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Written question asked by Kim Leadbeater (Labour) on Monday, 16 March 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 18 March 2026. It was answered by Angela Eagle (Labour) on Thursday, 19 March 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Cats: Animal Breeding

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if her Department will introduce cat breeding regulations which ban the breeding of cats with extreme characteristics which could have a detrimental effect on (a) their (i) health and (ii) welfare and (b) that of their offspring.

Answer

The Animal Welfare Strategy was published on 22 December 2025 and sets out thepriorities for animal welfare for England. It is a comprehensive set of reforms which will improve the lives of millions of animals.

As set out in the strategy, the Government’s priority is to improve compliance with the existing rules and to work collaboratively with stakeholders to further our understanding of the cat breeding sector and help to drive up standards. This will inform whether any further action is needed in the future to improve welfare practices in the cat breeding sector.

Anyone in the business of selling cats and kittens as pets should already have a pet selling licence and must meet strict statutory minimum welfare standards which are enforced by local authorities who have powers to issue, refuse, vary or revoke licences.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
121027
Session
2024-26
Related items
Cats: Animal Breeding
Wednesday, 25 March 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Animal welfare Animal breeding Cats
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk