An abundance of kittens and cats have been dumped by owners which has left a west London animal rescue centre in crisis.

The Mayhew Animal Home in Kensal Green , Brent , was inundated with 31 felines left on its doorstep in boxes and carriers in September alone, including a female cat with a spay wound put out like trash next to the dustbins.

The situation, caused by owners no longer able to keep their pets, has meant there is no space for serious welfare cases to come in.

As a result, The Mayhew is appealing for people to come forward and foster a cat or kitten so it can attend to animals in dire need.

Georgina Disney, cat welfare co-ordinator, said: “We urgently need more foster carers to take care of the cats and kittens that come into us in their own homes.

“We provide everything that’s needed and it’s a rewarding way to help us. The more foster carers we have, the more sick, injured and abandoned animals in need we can take in, help and rehome.”

Zebedee, a male cat found in a cardboard box with a note attached

Among the healthy cats thrown out by their owners are one-year-old Zebedee, a male cat found in a cardboard box with a note attached.

A number of cats have also been rescued in emergency situations including Forlatt, a skinny and frightened two-year-old cat dumped in a cemetery and left to fend for herself, and Jennifer, a kitten, who was found dumped at Willesden bus depot.

However another 11 cats abandoned in a garden by a family who moved away cannot be brought into the home because of the recent overflow, which means the team visit them daily to feed and check on them.

Zoe Edwards, animal welfare manager, said: “Owners dumping their cats have told us that they cannot afford to feed them. If this is the situation they are facing, we can help with food supplies.

“Where pet owners are having difficulty, we urge them to contact us first and we will see what we can do to help.

“We are doing what we can by closely monitoring and feeding the 11 cats, however, we cannot bring them in until we can find space to accommodate them.

“This is the impact that irresponsible owners have on our rescue centre.

“When owners dump perfectly healthy cats on us without seeking help from us first, it means we cannot rescue cats that are in urgent need.”

If you are interested in becoming a foster carer, call 020 8916 8000 or visit The Mayhew - Fostering

Alternatively, donate to The Mayhew Centre and help with the influx of cats