An animal charity is appealing for help to find homes for a record number of unwanted and abandoned kittens.

Staff at the Felixstowe rehoming centre of the Blue Cross are currently caring for 20 kittens, with a further 20 on the waiting list.

As fewer people are coming forward to rehome the cats at the centre in Walton High Street, staff have been forced to turn away others in need of help until space becomes available.

The team is braced for an influx of even more pregnant mums and kittens as the summer heatwave continues.

Centre manager Andrew Gillon said: “Every year, animal charities like Blue Cross are inundated with kittens that people cannot care for and in the past few weeks was the highest number we have ever seen.

“Our cattery is full of mums and kittens with more waiting to come in as soon as space was available.

“It’s unusual for us to see such a drop in people coming forward to rehome these cute kittens so we’re really struggling this year.

“We have some adorable moggies here who are desperate for good homes so please, please contact us if you’re able to help.

“The more we rehome, the more we can take in.”

Among the kittens which need homes is Roger, who was rescued, along with his brothers and sisters, from an abandoned car.

He is described as a shy, thoughtful kitten who is just starting to gain confidence, and is looking for a new home with owners at home most of the day to supervise, support and socialise him.

Mr Gillon said: “This problem shows some of the consequences of failing to neuter your pet.

“These kittens were lucky – they were brought into Blue Cross and will be found loving new homes – but many others may not be so fortunate.

“One unneutered female cat can be responsible for more than 20,000 kittens in just five years, and there just aren’t enough homes out there anymore.”

Details of all pets looking for homes and the rehoming process are available at www.bluecross.org.uk.

People can also drop into the centre during opening hours to find out more details about the kittens or call 0300 777 1480.

Pets can be rehomed across East Anglia and beyond if the right home is available.