The adoption of cats and kittens has soared during lockdown, and Animal Welfare League NSW's Illawarra Volunteer Branch president Donna Ashelford said that sadly, many prospective adopters have not been able to find a furry friend.

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'We've had five to ten prospective adopters for each kitten, and you can hear the distress in people's voices when they miss out," she said.

"We're trying to backfill now for people who have missed out.

"They really need the comfort of a pet, and we know cats and kittens have an almost zero return rate when the lockdown ends, because they don't get separation anxiety."

To solve the problem, Donna reached out to the Animal Welfare League branch in Dubbo, which was overwhelmed with cats and kittens needing homes.

After arranging COVID-safe travel plans, Donna was able to bring six crates of kittens to the Illawarra, where they will be welcomed into local families.

"It's great for our foster families too," Donna said.

"The kittens teach kids about caring for something and letting it go, and contributing to the community.'

She said the branch has already doubled its usual rate of adoptions, and hopes to find homes for 300 cats and kittens this year.

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