CATS Protection’s St Helen’s Adoption Centre is appealing to cat lovers to open their homes to felines that might otherwise be left on the shelf.

The centre has a number of cats that have spent more time in care than staff would like, having been overlooked for one reason or another.

The charity is keen to stress these moggies that have been in care a while, or may be older, have just as much love to give and make equally good companions as any other cats.

St Helens Star:

Julius

Among the cats awaiting new homes are 13-year-old brothers Julius and Taurus, who came in to care after their previous owner could no longer look after them.

Taurus has undergone surgery to treat a thyroid problem since being at the centre, but now the thyroid has been removed he should not require any long-term medication.

Although the two black beauties arrived together, they could be adopted separately if it means getting them in to family homes quicker.

Centre Manager Kerry Kendrick said: “We have had a lot of people enquiring about getting kittens but rescue kittens are in short supply at this time of year.

St Helens Star:

Taurus

“We have so many lovely cats that are desperate to find a new home that we urge people to come along to the centre to see for themselves.

"There’s every chance you’ll find the cat of your dreams and fall in love.

“Nobody wants these poor cats to stay here longer than they have to but sadly they have nowhere else to go until they are adopted.

“Although we do our very best to care for them, life in a cat pen is no substitute for a permanent home so I would urge people to consider adopting one.”

Anyone interested in adopting a cat can visit the St Helen’s Adoption Centre at 100 Chester Lane between 11am-3pm every day, except Wednesdays when the centre is closed, or call 01744 817 718.

For more information visit the website cats.org.uk/sthelens