SPA mums-to-be, who fear that cats could damage their babies' health, are being urged to keep their pets.

Staff at the Worcester and District Branch of Cats Protection, in Fabricius Avenue, Droitwich, are concerned as more and more pregnant women are giving away their cats before the new baby arrives.

Workers have been reassuring members of the public that cats can live in harmony with new tots if the right cleaning and hygiene precautions are taken.

Spokeswoman for the Spa sanctuary Zoe Jenner Jones said: "There seems to be a lot of unnecessary anxiety amongst mothers-to-be in this area about the dangers of keeping a cat while pregnant.

"In the vast majority of cases, it really isn't necessary for a pregnant woman to rehome her pet.

"In fact, it can cause a lot of unwanted stress for both feline and owner."

Rhona Apps, the sanctuary's chief veterinary officer, explained that a lot of owners have been worried about the risk of toxoplasmosis but said the risk from pets was very unlikely.

She added: "There are a lot of old wives tales out there.

"Provided the basic rules of personal and kitchen hygiene are observed, pregnant women and those with a serious illness, should have no fear of cats.

"The decision to re-home the family cat can have serious implications and should not be taken lightly.

"Whatever our age, cats help us to relax, make us laugh and give us comfort. Why deny yourself valuable feline friendship when it is perfectly possible to live safely and in harmony with your cat?"

If you would like to give a good home to a cat, you can ring 01886 833212.