Maidstone’s RSPCA branch has seen a 10 ten per cent rise in abandoned moggies this year.

The figures were revealed as the charity declared a “cat crisis”, with an unprecedented number of animals in its care nationwide.

The Tunbridge Wells and Maidstone branch has taken in 265 cats this year and is currently full, with 60 cats looking for homes.

Their combined care costs the centre an estimated £565 per day.

Branch Operations Manager for the South, Paul Williams, said the pressure facing volunteers was escalating and called on the public to help with adoptions and donations. He said: “The RSPCA is struggling on all fronts with this cat crisis.

“Our inspectors are being called out constantly to deal with sick, injured, neglected or abandoned cats; our hospitals are full with injured cats whose owners appear to have dumped them; we have more cats than ever that have been cruelly treated and our centres are just full with cats and kittens needing new homes.

“It is really sad because these problems could be avoided if owners just acted responsibly. The RSPCA, like other charities, needs help from the public.”

To adopt a cat for £70 visit www.rspca-tunbridgewellsandmaidstone.org.uk or call 01622 891222.