A charity is preparing to open a new centre for abandoned and unwanted cats.

Cats Protection will open a rehoming centre in Harrow next spring.

Work is already underway to turn a former warehouse in Tudor Road into a centre that will take up to 600 cats per year.

The charity is looking for help to provide equipment for 20 cat pens.

Each pen will cost up to £300 to equip with feeding bowls, litter trays, bedding, scratching posts and toys.

Harrow Times:

The cat pens. Credit: Cats Protection.

The centre will be home to many cats like Sooty, who is currently being looked after at the charity’s nearby Mitcham Homing Centre.

The one-year-old black cat was born from a stray mother and suffers from calicivirus. He needed veterinary treatment to remove all his teeth.

He has been described as a friendly cat who loves a play and a cuddle.

Harrow Times:

One-year-old Sooty. Credit: Cats Protection.

Cats Protection regional fundraising manager Hannah Ashwell said: “Our existing centres in London already do a fantastic job in helping give unwanted and abandoned cats a second chance in life, but sadly there are more cats in need of our help.

“Our Harrow Homing Centre will open in early 2020 and will take in cats from the local area, providing all the love and care they need before finding them a happy new home.

“But we really need to raise £6000 to ensure all the pens are fully furnished with everything cats need during their time with us.”

Harrow Times:

Work underway at the Harrow centre. Credit: Cats Protection.

To make a donation go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/harrow-cats-protection-pen-appeal.