An animal rescue volunteer has spoken about her devotion to fostering cats and kittens in need – all 140 of them.

Tina Moore, from Dartford, started fostering cats and kittens from Battersea Brands Hatch in 2015 after her own died.

She wanted to help animals in need and has since cared for one of the highest number of cats ever fostered by a volunteer at the charity.

She helps a whole range, from senior strays to tiny kittens, who need a temporary place where they can be in a home environment before finding a permanent place to live.

Tina said: “The best thing about caring for a Battersea foster cat is watching them grow into happy and confident felines and helping them get used to life in a home environment so they can thrive in a forever home.

“Sometimes cats and young kittens can feel a little overwhelmed inside catteries, so providing them with a foster home where they can slowly come out of their shells and show off their true brand of ‘cattitude’ helps make sure they are matched with the right owner for them.”

She recently looked after one-year-old domestic short-haired Ariel who was found wandering the streets heavily pregnant before arriving at Battersea.

After giving birth, Ariel was finding life in the cattery stressful and needed some space where she could peacefully hone her mothering skills and give some attention to her litter.

Tina stepped in to look after the group and all of them have now found their forever homes.

She added: “Being there for cats like Ariel is really what it’s all about, especially helping young kittens get used to new people so they can explore the world around them.

“You do end up having your favourites – such as a recent litter of kittens I looked after called Rock, Paper and Scissors whose playful antics made me fall in love with the three little bundles of fur.

“I’ve fostered so many cats over these past eight years, and it’s so special knowing I’ve played an important part in helping them find the love that they deserve, especially as Battersea is now celebrating its 140th anniversary of being there for cats.”

Rosy Price, interim head of volunteering fostering and communities, said: “For many rescue animals, finding themselves in a cattery or a kennel can be quite a stressful experience, so the work that our dedicated foster carers do, like Tina, means they can be looked after in a more familiar setting and have round-the-clock care where needed.

“We’re always on the lookout for caring animal lovers who may not be able to commit to permanently rehoming one of our rescue animals, but can provide a temporary home for one of our cats or dogs so we can help identify the quirky personality traits that help match them with a forever family.

“If you think you could help by fostering your first rescue animal with us, we’d love to hear from you.”