A CATS adoption centre says it is struggling to look after a number of abandoned pets, some of which it says were left in “appalling” condition.

St Helens Cats Protection Centre, on Chester Lane, is desperate to highlight the plight of stray and abandoned cats.

It is thought that about a third of all the cats taken into their care across the UK have been dumped.

Sonia Scowcroft, from the Cat’s Protection Centre, explained: “The number of cats being dumped is a major problem for us because it can take weeks and sometimes hundreds of pounds to nurse just one unfortunate cat back to health.

“Though there is a tendency to regard cats as independent animals, they are like any other pet and need a loving owner to provide them with shelter, food, warmth and veterinary care.

“However, we seem to be living in a throwaway society where some people think nothing of just getting rid of innocent newborn kittens and older cats, and I think it’s an extremely sad state of affairs.

“We operate a waiting list as we never put a healthy cat to sleep. We urge people if their circumstances change to place their cats on the waiting list at the earliest opportunity to ensure these cats can find another loving home and not end up on the street.”

Clifton the cat was brought into the centre having been abandoned in a layby. He was rescued by a passer-by, who found him in a small cat carrier with no food or water. After a period spent at the centre he is now ready to be rehomed.

For advice about caring for a cat or to offer one a new home, call the centre on 01744 817718.