The RSPCA Crewe, Nantwich and District Branch is hoping to find a 'forever home' for a 10-year-old cat.

Lily, a black and white feline, is at the centre of the branch's rehoming appeal during 'Adoptober', a month dedicated to finding homes for animals.

This comes amidst a rehoming crisis, with the RSPCA reporting that 42 percent more animals arrived than were adopted in 2023.

Despite being a 'perfect, loving family pet', Lily has been waiting more than 50 days to be adopted, much longer than the average 29 days for black cats.

She would need to be the only cat in the home and is not keen on dogs or loud noises.

Karen Colman, who leads the RSPCA team finding places for rescued animals, said: "Our rescue centres are jam-packed, and across the board, we’ve been seeing more animals coming to us than we are rehoming.

Despite being a "perfect, loving family pet," Lily has been waiting for 49 days to be adopted (Image: RSPCA) "We are issuing a rallying cry to anyone considering adding a pet to their family to step in and help by giving a rescue pet a second chance instead of buying from breeders."

The rehoming crisis is attributed to the increased intake of animals during the pandemic, many of which have complex behavioural issues, and the rising cost of living.

The RSPCA's 'Adoptober' campaign is aimed at increasing adoption rates across England and Wales.

It highlights the many animals waiting to find their perfect 'forever' match and aims to dispel myths about rescue pet rehoming.

Ms Colman added: "There’s nothing more heartwarming than a successful adoption, and the wonderful staff at our branches and centres celebrate every time an animal finds their forever home.

"So if you’re looking for a pet - whether it’s a cat or dog, a donkey or a bearded dragon - please visit our user-friendly ‘Find A Pet’ webpage and ‘adopt don’t shop’ this Adoptober."