ANIMAL rescuers are being overwhelmed by the number of kittens and cats needing new homes.
The RSPCA in Huddersfield currently has 40 of the animals in need of being fostered or adopted.
And they say services are being stretched during kitten season.
In recent years the number of cats they have had to re-home has reached 600, although last year the number decreased to 300.
Jane Robinson from the RSPCA is now appealing for people to consider fostering a kitten or a cat in the short term until they can find new homes for the animals.
She said: “We have 40 in at the moment, which includes a lot of kittens.
“We desperately need temporary foster carers, even if it is only over the summer to start with, because that’s when we struggle most.
“People are away on holiday so can’t taken them in, but it’s also kitten season so we are in more demand than ever.”
They take in mothers with kittens and they need to stay with them for eight weeks before they can be sent to new homes.
But currently they are having to say no to taking unwanted adult cats off people because services are stretched to their limit.
Jane added: “We never put a healthy animal to sleep, that is not an option.
“Instead we try to find them homes.”
The RSPCA in Huddersfield is hoping people will seek advice about fostering and adoption and consider taking in one of the cats or kittens.
Requirements include having the space for a cat and living away from a main road.
Jane said: “People can come to us and ask advice and we’ll help them as much as we can.
“If they don’t have the experience, but they are thinking of adopting then we can give advice on what to do and make sure it’s right for them and the cat.”
Over the past 20 years Jane has taken in thousands of cats and kittens.
“It is an uphill struggle but we’re doing everything we can,” she added.
If you can help contact the cat coordinator Christine Hirst on 01484 68 77 10.
