A WHARFEDALE cats charity is reeling from an influx of young adult cats.

"This is not the post-Christmas dumping of kittens, but colonies of cats being allowed to breed on farms," said Wharfe Valley Cats' Protection League press officer Graham Hoult.

"More than 20 un-neutered cats have been retrieved by the League in the last week," he added.

Homing co-ordinator Beryl Stedmond said: "All have been to the vet for a check up and for neutering. Some may be homed, after assessment as to their suitability. Sadly, others will be returned to where they were found," she added.

The Cats' Protection League does not have any healthy cat put to sleep, so unhomeable feral (wild) cats are returned to where they were trapped humanely by CPL volunteers.

"This is not an ideal situation but it is preventable. People who cannot continue to care for cats, for whatever reason, should never dump them on farms only to breed with others similarily abandoned," said Audrey Hargreaves, chairman of the Wharfe Valley branch.

She added: "Our message to farmers is simple. Let us know about breeding strays before the numbers grow. Prevention is better than cure."

The branch is preparing for its regular fundraising bazaar in the Kings Hall, Ilkley, on Saturday, February 21.

"Scores of people have worked hard for the event, which is our major income raiser for the year. Much of it will now be swallowed by the recent farm cat influx," said Mr Hoult.

Good homes in safe locations are still wanted for many young adult cats like Wizz and Waffle (pictured left) who are now neutered, healthy and wanting a home together.

They have been inseperable since their early days in a rabbit warren. Cats like these are often overlooked because they are not little kittens and because they are timid.Anyone wanting to help house an unwanted cat can contact Beryl Stedmond on 01943 872823.

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