A cat rescue charity for elderly animals has been forced to take in cats of all ages due to a huge increase in abandoned pets - thought to be as a result of the recession.

Now the group needs your help in finding homes for the homeless moggies.

Goldie’s Oldies Cat Rescue charity, founded in 2000 and run from volunteers’ homes in Hornchurch, takes in feral, unwanted and abandoned cats and kittens weekly.

On February 18 alone, the charity received two cats: one so matted it had to be shaved, and another with a broken leg.

However Goldie’s animal-loving Ehren Gerrard, 26, explained the 15 cats currently in its care need, simply, “somewhere warm to sleep and a bit of love”, including Sharpei, who was found alone under a bush.

Ehren said that other sad cases have included Fred who was “shot in the ear with BB gun and so understandably was scared of humans”, and Henry, who was attacked by a group of men leaving him “terrified of males”.

However Goldie’s work has given happy endings to many desperate animals, including several cats owned by a man with dementia, no longer able to care for his pets.

Ehren said: “A lot of rescues were contacted but didn’t want to get involved in this complex case, but Goldie has rehomed all of his cats to loving new homes.”

The non-profit organisation is motivated by its mantra of “the three Rs”: rescue, rehabilitate, re-home.

Since Ehren opened her heart and the door of Goldie’s to cats of all ages, the charity has been under huge financial pressure.

It relies on donations and their new recycling scheme to fund their residents’ medical care.

Cats are fostered while they wait for a home – a less stressful option for the animals than a cattery.

During this period, their treatments, food and care are paid for by Goldie’s, and all cats are vaccinated and microchipped, costing around £100.

The adoption process entails a home visit in order to get to know the cat’s new owners and a donation to support future cats at Goldie’s.

Whether you donate, foster or adopt, the charity believes that every little helps.

If, like Ehren, “rescued” is your favourite breed, visit Goldie’s Oldies Twitter and Facebook page to meet the cats and kittens in need and see how you can help.