UK Cats Deserve the Same Road‑Traffic Protection as Dogs
Every year in the UK, thousands of cats are hit by cars, yet drivers are under no legal obligation to stop or report it. Under the Road Traffic Act 1988, motorists must report collisions involving dogs, horses, cattle, pigs, goats, sheep and donkeys. Cats are not included.
For many owners, this means their pet may be injured, suffering, or killed on the roadside with no chance of help, simply because the law doesn't require a driver to stop.
The Facts: Why Cats Are at Risk
Cats are legally classed as "free‑roaming" meaning they wander, cross roads, and explore by nature.
Black cats are statistically more likely to be involved in road accidents. Their darker colouring makes them harder for drivers to see at dawn, dusk, and night.
A 2022 study by CatsMatter found that over 230,000 cats are killed on UK roads each year, yet most incidents go unreported.
This isn't just a welfare issue, it's a heartbreak issue. Families deserve closure, and injured cats deserve a chance at veterinary care.
Keeping Outdoor Cats Safer
While we push for legal change, there are steps owners can take to help protect their cats outdoors:
High‑visibility reflective collars — make cats easier for drivers to spot at night.
Quick‑release safety collars — prevent snagging and injuries while still offering visibility.
Microchipping — now a legal requirement, and essential for reuniting cats with their owners.
Keeping cats in at night — when most road accidents occur.
Training cats to come when called — helps you bring them in before peak traffic times.
These steps don't remove the risk entirely, but they do give cats a better chance.
Why the Law Needs to Change
Right now, if a driver hits a dog, they must legally stop and report it. If they hit a cat, they can drive away without consequence.
This legal gap:
Leaves injured cats without urgent help
Leaves owners without closure
Leaves councils and charities to deal with the aftermath
Leaves drivers without clear guidance
Cats are family. They deserve the same protection and dignity as dogs.
Help Change the Law
A growing movement, supported by vets, charities, and thousands of cat owners is calling for the UK government to update the Road Traffic Act so that drivers must report collisions involving cats.
If you believe cats deserve equal protection, please consider signing the petition and sharing it with others. Your voice could help save lives, protect pets, and bring comfort to families who deserve to know what happened to their beloved companion.