Last week we told you the story of the cat with a broken leg being rescued with her kittens.

Now we’re appealing to Recorder readers to adopt a cat from the Celia Hammond Animal Trust to help ease Ilford’s stray cat problem.

Celia Hammond, founder of the trust, said: “Stray cats are an enormous problem. There have always been lots of stray cats but over the last few years, because of tightening financial conditions people just cant afford to feed and house pets and we are getting loads more abandonments.

“The number of animals coming in has rocketed, we have never seen it so bad.”

Part of the problem is that people often neglect to have their moggy neutered either because they can’t afford it or because they don’t realise they could quickly end up with a litter of kittens.

Celia, who has been rescuing cats for nearly 50 years in London, said: “This is the worst eighteen months I have known in my whole time rescuing animals it is out of control, the problem is huge.

“People must get their pets spayed or neutered to stop the spread of unwanted litters and strays as a result.

There are so many charities out there, including us, that are willing to help that there really is no excuse.”

When it comes to re-homing feline friends Mrs Hammond feels that often people don’t realise the value of furry friendship, especially in relation to children.

She said: “A lot of people get rid of their cats when they have a baby which is sad because pets can teach children so much especially when it comes to being kind to something smaller than and dependant on you.

“We wan to ask people if they have got room in their hearts, homes and pockets for these wonderful, loving creatures.”

For more information about adopting a cat from the trust visit celiahammond.org.uk or email canningtown@celiahammond.org