The number of cats reported to the RSPCA as abandoned rose from 2,048 in 2006 to 2,421 in 2007, and in 2005 the figure was 1,718.

RSPCA centres, branches, private boarding facilities and foster carers are now currently full of cats, with hundreds in care.

The RSPCA has said that the problem maybe due to cat owners failing to have their pets microchipped, and then going on holiday, leaving their cats to fend for themselves.

RSPCA regional superintendent Paul Stilgoe said: "While the majority of owners are responsible, we still see people going away and not making provisions for their pet, together with those who do not want to pay for veterinary care and either abandon or give up sick animals."

Animal Welfare Manager Sue Knowles said: "Neutering is also vital to prevent thousands more cats from becoming unwanted. Often cats have litters of kittens that owners can't cope with and they bring them to the RSPCA and other charities or even abandon them."

For more information on microchipping and neutering go to www.rspca.org.uk.