Three-year-old Toby is likely to have suffered an injury or infection in the past leaving him with facial twitching and an unusual sagging ear.

Staff at the centre, in Lewes Road, Chelwood Gate, say the lovable tabby seems otherwise happy and healthy but needs an owner who will closely monitor his condition.

Danielle Draper, Manager of Cats Protection’s National Cat Adoption Centre, said: “Toby came to us after his previous owner died suddenly, so we do not know much about his history other than he was a much-loved pet.

“It’s most likely he’s had some kind of injury – perhaps when he was a kitten or in a road accident – but he may also have had an infection which has affected him neurologically. He has frequent facial twitches and one of his ears hangs down the side of his face. Neither seems to bother him, and he is a very happy and friendly little chap.

“We don’t know much at all about his background, so his new owner will need to closely monitor him for any sign of change in his condition. But from what we can tell, he should be able to lead a happy and normal life.”

Danielle added that the centre frequently takes in cats with disabilities or health conditions which they mean they may need particular types of home.

She said: “We often have cats for rehoming which may be blind or deaf, or have medical conditions like diabetes. Often these cats can lead normal lives but may need a specific type of home, like an indoor-only environment.

“It can be hard to find owners to take on cats with disabilities, so we’d love to hear from anyone who would consider giving a very special cat a second chance in life.”

During his time with Cats Protection, Toby has been looked after by Cat Care Assistants, whose roles this year have been funded thanks to support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

To find out more about offering a home to any of the cats currently available for rehoming at the centre, please call 01825 741331 or email cattery.reception@cats.org.uk

To find out about cats available for rehoming at the volunteer-run branches throughout Sussex, please visit https://www.cats.org.uk/adopt-a-cat

The National Cat Adoption Centre is open every day from 10am until 4pm and is a great free day out for all the family.

The centre is situated in Chelwood Gate, on the A275 between Wych Cross and Danehill. To find it using a SatNav, please use the postcode RH17 7DE, or for a map and directions please visit https://www.cats.org.uk/find-us/find-the-ncc

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