Figures from an animal charity show that the older a cat is, the longer it stays in their care and takes to be rehomed.

Battersea Brands Hatch is just off the A20 between West Kingsdown and Ash, and provides a calmer environment for the dogs and cats that struggle to cope in the busier London centre.

The average stay for cats at the Kent location is dependent on age.

Cats between six to 12 months old are rehomed the fastest, in an average of 12 days.

Cats aged from three to five years take an average of 24 days, followed by five to seven-year-olds who take 27 days.

Seven to 10-year-olds stay for an average of 28 days, and 10 to 15-year-olds stay for 30.

Cats aged 15 and over take an average of 34 days to be rehomed.

Kittens technically stay the longest amount of time at the cattery, although this is because they remain in the charity's care until they are old enough to be rehomed.

There are still a number of older cats at the Brands Hatch centre waiting to find their forever homes.

Saffron is a nine-year-old domestic shorthair who went to Battersea after her owner was struggling to afford her.

She is described as a "very sweet cat" who "adores curling up for chin scratches on her favourite people’s lap."

Saffron is looking for a calm and loving home, with herself being the only pet, and she loves peace and quiet.

She can be slightly unsure at first when in new surroundings, so will need time and patience from a family to help her feel at home.

She also loves the sun and being outside so will need a cat flap and access to a garden.

Butternut is a 16-year-old domestic shorthair who arrived at Battersea after his owner became too sick to look after him.

He is described as a "gorgeous ginger gentleman with big beautiful sparkling eyes" and loves chin scratches and curling up on people's laps.

He also enjoys chasing feather toys and loves his food – and will purr until he gets his favourite gravy pouch.

Butternut is looking for a calm and relaxed home.

Milly is a "lovely and gentle" 10-year-old domestic short-hair who came to the cattery after her owner’s circumstances changed.

She is an affectionate cat who loves a chin-rub and attention.

She is sensitive to noises and can be worried at first so would need a quiet and settled home where she has a cat flap access so she can sunbathe outside in the warmer days.

Michelle Bevan, re-homing and welfare manager at Battersea Brands Hatch, said: "Many people prefer to re-home kittens and young cats, so that they can have them for their whole lives.

"However, people can often forget how much stimulation younger cats require.

"While a lot of our older cats still have a lot of get up and go, in a lot of cases they would rather curl up on the sofa and enjoy some fuss and attention.

"Older cats have a lifetime of love to give and will enjoy every moment spent with their favourite people – they just need someone to give them a chance."