A cat rescue “overwhelmed” with abandoned felines has slammed "irresponsible" owners who do not get their pets neutered after more kittens came into its care at the weekend.

Joss Loader, chairwoman of Worthing Cat Welfare Trust, has urged people to have their cats microchipped and neutered/spayed after three young cats and a newborn kitten who were abandoned came into the trust's care.

All three cats were aged between six to eight months and none were microchipped or spayed/neutered. The kitten is just one week old.

Rules which came into force in England in June mean cats must be implanted with a microchip before they reach the age of 20 weeks.

"We are currently overwhelmed with cats and kittens, all seeking loving and caring new homes,” said Ms Loader.

"Stray cats are being handed into vets and, again, they are neither chipped or neutered in the majority of cases.  This is downright irresponsible.

"As a result, young cats, not much more than kittens themselves, fall pregnant repeatedly.  This is neither kind nor consistent with animal welfare.  Female cats do not need to have kittens to lead happy, fulfilled lives.

"We would also remind people that cats now need to be microchipped by law."

A spokesman from the trust said all four cats are safe and comprise a black male; tortoiseshell and her kitten, plus a further tabby female.

“If anyone would like to help us cover the costs of these cats' care, please donate online at www.worthingcatwelfaretrust.org/donate/," he said.

“We will ensure they are neutered/spayed and fully vaccinated before finding them permanent, loving homes.”