BOSSES at a cat rescue centre want to remind owners they are there to help after two felines were abandoned in freezing temperatures.

The Hereford Cats Protection Adoption Centre in Allensmore has been open for more than 11 years and sees around 400 to 500 cats pass through its doors each year.

And manager Faye Jenkins wants to remind cat owners they will help as much as they can, after two Bengal-type cats were abandoned.

She said: "One was brought in very skinny but very friendly. Then, about two weeks after that a cat was found in exactly the same place in freezing temperatures.

"It was almost frozen to the ground and was really thin.

"We just want to make sure people know we are here to help, instead of dumping the cats outside. Not all cats can look after themselves."

As well as rehoming cats, they neuter around 300 to 400 feral cats a year.

Mrs Jenkins said: "We will catch the cats, take them to the vets and get them neutered and have a quick check-up.

"Then we take them back. We usually do it free of charge."

She said feral colonies are a big problem in the county, and they are constantly trying to get the numbers down.

Mrs Jenkins also stressed the importance of handling cats early on.

She said: "If the kittens aren't handled within the first seven weeks they become quite feisty and not very pleasant, which is understandable as they are a wild animal.

"From seven to 12 weeks you might stand a chance but once they have gone past three months it is really hard.

"They don't know what people are."

She said if residents are worried about a stray cat then they should keep an eye on it for a week and check with local vets to see if anyone is missing a pet.

The centre can also provide paper collars to put on the stray cat to see if an owner responds.

After a week they will then collect the cat, although they have to prioritise as they are quite often at full capacity.

Top priority includes cats which are pregnant, very young, ill or in a dangerous situation.

There is also help available for people on benefits and low incomes to get their cat neutered.

To adopt a cat go to the centre between 11am and 3pm every day. They sometimes carry out a home visit and there is a fee of £55.

If you would like to volunteer at the centre call 01432 277543.