04/06/2026
This post is to help raise awareness, as we’ve seen a number of posts over the last few days relating to the buying and selling of kittens.
Just a friendly reminder that under Lucy’s Law, kittens under six months old can only be sold directly by the breeder who bred them or rehomed through a legitimate rescue organisation.
We would strongly encourage anybody looking to rehome kittens to consider working with a rescue wherever possible.
Reputable rescues carry out thorough homechecks, assess potential adopters and provide ongoing support, helping to ensure kittens are placed in safe, suitable and permanent homes.
There are many independent rescues across Manchester that can offer advice, support and assistance with rehoming, as well as many wonderful cats and kittens already waiting for homes.
Sadly, advertising kittens privately through social media can carry risks, as it can be difficult to verify the intentions of prospective owners. In some cases, animals advertised online have fallen into the hands of people with poor intentions, including those involved in neglect, exploitation or animal abuse.
We also strongly encourage neutering of mother cats, and the kittens when they are old enough, to help prevent further unwanted litters and reduce the number of cats already in need of homes.
Rescues across the country are currently overwhelmed with cats and kittens waiting for loving homes. Many have had difficult starts in life and are spending months, and sometimes longer, waiting for the right family to come along.
Increasing neutering rates helps reduce the number of stray and abandoned cats, eases pressure on already stretched rescues and provides significant health and welfare benefits for the cats themselves.
The welfare, safety and long-term future of the kittens should always be the priority. Taking the time to find the right homes, or seeking support from a reputable rescue, can help ensure they have the very best chance of living happy, safe and loved lives.
At StraySafe Rescue alone, we currently have 20 cats ready and waiting for their forever homes, with our longest resident having been in our care for over 18 months.