CATS are living longer but the homeless feline senior citizen is being overlooked, according to Cats Protection’s Warrington Adoption Centre.

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

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

The Padgate branch of the cat charity 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 early 20s in good health.

Anna Saillet, deputy manager, said: “It is a shame because older cats have a lot to offer.

"They tend to stay closer to home 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!

“Though the Warrington Adoption Centre looks after all the cats in its care very well, life in a pen is no substitute for a permanent home so I would urge people to consider adopting an older cat.”

The centre currently has several older cats awaiting new homes including 12-year-old ginger Alvin who adores a fuss and friendly 13-year-old tabby Steve.

To offer a mature moggy a home, call the Warrington Adoption Centre on 03000 120612 or visit the centre at 14 Elizabeth Drive, Padgate.