FANS of furry felines are being encouraged by a pet charity to consider adoption after a Potters Bar animal centre became inundated this summer with more cats than ever before.

Scores of pregnant cats and unwanted kittens are received by the Southridge Animal Centre, in Packhorse Lane, between July and September each year, and the RSPCA have said that amidst a recession the number of unwanted or abandoned animals is growing.

Anna White, the centre's manager, said: "This problem is getting worse and worse, with literally hundreds of kittens looking for homes.

“If people go to a pet shop to buy a kitten or buy them from adverts in the papers, they are encouraging the thoughtless owners of these animals to continue to breed them.

"Please do not go out and buy a kitten - adopt one from an animal charity."

The RSPCA's adoption fee includes a neutering operation, microchipping, worming, flea treatment, a full veterinary check and, if the kittens are old enough, vaccinations.

Ms White implored people to "do the responsible thing" by adopting cats, both young and old.

She said: "By doing this you will give an animal that really needs a second chance a good home - and don't forget about the mothers of these kittens.

“They need homes too. So often they are overlooked because their kittens are so much cuter."

Last year saw a 52 percent increase in calls to the RSPCA from members of the public wanting to give up a pet, while the number of abandoned animals rose by 57%. Another charity, Cats Protection, anticipates that an extra £1.9m of funds will be required to provide additional care over the summer months.

Anyone looking to adopt a kitten or cat should visit the Southridge animal centre, or call the RSPCA's dedicated pet adoption line on 0300 123 8484.