Andrea Lofthouse is a foster mum with a difference.

She takes in cats and kittens, many who have had a poor start in life, and cares of them until they find loving homes.

The teaching assistant, who is helped in her role by her 14-year-old daughter Kelsie, fosters felines for Bradford-based Knine and Kitty Care run by husband and wife team Marjorie and Clive Black, and partner in the venture Natalie Tasker.

Marjorie, who works for West Yorkshire’s Casualty Reduction Partnership, began the rescue and rehoming service after successfully finding a home for an abandoned puppy.

She has found many foster parents and adopters through her contacts at West Yorkshire Police, and is now appealing for more people, like Andrea, to volunteer.

She said: “Within the winter months coming up, we are having to refuse cats as we have no homes for them to go to, so we would love to hear from anyone who could help out.”

Andrea, who has two cats of her own, is currently caring for four-year-old Tom, who was savagely attacked by a dog and six-week-old kitten Grace, who was found abandoned on a housing estate.

“Both are doing well and need homes. Tom is so sweet. He likes nothing better than to sit in the window, or sleep on my dressing gown.”

If you can help, call (01274) 571229, or visit kninecare.co.uk.