Cats Protection branch in Sleaford overwhelmed by unwanted pets

A CHARITY overwhelmed with cats and kittens has reached crisis levels due to its pens being full up with unwanted moggies that no one wants to adopt.

Cats Protection's Sleaford and district branch says it doesn't presently keep a waiting list as it has so many cats and kittens to be homed at the moment.

But the branch says it is powerless to help any more at present because it is already stretched to the limit looking after 55 cats and kittens locally.

Sleaford and district branch spokesman Louise Blackah said: "In the last few months there has been a surge in people reporting unwanted cats to us, ranging from cats found as strays to owners who have lost their job or home and can no longer afford to keep their pet. With confirmation that the UK entered a double dip recession earlier this year it is still a difficult time for people out there.

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"We try to prioritise and help the neediest cats, but it is a difficult task because fewer cats are being adopted from us so space is severely limited. It is not uncommon for each cat to sit in a pen for many weeks or months, which we think is due to cash-strapped people tightening their belts and not feeling able to take on a new pet.

"It is getting to the point where we will be forced to turn away any more requests to help cats until we can clear the backlog. To prevent this, we'd urge people to adopt a cat from us. Not only will you be giving a home to a loving companion animal, but it will help the charity to free up vital space so we can take in another cat that desperately needs our help."

Cats in need of a new home include Flora, about eight, who has been at the branch for most of this year, and Lola who is around four-years-old, but is finding it very depressing being in a pen, and needs a loving home urgently.

The branch is also looking to recruit additional fosterers to look after unwanted cats while they await new owners.

No special equipment is needed but cat fosterers do need to have either a spare room or an area in their garden where a cat pen can be housed and, of course, a love of cats is a must. The charity will provide plenty of assistance and support materials for all fosterers.

To adopt a cat or become a volunteer fosterer, please contact the Sleaford and District branch on 01529 488749, or visit the website www.cats.org.uk/sleaford to complete an enquiry form.