An influx of unwanted pets before Christmas saw 201 animals, mostly kittens, dropped at the Whangarei SPCA and staff are urging pet owners to have their cats desexed.
During two weeks before Christmas Day the animals offloaded included 130 kittens, 44 cats, 14 puppies, 11 dogs and two birds. Although some animals have found a home many are still waiting.
Whangarei SPCA centre manager Andrea Honeybun said it was crucial to have cats desexed. A female cat could have four litters in a breeding season.
"Some days we were taking 30 cats a day."
Mrs Honeybun said there were many reasons for the influx including people going on holiday and realising they couldn't take their pet with them.