A CAT rescue centre has been left full to bursting point following an influx of new arrivals.

Cats Protection’s national adoption centre in Chelwood Gate, near Haywards Heath, has seen a rise of more than a quarter in unwanted animals handed over into its care.

In June this year it had 129 new arrivals compared to 102 for the same period last year.

The sharp increase, together with the summer holiday season when prospective owners may put off adopting a new pet, has left the centre struggling to find enough homes.

Staff have now been forced to open areas of the centre usually off-limits to the public in order to ensure all the available cats get seen by visitors.

And with a further 42 cats on the waiting list to come in, staff say they desperately need to hear from anyone considering adopting a pet.

Centre deputy manager Tania Marsh said: “We’d really like to ask that if people are considering adopting a cat, they come and visit us as soon as they can.

“With so many cats in our care, we are sure we’ll have cats which will suit all sorts of homes – from young families to pensioners.

“It’s always sad when we are so full with unwanted cats but it is even more heart-breaking to see the same cats overlooked time and time again.

“We have some cats in our care who are really lovely characters but for one reason or another they have struggled to find a new owner.

“When we are this busy, it’s even harder for these long-staying cats to find a new home.”

Some of the cats currently in the care of the centre are six-year-old Ollie, who was handed over in January after his owners moved home and could no longer keep him.

He is very friendly and affectionate and staff say he would make a lovely family cat.

He has only ever lived indoors but would enjoy a home with a garden to explore.

Tortoiseshell Roxy arrived in April as she was finding life difficult with another cat and a toddler in the household.

Although she can be shy at first, she is very friendly and prefers to stay close to home.

She would like a calm, peaceful home where she can curl up on her new owner’s lap.

To find out more about adopting a cat or kitten, email cattery.reception@cats.org.uk