RSPCA plea to Audlem cat lovers

Audlem cat lovers are being urged to offer homes for strays being housed at The RSPCA Stapeley Grange cattery near Nantwich.

The charity is overwhelmed with unwanted cats and kittens with around 70 currently being cared for and more arriving every day.

Stapeley officials describe the current numbers as nearing "crisis point" with fewer cats being found new homes as more come in.

Staff at the centre on London Road, Nantwich, say they are desperate to find new homes in order to cope with rising numbers of abandoned cats and kittens.

And they warn they may soon no longer be able to accept cats brought in by RSPCA inspectors because they will simply be unable to cope with any more.

Among those looking for a home is Ellie (pictured) a one year old black and white shorthair crossbreed described as "friendly when she gets to know you and with time will make a lovely pet".

It costs around £70 to adopt a cat or £80 for a kitten and new owners get a pet that is neutered, micro-chipped and fully vaccinated. They have also been treated for fleas and worms and, if requested, they can be tested for FIV and FeLV.

So the adoption fee is great value for money if you consider how much all of the above would cost you privately and the money you pay also helps towards the costs of caring for the remaining cats at the centre.

Stapeley Grange Cattery takes in cats that have been injured, abandoned, neglected or become the victims of cruelty. The centre also runs a small shop selling products to cat owners and uses the profits to help fund its work.

Alongside the cattery is Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre, one of four RSPCA wildlife centres based in England that rehabilitates sick, injured and orphaned wildlife and wild animals that have been brought in by RSPCA inspectors.

To find out more about the abandonded cats at the centre and how to adopt one visit www.rspca.org.uk/stapeleycattery

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