A TRIO of homeless moggies who struggle to settle in are in desperate need of new owners .

Preta, Tabitha and Jessie are being cared for by Cats Protection after struggling to settle in to their previous homes.

The three were handed in separately to the charity’s adoption centre in Chelwood Gate, near Haywards Heath, last year.

They were found new homes but all three failed to get used to their new surroundings and were returned to the centre.

Four-year-old Preta was the first of the trio to come into the centre last April.She found a new home in May but was returned in November after she failed to settle in. She was rehomed again in January but returned a few days later.

Tabitha, aged three, came in April and found a home in May. She was returned to the centre four months later. She was again rehomed in January but returned a few days later.

Four-year-old Jessie arrived in May and was adopted in June. However, she too has been returned to the centre twice after failing to settle in.

Deputy manager Tania Marsh said all three would be best suited to outdoor homes with the option to come into the house once they have settled.

She said: “They are all lovely cats but it’s been a real challenge to find them a suitable, permanent place.

“We now believe they would all be best suited to an outdoor home such as a farm, smallholding or stable where they could be given the option to come indoors in their own time.

“We hope that given their own space and time they will adjust to their new setting and grow in confidence so they feel more comfortable.

“It’s a big ask, as we realise many people will want to take home a pet that can be part of the family straight away.

“However, there are many cat lovers out there and we’re hoping to hear from any who would be able to help these three cats through this period of their lives.

“With plenty of TLC, we’re hopeful they can reach their full potential and become much-loved pets.

“All three cats are lovely, affectionate and playful cats. However, they all struggled with the transition to a new home so we really believe that starting off outdoors will be the best step for them.

“They will of course still need shelter, warmth, food, water and an owner keeping a close eye on their welfare while they are outdoors.

“We are hoping they will settle in and become part of the family in time, given the space, time and understanding they need to settle.”

Anyone able to help should email emailing cattery.reception@cats.org.uk.