Cat rescue charities overwhelmed by demand

Three kittens were found loose in Ryton Pools Country Park on Tuesday

Cat rescue charities in Coventry are experiencing overwhelming demand amid a rise in strays and pets abandoned by owners.

Cats Protection said it had seen a 28% year-on-year increase in cats coming into its care in the city, primarily driven by a rise in strays.

Just this week three kittens were found loose in Ryton Pools Country Park and others dumped in Coventry in a taped-up carboard box.

Charity co-ordinator Wendy Harris said: "We are experiencing higher levels of stray mums and their kittens needing help than any time in recent memory."

Kittens found in a taped-up cardboard box at Prologis Park in Coventry have been named Crunchie, Fudge, Malteser, Rolo and Twix

Cats Protection said it had seen a 16% rise in strays in Coventry and was forced to hand-rear litters born to young cats that could not cope.

"Just a few weeks ago a tiny one-year-old cat came in as a heavily pregnant stray. She had eight kittens once she was in care and only three survived," Ms Harris said.

"It's something we're currently seeing time and again - it's heartbreaking."

The RSPCA described cats being rescued from the side of busy roads, and kittens left with notes saying they can no longer be cared for

The charity works with the RSPCA's Coventry and District branch, which says it is having to turn animals away daily.

"This is the worst year for cat and kitten abandonment I have seen in my 20 years working at the RSPCA Coventry," said Lorraine Bryan, centre manager.

The RSPCA said earlier this year animal abandonment was at its highest level for three years.

The Coventry branch, which is independently funded, has expanded its cattery to accommodate 60 animals, but is still overwhelmed.

It believes the increase in demand is due to a combination of factors, including the cost of vet fees and mandatory microchipping.

On Tuesday, rangers at Ryton Pools Country Park coaxed two kittens believed to have been abandoned into a carrier after discovering them loose in the grounds.

A third ran off into the meadow but the two rescued were taken to the vets for treatment and staff hope they can be rehomed.

Two taped-shut cardboard boxes containing kittens have been found dumped in Coventry in recent weeks.

Another box of kittens was found dumped in Coventry on Saturday

Ms Bryan said the RSPCA in Coventry was struggling to do more without further support.

"This is combined with a lack of interest in older cats, black cats, and those with medical issues that stay with us for longer," she said.

"If we can raise funds and increase fosterers that will be two ways of helping this crisis."