A cat welfare centre affiliated to the RSPCA has launched a fundraising appeal in a bid to save it from closure.

Ashford Garden Cattery in Kent opened its ‘Rescue Appeal’ on the GoFundMe website after rising costs put a strain on its resources.

The centre posted on the site: “Our cattery is facing closure within months, and without urgent help, frightened and abandoned cats will lose the only safe place they have left.

“Rising vet bills, urgent building repairs, and falling income have pushed us into a crisis we can’t overcome alone.

“Your support will help us keep our doors open, provide urgent veterinary care, modernise our cattery, and protect the services that so many animals and people rely on.

“Every donation, no matter the size, helps us give frightened cats a second chance and ensures our community does not lose this essential welfare resource.

“Together, we can make sure the cats who need us most still have somewhere to turn.”

The centre was opened in May 2006 by the late Paul O’Grady, who served as the branch’s president.

To date £5,342 of an initial fundraising target of £10,000 has been raised.

The Go FundMe site can be accessed by clicking here.