STROUD Cats' Protection has set another record – but it is not one to celebrate.
The charity is at bursting point with 60 cats in desperate need of loving families to rehome them.
Volunteers say there is a growing list of animals waiting to come into the charity but there is no room for them until some of the current residents move on.
"The long and the short of it is that people are not getting their cats neutered – that is what it boils down to," said Helen Munro, homing and welfare officer for the charity.
"There are just too many unneutered cats. People give them away and when others come to have them, they ask a vet how much it costs to neuter them and realise they can't afford it. I can't take any more, there's nowhere for them."
Cats and kittens are often offered for free or at little cost through social networking websites, like Facebook, and through classified adverts.
Animal lovers often see this as an offer they cannot refuse but when they are left un-neutered and free to roam the streets, there is nothing to control breeding numbers.
This results in stress being placed upon charities like Cats' Protection because people do not necessarily understand the responsibilities that go with cat ownership.
Charity volunteers are keeping a number of cats and kittens at their own homes until families step forward to claim them. Helen added: "This is the most we have ever had in our care. Getting animals neutered is the key."
Among those desperate for a home are Conchita, who was found in a shed with three surviving kittens, and Fayette and her two sisters, who were born on the roof of an undertakers'.
If you can help by giving a home to one of these needy felines, ring Helen on 01453 828 326.
