A CATSHILL animal adoption centre has been overwhelmed by an influx of unwanted kittens and pregnant stray cats.

The Blue Cross, in Wildmoor Lane, is now appealing for cat owners to ensure their pets are neutered to prevent the birth of unwanted kittens.

It takes in a large number of homeless kittens every year but the current number of pregnant cats and kittens brought into the centre in Bromsgrove has not been seen before.

Centre manager Neil Edwards said: "We are staggered by the recent surge of abandoned kittens being brought into The Blue Cross.

"The problem illustrates just how important it is for owners to neuter their cats. In Bromsgrove, we're currently looking after more than 17 homeless young kittens plus 12 more kittens on a waiting list who will come to us when we have space to care for them.

"The number of unwanted cats we see every year could so easily be prevented by neutering cats as soon as they are old enough for the procedure."

All Blue Cross animals are neutered before they are re-homed. The charity also offers subsidised neutering for pets of owners on low income to help reduce the number of unwanted litters, and to help keep dogs and cats healthy.

With prior agreement the charity will contribute towards the cost of neutering at owners' usual veterinary surgery. To qualify, pet owners need to be on a state pension with no other form of income, or on a low income and receiving means tested benefits. To find out more information on the neutering scheme contact the Blue Cross on 0121 453 3130.

The centre is open Monday - Wednesday and Friday - Saturday from 10am - 3pm, Thursdays from 10am - 1pm and Sundays from 10am-2pm.