A HOPWOOD cat sanctuary is appealing to people to treat animals with more humanity as the festive season sees countless felines abandoned.

Last week, an old basket tied up with string was left in the pouring rain near New Cramar Cat Sanctuary.

When it was eventually discovered by sanctuary staff, they found two shivering cats.

And this was just one of many incidents staff have encountered in the last few weeks.

Chairman of trustees Jane Burman said: We have been absolutely snowed under and when we discovered these two poor cats it really felt like the last straw.

It seems people want to get rid of their older cats and replace them with kittens in the run-up to Christmas.

We urge people to give us a ring if, for whatever reason, they are unable to keep their cats.

Sometimes we are full to capacity and can't take them immediately but they are put on a waiting list and will eventually get a place at the sanctuary.

These cats should not just be abandoned, we will house them and we will not have them put down unless it is completely necessary.

For more details, call 0121 445 1679 or 0121 445 1840.