CAT lovers are wanted to help find loving homes for the victims of an increasingly familiar phenonemon.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) mid-Worcestershire branch says it is desperate to rehome as many of the cats and kittens in its possession before the charity temporarily shuts down over the Christmas period.

Branch secretary Pam Booker said there are currently 25 cats at Top Cats Cattery, Green Street, Kempsey, near Worcester, while another seven are on a waiting list at vets around the county.

Mrs Booker, who has been involved with the charity for more than 30 years, said: “We are doubled up in most of the pens because 16 of the 25 cats came from three houses.

“This is becoming quite common. It is called animal hoarding and it’s a relatively new phenomenon which is being recognised.”

Mrs Booker said people who hoard animals often suffer from mental health problems or live on their own.

She said because the cats kept in these conditions are often not neutered the litter eventually gets out of control.

“We had one litter of kittens come in with ammonia burns to their eyes because there was so much excrement in the house,” she said.

“This is all getting quite common now with lots of homes living in squalor.

“Neutering is the answer but we can’t quite seem to win that war yet which is why this has swelled our numbers. It’s quite worrying.”

Mrs Booker said she understood why many people might be reluctant to take on a pet during the current economic climate but those interested should be aware rehoming stops for a couple of weeks over Christmas until the beginning of the new year in line with the charity’s policy.

Mrs Booker said all cats for rehoming are vaccinated, identity-microchipped, neutered or spayed.

Anyone interested in rehoming a cat should call Pam Booker on 01905 841354 or Geraldine Haynes on 01886 822083.

People can also see the cats in need of a new home by logging on to rspca-worcester.co.uk