An animal charity overwhelmed with mistreated and abandoned pets says it is facing the “worst cat crisis in living memory of volunteers”.

The Wharfe Valley branch of Cats Protection says it is full after helping to rescue 30 animals from a squalid cellar in Leeds and that volunteers are receiving up to 50 enquiries a day.

The urgent appeal for homes comes after Bradford Catwatch shut its doors and the temporary closure of Leeds (Adel) Cats Protection and the Yorkshire Animal Shelter, which is undergoing refurbishment.

A spokesman for Wharfe Valley Cats Protection, in Guiseley, said it was under more pressure to help rescue animals as it was increasingly pulled into caring for animals from Bradford and Leeds.

He said: “The branch has never been parochial. However, in the past we were supported by other cat charities in the two big cities so the need to reach further afield was less.

“Sadly, many cat rescues have closed in the past year leaving our local branch exposed to demands beyond our capacity.”

The cats recently rescued from Leeds were discovered in a cellar full of faeces and urine and have needed veterinary care for fleas and worms. The majority had major dental disease, half needed neutering and several kittens had died in the house.

Three of the cats are still under veterinary care but 27 are temporarily housed in a commercial cattery.

Anyone who can provide a home for the cats is asked to ring 0845 1947 292.

Meanwhile, the Wharfe Valley branch of the Cats Protection could be in for a financial boost.

The ashes of Frisky, who appeared in the opening title of Coronation Street for more than a decade, went to auction and were sold for £700, a total which will rise to £844 with auctioneer fees.

And John Rimington, of Rawdon, who owned Frisky until his death in 2000, says some of the money raised will go towards Cats Protection.