AT the age of 16 and suffering with arthritis, ginger cat Kozal should be enjoying his twilight years in the comfort of a loving home of his own.

Instead, the friendly moggy has spent six months at Cats Protection’s National Cat Adoption Centre at Chelwood Gate near Lewes.

Although he has a good nature, Kozal is passed by time and time again by prospective owners.

Staff at the centre have now launched a major appeal to find a new owner for Kozal.

They aim to get him settled and happy in his new home before Christmas.

Adoption centre manager manager Karen Thompson said: “Kozal is a gorgeous, happy cat that would make a lovely addition to a home.

“Despite this, he is still at the centre after six months, during which time scores of other cats have been and gone.

“It seems that his age, and the fact that he has arthritis, has been putting people off giving him a home, which is such a shame.

“Apart from the arthritis, he is actually in great condition and shows no sign of having any other age-related conditions.

“His arthritis is managed very cheaply and easily with medication.

“It would actually be much better managed if he had a home where he could get some more gentle exercise.”

Arthritis is common in cats and causes inflammation of joints which can lead to stiffness and reduced mobility.

However, it can be effectively controlled with medication available from vets.

This means cats like Kozal can continue to lead a full and happy life.

Ms Thompson said: “Kozal’s arthritis is a very straightforward condition to manage and he is otherwise fitter than many other cats his age.

“What’s more, he’s got a lovely personality and is incredibly handsome.

“We just need that special person to walk through the door and fall for him.”

Staff at the centre are hoping for a success similar to an appeal launched last November to find a home for a one-eyed cat dubbed the “loneliest in Sussex”.

Black-and-white Jake saw 550 other cats adopted during a six month stay at Chelwood Gate.

Jake was even called the loneliest cat in Sussex after seeing 550 of his feline friends adopted during his six-month stay at a charity rehoming centre.

However after reading about the 11-year-old in The Argus, a couple from Turners Home, near East Grinstead, were able to offer him a new home.

They were able to provide a place where Jake could start off outside in a small outbuilding and go indoors when he felt confident and ready enough.

He found it hard to cope with life at the adoption centre and hid away from visitors, leading him to being passed by

l National Arthritis Week is currently under way and the charity has produced an infographic to help owners understand how the condition affects cats.

To view it, visit meowblog.cats.org.uk/2017/10/cats-and-arthritis-how-to-spot-signs.html

People interested in offering Kozal a home can contact the centre by emailing cattery.reception@cats.org.uk.