A Ginger cat has been left high and dry because of the foot and mouth epidemic.

His owners discovered they were unable to take him to Australia when they emigrated because of the country's tough laws on foot and mouth.

And now he has ended up looking for a new home with the Wharfe Valley Cat Protection.

Graham Hoult, the group's press officer, said: "We are having a bit of a crisis homing cats at the moment and this one came to us from the Leeds branch which is jam packed.

"He was to accompany his owners to Australia, but was banned because of the foot and mouth restrictions."

As well as the ginger cat, the group is looking to home kittens found living behind a dustbin.

"We've called them Wilson and Watson, they are three or four months old and need a home together as they play so happily. Ideally, they should go to someone who is at home part of each day."

l Anyone able to give one of the kittens a home should contact Wharfe Valley Cats Protection homing co-ordinator on (01943) 872823.