Three kittens abandoned in Portsmouth as number of unwanted pets cared for at RSPCA's Stubbington Ark soars

Three felines, who have been named Val, Linwood, and Barclay, were found in St Mary’s Road, Fratton, Portsmouth, on March 25.

Since then, the kittens have been taken to The Stubbington Ark, run by the RSPCA, and nursed back to health.

But they join more than 300 other cats who have been abandoned since the government’s lockdown began, the charity warned.

Dr Samantha Gaines, head of the RSPCA’s companion animal department, said: ‘We are currently caring for more cats than any other pet throughout the coronavirus crisis.

‘Every year, the scale of the cat overpopulation problem becomes even more apparent from May to September when most cats are born as the RSPCA is often overwhelmed with kittens.

‘The kitten season this year will continue despite Covid-19 and so the charity is bracing itself for even more cats.’

The charity is currently caring for 1,013 cats across the UK.

In Hampshire, 130 incidents have been reported.

Dr Gaines said that owners should consider neutering their cats, to avoid any unwanted additions to the family.

She said: ‘This will reduce the number of unwanted and unexpected litters of kittens that are born and sadly end up in rescue centres.

We understand that many owners may not be able to get their pets neutered at the moment as understandably vets are prioritising emergencies in the face of Covid-19 and restricting other procedures.

‘It is important to follow your vet’s guidance.’