A CAT charity is making a desperate appeal to Forest folk to home one of the 150 cats that do not have a loving home this winter.

And included among the scores of unwanted cats are 20 feral cats and kittens that are scavenging for food in Fordingbridge car park on Ringwood Road.

Cats Protection’s Bournemouth and District branch is full-to-bursting looking after 40 cats in need of new homes – and there are over 100 on its waiting list.

Brenda Mitchell, the branch’s co-ordinator said: “The branch – which is run by volunteers – is currently working around the clock with local residents to trap these feral cats, neuter them and see that they get urgent veterinary care.

“As well as their need for food, the cats are in severe danger from the extreme cold and moving traffic so we desperately need to get them out of harm’s way.

“While the kittens can be brought to the branch, socialised and later found homes as domestic cats, we won’t be able to do this with the adult feral cats since they are too accustomed to their life in the wild.

“However, from experience we find that adult feral cats are ideal pets for places like farms, garden centres and warehouses – where they provide an environmentally-friendly pest control service.

“Therefore, if you think adopting a feral cat would be the answer to your rodent problem, please contact us immediately. I would also urge cat owners to neuter their pets to help reduce the chances of feral cat colonies like these appearing in future.”

In addition, the branch is asking people to donate funds for a new Cats Protection Homing Centre in Ferndown, which will make it easier and quicker for owners to adopt a cat from the charity.

Brenda said: “The new centre will hold cats that are ready for adoption, and those cats would be drawn from branches like Bournemouth, helping us to free up space and help more unwanted cats.”

The charity needs more than £550,000 to complete the building of the centre, and hopes to open it in the first quarter of 2010. To adopt a cat, seek advice on neutering, or make a donation to the branch, call 01202 579468.

To make a donation to the Ferndown Appeal, or for further information, call 01825 741279, email ferndownappeal@cats.org.uk or visit www.cats.org.uk/ferndownappeal.