Some families are having to give up their pets as the cost-of-living increases - and charities fear it could get worse.

The concerns come at a time when the cost of daily essentials are also rising.

Rickmansworth’s Precious Paws Cat Rescue centre owner, Jacqui Schafer, said: "We have had quite a few cats handed in as people can't cope in the current climate.

Read More

“In fact, four kittens were handed in within the last couple of weeks because the owner could not afford the cost of rearing them.

“As a rescue though, we don't always get the full story as to why a cat is being handed over, we have to read between the lines sometimes, but it is a concern."

Meanwhile, the National Animal Welfare Trust’s Watford branch manager, Jackie de Friez, has yet to see an increase in the number of pets being handed over because of the cost of living.

But she told the Observer that the charity expects to see an increase over the coming months.

She said: “So far this year, we haven’t seen an increase in the number of pets coming to us directly as a result of the cost-of-living crisis, but this may come as rising prices start to bite.”

Have you got a story for us? You can contact us here.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

To receive breaking news alerts or newsletters sign up here.