MORE cats were rescued than any other animal last year, new statistics reveal.

The RSPCA rescued 342 cats in Sussex and 22,000 cats nationally, following calls to its cruelty line.

The number of cats in need is equivalent to more than 60 per day, which is four times the number of dogs reported to the charity.

Cat welfare expert Alice Potter said: “Sadly we know cats are an extremely misunderstood pet and can often find themselves the victims of poor care.

“Cats can become victims of air gun attacks as well as poisonings, both accidental and deliberate.

“Just like dogs, they can also become victims of over-breeding and over-population.”

The RSPCA is calling for cat owners to neuter their cats at four months old rather than six months, as this can reduce the risk of owners getting stuck with an unwanted litter.

This month the charity launched a campaign for “Adoptober” to raise awareness of its work to rehome animals in need, and this week is dedicated to cats.

Ms Potter said: “If you are thinking of taking on an animal we would always urge people to look into adopting a rescue pet, as our centres are full of loving cats of all shapes and sizes looking for forever homes.”

For more information on offering a cat a home, visit www.rspca.org.uk/findapet.