Shelter makes plea to find a home for injured cat

Nala watches other cats come and go but has never been adopted, staff at the rescue centre said

An affectionate cat with an intermittent incontinence issue has "patiently watched other cats come and go" at a rescue centre, but is still looking for a home after being left there on Christmas Eve, four years ago.

Nala is now six years old, and the tortoiseshell and white cat has been living at Friends of Felines' shelter near Halstead, Essex, since she was almost two.

After an injury left her partially paralysed, she was treated and recovered, but occasionally has little accidents so her "heartbroken" owners could not take her back - and this issue has also put off potential new pet parents.

Staff at the centre described Nala as "the most special baby" and said they hoped this might be the year she would might find a permanent home with understanding owners.

With her neurological issues treated, Nala loves to play like any other cat

Young Nala was brought in to Friends of Felines' Gosfield centre and she has been there ever since.

With her neurological issues treated years ago, she is now a healthy and happy six-year-old who rules the rescue roost.

Allowed to come and go as she pleases, Nala is happy inside but will need outdoor access - she has been acting as a "security guard cat", checking for years to "make sure everything is safe outdoors", her carers said.

"But it's not the same as having a loving family, and a bed or sofa to curl up on," said Ally, a volunteer at the shelter.

It can be quite tiring living in a shelter for so long

She described Nala as "the most amazing little lady in the world".

"Miss Nala does do little tinkles when startled or excited, and yes she might do a tinkle on the floor," Ally explained.

"At the rescue we just clean it up and put down extra towels or puppy pads. We know this is a very big ask of anyone, but for Nala we will ask.

Penelope White, one of the charity's founders, said Nala's owners had been broken hearted when they were unable to cope with the after-effects of their cat's injury.

She acknowledged it "would not be easy" for a new owner.

"But, she is truly lovely - and she will love you unconditionally."

Nala has been waiting for four years for an owner to adopt her

Ally added: "Nala is the sweetest girl ever - all she wants is love and affection.

"Everyone who meets her says they want to take her home - but it's never her turn.

"We just need one, just one person to give her that chance."

While Nala can get on with dogs, she would need to be the only cat in her new home, the shelter added.