Westgate Ark animal shelter in Newcastle says it needs people to cuddle and stroke homeless young cats to get them ready to be rehomed.

Since the animal shelter opened its doors in April this year Paul Black has seen an influx of abandoned cats and kittens needing rehoming.

Paul, 54, has been rescuing cats for years but says he has noticed a dramatic increase in the amount of feral cats being brought in from the area.

He said: “Many of the feral cats either come in with kittens or are pregnant. To re-home them we have to socialise them and this is easier if they are kittens.”

The centre, on Prospect Place, near Westgate Road, Newcastle, is now inviting people to help make their feral kittens feel wanted.

People can go to Westgate Ark and spend an hour or two playing with, stroking and cuddling many of the tiny kittens.

The centre is completely funded by donations and the money raised is via sponsored walks, car boots sales or open days.

“We have a lot of lovely volunteers here who really do help out,” added Paul. “I am planning on holding an open weekend on December 27 and 28 where people can come and join us, for free, and have a glass of sherry or mulled wine and a mince pie and get to see the centre and meet the cats.

“They are also welcome to bring the cats little Christmas presents like treats, food, or litter.”

The centre has attracted a few regular volunteers and one of them is Rosalyn Byrne, who pops in for kitten cuddles every Thursday.

She said: “I have been volunteering since the centre opened in April. I love cats and it’s really rewarding when the feral cats come round to you.”

At the moment Paul has more than 15 cats that have been rescued and said many of the feral ones are being found in the Lemington area.

“We have taken our 11th feral cat from there this week and the main thing that needs doing is neutering them,” he said.

“The older cats we will neuter and then take them back because they are too old to be socialised, but with the kittens we want to find them homes.”

To make a donation or volunteer at Westgate Ark contact Paul on 0191 273 9555, or email him on admin@westgateark.org.uk

Pictured: Rescued kittens at Westgate Ark animal centre.