A local foster group that spans across Centre Wellington and Wellington North says they have an unusually high volume of kittens this season.

The group, known as Arthur Animal Rescue Co-operative (AARC), took to social media in recent weeks and said more cats need foster care due to a high birth rate.

There's been such a large quantity of cats needing homes this year that AARC is now covering new areas of the county. Michelle Dixon, fundraising coordinator for AARC, says the issue isn't unique to only her and her team members.

"It is not just us. You are seeing it across multiple rescues. We do focus on Centre and North Wellington, but because of the widespread issue right now across all rescues we have been known to support in other areas," Dixon said.

Dixon stated that 13 cats have given birth to 54 kittens, leading group members to take care into their own homes.

"We do have an admin team of six team members and yes we do have kittens all over the house right now, in the bathroom, in the bedrooms. Wherever there's space, we're filling it with kittens so we can take them off the streets right now," Dixon stated.

The AARC has brought in over 1,000 cats in only eight years of operation. Any donation or support will help, Dixon added, and cats will not be rushed through care due to a high volume.

Dixon says the spike reminds her of the importance of spaying and neutering, as she looks to find more cats their "forever homes."

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