The sudden change in the type of enquiry about help with rehoming the family pet has been noticeable over the last couple of months.
The St Ives and Chatteris branch of Cats Protection is working flat out to raise funds to help creatures as owners are facing tough decisions.
Branch co-ordinator and welfare officer Carol Warne said people were contacting the charity for advice because they could no longer afford vets' bills or food.

"They are very upset to get rid of them but feel they have no choice and a lot of the time they are heartbroken. It's so sad."
The branch is appealing to the public to support their forthcoming events in an effort to boost much-needed funds for their work.
On average between 12 and 13 cats turn up at the branch each month and every animal goes through a thorough health check and neutering where necessary.

It's the neutering programme that the volunteers are keen to reinforce too, as one female cat can be responsible for 20,000 descendants in just five years.
It is these very cats that can often become yet another arrival for the dedicated team that run this busy branch of Cats Protection. Feral cats, normally living in colonies, also receive healthcare help from the branch.

Although financial reasons have become an issue for some owners, cats turn up for rehoming for a wide variety of reasons – death or inability to care for the animal, a new baby in the home, or simply a stray cat that has been picked up, are just a selection.

All this work in caring and temporarily homing cats means a continual fundraising campaign, with special events held on a regular basis and of course the backing of the 300 or so branch members.
Events publicity member Deborah Stamp said: "We are always looking to raise extra funds – the more money we have coming in, the better.

"Every event we do brings in funds to help the cats in our care. Every penny of the money goes towards vets' bills, cat food, heating and lighting, pen maintenance and other essential items to help us to look after the cats until we can find them loving new homes.
"Each new pen costs around £2,000 to £3000 to set up and we always need money for cat food, vets' bills, pen maintenance and so on. We are usually looking to raise several thousand pounds a year, although it's more a case of the more money the better, rather than a specific figure.

"We try to run an appeal every year and our goal for this is usually about £3,000."
The branch has a number of fosterers who care for cats on a voluntary basis.

One couple who help out in this way are Sally and John Weston who run Cromwell Farm Cattery at Bury, where four pens are set aside specifically for Cats Protection and presently six cats are lodging.
Sally said: "It's our way of giving something back. We don't have time to volunteer in other ways but we get to take care of the cats here on a daily basis.
"Some come in a terrible state, but it can be very satisfying when a good home is found."


How you can help

>> Support the events:
Saturday, September 13 –
Collection at Ramsey Rainbow store.
Sunday, September 28 –
Stall at Ramsey Rural Museum country fair selling Cats Protection goods.
>> Help the branch:
Anyone who wants to volunteer, donate or adopt a cat should call co-ordinator Carol Warne on 01480 465226 for any information they need and put them in touch with the relevant person as necessary. More volunteers are always needed especially to help with street collections, market stalls and attendance at events.
>> Rehoming help – contact
Call the St Ives and Chatteris Branch of Cats Protection on 01480 465226.
The RSPCA and Wood Green Animal Shelters are also points of contact for anyone needing help or advice.
Visit:
www.chatteris.cats.org.uk
www.rspca.org.uk
www.woodgreen.org.uk