Hundreds of kittens desperately need homes as cats are being abandoned across Redbridge by people who cannot look after them.

Many are also given to shelters after being found as strays as numbers multiply during kitten season, which runs through the summer.

Jim O’Halloran, of Green Lane, Goodmayes, has already adopted nine cats he and his wife have rescued from around Ilford.

He volunteers for the Celia Hammond Animal Trust, which takes in unwanted animals from across London.

Last week, he was called to take another four kittens from an elderly lady in Hainault who could not care for them after her cat became pregnant.

Jim, 73, said: “People go into shops to buy kittens but there’s so many that need a home.

“They are being abandoned everywhere - if people don’t get their animals neutered this is what happens.”

There are an estimated 800 cats and kittens waiting for homes at Celia Hammond shelters.

Founder Celia Hammond said: “Every litter that people allow their cats to have means that another sitting in a shelter will be put to sleep as there are not enough homes to go round.”

If you could give a cat a loving home, visit www.celiahammond.org for information.