According to staff at a cat charity, purr therapy could ease the stress of January.

A cat’s purr is recognised as having therapeutic benefits and can help combat winter gloom and staff at Cats Protection's Bredhurst centre say curling up with a feline friend is also known to lower blood pressure.

Adrian Ferne, manager of the centre in Matts Hill Road, said: “Sitting with a relaxed cat at the end of a hectic day is a soothing massage for the soul. Perhaps this is because the reassuring hum is associated with calmness or it is because the frequency of the vibration is in the range that can stimulate healing.”

This is backed up by research conducted with the Mental Health Foundation which showed that owning a cat can help lift people’s spirits.

Mr Ferne said: “We have so many cats and kittens in our care that desperately need new homes and could help chase away the January blues.”

One of those looking for a home is Rosita, who is one year and 10 months old.

She was returned to the cat adoption centre after a new owner suffered an allergic reaction to her.

Rosita is a friendly girl who would be suitable for a family home and staff looking after her think she could live with other cats and dogs. She would like to find a home with a garden to explore.

If you can offer Rosita or another feline a home, contact Cats Protection on 01634 232471.