The charity’s report, Time is Meow: a cat welfare action plan for Wales, outlines the measures which are needed to ensure cats – and the people who care for them - are better protected in law.

At a reception in the Pierhead Building on Tuesday 9 May, politicians from all parties discussed measures such as compulsory microchipping of pet cats and increasing the availability of cat-friendly housing in the private rented sector.

Cats Protection’s Advocacy & Government Relations Officer for Wales Daryl Gordon said: “Wales is a nation of pet lovers and cats are a particularly popular pet, with one in four households owning one. It’s therefore great to see so many politicians coming together to find out what they can do to ensure cats receive the protection in law that they deserve.

“Among the key measures we discussed was the need for compulsory microchipping of pet cats in Wales. This is something which will soon be introduced for cats in England and it’s important that cats in Wales are not left behind.

“We also talked about what MSs can do to ensure there is more cat-friendly housing available in the private rented sector. So many people now rent their homes yet too many are being denied the chance to own a pet cat and we believe this must change.”

Among the other priorities outlined in the charity’s plan for Wales is the need for cat breeding regulation, the inclusion of animal welfare in the Welsh Curriculum and regulation of animal welfare establishments.

Cats Protection, the UK's leading feline welfare charity, has helped an average of 166,000 cats and kittens a year over the last five years. The charity’s Welsh network includes six volunteer-run branches, two adoption centres (Bridgend and Wrexham), as well as eight high street shops.