More than 60 cats have filled the shelter over the holiday season with many families disposing of them before heading away on holidays. 

Shelter supervisor Tracey Scott said staff were tired of seeing the unwanted and lost animals arriving each Christmas like clockwork. 

“We’ve had lots. Cats are the real issue,” Ms Scott said. “It’s the same problem every year, we get so many. 

“We had a kitten dumped out the front on Christmas Day — it was lucky someone started early otherwise it might not have survived the heat.” 

The holiday season has pushed the centre to capacity with 30 cats available for adoption — all of them ready for a home.

Ms Scott said adult cats, most of them previously owned, made good company for those seeking a furry friend. 

“But they tend to get overlooked once we get kittens,” she said. 

Ms Scott said owners needed to micro-chip their pets to increase the chances of finding lost animals. 

“People need to de-sex their cats and take responsibility.” 

s.mccomish@fairfaxmedia.com.au