Homeless and abandoned cats have been given a place to stay thanks to a charity which normally rehomes horses.

Thanks to a dedicated team of animal loving volunteers and a new cattery at Blue Cross animal rehoming centre, in Rolleston, the charity is now rehoming cats from the site, in Dovecliff Road.

Cats stay in specially made 'cat chalets' where volunteers care for them and help them find a loving home.

Katie Macalister, Blue Cross rehoming network manager, said: "We are delighted to be helping homeless, stray and abandoned cats from our Rolleston site.

"We have been helping horses here for more than 10 years and so to widen our care to other species is great. Thanks to the wonderful team of local volunteers, I am sure we will be finding many more cats wonderful loving homes."

Sue Kerfoot and Rolo at Blue Cross cattery

Current temporary residents in the new cattery include four-year-old tabby female Rolo. The centre describes her as a lovely cat who will make a "wonderful addition" to a family. Rolo enjoys cuddles and having a snooze on a cozy lap, as well as lazy days sunbathing in the garden.

Katie said: "We would also like to thank supporters who generously donated towards a new washer dryer for the cattery. This will soon become indispensable as we start to see more and more cats looking for a cosy place to stay while we find them a loving new home."

The chalets at Rolleston's Blue Cross centre

Blue Cross in Rolleston is always looking for volunteer support. Not only for the new cattery but around the grounds to keep the place looking spick and span, cover for the main reception and help with its new shop selling second hand tack items. More details are available by calling 0300 777 1520 or emailing rolleston@bluecross.org.uk

More details about the cats and horses needing homes at Rolleston are available by visiting www.bluecross.org.uk

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