An urgent call has been issued by the RSPCA for cat and kitten foster carers in Somerset.

The animal charity says this will help the rescued pets avoid the stress of living in a cattery and give them a homely environment while they look for a permanent family.

The plea came on International Volunteer Day on Friday, December 5.

Many RSPCA centres are "full to bursting" as the number of cats has more than doubled since 2020 - climbing from around 800 to 1,700.

Thousands more are being cared for by the RSPCA's dedicated branches network across England and Wales.

The charity said it needs more people to volunteer to foster rescued cats as cases of rescue from cruelty continue.

Ahead of International Volunteer Day, some foster carers shared their experiences of how rewarding they found the role.

Alison Griggs, who has fostered 37 cats in four years, said: "As much as we feel sad handing them back, we feel they are set up for success without any problems, and we have helped give them the best start."

Tamsin and Jack Colsey, who have fostered 17 cats, added: "It is hard to give them back - most people say I don't know how you do it.

"But it's nice to know you have made a difference - you see them go to a nice home and it takes your mind off returning them."

Suzanne Norbury, RSPCA press officer, also spoke about how rewarding the experience was for her.

She said: "It feels so rewarding to be able to offer a place in my home, and heart, to a cat in need of time, space, and loving care.

"Knowing that by fostering a cat, it's also freeing up a space in a cattery for another cat in need of help is great too."

Fostering is an ideal option for those who want the experience of caring for a cat without the long-term commitment of ownership.

The RSPCA covers all bills, including vet expenses, food, and toys, and provides ongoing support to the foster parents.

Kathryn Logan, the RSPCA's fostering coordinator, said: "Fostering brings so many benefits - not just for cats, but to the foster parents too."

"We currently have a crisis with too many cats in our catteries.

"We don't want them living in that environment for a long time."

Emma May, foster coordinator at RSPCA West Hatch Animal Centre, added: "It gives them the chance to experience love and home comforts, often for the very first time."

The RSPCA recognises the tremendous efforts of their frontline rescuers who help animals in dire conditions and attempt to find them new homes.

The charity warns that cases of animal abandonment could reach a worrying six-year high.

To help, they launched The Big Give Back to Animals to raise funds for their frontline teams.

More information is available at the RSCPA website.