ANIMAL lovers are urgently needed to care for many homeless cats across Worcestershire.

More than 100 cats are currently being looked after by the Worcester and district branch of Cats Protection, including many kittens who are still too young to rehome.

Now the charity is appealing for people who have the time and patience to get in touch and help rehome a growing band of cats who have fallen on hard times.

Lynn Glaze, branch co-ordinator, said: "We started September with 87 cats and took in another 75, with 35 of these being kittens. We have found homes for 54 but we still have a staggering 102 cats in need of a good home.

"We have quite an assortment of cats at the moment, including several older ones, and the message we want to stress is there is a cat out there just right for you.

"Many of our more nervous cats can be handled, although they are not too keen to be picked up. They just need understanding homes."

Two such cats are pretty tabby-and-white kittens Milo and Ruby, who are currently being cared for by one of the branch's foster mums.

"Cats like these are not vicious, they are just feisty kittens who need someone to appreciate their needs," said Mrs Glaze.

"They have been deprived of human contact in the early weeks of their lives, either because their mother was feral, or they could have been born to a domestic mum who had them away from home, often because she was abandoned when she became pregnant."

Anyone who could provide a loving home for these cats should call the branch on 01905 820348.

Cats in the charity's care can be seen at www.worcestercats.org.uk.