The animal rescue centre says it has taken in 107 stray or unwanted newborns in the last 12 weeks - a 91% increase on the same period last year.

Sakura Anderson, Cattery Team Leader, said: “Our cattery has turned into a kitten orphanage over the last three months because there are so many abandoned mums and babies arriving at our doors. From April to September we’re normally very busy with litters because the warmer weather brings out cats’ instincts to mate. 

"However, due to London’s high population of unneutered cats, we’ve now been stretched to breaking point and our maternity ward is overflowing.

"We’re making sure the new mums have all the privacy and space they need, but they’re now taking over pens reserved for strays and older cats.”

The cattery is holding a Kitten Shower on July 24 from 10.30am to 2pm where people can play with the newborns in kitten creches.

"Our Kitten Shower event couldn’t have come at a better time, it’s vital that we show animal lovers how many homeless cats and kittens there are looking for homes and how important it is to neuter your cat so we can reduce the growing population of unwanted animals,” Sakura said.

Tickets for the Kitten Shower are £5 for an adult, £3 for children under 16 and children under three-years-old can visit the event for free.

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