Animal abandonment has always been an issue, but this year has seen an increase of 24% of calls to the RSPCA (22,908 calls) to the end of July. 

There are also numerous cases where animal centres have taken in abandoned animals directly from the public.

As a small branch, Furness and Barrow RSPCA have received numerous calls this year about stray and abandoned animals, they have rehomed a lot of animals recently.

A spokesperson for The RSPCA Furness and Barrow Branch said: “We have had reports of people not letting their cats back in their homes as they don’t want them anymore and of people moving and leaving them behind. 

“We have tamed and rehomed three feral stray male cats, two of which have FIV.  These lovely boys spent years living outside which is heart-breaking.”

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) attacks the immune system, leaving the cat vulnerable to infections.

The RSPCA Furness and Barrow Branch said: “Cats who are used to living as a pet, being fed regularly and being looked after, who are then suddenly thrown out to fend for themselves, often die from starvation, exposure to the elements or from injuries sustained from other animals, humans or road accidents. 

“Please do not treat animals this way.  Reach out to charities, friends and family. If you rehome your animal to someone you don’t know then please do a home, check and charge a fee.

“The effects are worse during winter as the cats are out in the rain and freezing temperatures. It’s so dark they run more risk of being run over.  

“People also stay home more so strays aren’t noticed as much as during the lighter and warmer months so therefore won’t get reported.  We have had more people contacting us in the last 2 months to take in their animals due to them having to move properties, we don’t know though if this is due to the cost-of-living crisis or just a change in their circumstances."

Eclipse and Luna are around 4 years old and were born into a feral colony at Haverigg.

They are gradually gaining trust in humans and would benefit from an experienced owner who will be patient. 

They are both vaccinated, chipped and neutered, the adoption fee is £90.

If you think you can give Eclipse or Luna a safe and loving home or would like to meet them, please contact the The RSPCA Furness and Barrow Branch via Facebook, email fandbrspca@talktalk.net, pop to the office or phone 824583.