AN influx of kittens has sparked a pen-blocking crisis at an animal rescue centre.

The arrival have also led to many older animals at Cats Protection’s centre at Chelwood Gate, near Lewes being overlooked.

The problem has been made worse by a 27 per cent drop in the number of people adopting a cat in July this year compared to the same month last year.

With so many now in the centre’s care – 114 adults and 63 kittens - prospective owners are being invited into staff-only areas as there is not enough room in the rehoming wings to accommodate all the cats.

Manager Danielle Draper said: “Kitten season is always a challenge but this year it has been particularly bad.

“It means the older cats are competing with kittens to catch the eye of new owners.

“It’s tragic, because they have so much fun, love and companionship to offer, yet they get passed by in favour of the younger ones.

“Another issue is that many people who are considering adopting a cat go on holiday this time of year.

“So we’re asking anyone who is thinking of welcoming a cat into their home to come and see us as soon as they can.”

Some of the older cats currently in need of a new home include nine-year-old Suki, who has been at the centre since January this year.

She is playful but can be shy and needs an owner who is willing to spend time coaxing her out of her shell.

Felix and Pluto, both aged nine, are looking for a new home as their owner was moving and could not take them.

Four-year-old CC has been at the centre since April due to his previous owner being unwell.

Ms Draper said: “Kittens are clearly very cute and I can understand why so many people want to adopt them.

“However there are many benefits of adopting an adult cat – mainly because their characters are fully-formed, so you get an accurate idea of how well they'll fit in with your life and family.”

Cats are prolific breeders – one female can have up to 18 kittens a year – with the summer months being the busiest time for litters being born.