FOR homeless animals, life out on the streets is no fun and they face a tough struggle to survive especially during the winter months.

Many things can happen animals which leads them to find that they have to fend for themselves but, almost without exception, it is not their own fault.

This week the Furness branch of the RSPCA has taken over the care of one stray cat who now goes by the name Maurice.

He was picked up in Grange and seems to have been a stray for some time.

He came into the charity's hands after he started to terrorise the other neighbourhood cats and so needed to be moved on for his sake as well as the other animals.

It is thought that he is aged between two and three years old but more will be known about him after he has had a thorough check over by vets today - a visit to the vets is something that the RSPCA arranges for all animals in its care as soon as possible.

After a full medical and an appropriate period of assessment of both is physical and mental states, this ginger and white moggy will be ready to go to a permanent home.

Also in the charity's care is Boots, a ten-year-old black and white girl, who sadly had to be signed over to the RSPCA following the recommendation of a hospital consultant who considered it was the family cat who was causing a child's illness.

Mouse has come into care after a lady in Ulverston who had been keeping an eye on the stray for months, felt that she was looking unwell.

This kind woman took Mouse along to the South Lakes vets who estimate that the youngster is aged between twelve to 18 months old and was suffering from a flea allergy.

An animal suffering from this condition is nothing new for vets to deal with and through their good care it has now been successfully dealt with, but her coat is still very thin and patchy.

However, with time this black and brown cat should end up with a normal healthy coat of fur.

Jeremy was dropped off with two other cats who have already been reserved by a lady and again were strays.

This black and white boy is thought to be a young cat but the RSPCA will have a more accurate estimate of his age once he has been to Alexanders vets for a health check.

Anyone wanting to meet any of the cats or needs more details, can contact the Furness and Barrow branch of the RSPCA either by dropping its Church Street, Barrow, branch or by calling 01229 824 583.

The office is open Monday to Wednesday 9am until 4pm or Thursday 9am until 1pm.