AN animal rescue centre has issued a desperate plea for help after being inundated with abandoned and injured cats and kittens.

Almost every room of the RSPCA Cattery in Enfield Town is full of cats that have been rescued and the charity is looking for residents who can give them new homes.

Anne Waters, a trustee of the branch, said the number of cats being abandoned has steadily increased throughout the year, and the charity now has nearly 100 pets at its small base in Primrose Avenue.

She said: “Some are just left on the doorstep or found outside, other people turn up and say they are moving or being evicted and can't cope with having a cat anymore.

“This year, it has got a lot worse, and when we find a stray cat or one that has been injured, we have to take it in and look after it.

“The numbers of people adopting them has picked up a bit recently, but we really need more people to come forward and help.”

Tinkerbell is a black-and-white moggy who was admitted to the cattery in July 2009, and is one of the longest standing residents.

She was rescued after falling into a pond, and damaged her leg so badly it had to be amputated. However, despite only having three legs and suffering from diabetes, Tinkerbell is still able to get out and about in the centre, but there is not much space for her because of the number of cats living there.

Diesel is another of the centre's residents, who was discovered abandoned on the doorstep in the cold and was taken in by staff.

Each of the pets have a similarly sad tale of how they were rescued from an abandoned building, dumped by their owners in Enfield Town, or handed in to the charity by someone who could not cope anymore.

Ms Waters said the number of people who have been forced to leave their homes due to the recession has undoubtedly added to the number of pets being made homeless.

The charity in Enfield is now at full capacity and reached out the the Enfield Independent to raise awareness of the cats' plight, and to encourage families to take on a new pet.

The centre is open every afternoon between 1.30pm and 4pm, except for Wednesdays, and can be reached on 0208 366 3313. Or anyone can come to the cattery themselves at 45 Primrose Avenue, off Baker Street to talk to staff.

RSPCA officers will then conduct a visit to check the cat is going to a good home before the adoption process is completed.