These cute critters are among more than 100 unwanted cats on the books of Hounslow's Animal Welfare Society (HAWS).

As breeding season hits full swing,the charity has issued an urgent plea for readers to find the tiny furballs new homes.

Roz Hayward-Butt, who lives off Chiswick High Road, has fostered scores of cats since becoming a volunteer 12 years ago. "We wouldn't be in such demand if more people got their cats spayed or neutered as early as possible," said the 62-year-old. HAWS was set up more than 20 years ago to rescue pets abandoned by their owners, which are often found facing starvation or badly injured beside the road.

Roz is one of about 25 foster carers across Hounslow and west London who take in abandoned pets until the charity can find them a permanent home.

She still has Teddy,the first cat she ever collected, and has just taken in an adorable litter of tortoise-shell kittens she found cowering among piles of litter behind a hedge. 

HAWS runs an adoption centre at the Pets at Home store in London Road, Brentford, every weekend from 11am to 3.45pm.

For more information about the pets up for adoption, or to support the charity,call 020 8560 5443 or visit www.haws-animals.org.uk