Homeless feline OAPs are being routinely overlooked despite cats living longer, happier lives, according to Cats Protection’s North Ayrshire branch.

Figures from the charity show that, on average, older cats take around five times longer than kittens to be adopted.

And with kitten season now underway, this issue becomes even more of a problem, with older felines waiting on average six-and-a-half times longer to be homed than kittens.

The branch says improvements in cat care have greatly raised the life expectancy and quality of life for cats across the UK, and many household moggies are now living into their late teens and in good health.

However, the bad news is that owners still appear to choose a cute, fluffy kitten over an older cat.

Local volunteer Nina Chisholm said: “It is a shame because older cats have a lot to offer.

“They tend to stay closer to home or are happy to live as house cats so make great companions.

“Their characters are fully formed so you know what sort of cat you’re getting and they’re less likely to scale the curtains or knock your ornaments off the shelf!

“Although we look after all the cats in our care very well, life in a cat run is no substitute for a permanent home so I would urge people to consider adopting an older cat.” One pair of older cats in desperate need of a loving home are Chester and Suzie who are being fostered as their owner became too unwell to care for them. They had spent much of their time living outdoors with shelter, but they are now really enjoying their home comforts so the charity would like to find them a comfortable indoor home where they can live out the rest of their days.

They have been in foster care for six months, so it would be lovely to see them settled again as soon as possible in to a permanent home.

Chester and Suzie are an inseparable older couple and they deserve to be spoiled in their latter years. Chester is a loving boy and Suzie is a bit more shy but both have come on well with the care they’ve received.

To offer them or another mature moggy a home, please call Cats Protection on 0345 371 4218 or go to northayrshire.cats.org.uk to find out more about adopting them or any of the other cats currently waiting for homes.

The web site also has a video clip where Chester and Suzie can be seen playing.