A CAT and a cute little kitten are on the prowl for a nice new home in time for a nibble of the Christmas turkey!

Pendle the Cat (pictured) and Barney the Kitten are in need of care and attention with loving families after they each lost a leg in accidents.

Perky Pendle has a black coat and is aged between three and four years old. He is "very loving and affectionate."

"Pendle lost a front leg after an accident involving a car," explained Jeanette Greaves, public relations officer for the Preston branch of Cats Protection -- the charity who is looking after the two homeless animals.

Kitten Barney is just a three months old and is as mischievous as most kittens.

"Barney is just not afraid of anything," said Jeanette.

Barney lost a hind paw after he got it caught up in wire soon after his birth and vets had to remove his leg.

"He was born near Weeton barracks, so we call him Sergeant Barney," said Jeanette. "He is like typical little old kitten, in and out of everything and dashing all over the place.

"He has a bit of a limp when he is walking, but he runs around and never seems to bother about his injury.

"Over a year we can expect to have one or two cats that have had to have a leg amputated. It's unusual to have two at the same time."

It is more difficult to rehome cats and kittens that are not 'perfect', but the charity is confident that people will come forward to offer homes to these lovely cats.

If you want to help, please ring (01772) 744905. The Cats Protection people will be only too happy to introduce you to Pendle and Barney and their little friends.