CATS Protection’s Basingstoke & District Branch is looking to recruit feline foster carers.

These volunteers would care for unwanted and abandoned cats while the animals wait to find a new owner.

Cat fostering is hands-on cat welfare work looking after felines on a short-term basis, either in cat pens in their garden or a spare room in their home.

The branch, which is run entirely by volunteers, needs people who can offer a temporary home to one or more cats.

Hilary Wells, branch co-ordinator, said: “Cat fosterers play a vital role in our charity by caring for cats in their own home until a new owner can be found.

“No special equipment is needed but cat fosterers do need to have either a spare room or an area in their garden where a cat pen can be housed and, of course, a love of cats is a must. The charity will provide plenty of assistance and support materials for all fosterers.

“Offering a temporary home to a cat in need can be an incredibly rewarding experience, and becoming a volunteer for Cats Protection is a great way to meet new friends – human and feline!”

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and the Basingstoke & District Branch is part of the charity’s nationwide network of 250 volunteer-run branches and 31 adoption centres that together help over 194,000 cats and kittens each year.

One cat currently requiring a new home in Basingstoke is Willow, who is a lovely friendly cat.

Aged approximately three to four years, he is really affectionate and loves a fuss.

He is looking for a new home without very young children.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer for Cats Protection’s Basingstoke & District Branch, call 0845 177 1364 or email adoptacatbasingstoke@ hotmail.co.uk.