MADAM, I am contacting you in desperation as in the last two weeks I have found two cats, seemingly abandoned, in my hay barn.

We have no very close neighbours and those who do live in the vicinity know nothing about these poor cats.

They are both elderly, one grey and white, one tortoiseshell, both female. I have contacted all local vets and cat rescue organisations and no one has the room to take them in or knows to whom they may belong.

They are friendly but thin and because I've been landed with them I'm having to look after them.

Please could you put something in your newspaper in the hope that someone may recognise them or know something about them.

Kathleen Jones (Mrs), Llangarron

Editor's note: The Gazette contacted two local cat rescue charities, and both stated that they were 'fit to bursting' with abandoned cats, and, to their regret, are unable to take in anymore – for now. Louise Barrow of New Start Cat Rescue near Newent, and Dr Audrey Matheson of Help for Cats, Ross, both agree that the economic downturn has 'exacerbated the situation.' "People can't afford to look after cats and manage the vet bills," said Louise. And Dr Matheson said the: "abandonment of animals is the worst I have ever seen." If anyone can give these cats a loving home please get in touch with the Ross Gazette.

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