CATS and kittens on the Isle of Wight without a home to call their own can now be adopted.

Cat's Protection was forced to shut its doors to potential adoptees once the lockdown took effect, but now the adoption centre has started safe socially distanced adoptions.

The shelter has found 36 cats and kittens new homes thanks to the new adoption scheme.

Mel Read, centre manager, said: “It was particularly difficult when lockdown started as we were at capacity, apart from the couple of spaces we kept free for emergencies.

"Our work therefore continued throughout as we’ve had a full house from the beginning as well as additional cats in foster care.

“Knowing there were cats needing homes and potential new families waiting, but no way to legally and safely unite them was a real challenge.

"Now we have the best of both worlds. It keeps everyone safe and suitably distanced while ensuring cats are coming into care and being united with new owners as quickly as possible once a match is made.

“We know it has been a real struggle for many during lockdown especially with vets already over-stretched and limited appointments available for neutering.

"We’re here to help and won’t judge, we know unplanned litters of kittens can be overwhelming and would urge anyone who is finding it difficult to care for a cat or kittens to get in touch.”