A cat and kitten welfare charity is still struggling to cope with the effects of an enforced two-month shutdown.

Yorkshire Cat Rescue had to close its doors for eight weeks in late summer and early autumn after its Cross Roads shelter was hit by an outbreak of feline panleukopenia virus.

The charity said this necessary quarantine meant kittens that would normally have been adopted by now are still waiting for a new home.

Centre founder, Sara Atkinson, said: “It was heartbreaking seeing all these kittens grow up in a pen.

“Our many volunteers put in a huge effort to help raise and socialise them, but we would far rather have seen them go off to new homes as soon as they were ready.

“Those left have reached adolescence and, it seems, are no longer quite cute enough to bag a home of their own.”

Young cats waiting for a loving new owner include seven-month-old Phoebe, who was found abandoned with her mother and siblings earlier this year by the side of a road.

“Phoebe really needs the comfort of a real home,” said Sara. “Unfortunately, she is now past the cute kitten stage and keeps being overlooked by visitors who often fall for our youngest residents instead.”

People can call (01535) 647184 or visit yorkshirecatrescue.org if they are interested in adopting Phoebe or any of the shelter’s other older kittens.