SUFFOLK is in the midst of a cat crisis with animal centres at breaking point, the RSPCA has claimed.

The charity says they have “unprecedented” numbers of felines in their care and are appealing to cat lovers to offer them a new home.

The RSPCA says the crisis is down to some owners not being able to afford to keep their cats or pay their veterinary bills.

RSPCA centres at Martlesham, Suffolk Coast and West Suffolk report they are full and are having to turn away cats.

Paul Williams, RSPCA animal welfare manager for the east region, said: “No matter which RSPCA branch or centre you speak to, in no matter what part of the region, they all say the same: they are dealing with a cat crisis and it is getting worse.

“The problem just seems to be growing and growing, and now we are at a breaking point and many RSPCA venues are struggling to cope. It is simply that more injured and abandoned cats are coming into RSPCA care than are going out.

“It is really sad because these problems could be avoided if owners just acted responsibly.

“The RSPCA like other charities, needs help from the public – so please if anyone is thinking about taking on a cat, come to the RSPCA first – we have literally hundreds looking for new homes and a second chance.”