NEW loving homes are being sought for cats at Hexham's RSPCA branch.
John Billany, the branch's rehoming officer, said cats come into the charity's care for several reasons, from people being unable to care for them to finding stray cats needing help.
13 cats are available for adoption, which includes a mix of older and younger cats.
Felix and Merlin, two 11-year-old cats, came into the RSPCA's care when their owner and RSPCA volunteer Val died.
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These cats were originally adopted from the branch. They are used to having a quiet life spending time indoors, and must be re-homed together.
Queenie is approximately seven-years-old, and has been there four months but is a 'really lovely, friendly cat', John said.
Kittens are adopted very quickly, as young families prefer kittens to bond with. "Older people actually prefer an older cat as they can't be bothered with kittens," he said.
June, a white semi-longhaired cat, would prefer to be the only animal in her household.
"We need to look at the circumstances of the people who are ringing up - do they have other animals and the animal they're asking for, will they be suitable with other animals," John said.
"The cats all have their own temperaments, their own characteristics.
"They're all in a cattery at the moment, it's easier for people to view them. Foster homes tend to get attached and the cats also bond with them, so it's a bit cruel to take them away to go to a new home.
"They're all well looked after in the cattery," he said.
Once they're six-months-old, cats are fully vaccinated, spayed or neutered and microchipped to be adopted, unless they're too young to be neutered at the time.
To make adoption enquiries, ring John directly on 07519876789 or email adoptions@rspcanorthumberlandwest.co.uk.
John will discuss the adopters' background, where they live and previous experience of owning cats, before being invited to go to the cattery to see them.
He added the centre has several rabbits who are also looking for homes.
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