An RSPCA centre in County Durham has taken in 129 cats so far this year as the charity warns it is running out of space amid a growing “cat crisis”.
Staff at RSPCA Felledge Animal Centre in Chester-le-Street are taking in an average of 13 cats each month, with animals arriving faster than they can be rehomed.
The charity is now urging people across County Durham to consider adopting or fostering a rescue cat as it deals with what it says is an all time high in the number of cats in its care.
Luka Atkinson, Animal Centre Deputy Manager at Felledge, said: “We’ve seen a huge influx of cats and kittens at Felledge. Sadly it just isn’t slowing down - and it’s having a massive impact not just on us in County Durham but across England and Wales.
“So far this year we’re taking in an average of 13 cats each month, and we’re running out of space. It is usually one in one out too, with other cats in need going to our dedicated fosterers and emergency boarding."
She said breeding season, large scale cat rescues and a slowdown in adoptions over the summer had all contributed to the pressure.
Luka said: “Cat breeding season has been in full swing, we’ve seen a big increase in large-scale cat rescues and adoptions typically slow down over summer months - which has left us in a difficult situation as we head into autumn and winter and prepare for an influx of animals rescued from neglect. There are simply more cats and kittens coming into our care than we have the space for."
The appeal forms part of the RSPCA’s Adoptober campaign, which is aimed at finding new homes for animals in its care.
Among the cats currently looking for homes at Felledge are five month old Ember, sisters Willow and Luna, and three year old Skye.
Ember arrived at the RSPCA from a multi cat household and was initially very scared in the cattery.
She has since grown in confidence and is described as sweet and affectionate. She is looking for a quiet and calm home where her new owners can continue to build her confidence.
Willow and Luna also came from a busy multi cat household where they had limited human socialisation.
The sisters have learnt to rely on one another for comfort and confidence and are looking for a home together with owners who will give them time to settle in.
Skye came into the charity’s care after her previous owner could no longer look after her.
The three year old can initially be timid but is described as sweet and affectionate once she becomes comfortable. Her new owner will also need to groom her regularly.
Luka said the charity wants prospective owners to consider a cat's personality and suitability for their lifestyle rather than dismissing animals because of their appearance or colour.
She added: “Sometimes, people choose not to adopt for all sorts of reasons - including old ‘myths’ that are not evidence based - for example, we find that it can take black cats three times longer (29 days) to find homes than tabby cats (nine days), because of people’s superstitions.
“But there’s a cat for everyone able to offer the right home: cute kittens, marvellous moggies, fireside felines and outdoor adventurers, we’ve got every kind of cat waiting for another chance at happiness."
The charity said increasing numbers of large scale cat rescues were adding to the strain.
In 2025, the RSPCA responded to 1,780 incidents involving 10 or more cats at a single address, almost five every day and a nearly 65 per cent increase on the previous year.
Those incidents involved more than 36,000 cats in total.
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Jo Rowland, Chief Executive for the RSPCA, said: “We currently have more animals in our care than space in our centres and branches - and it’s a heart-breaking situation that other animal charities and rescue centres are also facing - that’s why we are asking people with space in their home for a pet to consider adopting.
"Not only does it free up vital space so we can rescue more animals in need, but it’s so much better for the animals to be out of kennels and in a loving home.
“We need extra special homes for some of our animals and we’re so grateful to anyone who can support our Adoptober campaign - be it through adopting or fostering, or sharing profiles of animals who need new homes.”