A record number of puppies and kittens were born in Battersea Dogs & Cats Home centres last year, latest figures from the charity reveal.

By August 2022, the number of kittens born at Battersea was already double the total amount born in the previous year. In total, 133 kittens were born - the highest figure in the past decade.

Dog births on site similarly grew, with 29 puppies delivered in 2022 - almost double the typical yearly average of 16.

The figures come amidst the charity's report of a higher proportion of pets admitted into its care due to financial pressures on owners.

In November, 15 per cent of dogs and 10 per cent of cats were taken into Battersea from owners who said they could no longer afford to keep them, or pay their vet bills.

Centre Manager Steve Craddock said of the trends: "Whilst it's hard to say for certain, we suspect that in 2022 the social and economic climate has created the perfect storm for unwanted litters of kittens and puppies.

"First and foremost, with the ever-increasing cost of living, keeping household budgets tight is understandably a priority for pet owners. We suspect fewer people are getting their pets neutered, perceiving this to be a non-essential cost.

"However, we know the reality is quite different. Cats can reach sexual maturity and get pregnant at just four months old, leaving unneutered cats at a high risk of having unwanted kittens – which will be both time-intensive and costly to care for. Our research estimates the average yearly cost of owning a cat is now approximately £1,500, so any unplanned litters will come with a hefty price tag attached for the average family."

Snowflake is one such cat taken into Battersea's care due to unplanned pregnancy last year. At just nine months old she fell pregnant with four kittens, all of whom were admitted to Battersea with Snowflake in September when her owner could not afford the costs of caring for a litter.

Just under two weeks old on arrival, the four kittens - Spruce, Fir, Pine and Poinsettia - were cared for and socialised at the charity's London site until they were old enough to be rehomed two months later.

Battersea advises neutering kittens between 9 and 12 weeks of age, and puppies from six months old depending on breed.

As well as neutering any unneutered dogs or cats before rehoming them, the charity also contributes to community outreach to manage populations and improve the welfare of non-domesticated cats. Last year, working in collaboration with other organisations it successfully neutered 81 feral cats.

For more advice on pet neutering, visit Battersea's pet advice website.