THE local RSPCA really has its hands full at the moment with more cats in its care than ever before.

This puts everyone, both its staff and many volunteers, under a great strain making sure that all the animals are well cared for both physically and also mentally.

However, despite the large number of cats in the shelter the Barrow and Furness branch of the charity still follows strict rules, including carrying out home checks, before allowing animals to go to a new owner.

The charity is always keen to stress that it is looking for permanent and loving homes for life for all their animals.

One particular cat which the branch would dearly love to see go to her forever home is black and glossy Bella.

This lovely youngster has been in the care of the RSPCA since the start of the year and it is not because she has any big behavourial issues.

Her carers just say she is constantly overlooked and became very stressed in the cattery so Bella is now enjoying life in a foster home with one of the charity's carers.

Bella loves having a warm knee to sit on and enjoys being patted, but after that she is happy to go back to one of her favourite sitting/resting places and sleep.

She would love to be in a permenant home where she could get back her confidence and know she would not be moving again - except with her family or single owner.

It is felt Bella would be better in a home without very young children as she does like a settled more peaceful home.

For further details about Bella or to arrange a visit to see her, please call the RSPCA in Barrow on 01229 824583 during the office hours of Mondays and Wednesdays 9am until noon, and 1pm until 4pm and Thursdays 9am until 1pm.

Before adopting any cat please consider all the physical and mental needs of the animal.

Cats can make loving, affectionate and playful pets and thrive best when they are cared for in a home with owners who take into account their dietary, environmental and health and welfare needs.

It is important to take into account that some cats will want to spend time outside, especially during good weather, so a home with a safe and secure garden is best, while other moggys will want to spend most of their time inside.

This is especially the case with elderly cats who will enjoy spending much of their days on a warm bed. However, young or older they all still want affection and attention from their family or owner.

Cats will need space to be active, with regular interaction with people and other animals (cats don't really like to be left alone for long periods during the day).

They will also need access to clean water, meat-based cat food and regular grooming as well as private access to a litter tray which should ideally be replaced once a week.

Cats also need regular shots against disease so it is a good idea to check out the price of vets bills before taking any animal on.

Again for further details about the cats or to arrange a time to visit them please call the charity on 01229 824583.