The figures launched by the charity come as it says there were almost 18,000 cat cruelty grievances throughout the nation in 2015.
An overall of 1,726 were classified as “deliberate damage occurrences”, a 25 percent boost from the 1,387 in 2021.
In Shropshire there were an overall of 162 grievances in 2015.
The charity has actually launched the figures as part of its Cancel Out Cruelty campaign, in a quote to raise funds to help its frontline rescue groups continue to save animals from cruelty and abuse.
The cost-of-living crisis is likewise believed to be a contributing element to a boost in intentional damage to animals, at a time when the cost of saving animals is at an all-time high and the RSPCA’s important services are extended to the limitation.
Dr Sam Gaines, head of the RSPCA’s buddy animal department, said: “Cats are one of the most popular pets in the UK with an estimated 11 million pet cats in UK homes but our figures suggest sadly they are the second most abused pet – after dogs.
“It is heart-breaking to think that five cats every day are suffering at the hands of humans – it really is appalling – but sadly the RSPCA knows all too well that this cruelty is carried out on a regular basis.
“We see hundreds of felines come through our doors every year who have been subjected to unimaginable cruelty – being beaten, burned, thrown around, had bones broken, been shot at, poisoned and drowned.
“In many cases these pets have been injured deliberately by their owners – the very people who are supposed to love and protect them. But cats are also more vulnerable as they tend to be out and about on their own which can leave them vulnerable to air gun attacks and other forms of cruelty by complete strangers.”
Kelly Lake, RSPCA chief inspector for Shropshire, said: “Right now, animal cruelty is happening in England and Wales on a massive scale and rising. It is heartbreaking that we are seeing such sad figures which show animal cruelty is, very sadly, on the rise.
“While we don’t know for certain why there has been an increase, the cost of living crisis and the post-pandemic world we live in has created an animal welfare crisis.
“Each year, these reports reach its terrible annual peak in the summer months. The cost-of-living crisis also means the cost of rescuing animals is at an all-time high and our vital services are stretched to the limit.
“Together, we believe we can and will cancel out cruelty to animals by replacing violence with kindness. We are urging people to donate to our Cancel Out Cruelty campaign,every donation will help animals.”
