Bradford’s cat population is increasing.

The need for neutering is vital, as animal charities struggle to cope with rising demand on their services and facilities.

A spokesman for one cat rescue centre in the district says this has been the worst ever year for abandoned and stray cats, and he claims there are colonies of pregnant feral cats in Bradford streets, parks, old factory buildings and wasteland.

Terry Singh, manager of the RSPCA Bradford and District branch, is launching an appeal to try and ease the financial burden that caring for so many animals brings.

With more than 100 cats and kittens in the charity’s specially-developed feline maternity home to feed, Terry is appealing to Bradfordians to donate tins of catfood.

Terry and his team aim to collect around 5,000 tins of catfood over the next few months. He says having food donated would enable them to channel funds into the welfare of animals.

“Running a centre, there are always ongoing costs with things like vet treatments, and if we can get the people of Bradford district to donate the odd tin of cat food, we can use the money to support the animal welfare and the food can be supported by the public,” he says.

People who fail to have their cats neutered are contributing to the city’s increasing cat population, says Terry.

The Bradford RSPCA branch had 612 cats throughout 2012. Last month alone, there were 100 new additions.

“Because people don’t have cats neutered or spayed, we are constantly trying to relocate or rehome cats,” says Terry.

He says the charity is constantly educating cat owners to have their pets neutered or spayed to try and stem the problem.

Terry says since that introducing the cat maternity home at the Mount Street branch they have become inundated. “It is completely full,” he says.

Now he is relying on the generosity of locals to help the charity cope. “The people of Bradford are givers – we have people who come in occasionally and donate food – but we are trying to appeal directly for catfood because the population of cats is over populating the number of dogs we have got in,” he says. “We get mother cats who have been abandoned and are having their kittens here.”

The charity is also looking for people to give cats loving homes. One ten-year-old cat it took in had lived in a dolls’ house and is now providing companionship to its new elderly owner.

“We have had an influx and we have reached our peak, but what we are trying to do is appeal for people who can offer homes for some of these cats and kittens,” says Terry.

A spokesman for Cats Protection Wharfe Valley branch, says mass cat neutering and wider education and awareness is essential to combat the problem.

He says through funds raised nationally and within the branch £250,000 has already been committed to offer discounted neutering for owned cats, and between 150 and 200 stray cats have been humanely trapped annually, to neuter and treat them for minor illnesses.

“The ideal situation would be that all cats are neutered at four months of age before they can breed. This is modern veterinary practice and advice,” says the spokesman.

“In my experience this year, and last, have been the worst ever for abandonment and breeding strays. There are colonies of pregnant cats in many Bradford streets, parks, factories and wasteland. Most are former pet cats and all are descended from a domestic pet.”

He says to help combat the number of unwanted cats humanely and compassionately, the organisations needs to work in partnership with other animal charities and statutory bodies such as the Council, NHS and major housing providers.

The current financial climate has had an impact on the organisation’s ability to find new homes for cats, as fewer people feel financially stable enough to take on the responsibility of a new pet.

“Everyone in Bradford has a role to play – not just a handful of volunteers,” he adds.

To help with tinned catfood donations or to find out more about giving a cat a home, call (01274) 723063, or write to the RSPCA Bradford and District branch, Mount Street, Bradford, BD3 9SW. Cats Protection Wharfe Valley branch runs a neutering line. For more information call 0845 1947 292 extension 1.