Increase in abandoned cats due to neutering costs

One animal shelter said cat numbers were in "crisis"

Cats are increasingly being abandoned because of the cost of neutering, animal rescues have said.

Lorraine Thornton, who volunteers at Sunderland animal charity Pawz for Thought, said the number of cats currently being brought into the rescue was "absolutely horrific".

The charity was looking after 90 cats - about 30% more than last year - and had been forced to turn people away for the first time, she said.

Many owners could not to afford to pay vet's bills, neuter their pets or look after the resulting kittens, she said.

Ms Thornton said one woman started with one cat and ended up with 10 because it got pregnant twice.

"That is when she asked for help," she said.

"She said they are breeding and I can't afford to do it.

"It's the cost of living crisis."

Rescues do not get government funding, Ms Thornton said.

The charity took in seven of the cats and paid to neuter all 10 but was also struggling to afford the cost of looking after so many abandoned animals, Ms Thornton said.

"Rescues don't get any funding from any government body," she added.

"Nobody is taking it seriously."

Cat numbers crisis

Clare Robson, from Care 4 Cats in Saltburn, said this year had been the rescue's worst for abandoned cats.

"The country is in crisis with cat numbers and we just don't have enough suitable homes for them all," she said.

A national campaign was needed to break down beliefs such "every cat should have a litter", she said.

Newcastle Dog and Cat Shelter manager Jill Neary said new homes had been found for 250 cats this year but "demand for space in the shelter is still enormous".

"We are struggling to keep up with the overwhelming demand," she said.

SARA animal rescue in Redcar has more than 200 cats on a waiting list.

Manager Abi Armstrong said: "When you decide to work in animal rescue, you do expect heartbreak.

"However, you never for one second think that you will have to turn away numerous animals a day that desperately need your help."