CATS Protection has launched a major new campaign to help more people living in rented housing own a pet cat.

The UK’s largest cat charity is offering free guidance to landlords and letting agents to help ensure that tenancy agreements reflect modern day living.

Issues over finding cat-friendly housing have been one of the top five reasons recorded by Cats Protection for cats being handed into the charity’s adoption centres over the past 12 months.

Cats Protection’s research shows that less than half (42 per cent) of private rented housing allows cats in the UK.

In the South East, only 40 per cent of private landlords state their tenancy agreements would allow tenants to keep a cat.

Jacqui Cuff, Cats Protection’s Head of Advocacy & Government Relations, said: “More and more people are renting their homes either by choice or necessity, yet very few rented properties accept cats. This means tenants are missing out on being able to own a cat, while landlords may be losing out on attracting responsible and settled tenants.”

The charity has launched a new website full of guidance for landlords and tenants about allowing cats into their properties and addressing any concerns. The website, at www.cats.org.uk/purrfectlandlords includes free, downloadable legal wording for landlords and letting agents to add to their own tenancy agreements, setting out simple conditions on cat ownership to protect and benefit both landlords and tenants.

Jacqui added: ““Becoming a cat-friendly landlord means advertising properties as ‘pets considered’ which ensures landlords stay in control and can make a decision once they’ve met their potential tenant.

“Our downloadable example cat clauses can then be simply added to existing tenancy agreements and they include tenancy conditions to require cats to be neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. This helps to ensure that cats are in the best of health and unlikely to cause any issues.

“We’re also offering advice to help tenants speak to their landlords to ask for permission to own a cat. Landlords are often willing to be flexible, especially as tenants with pets are likely to stay for longer.”

Private tenants who are able to own cats benefit immensely. Of those that own a cat, 94 per cent report that their cat has a positive effect on their life such as making them happy, providing company and affection, or improving mental health.