IT has been raining cats and kittens at one Hampshire rescue home, making 2007 its busiest year yet.

Barbara's Cat Rescue, based in Regents Park, Southampton, has seen a record number of felines pass through its cat flap over the past 12 months.

It has stretched rescuer Barbara Dollery to her financial and emotional limits and she hopes that the new year will see cat owners act more responsibly.

Barbara started rescuing cats almost 20 years ago, taking time to care them back to health at her home and travelling the county to catch homeless moggies before finding them loving new homes.

With the start of the new year Barbara hopes more cat owners will care for their pets properly and get them neutered to stop the boom in unwanted kittens.

Barbara, of Westfield Road, said: "This last year has been a very hectic and very difficult year, both financially and emotionally, more so than any other year.

"Many people say to me that they could never do what I do but I get great satisfaction seeing all the cats and kittens settling in their new homes.

"That is what keeps me going. I love all animals and want to help as many as I can.

"Unfortunately so many are being dumped or treated badly that I am constantly moving one cat to make space for another. It is non-stop."

If you can help Barbara by donating money or offering one of her rescued cats a home call her on 023 8039 7059.