Feline the pressure – Animal centres facing cats crisis

ANIMAL rescue homes have warned they are in the middle of a “cat crisis” after a surge in the numbers being abandoned.
Homes that normally brace themselves to take in unwanted cats given as Christmas presents after the festive break say this year they have been inundated in the run up as well.
Rescue teams fear the cost of looking after cats has become too great for some families.
Ocean Querelle, from Hartham Road, Camden Town, is among new pet owners who have adopted abandoned cats from the Mayhew Animal Home.
His new housemates, Vinny and Mr Winterbottom, moved in last week.
“They are a bit like children,” said Mr Querelle. “You give them a gift and they just play with the box.”
But while these two cats have found a warm home, the Mayhew Animal Home in Kensal Green said they have an unusually high number of moggies in need of the same help.
Care manager Gillian Rich said: “Our cattery and kennels are over capacity and we are having to create makeshift accommodation areas to care for all the animals coming through our doors.”
JOE RENNISON