A CAT rescue charity in Ebbw Vale which is forced to shut because of the owner’s ill health is appealing for animal lovers to help adopt its 70 cats.

Vale Cat Rescue, which has helped more than 1,000 animals since it began in 2009, will have to shut its doors after founder Denise Selway has suffered a series of mini strokes since last September.

Ms Selway, 56, who has always taken in sick animals since she was a little girl, said the decision is “heartbreaking” but she wants to see as many of the rescue centre’s 70 cats rehomed as possible.

Ms Selway now weighs just six stone and said she needs to give her body time to heal.

She said: “Hands on, I have got to a point physically where I need to give my body a rest.”

The volunteer-run charity also has an outstanding vet bill of £2,000 and is lacking funds to continue its work.

It works in Newport and Abergavenny and operates a trap, neuter and release programme, with all costs covered by donations.

Ms Selway said: “We are so well known that even after six years the phone doesn’t stop ringing. I’ve been getting up to 30 to 40 phone calls a day.

“I have taken animals in all my life. If there’s a cat in difficulty, animals have always come first in my life.

“At one point I had five rottweilers. But how can you say no when it’s starving to death and all it needs is a full belly and some warmth.”

The animal-lover said the rescue centre still has around 70 cats in its care which need to be sent to a loving home.

“I estimate we won’t close for at least another 10 weeks, not until all of the animals are put with carers,” she said.

Anyone able to offer a home to a cat or kitten is urged to get in touch with Vale Cat Rescue on 01495 524882.

There are also five rabbits available for adoption.