Community services manager Gavin Blinman said council ranger Greg Wilson received more than 200 cats in the period from early December to early February, with 38 of them on Tuesday.

Mr Blinman said it was not unusual for council to experience high numbers at this time of year, but 38 in one day was 'ridiculous'.

"These high numbers do occur on a cyclical basis, especially around Christmas when people give pets as presents," he said.

"We've had lots of groups of kittens being handed in because I think perhaps people can't cope with a litter of kittens as well as their cat.

"The kittens can be rehoused through the Save a Pet program because people want kittens, but not a lot of people want a cat, so often they are euthanased."

Mr Blinman said he was unsure why the number of cats being surrendered was so much higher than in previous years.

He said owners needed to think about whether they could manage and afford a pet before buying or accepting one.

"I think people need to think about whether they actually want a pet," he said.

"It would be fantastic if we didn't have this number of animals. We don't like to euthanase animals at any time because it is not good for them and it is also extremely stressful for the ranger as well.

"Greg is looking at some incentives for people who get their animals desexed.

"He is also looking at what other councils are doing and is working with the RSPCA to see what other schemes are in place to help the issue."