As Collins Dictionary crowns mogging as its 2026 Word of the Year, the RSPCA is reminding the nation that its rescue moggies are the real champions of outshining the competition.
Following Collins’ announcement of the Word of the Year, the RSPCA claims rescue moggies are the ultimate moggers – and the animal welfare charity is urging adopters to look past expensive designer breeds and consider rescuing a cat instead.
Mogging is defined as outshining or outperforming someone or something – and with their cattitude, purr-fect posing skills and unwavering main-character energy, cats have been mogging long before the word became mainstream.
Eloise Dicks, pet welfare expert at the RSPCA, said: “Cats have been mogging for centuries – there’s a reason it’s called a catwalk!
“They’ve got looks, confidence and the ability to command an entire room simply by walking into it.
“Some of our rescue cats have the most incredible personalities. And behind every magnificent moggy is an individual with their own story – many rescued from heartbreaking cruelty or neglect. Yet despite this, they still have so much love to give – that’s what makes them truly special.
“There’s a cat for everyone able to offer the right home: cute kittens, marvellous moggies, fireside felines and outdoor adventurers, we’ve got every kind of cat waiting for another chance at happiness.”
And the RSPCA is urging prospective adopters to look beyond looks or breed – and instead consider the personalities and “mogging credentials” of rescue felines.
“We always encourage prospective pet owners to look beyond appearance, breed and colour and instead look for a personality that matches you and your lifestyle – after all, it’s their unique personalities that make cats the most wonderful pets, and the cats in our care are just waiting for someone to give them a chance,” added Eloise.
‘“We’d urge people to discover the wonderful cats waiting in rescue centres – they’ve all got mogging credentials, and all they need is a home to call their own.”
What makes rescue moggies top moggers?
Experts at a glow-up
Many rescue cats have been through traumatic or difficult experiences – but with a little patience, kindness and a safe place to call home, their personalities can blossom. There’s nothing more rewarding than watching a nervous cat transform into a confident, affectionate sofa-hog – the ultimate before and after.
Purr-fectly one-of-a-kind
From wonky whiskers and missing teeth to unusual markings or battle scars, rescue cats come in every shape, size and style – all imperfectly perfect in their own way. They’ve got purr-sonality in spades and that’s what makes them stand out from the crowd.
Not just a pretty face
Every rescue cat has their own story to tell and their history is what shapes their personality. Some are lap-loving attention seekers, some are sassy and independent, and others are still learning that humans can be trusted. But their stories are what make them unique, and even though they’ve been through hard times, they are still able to keep finding joy, affection and connection.
Meet the RSPCA’s moggers:
Clover – at RSPCA Ashley Heath Animal Centre in Hampshire
One-year-old tabby Clover came into RSPCA care after being rescued from a multi-cat household – and currently in foster care until she finds her forever home, she has blossomed into a sweet, inquisitive young lady.
Given time, Clover enjoys human company and loves a gentle fuss – but she will need time and space to get used to her new family, so she is looking for patient, understanding new paw-rents.
Clover is an adventurous girl who enjoys climbing and jumping, and she loves to run around playing with her toys and batting balls around.
Artemis – at RSPCA Mount Noddy Animal Centre in West Sussex
At an impressive 16 years old, golden oldie Artemis came into RSPCA care after her owner sadly passed away – and now this beautiful girl is looking for a quiet, loving retirement home.
She loves spending time with people, so she’s looking for a home with lots of companionship and fuss from her new family.
Luna – at RSPCA Westmorland Branch in Cumbria
Six-year-old black beauty Luna has been in RSPCA care for four months – and sadly, she hasn’t had a single enquiry in that time. She’s watched other cats go off to their new homes, but lovely Luna is still waiting, leaving staff baffled as to why this sweet girl keeps getting overlooked.
Luna can be a little shy when you first meet her, but it doesn’t take her long to come out of her shell once she trusts you – she’s desperate for a family of her own to give her another chance so she can show them just how loving she is.
Susie – at RSPCA Friern Barnet Adoption Centre in London
Stunning Susie has sadly been in RSPCA care since April – after coming in with an injured leg due to an infection, it took her some time to heal and she’s been up for rehoming since September. She’s made a full recovery, and after six long months in the cattery all she wants now is a home of her own with a loving family.
A gentle and quiet girl, Susie will need patience and time to settle into her new home and build up trust with her owners – but once she feels secure she is a complete lovebug who adores curling up next to her favourite people or snuggling in their lap. When she’s not cuddling, she loves gazing out of the window at local wildlife in her foster home.
Hope – at RSPCA Newport Adoption Centre in Wales
Eight-year-old Hope is looking for a new home where she can be as pampered and cherished as she deserves. A truly gentle soul, she has a loving, quiet presence that will immediately warm your heart.
She might only have one eye, but that doesn’t hold her back – she craves love and attention, and will chirp to ask you for cuddles. Could you be Hope’s forever family?
The call for adopters and fosterers comes as the RSPCA revealed they have a record high number of cats in their care amid a “cat crisis” – as staff face mounting pressure to care for an ever-growing number of felines and to find enough space for animals in need.
Rising numbers of multi-cat rescues and pets saved from neglect and cruelty put the charity’s centres and branches under increasing strain. Last year, around 20,000 cats were taken into RSPCA care – with fears that figure will be exceeded this year.
The pressure on RSPCA centres and branches is being heightened by an increase in large-scale cat rescues. In 2025, the charity responded to a huge 1,780 incidents involving 10 or more cats at a single address – almost five every day, and a nearly 65% increase on the year before. These incidents involved more than 36,000 cats in total.
The charity is urging anyone considering getting a pet to always look beyond appearance, research the health and welfare needs of the animal and to always consider adopting one of the thousands of pets in rescue centres, hoping for another chance.
The RSPCA is also encouraging members of the public to read their report, The Shape of Suffering, watch their documentary film, ‘Flawed by design’, and join its campaign by signing the charity’s open letter to the UK Government, calling for stronger breeding regulations to protect animals from harmful physical traits.
