RSPCA cat rescue centres across East Anglia are at “breaking point” and are now appealing for help from the public to deal with the unprecedented number of felines in their care.

The situation is so bad that some branches are full to capacity with more than 100 cats desperately waiting for new homes.

The charity says that across the region cats are being dumped in boxes outside town centres or in streets and owners are constantly phoning them to take on their cats because they can’t afford to care for them anymore.

The RSPCA are calling on the public to help by offering some of these desperate cats a new home.

Paul Williams, RSPCA animal welfare manager for the east region, said: “No matter which RSPCA branch or centre you speak to, in no matter what part of the region, they all say the same: they are dealing with a cat crisis and it is getting worse.

“The problem just seems to be growing and growing and now many RSPCA venues are struggling to cope.

“It is really sad because these problems could be avoided if owners just acted responsibly.

“The RSPCA like other charities, needs help from the public so if anyone is thinking about taking on a cat, come to the RSPCA first: we have literally hundreds looking for new homes and a second chance.”

If you would like to help you can find your local RSPCA branch by visiting: www.rspca.org.uk/cats.