A pledge of £13,000 has been made to help a re-homing charity cope with a crisis in stray cats.

The Scratching Post plans to build a vet room at its base in Waltham Abbey to cut transport costs and treat more cats on site.

The five-figure sum offered by Support Adoption For Pets would cover the building costs, but the Scratching Post must raise £15,000 to cover the equipment, cages and fitting out the room.

It has raised £5,000 towards the total since November.

Susan Delaney, founder and manager of the Scratching Post, said: "A new vet room will cut our costs on transport and overnight stays at the current vet, which is many miles away and will enable the cats to be treated and cared for all under one roof.

"We are very thankful to Support Adoption For Pets for this generous contribution."

Procedures such as vaccinations and neutering would be carried out on site, with the cats being taken away only when in need of major operations.

The new addition would help relieve pressure on the charity, which has been mounting over recent years with more cats in need of new homes.

Mrs Delaney said: "It's horrendous, we are seeing more and more non-neutered cats.

"Over the last five years it has got worse and worse."

She said owners intend to sell kittens, but they end up being abandoned when they are unable to find buyers.

"People tend to go to pet shops or friends and only ring us when they want to get rid of them," Mrs Delaney added.

Support Adoption For Pets is an independent charity established by Pets At Home in 2006.

Amy Wilson, charity manager at Support Adoption For Pets, said: "It is a real privilege to be able to support the hardworking team at The Scratching Post with this donation.

"Being able to contribute towards the pledge for a vet room will ensure more cats can be treated withgreat people looking after them."

To donate or offer a home for a cat, visit www.scratchingpost.co.uk or call (01992) 626110.