottish Government is currently consulting on proposals to allow tenants to keep pets in rented housing, and Cats Protection is asking its supporters to back the proposals.

Palombo added: “This consultation is a big step in the right direction and we’re urging the Scottish Government to continue this momentum. Scotland is a nation of animal lovers and it’s only right that everyone should have the chance to own a cat if they wish.”