AS the season of giving and receiving gets into full swing, a couple who have dedicated the past decade of their lives to caring for abandoned cats is appealing to be put on the top of your Christmas list.

Paws Inn in Weaverham is a special cat rescue centre run by a couple who forsake holidays and life's little luxuries - including Christmas dinner - in order to provide the animals in their care with the best they can offer.

The centre relies heavily on donations of cat food and litter, as well as donations to help cover vetinary bills, but a third litter of kittens this year has stretched their resources to breaking point.

At present there are 46 domesticated cats in their care - ranging from new-born kittens to mature moggies - each of which needs feeding, injections and, most importantly, a good, loving home.

Limit

Teresa Phillips, one half of the couple behind the Paws Inn, said: "Throughout the year the inn has been stretched to the limit with one sorry tale after another.

"Some have been left on the doorstep in cardboard boxes, others were dumped outside veterinary surgeries and public houses, several pregnant ones were dumped on the roadside and left to fend for themselves and their kittens. Others were found dieing.

"A late flush of kittens is causing added concern with 14 new arrivals taken in over the past weekend.

"Until some permanent loving homes are found for these adorable cats there is simply no room at the inn and rehoming stops for the Christmas period.

"Our cat food bill is in excess of £100 a week and £25 per week is spent on cat litter. Despite being well supported by Ark Vetinary Surgery at Kingsmead, this year's vet's bill is approaching £6,000.

"We desperately need donations of cat food and litter as well as monetary donations in order to continue our work and would urge you to think about making a Christmas gift to Paws Inn."

All cats that arrive at Paws Inn are treated with the utmost care and love - with each cat receiving a play and a cuddle at some point in the day.

But most of all, they are given to a fully researched home to ensure they do not return to the inn.

Bedrooms have been overtaken and special kennels have been fitted in the back garden.

And if a cat cannot find a home or is simply too poorly to be moved, they get the best quality of life that can be afforded to them.

Anyone who would like to make a donation to Paws Inn can ring Teresa on 01606 851764.

jsawyer@guardiangrp.co.uk