Leading animal welfare organisation, Animal Aid, is at breaking point, with more than 100 cats available for adoption and desperate to find loving homes.

The situation has reached emergency levels at Animal Aid's three shelters in Bairnsdale, Sale and Coldstream where they are experiencing an overload of kittens and cats that have been lost or surrendered.

The Coldstream facility is housing the bulk of the felines, and despite resources being extremely stretched, all the cats are given the full Animal Aid treatment which includes a temperament assessment, veterinary check, vaccination, desexing and micro chipping - all ready for their new home.

Animal Aid Coldstream is currently accepting more than a dozen cats every week from its Gippsland shelters due to limited space, in addition to the 35 they receive on average each week.

Two of the more colourful feline characters waiting for a new home are ‘Buzz Lightyear' and Woody, both domestic short haired cats. These young fellows are constant companions and their loveable nature is reminiscent of the characters in the "Toy Story" movies. Both furry felines have been long term lodgers at the Coldstream facility but the hope is that Buzz and Woody will find new homes very soon.

According to Animal Aid General Manager, Nell Thompson, the unseasonal deluge of pregnant cats, kittens and adult cats during this winter season has been an unwelcome dilemma caused by people not desexing their pets.

"Despite having dedicated foster families who have helped Animal Aid with the feline overload, Animal Aid is urging all Victorians to find their ‘inner cat' and consider adopting a cat for their home."

"On average, more than 2220 cats and kittens find their way to the Animal Aid shelter catteries in Coldstream, Sale and Bairnsdale each year. Animal Aid strives to reduce this number through desexing and micro chipping programs and the amazing work performed by their staff and volunteers.

"Cats are simply wonderful pets. They are loving, warm and have a beautiful and unique temperament to match."

"We just want people to come and visit us at our shelters, speak to the trained and experienced staff and consider a cat (or two!) as a companion."

"If you don't have any room in your life for another purrfect pet please ensure that your current companions are desexed and not adding to the overpopulation problem."