A moggie dubbed the RSPCA's "loneliest cat" is facing his second Christmas in charity care - prompting a national appeal to find him a new owner.

Black-and-white cat Toby was signed over to the organisation's Canterbury branch on Christmas Eve 2018.

He had spent his life in a household of 46 cats - 15 of which were taken in by the charity on the same day.

Now, all but Toby have been adopted.

But the 11-year-old remains at the Canterbury centre, where he has now spent 332 days.

Latest RSPCA figures show the average time a cat waits for a home is just 28 days.

Branch spokesman Beth Hixson said: “Toby’s former housemates were re-homed quite quickly but poor Toby didn’t cope well with being in the cattery so hid away and wouldn’t come out to see people when they came to choose a cat.

“We found a foster home for Toby where he has proven to be a sociable, friendly and interactive cat. He loves to snuggle up on the bed at night and spend sunny days exploring the garden, he just needs to find a home where he can enjoy doing this for the rest of his days.

“We’d love to see him in a new home for Christmas, there must be someone out there looking for an older cat for some company."

Toby would love a quiet home with no children or other pets, so he can relax and relish his retirement.

Anyone interested in rehoming Toby is asked to visit the Canterbury RSPCA website.

The RSPCA expects it will take in more than 10,000 vulnerable animals like Toby over the winter months.

On Christmas day last year alone, the charity received 934 calls to its cruelty line - the highest number for five years and a 28% increase compared with 2017.

To help the RSPCA care for thousands of animals left out in the cold this Christmas, visit the charity's website.

Escaped animals, unusual finds and news from the RSPCA can all be found here.

Read more: All the latest news from Canterbury