CAT lovers are concerned about the number of pets which which have been abandoned over the past few days in the Leigh area.

And Cats Protection League volunteers fear the dumped felines -- some just a few months old -- could be injured before they are rescued.

They believe the upsurge in abandoned animals could be due to an increase in cat pregnancies.

But the League says unwanted pregnancies are unnecessary, because it offers free neutering to cats of owners aged over 50 or on benefits.

A League spokesman said: "Fortunately, five cats found in the past week were not injured or harmed in any way, but others may not be so lucky."

For more details about the CPL scheme, phone 01942 262826.

"If more people take advantage of the neutering scheme, fewer cats would be abandoned.