In pictures: Battersea animal rescue home runs out of room for cats - and appeals for new owners

'We've taken 15 per cent more calls from people wanting to give up their cats than the same period last year'

People are being asked to rehome a rescue cat after the number of feline residents at an animal home reached maximum capacity.

Battersea Dogs and Cats Home has more than 150 cats at its south west London centre, and has taken about 2,600 calls from cat owners wanting to bring in their pet since the start of the year.

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A surge in arrivals is believed to be caused by the rise in litters during the summer months when the warm weather stirs cats' instincts to seek out a mate.

Lindsey Quinlan, head of cattery, said: "Our cattery currently has the highest number of cats we can ever remember having at one time.

"And in the first six months of the year we've taken 15 per cent more calls from people wanting to give up their cats than the same period last year. On any given month we could receive in the region of 500 calls from cat owners seeking our help.

"We have rehomed a lot of kittens recently but a whole litter can be housed in one pen, which doesn't help our space issue or aid our long stay residents in finding a new home.

"Summer is a perfect time to rehome a cat because, after the settling period inside, owners can introduce their new pet to the delights of the outside.

"Cats love to sunbathe, and laze in the sun watching the birds, so what a great time of year to take a new cat home."

For more information on rehoming a Battersea cat, visit battersea.org.uk/cats

PA