THEY were all found living tough lives on the streets – now all these stray cats want this Christmas is a home of their own.

Dusty, Scruffy, Julia and Fluffy are just four of the 26 former strays currently in the care of Cats Protection in Chelwood Gate, near Haywards Heath.

Dusty, 13, has been in the centre for almost a year after being found as a stray in Uckfield and needs a quiet home and garden to potter about in.

Scruffy, nine, was found in Shoreham and needs to be the only pet in the house as he is not a fan of dogs or other cats, while Julia, one, is in need of a place to live after her litter of kittens were re-homed.

Rosie, five, has feline immunodeficiency virus, a condition which means she can lead a normal life but will need to be kept indoors.

Deputy manager of the charity’s adoption centre, Tania Marsh, said some of the strays had lived for years in a home before being abandoned, while others may not have had more than a few months of comfort before they were left to fend for themselves.

She said: “Very rarely can we establish exactly why a cat has become a stray but it generally happens because people move house and don't take cats with them, or they can no longer afford or want them so they simply stop feeding and caring for them.

“It can be a very tough life for stray cats – especially for unneutered females who will have at least one or two litters of kittens a year, creating many mouths to feed.

“Some cats have spent many years on the streets, yet are still remarkably loving and friendly. They have so much love to give, and would really appreciate the simple comforts of home.

“Everyone at the centre is hoping these cats can be in a new home by Christmas and they can start the new year on a much brighter note.”

To find out about adopting one of cats, call 01825 741330.