A KITTEN has been rescued from a Salisbury industrial estate, as the RSPCA takes more than 300 cats into its care during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Sootie was recently discovered by one of the animal welfare charity's officers, who then shocked carers when her fur completely changed colour after a bath.

The transformation from black to grey inspired her new name, and Sootie is now getting ready to move to her new home.

Sootie was one of 57 cases reported in Wiltshire between March 23 and May 4.

During the virus outbreak, the charity has taken 324 felines into its care, and 6,630 incidents have been reported in total.

Dr Samantha Gaines, head of the RSPCA’s companion animal department, said: "Every year, the scale of the cat overpopulation problem becomes even more apparent from May to September when most cats are born as the RSPCA is often overwhelmed with kittens.

"The kitten season this year will continue despite Covid-19 and so the charity is bracing itself for even more cats.”

As of May 13, the RSPCA is caring for 1,013 cats, which is more than any other pet in its care.

Sam added: “Our frontline officers will continue to rescue as many cats as we can and our animal centre staff, hospitals and branches will carry on caring for the many cats coming into our care throughout the crisis."

The RSPCA has launched an emergency appeal for vital funding, which is needed to assist its frontline staff in continuing work across England and Wales.

"We rely on donations from our generous supporters to carry out this vital work and need their support now more than ever as our services become stretched to the limit," Sam added.