OLDER cats are struggling to find new homes following a spike in the number of kittens being taken in by a rescue centre.

The start of kitten season – the summer months when cats generally give birth to litters - has prompted an influx of new arrivals at Cats Protection’s national centre.

Staff at the centre, based in Chelwood Gate, near Haywards Heath, have said that, aside from the extra drain on resources caused by having more mouths to feed, the real concern is that older cats are bearing the brunt.

Deputy manager Karen Thompson said: “Many people want to adopt a kitten so we don’t tend to worry about finding them homes.

“The problem is that with people adopting kittens older cats get overlooked. With so many kittens available for homing, the older ones can really struggle to get noticed.

“We’re seeing some really lovely, gentle and sweet adult cats being passed by time and time again.

“It’s heartbreaking as they have so much to offer a new owner and instead are facing a longer wait before they catch someone’s eye.”

Cats are prolific breeders and one unneutered female can have up to 18 kittens a year.

Females as young as six-months-old can become pregnant, so it is important all cats are neutered from around four months.

Ms Thompson said: “Of course kittens are undeniably very cute but the reality of finding your cat has given birth to a litter of four or five is quite daunting.

“Finding homes among friends can be difficult, so unfortunately many end up in centres like ours, causing huge knock-on effects for other cats in need.”

Older cats looking for new homes include 12-year-old Bojangles, who came in after his owner had a baby and could no longer keep him, and Whiskey, who came in after her owner died.

Kittens ready for a home include nine-week-old Wendy and Molly, who staff hope to rehome together and trio Pansy, Peter and Petal, who were saved from a life on the streets.

Anyone interested in offering a cat a home should email cattery.reception@cats.org.uk or visit the centre in Lewes Road, which is open seven days a week from 10am to 4pm.