A PET welfare charity is predicting a population explosion that could stretch it to the limit over the coming months.
The Wear Valley, Darlington and Dales branch of Cats Protection says it is on standby for a spring kitten crisis and expects more than 300 unwanted pets.
It is urging owners to have pets neutered - and says it can help people who cannot afford to pay for the treatment due to their low income.
Spokeswoman Marion Maychell said: "Perhaps as a result of the good weather, last year's kitten season seemed to go on for an unusually long time.
"Even kittens born in late summer or early autumn last year will be sexually mature from early spring.
"It is vital therefore that owners have pets neutered now, if the haven't already done so.
"It really is the only sensible way to reduce the number of unwanted felines in the local area."
Contact Cats Protection on (01388) 776549 or visit its website, www.catrescuers.co
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