Rare cat discovered at pet charity in Torbay

11/09/2007

Staff at The Blue Cross animal adoption centre in Torbay are stunned after the recent arrival of Scraps, an 18-month-old ‘tortoiseshell’ cat. Tortoiseshell markings are usually only found in female cats and male cats born with the pattern are incredibly rare.

Caroline Reay, Blue Cross chief veterinary surgeon said: "Although tortoiseshell markings are fairly common among female cats across many breeds the chance of a male cat being born with these markings may be as low as 1 in 3000. The pattern is caused by a special genetic make up so Scraps may have had an unusual genetic mis-hap during his early foetal development."

Scraps was brought into the centre along with his brother Jack after his owners could no longer look after them. They are an inseparable and loving pair of cats looking for a new home together.

Laura Valentine, Blue Cross centre manager at Torbay said: "When Scraps came to the centre we immediately assumed he was a girl because of the distinctive colouring of his fur. We were staggered that he was male and even our vet said that Scraps was the first male tortie he had ever seen. Scraps is an affectionate, lively boy and we hope to find a new home for Scraps and his brother really soon."

The Blue Cross neuters, vaccinates and microchips all pets before they are rehomed. Animals also receive six weeks’ free pet insurance. To find out more about adopting Scraps and Jack or the other cats at the Blue Cross animal adoption centre in Torbay please contact 01803 327728 or check the website: www.bluecross.org.uk.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

The Blue cross animal adoption centre in Torbay was opened in 1987, and has been serving the South Devon and East Cornwall counties ever since. It looks after cats and kittens only and was built on a private boarding cattery, bequeathed to The Blue Cross. The centre has since been rebuilt completely and can accommodate up to 50 cats and kittens. Hundreds of animals are successfully rehomed every year.

To contact the Torbay centre please call 01803 327728. Opening hours: Thursdays - Tuesdays & Bank Holidays: 10.30am-4.00pm. Closed on Wednesdays. Ashley Priors Lane, Watcombe, Torquay, Devon EX16 8RS.

The Blue Cross is Britain's pet charity, providing practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners. Through its network of animal adoption centres it rehomes thousands of animals each year. Its hospitals provide veterinary care for the pets of people who cannot afford private vets' fees.

Media contact; Louise Lee on 020 7932 4066 / 07880 781637 (out of hours) or louise.lee@bluecross.org.uk