A CAT rescue charity says it is at breaking point after kittens just a few days old were dumped on its doorstep.

Brenda Satterley, who runs Allerton Cat Rescue, has now had to close the centre for emergencies only.

Although she had recently issued a plea that the centre was full and could not take any more rescue cats and kittens, more and more have kept on arriving, at all times of the day and night.

“We are full. We have so many cats and kittens here that are still to be rehomed that we can’t take any more, but they keep coming,” said Mrs Satterley.

“I went out the other night at around 11pm to take my dog for a walk and I noticed a box. When I looked in there were two tiny kittens. They were only newborn and both were cold. I looked around for the mother cat and left food but she never came so the kittens must have been left here on their own.

“Fortunately I had a nursing mother cat and she took the kittens to her. I don’t know what I would have done if she hadn’t. They are so tiny.

“I’ve been running the shelter for many years now, more than 40, but I need to get some of the cats and kittens adopted before I can find room for any more though I will always respond to emergencies, but please just don’t turn up at the rescue.

“The numbers people have been bringing to me have gone up a lot since the RSPCA closed in Bradford. People are finding strays and sick cats and they are brought to me now.

“I enjoy what I do but it is very hard work and time-consuming. I’ve not been well recently either. I am nearly 70. Fortunately my daughter helps out a lot because they all have to be fed and looked after and given their medication if they need any.

“The vet bills are also getting bigger – heading towards £10,000 – and we rely such a lot on fundraising and donations.

“We run the rescue voluntarily and it is getting harder.

“I hope to be fully open again soon when we have some more room because it is rewarding. The volunteers who help are brilliant.”

The rescue centre is run from Mrs Satterley’s home. Details of how to get in touch and the rehoming times can be found on the Allerton Cat Rescue website, along with details of how to make a donation to help fund the welfare of the cats and kittens waiting to be rehomed.

Donations can be sent via Paypal to allertoncatrescuefundraising@hotmail.co.uk or by cheque to the centre at 258 Allerton Road, Bradford BD15 7QX.