Unwanted cat finds Tipton home after USA offer

Zara waited seven months to be rehomed, after being found by the RSPCA in freezing temperatures in January

The longest-staying cat at a rescue centre has found a new home after receiving offers from as far as the USA.

Zara had spent seven months at the RSPCA's Stafford, Wolverhampton and District branch without interest from adopters.

After an appeal earlier this month, the charity was inundated with offers, including one from across the pond.

She is now settling into a new home with Carl and Clare Jones, from Tipton.

The three-year-old cat had come into the rescue centre after being in freezing temperatures in Aston, Birmingham in January, along with her two 24-hour-old kittens, one of whom died.

Although her kitten was rehomed quickly, charity volunteers believed Zara's all-black colouring was putting people off.

But Tracey Rogers, rehoming officer for the branch, said it received an overwhelming response to its appeal.

The RSPCA said black, or black and white cats, often take longer to rehome

There was nationwide interest in her, with one couple coming forward from the USA.

"Zara didn't really fancy travelling that far though and we're over the moon that she's settled in only a few miles up the road with her wonderful new family, Carl and Clare and their two children," Ms Rogers said.

Mrs Jones said: "Zara is enjoying her new life with us and has definitely got her paws under the table.

"She has such a loveable and affectionate personality and adores playing and being around both our children - she really is the perfect cat and we're so glad she's settled in so nicely with us."