Record numbers of unwanted cats leave the RSPCA struggling for space as multi-cat rescue cases soar 65 per cent

Abandoned cats now outnumber dogs in RSPCA shelters, and the charity says it has run out of room. Last year it was called to 1,780 addresses holding 10 or more cats, almost five a day, involving more than 36,000 animals. Around 20,000 cats entered its care, a figure expected to be beaten this year. Bosses point to poor mental health, the rising cost of living and irresponsible breeders as the driving factors.

Last month, 26 cats were dumped in sealed plastic boxes in a Birmingham alleyway.

Beth Clements says the centres take in 624 cats a month and the influx 'just isn't slowing down'.

Police helped rescue more than 100 cats from one three-bedroom house in December.