HUMAN beings are living longer than ever before thanks to a varied diet, better medical care and strict hygiene regulations.

But similar improvements in the feline world are causing major problems for a local cat charity.

'Claws,' which finds homes for unwanted cats across Chorley and South Ribble, is bursting at the seams and currently has scores of cats placed with its volunteer fosterers.

Potential adopters are reluctant to take older cats as most are waiting for the imminent breeding period so they can take in kittens.

Claws spokeswoman Nicky Rawlinson said no-one in Chorley wants old cats. "We used to get so many cats who had been abandoned but thankfully that doesn't happen any more.

"But now, because cats are so well nourished and spoiled they are living until 19 or 20 and often outliving their owners.

"Most of the cats we are taking in at the moment have been left behind when their owners have died or moved.

"But people just don't want old cats, we have had so many people ringing up to ask for kittens but they won't take old cats because they're not as 'cute'.

"We have volunteers who foster our cats and are taking good care of them at the moment but we'd like to find permanent homes for them.

"We have around 16 who have been checked by vets and are ready to be re-homed but no-one wants them."

Twenty years ago cats were expected to live until they were 10 but in 2002 the average life span jumped to 16 years.

Sheena Travis, a Claws volunteer from Leyland, said: "I have six cats at the moment and three of their owners have died.

" love taking them in because, even though they're old they're just so beautiful."

If you can provide a home for a Claws cat call Brenda on 01772 423218.