Classical music-loving cat needs forever home

Stourbridge and District RSPCA are offering an assisted adoption for Murphy - comforted above by fosterer Jemma Powell-Tibbetts

A "lonely" elderly cat that is said to listen to classical music to calm down is in need of a loving home after being brought into a rescue centre - one of many older animals such sites are seeing.

Murphy was taken to Stourbridge and District RSPCA's site in November after his owner died and the family could not care for him.

According to staff there, Murphy loves company and cries when he is left alone, so playing classical music has helped him to relax.

The charity is offering prospective owners the incentive of a so-called assisted adoption, where it will pay for his medical expenses for the remainder of his life.

Murphy was brought to the charity in November, after his owner died

Murphy was nursed back to health when he arrived at the rescue centre. His back was covered in sores, he had flea allergy dermatitis and is on medication every day for hyperthyroidism.

Similar sites across the West Midlands are reporting an increase in older cats being handed in. It is thought their age, the cost of vet bills and the cost of living are to blame.

As well as elderly cats, the RSPCA is struggling to re-home pairs, due to one cat usually being more shy than the other.

"Everything has gone up to astronomical proportions, and the animals seem to be the first ones that lose out," said centre volunteer Becky Wood.

"These animals are there to be loved and to be a part of your family, and it's so sad when they get turfed out, or left behind."

Cat fosterer Jemma Powell-Tibbetts, who is affiliated to the Stourbridge branch, explained: "We are full to capacity in our foster homes and at the [RSPCA] cattery as well."