An animal charity admits it is dreading the next few months as an unprecedented number of animals come through its doors.

The RSPCA Worcester and Mid-Worcestershire Branch helped 376 animals - including more than 300 cats - find their forever homes in 2022.

But there has been no let-up in the number of animals needing care since the New Year and the branch has already taken in 40 more.

“Worryingly, we are already seeing an unprecedented amount of animals coming through our doors this year,” the branch said in a Facebook post.

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“And we confess that we are dreading the challenges that rescue centres like ours are facing during the coming months.”

Claire Wood, a volunteer at the branch, said: “We are already seeing a large intake as a result of the cost of living crisis.

“We are taking in more than one animal a day and while we are doing well with re-homing, with cats in particular, as soon as a pen is emptied it is filled again.”

Pregnant cat with serious ear infection

The animals in need of help this month include Smokey, a heavily pregnant cat found out on the streets in freezing temperatures.

Now in the care of RSPCA vets, the cat was brought into the charity’s Animal Rescue Centre in Kempsey last week with a serious ear infection.

“She was in a really bad way but she’s doing well,” said Claire. “She’s such a lovely and friendly cat - when she’s better, we’ll definitely be able to find a new home for her.”

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An RSPCA study suggests 19 percent of pet owners are worried about being able to feed their pets right now, while 28 percent are worried about being able to look after their animals.

Across the UK, the charity’s animal intake is up 8.4 percent, while rehoming is down 8 percent year-on-year.

“We’re starting to see the consequences of some lockdown pet purchases not going to plan - with some new owners unprepared for the long-term commitment of pet ownership after an impulse purchase,” a spokesperson said. “We fear this is going to lead to more animal abandonments.”