NEWPORT'S RSPCA animal shelter is bursting at the seams with cats and kittens.

Staff say they are struggling to cope with an unprecedented number of unwanted kittens being left at the centre.

There are currently 44 cats and kittens squeezed into the centre's 16 cat pens, with 100 more on the waiting list.

Tara Nirula, deputy manager of the centre, in Ringland, said: "It's just chaos at the moment.

"It's always bad at this time of year because it's kitten season.

"We always say it's bad, but this really is the worst year that we have seen.

"There's simply too many kittens and not enough homes.

"The message isn't getting through that people need to get their cats neutered when they get to six months."

RSPCA inspectors have brought in more cats than usual from people who can't cope or are failing to keep them in good condition, adding to the problem.

The centre is unable to take any more cats and is also running out of cat food.

Can you help give a cat a good home or do you have any cat food you can spare? Contact the centre on 08700 101844, or visit on Ringland Way, Ringland from 11.30am to 4pm (closed on Thursdays).