ANIMAL rescuers in Hampshire are appealing for potential pet owners to consider the qualities of having an older cat.

Staff at The Stubbington Ark have seen a surge in the number of cats aged over ten years as many adopters choose kittens and younger felines as a family pet.

The centre, which acts as the Solent Branch of the RSPCA, takes in hundreds of stray and unwanted cats and staff are worried that some of their older residents may be left at the centre for too long and become dependant on their surroundings, making it difficult to adapt to a new home.

Mike Ward, manager of the Ark said: "We've always got one or two in but at the moment we have well over 20."

"We can take as many cats as we want as long as they are going back out.

"But instead of being here a week or two the older ones are being left here week after week. That's not good for them either as they can get a little institutionalised and we don't want that."

Mike said older cats are mostly brought into the centre because their owners move abroad or elderly owners move into a retirement home or die.

"I can't really explain why we have suddenly got so many in at the moment," he said.

"I'm hoping it is just a blip."

The animal charity is now looking for people who are not looking for a cat that is necessarily that playful.

"Older cats are easier to deal with, house trained, and make lovely nice companions for the older family," he added.

"We do get multiples too when two or three cats come into the centre and to help potential pet owners we offer reduced fees and advice for taking them on."

Anyone interested in adopting an older cat or for more information can contact The Stubbington Ark in Ranvilles Lane on 01329 667541 or log on to www.stubbingtonark.org.uk.