I visited Tenderpaws Cat Sanctuary and met some of the adorable rescue kittens looking for new homes as charity are desperate for more people to adopt pets

There’s one young-ish cat, called Stanley, who nuzzles into my leg before jumping onto my lap for a cuddle.

He won’t leave me alone – and although I’ve always been more of a dog person I really wish I could take him home.

Meanwhile, a black and white kitty has taken up camp under my skirt, and a gorgeous ginger fluffball playfully rolls over for a belly rub.

The brand new purpose-built ‘cat-io’ – that’s a patio for cats – is a secure sheltered space where the cats can relax with lots of natural light.

As I sit in the relaxing new space these friendly cats are vying for my attention, while a couple of older ones sprawl on some carpeted steps basking in the sunlight.

Although some have cages, for example, if they are recovering from an injury, they all have the chance to roam around and play in comfortable surroundings.

This small animal shelter give their cats the best possible chance for a fresh start – often after being abandoned or neglected by previous owners.

They are all happy are well looked after – but they need homes.

The charity say they are now ‘full to bursting’ – with more cats being surrendered but less people coming forward to adopt.

Christina 'Kiwi' Walsh, a trustee, said: "I think more people are choosing to have less cats because of the costs of everything. They might stop at one or two. We have so many beautiful cats needing homes, and the more we find homes for the more space we have to help more cats.”

I’m carefully introduced to an adorable kitten, called Marjorie. She waddles about in circles as she is placed on the floor – before being handed to me.

"She gets quite nervous around new people. She’s one of the kittens that was born on a farm and she has some sort of head trauma. She’s putting on weight but if she’d been left she probably would have died.”

Marjorie will go to her forever home as soon as she's strong enough to leave their care.

Chrissie Mayam, founder of Tenderpaws Cat Sanctuary, said: ‘She's going to a very special home for a special needs kitten. But we have other kittens that are just as special and beautiful that need homes. Cats, older cats, they have lots of love to give for the right homes.”

You do not need to be based on the Fylde Coast to adopt one of their animals – as long as you can offer a loving home.

Find out more about how to adopt from Tenderpaws Cat Rescue at https://www.facebook.com/tenderpawsrescue/ or call 07450 627202.