The last few days though beautiful have had a distinctly autumnal feeling about them. At the sanctuary everything needs checking to make sure all is dry and warm for the winter.

It has been a busy year, every rescue and sanctuary overflowing with kittens and unwanted cats. We have taken in cats this year that were going to be put to sleep because no home could be found for them.

Notice boards in vets and pet shops are full of cards put there by people looking for new homes for cats. They are the lucky ones, many others are just abandoned.

I think our throw away society treats animals the same as an old television, not accepting the fact that a cat can be a commitment for 20 years, just discarding it when they want to move on to the next thing.

Many relationships break up and the animals often come very low down on the list of priorities when things are being sorted out.

If you think you can give a secure and permanent home to one or two of these vulnerable creatures you probably need to look no further than your local pet shop or vet or certainly any rescue in your phone book.

Always check that they are neutered, if not funding is nearly always available. Keep them in until they are confident indoors, probably about two weeks.

A quiet house in a quiet location without small children or dogs, access to their home especially if you go out to work, good food, plenty of care and attention and you will have happy cats.

Ask if you need advice, there are plenty of us around to give it. The rewards are great but so is the responsibility.

Think carefully before you decide. Once they get their paws under the table you will wonder how you ever managed without them.