AN ANIMAL charity is encouraging pet owners to neuter their cats in an attempt to prevent unwanted kittens which often end up abandoned.

The RSPCA said it received thousands of unwanted cats every year which could be reduced if cat owners took steps to make their pets infertile.

The charity estimated 85 percent of cat litters were unplanned, but in an effort to help combat the problem, the RSPCA’s Darlington and District branch is to hold an event to help cat owners who cannot afford the procedure.

The event, organised by trustees and volunteers, will take place on Friday, January 18 at the St Cuthbert’s Church Hall near Darlington’s town centre between 10am and 2pm.

Low income cat owners will be able to pick up vouchers entitling them to have their cats neutered by any Darlington vet, free of charge.

According to Cats Protection, neutering can cost anywhere between £40 to £80 per kitten.

Event organiser Linda Moore of the RSPCA Darlington and District Branch said: “There are lots of people who are deserving of animals but they can’t afford the vet bills.

“That is the main reason why we are holding the event.”

“Cats are often passed from person to person and they never get to see the vet.”

Cats and kittens are known to be at their most active in Spring and often give birth to dozens of kittens at a time.

Ms Moore said: “We’d like to try and reduce the number of unwanted cats through this event.

“And we are trying to limit the number of cats being born in the Spring.”

The event has been coordinated to commence in time for the this years prime mating season.

Attendees of the event will be required to bring their proof of address and proof of low income before a voucher is given.

Last year the RSPCA Darlington and District branch joined forces with four other RSPCA branches in the north east to support a new independently-run cat home.

The 'Cat Hub' on the outskirts of Darlington has space for 40 cats and kittens.

Since its inception in September the ‘Cat hub’ has already rehomed 106 rescue cats.