More cats abandoned 'due to rising costs'
The shelter has seen a "huge increase" in the number of cats it has taken in, compared to last year.
**More cats abandoned 'due to rising costs'**
The Coventry shelter says it has looked after 150 more cats and kittens this summer than last year
An animal charity has said the expense of looking after pets is one of the reasons behind a "huge increase" in the number of cats and kittens being admitted to its centre.
RSPCA Coventry and District Branch said it cared for 399 cats and kittens over the summer, which was 150 more than during the same period last year.
Emma Davies of the centre said: "We think a lot of that is down to rising costs," adding that this included the cost of neutering pets, which in turn led to more kittens being born.
Across the country, the RSPCA has warned of a "cat crisis" and said it is now caring for more felines than dogs, adding that the surge has placed pressure on its centres.
Emma Davies said cats and kittens have been left in boxes and bags at the centre in Coventry
The site in Coundon Wedge Drive, Coventry, operates independently from the national RSPCA and said it costs £40,000 a month to run the shelter.
It is currently full with 80 cats, but the centre told the BBC that there is also a waiting list of 130 people who are having to give up their pets.
Davies said: "If your cat is older and perhaps has a health condition, insurance for that and covering vet costs can also be expensive".
"So we are finding that a lot of people are looking to us to surrender their animal because they can no longer afford to take care of it," she said.
"We have unfortunately had quite a few abandonments at the centre, in terms of kittens left in cardboard boxes, cats left in carrier bags and things like that."
Staff also believe that a rise in the number of people breeding cats may also be increasing the number of rescues.
Davies advised anyone struggling to speak to the RSPCA to see if they can help, such as by providing pet food or treating cats at its own vet clinic.
The shelter has seen a "huge increase" in the number of cats it has taken in, compared with last year
Beth Clements, RSPCA assistant director of animal services, said nationally it had seen "a huge influx of cats and kittens".
"Sadly it just isn't slowing down and it's having a massive impact on our centres and branches," she said.
"So far this year we're taking in an average of 624 cats each month across our 14 national centres and private boarding establishments.
"That's not including the massive numbers our independent local branch network are taking in too."