AN ANIMAL lover is asking you to 'paws' for thought in a bid to find a new home for two very unusual cats.

Romeo and Juliet are two cats with a difference -- they are completely white.

The romantic pair were taken in by local cat-care organisation CLAWS (Cats of Leyland Aid and Welfare Society) around three months ago, and ever since, volunteer Fiona McBurney has been trying to find them a new home.

Fiona, who works in the catering department at Euxton Hall Hospital said: "Romeo and Juliet are very unusual. You don't see very many white cats around these days and they are absolutely gorgeous and have a very nice temperament as well."

She added: "CLAWS were given the cats, who are actually brother and sister, by a gentleman whose wife suffers from Alzheimers. He felt he couldn't look after them properly himself any more."

CLAWS is an organisation run completely by a small but dedicated team of local volunteers. Fiona was drawn to the group by her love of cats around seven months ago.

Fiona, of Greenside in Euxton, said: "I saw an advert in the paper looking for volunteers to foster cats.

"I love cats, and have always liked them more than any other animal, so I got in touch. Then at the beginning of June I was given Romeo and Juliet to look after. But so far I have had no interest at all from people interested in taking them in, which I just don't understand.

"They would be ideal for a family to look after as they are so friendly. Juliet especially is a big softy and the sort of cat who would come and sit on your knee and stay there all day."

She added: "I have small children myself and they love the cats. All they need is a bowl of food and water and they're happy. White cats are very hard to come by and they're so lovely that I think the first person who sees them will snap them up!"

Anybody interested in fostering Romeo and Juliet can call CLAWS co-ordinator Nicky Rawlinson on 01253 702313.