Help find Christmas orphan Rufus' family

A FESTIVE family reunion is all this affectionate feline wants for Christmas after he was found wandering the streets of Ottery St Mary earlier this month. The black and white cat, newly named Rufus, has been taken into the care of the Exeter branch of Cats Protection, who believe he went missing during the recent flooding devastation which hit the town. Sally Milton, a Cats Protection fosterer, said: "Rufus was heard meowing outside a home on the outskirts of the town. A worried lady rang to ask what she should do, concerned the cat had been injured. I could hear his heartbreaking cries in the background as she spoke."

Sally got permission from branch manager Margaret Cooksey to admit Rufus to City Vets, in Heavitree, Exeter, and within half-an-hour the distressed animal was having a full health check. He was unhurt but cold and hungry. Sally, 38, who used to be a veterinary nurse, has been a Cats Protection volunteer for two years and said it was possible Rufus could have walked some distance or managed to get in someone's car. She said it was more common to see cats dumped at Christmas but hopes Rufus has just lost his way and his owners will come forward. She said: "The woman who found him has posted details in the vets and post office, but still no one has come forward. He has been neutered so he must have had a home at some point. He is now settling down, gaining weight and enjoying every meal. Although he is slim at the moment he is still a very large-bodied, extremely affectionate and friendly cat. "He is not scared of anything, even my dog. Unfortunately, he has no microchip or collar so it is impossible to locate his owner." Rufus is two to three years old, with distinctive features including a black nose and a white stripe between his eyes. If no owner comes forward, Rufus will be offered to a new home in the new year. For more information contact (01392) 207275.