A CHARITY are calling for all cat lovers to ask their MP to back a campaign for a change in the law on pet sales.

Colne Valley Cats Protection are asking residents to contact James Cleverly, Will Quince or Priti Patel and urge them to demand action to tackle the growing commercial market which is leaving kittens bred in increasingly poor conditions.

The charity's True Cost of Kittens campaign is seeking assurances from regulator DEFRA on new licensing regulations of animal establishments.

Jacquie Cuff, advocacy manager for Cats Protection, said: “While there have always been individuals prepared to cash in on the appeal of a young kitten, the growth of the internet and social media over recent years has made access to kittens quicker and easier than ever before.

“Much of this irresponsible breeding takes place behind closed doors in homes up and down the country with family cats being bred repeatedly to produce kittens for sale in a money-making business.

"All too often, unsuspecting purchasers buy kittens that are sick and in many cases younger than eight weeks old – the age at which they’re ready to leave their mother.

"This means they lack the essential nutrients to develop properly, can be prone to disease and illness and are often poorly socialised.

"The end result can be emotionally and financially draining, with significant suffering for the kitten and hefty vet bills for the owner. In some cases, the kitten may not even survive."

To find out more about the campaign visit: www.cats.org.uk/truecostofkittens.