The RSPCA has seen a huge surge in searches for cats as new figures show that on average the charity rehomes two cats every hour.

There was a 166% increase in searches for cats on the RSPCA's FindAPet website following the first year of the pandemic (March 2020 number 114,316 compared to Jan 2021 number 304,300.)

Last year the charity rehomed 17,868 cats which is 53 a day or two cats rehomed every hour. In Somerset there were 769 cats rehomed in 2020.

Centres and branches are also caring for more cats than any pet with nearly 3,000 moggies coming into the RSPCA's care from the start of the year (Jan 1- 31 Aug).

This month marks Adoptober, when the RSPCA shines a light on the animals in its care looking for homes, and with more cats coming into the charity's care than any other pet this means there are plenty of feline friends looking to be adopted.

Sam Gaines, head of the RSPCA's companion animals team, said: "It's great to see so many people are interested in adopting cats from the RSPCA. The lockdown has really shone a light on the close bonds we have with our pets and for many people, their pets have become a real source of comfort during these challenging times.

"We've seen a huge surge in pet ownership during the past year or so and whilst it's positive that so many people want to take on a pet we are keen to highlight the importance of doing your research to ensure you've got the time, patience and money to care for that animal for the rest of their life.

"Our centres and branches are seeing lots of cats coming into their care at the moment. This could be due to the end of the kitten season when most cats are born or more worryingly, it could be as a result of people buying cats on impulse earlier in the year who are now struggling to cope with them.

"However, we'd urge anyone who has thoroughly done their research and is keen to take on a rescue cat to consider adopting from the RSPCA."

Cats looking for homes in Somerset include:

Grizabella

Grizabella was found as a stray in a poor state, all matted and very bedraggled. She was taken to a local vets and moved into the care of the team at RSPCA Brent Knoll for rehoming.

Griz is a beauty and does love being brushed. Owners will need to groom Griz regularly to prevent future matts developing.

She is a sweetie who likes human company but really does not like other cats or dogs. She is looking for a rural or semi rural home that doesn't have too many cats in the local neighbourhood for her to encounter.

To find out more about Grizabella, and how to adopt her, please see her Find A Pet profile.

Gunther

Handsome Gunther isn't used to home comforts as he has been straying for a couple of years before coming into the care of the team at Bath Cats & Dogs Home. His contact with people has been limited and he can be fearful of new people.

Gunther will be happiest going to a rural outdoor home where he can have the space he wants from people and enjoy the great outdoors.

Whilst settling in, Gunther will need to be contained in an outdoor shelter such as a shed or barn. He's not been keen on cats previously and has been known to chase them off so would be best as the only cat.

For more information about Gunther, and how to adopt him, please see his Find A Pet profile.

Soldier

Soldier is a black and white, ten year old, male cat. He arrived at RSPCA West Hatch Animal Centre after having his eye removed at an RSPCA clinic.

Sadly, Solider has feline immunodeficiency virus - this means that he cannot mix with other cats, as the virus can be spread by biting and body fluids. For this reason, Soldier is looking for an indoor home, with a secure catio or aviary style structure outside which he can access through a window or catflap to ensure he can enjoy the outside world.

Soldier has a lovely personality; he enjoys human company and spending time watching the world go by. As his eye has only recently been removed he can be wary in new situations, for this reason he would need a quiet room in the home before being introduced to the rest of the home.

As he will be an indoor cat he will require lots of enrichment to keep him entertained and to prevent him from getting bored.

For more information about Soldier, and how to adopt him, please see his Find A Pet profile.

Sam added: "We believe neutering cats from four months old will reduce the amount of unwanted and unexpected litters of kittens that are born and sadly end up in rescue centres. We understand that many owners may not have been able to get their pets neutered as understandably vets had to prioritise emergencies in the face of Covid-19. However, we would urge anyone with an unneutered female cat to get them neutered as soon as they can and keep them indoors until they have been spayed."

To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit the charity's website HERE : which takes you to Find A Pet or call the donation line on 0300 123 8181.