AN appeal is being made for more people to adopt orphaned cats.

The numbers of cats and kittens at the Northallerton branch of the RSPCA has reached a peak this month.

Eighteen-month-old Barry is just one of many cats who are waiting to find loving homes.

Volunteer June Levey said: "He was brought in five months ago with a broken hip and he is just a remarkable cat.

"Now 100 per cent better, he does everything any other young cat would do.

"However, nobody seems interested in him - which is such a shame."

June is one of five volunteers in the area who foster the cats until suitable homes are found for them.

As well as Barry she is also nurturing a tabby kitten - the last of a litter waiting to find a new home.

The charity needs people in the area to both foster and adopt the growing numbers of homeless cats.

The process is relatively straightforward and all animals are vetted before moving homes.

June said: "Naturally there are requirements for those who are able to foster - a love of cats for one thing - and I would speak to each individual about these.

"For those who are wanting a family pet, adopting one of our cats would be the perfect solution.

"All cats over four months are tested for leukaemia and aids, spayed or neutered and fully vetted.

"The £30 fee for each animal is a minimal price to pay and helps us to continue to run our branch.

"We are a self-funding charity and rely fully on the kindness of people."

For more information on how to adopt or foster a cat, call June on (01609) 776652.