Four-year-old Tilly has been at Battersea's Brand Hatch centre since January.

Older residents forgotten as rehomers seek kittens to adopt

Battersea Dogs and Cats Home is campaigning on behalf of its older feline residents, who are left without loving homes as "kitten season" begins.

As summer approaches, Battersea says the vast majority of adopters come looking for a kitten, leaving its older cats without loving homes.

Charity workers are trying to raise awareness of the benefits of an older companion, compared to the more high maintenance kittens.

"Kittens are adorable, but they are babies, and they come with all the needs and stresses that babies are famous for," says Sharon Weller, rehoming and welfare assistant.

"Older cats are calmer, cleaner and more independent; you can leave an adult cat while kittens require constant attention.

"Adult cats are settled in their personalities, so you can be sure of what you’re getting – and the fact is that your adorable kitten will be a fully grown cat in a few months anyway."

Two such older felines are six-year-old Mocha and four-year-old Tilly, who have been at the Brands Hatch centre since January.

Sharon said: "Tilly and Mocha are both that bit older; fully house trained, considerate of property, comfortable in their own skin.

"Tilly is rather feisty and independent whereas Mocha is a sedate older lady who would be best suited to a rural location with space to roam. Both of these cats are going to make amazing pets for the right people."

Image courtesy of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home