THEY are the most overlooked cats in Sussex but animal rescue staff are determined to five new owners for five lonely moggies this Christmas.

Timmy, Tori, Daisy and the two Poppiesare among the longest-staying pets at Cats Protection’s national adoption centre in Chelwood Gate, near Haywards Heath.

However with Christmas around the corner, staff say they are hoping their luck will change and new homes will finally be found for the five before the festivities begin.

Having been at the centre since May, seven-year-old Poppy has spent the longest time looking for a home, but all have been at the centre for at least two months.

Centre deputy manager Karen Thompson said: “We work really hard to make every cat’s time with us as comfortable as possible.

“But whatever we do, there is no substitute for a home of their own, and these five cats are now desperately in need of that special place.

“It is always heart-breaking to see lovely cats with great personalities be passed by time and time again by prospective owners.

“However it’s especially hard at Christmas to think of these unwanted cats having to wait even longer to meet the right owner.”

Six-year-old Timmy came to the centre because he didn’t get on with another cat in the household.

He is a shy and nervous cat but will lavish attention on anyone who spends time coaxing him out of his shell. He would suit a quieter home with no other pets.

Tori was handed in to the centre after being found wandering the streets. Thought to be five-years-old, she enjoys being fussed and is very playful.

She needs a home where she will be the only cat so she can soak up all the attention.

Tortoiseshell Daisy came to the centre when her owners moved and could no longer keep her. She is five and very affectionate and playful.

Black-and-white Poppy, seven, became unsettled in her previous home because it was very busy.

She needs a quieter, calm home to relax, where she will be the only pet.

Eleven-year-old tabby Poppy was handed in because she was unsettled by a dog in the household.

She will need a home where she can be the only pet. She can be nervous at first but once she feels settled she is confident, friendly and affectionate.

To find out more about any of the cats, visit the centre or email cattery.reception@cats.org.uk.