A cat rescue charity has made a plea for help as it faces closure after a series of crises left it in financial trouble.

Brighton-based Kitty in the City rescues stray or unwanted cats and finds foster carers for them while they wait for a permanent home.

The charity is in dire financial straits after accommodation was damaged by weather, the centre’s transport was vandalised and vital storage space was lost.

The first setback occurred in February when strong winds damaged the “cat cabin”, a large shed in a private garden used to accommodate cats.

The cheapest estimate for repairs to the cabin was £500.

The second blow came weeks later when Beverley, head of welfare and founder of the centre, was driving a van used to transport stray cats and deliver food to foster carers, on her way to feed a homeless cat near Shoreham Station late one night.

On Buckingham Road a group of young men in a car rammed the van from behind, did a U-turn and drove off.

The incident was reported to the police but the individuals responsible were not found and the van was written off. The centre is £2,000 in debt after having to buy an estate car to replace the van.

Now the latest problem is that the use of a private garage to store bric-a-brac to sell at fairs – the centre’s main source of funds – will be withdrawn at the end of the month.

Jane Brennan, head of events and fundraising, said: “There are a lot of cats on the streets that need our help.

“Without us who knows what will happen to them?

“Even if people can’t give financial help, if they could help us fix the shelter, provide storage or even volunteer to fundraise it would make such a difference.”

The charity relies on ten volunteers and eight foster carers to provide temporary housing for about 45 cats.

Ms Brennan houses five and Beverley looks after 20. Veterinary bills amount to about £1,000 a month.

For more information about the charity visit kittyinthecity.org.uk or call 01273 279138.

Moggy works as centre receptionist

A STRESSED-out moggy has found the answer to her tension – getting a job.

Fluffy, a black nine-year-old, was handed into Cats Protection’s national cat adoption centre in Haywards Heath.

But life in a pen caused her to over-groom and pull her fur out so staff put her to work as the reception meet-and-greet cat.

Tania Marsh, deputy manager, said: “While her new job has suited her very well it is no substitute for a home.

“So we are hoping she will catch the eye of someone coming through the door and she will get a new owner soon.”

To find out about adopting cats call 01825 741330.