The charity has taken in 14 per cent more abandoned, neglected or sick cats compared with the same time last year.
RSPCA centres are already fit to bursting point with many cats now being looked after in costly private boarding.
This year so far, the RSPCA says it has already rescued 3,306 abandoned cats or 14 per cent more than last year. It has also helped 7,914 sick or injured cats – up from 6,389 last year.
Over the summer, the RSPCA do expect to take in more young cats as this is the time when cats breed. However this year has seen more than ever with 32 per cent more than in 2013.
Overall the RSPCA has 1,720 cats in our 16 national centres and private boarding as of August 1 compared with 1,397 on July 1. This figure does not take into account the RSPCA’s 164 branches.
Last year, the charity’s inspectors helped a total of 33,293 cats up from 31,556 in 2012 and the figures for this year are expected to be even higher with 20,099 having already been rescued. It has twice as many cats in our care as we do dogs and this is a growing problem.
Just one recent example of what RSPCA workers face took place during the terrible storms on Friday August 8.
Five black and white kittens were found by inspector Marie Hammerton dumped in a cardboard box. They were found in an alleyway behind Gernons in Basildon, Essex at around 3pm and had been dumped sometime after 9am on that day.
The poor kittens are only around one-month old and are probably the result of an unwanted litter.
The RSPCA urges all pet owners to get their cats neutered from four months to try to combat this problem.
Inspector Hammerton said: “If these kittens had not been found they would have had to endure a horrific storm all alone in a cardboard box.
“They were all very scared and nervous when first taken in but are doing well now they are in a safe environment.
“How someone could do that to them is just unbelievable. They are such sweet gorgeous little things and will make brilliant pets.”
The kittens were taken to Crofters Rescue based in Rayleigh, Essex and are now being looked after by fosterers.
Inspector Hammerton added: “Sadly this is something we are seeing more and more of.
“Our centres are fit to bursting point with cats and at this time of year we see some who have been abandoned through being left behind when owners go on holiday or move house.
“As it is also kitten season this can mean we have uncontrollable levels of cats being brought in.”
For more information, and to re-home a cat, visit: http://www.rspca.org.uk/findapet.