CATS are keeping their paws crossed that they can be found a loving home this Christmas.

The RSPCA Worcester and Mid-Worcestershire branch is hoping to find homes for its cats before the cut off date for rehoming.

It is RSPCA policy not to rehome animals just before or during the Christmas period.

This is because it is not considered a good time to be introducing a pet to a new environment when everyone is busy, out and about or with visitors coming to the home.

Geraldine Haynes, branch trustee, said: "Also we would never want an animal to be given as a present. Remember the saying 'A pet is for life, not just for Christmas'."

The last date for adoption is Sunday, December 20. After that deadline rehoming does not begin again until the New Year.

Mrs Haynes said: "So that the cats have a warm fire to sit in front of at Christmas, rather than being in a cat pen, it would be lovely to find homes for some of our felines.

"We have some lovely cats in our care at the moment. Many young ones, some long stayers."

The oldest resident is Pansy, who we rehomed six years ago but has been returned to the RSPCA following a change in circumstances.

Mrs Haynes said: "She is a lovely black and white long haired girl, absolutely faultless and is now nine years old.

"We would love her to have a warm lap to curl up on this Christmas and so would Pansy."

The longest stayers are Honey and Fleur. They have both been looked after in the private cattery used by the branch since June.

Honey has spent the whole of her kittenhood in care.

"She came to us from a home where her needs were not being met in any way" said Mrs Haynes.

"Poor Honey was very ill and was under veterinary care for three months.

"The protracted treatment she had to endure has made Honey a little anxious and quite shy, so she is looking for a quiet home.

"Her eyes were badly affected by the infection, but will not get any worse."

Fleur is about 18 to 20 months old and was found abandoned in a sealed up box with several other young cats and is described as 'a lovely quiet placid girl'.

Mrs Haynes said: "Honey and Fleur are keeping their paws crossed that they will spend Christmas in loving homes, where they will get all the TLC they both so deserve."

Many of the rescued cats can be seen on the branch website, www.rspca-worcester.co.uk/

For more information or to arrange to meet the cats, ring Pamela on 01905 841354 or Geraldine on 01886 822083.