A surge in abandoned kittens is putting growing pressure on animal welfare services in Devon.
The Blue Cross is asking cat owners in Devon to neuter their pets to help prevent unplanned litters and reduce the strain on rescue centres.
The charity says more kittens are being abandoned, and many arrive too young to survive without round-the-clock care.
Stuart Insley, centre manager at Blue Cross in Devon, said: "I have never seen kittens coming in for help on a scale like this."
He added: "Almost every week we are seeing kittens that have been discovered by members of the public."
He also said: "Some are incredibly young and need round-the-clock care to give them the best chance of survival."
The charity fears the cost of living crisis is discouraging owners from neutering their cats. It also suspects some people are breeding kittens to sell, only to abandon them when they cannot find buyers.
Blue Cross in Exeter has already taken in 15 kittens in the first half of this year, matching the total for the whole of 2022.
With summer being the peak season for kittens and ongoing heatwaves, the charity fears worse is yet to come.
Stuart said: "This is in addition to the many unplanned and unwanted litters being brought in as well as pregnant cats."
Among those currently in care are Pudding and Dumpling, a pair of bonded brothers looking for a quiet, loving home together.
Blue Cross is urging the public to consider rehoming, donating, or supporting its work through volunteering or fostering.
A spokesman for the charity said: "With the increasing pressures faced by pets and pet owners, we are facing a hidden pet welfare crisis and Blue Cross needs the support of animal lovers to continue its work helping pets and their people, in any way they can. Whether that's by donating to keep rehoming and veterinary services going through these tough times, fundraising for Blue Cross, providing foster care for pets while loving new homes are found, volunteering at pet food banks, or signing up to support Blue Cross campaigns for better pet welfare."
More information and details about rehoming can be found on the Blue Cross website.
Blue Cross Urges Devon Cat Owners to Neuter as Kitten Crisis Grows