A HAMPSHIRE animal shelter is reaching crisis point with the number of cats waiting to be adopted.

The Stubbington Ark says its highest ever number of cats and kittens is stretching resources to the limit.

Head of cattery Marianne Thompson said: “It’s a struggle and we need help. We need people to understand it’s kinder to get their cats neutered and we need people who can afford to give good homes to come and see us.

“People are not coming in to adopt cats at the moment as they struggle to pay their household bills and high veterinary costs.

“The cat situation on the whole is bad at the moment.

“More cats are being thrown out on to the street because their owners can’t afford them. We are also seeing a lot of stray cats without a microchip so they cannot be reunited with their owner.

“Diseases can be spread and so it goes on – it’s a vicious circle.”

Ring 01329 667541 or log onto stubbingtonark.co.uk for details.