BORED moggies at a West Devon rescue centre this week sparked an appeal for help from staff anxious to inspire their feline charges.

Wingletang Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre near Tavistock currently houses not only up to 40 dogs but also 15 to 20 cats. Staff at the centre are asking the public for cat toys in particular to keep their rescued animals entertained.

Niki Ging, manager of the Margaret Green Trust's Wingletang centre, said: 'Cats, especially cats in rescue centres, need stimulation and recreation to maintain their good mental health.  

'This is often referred to as "environmental enrichment". It means that for some cats to be happy and to minimise behavioural problems it is important that they have plenty of toys, places to hide, places or things to scratch, and opportunities to play.'

Even in a family home, cats that lack enrichment can be aggressive in play, both with people and with other animals.

They may also interact destructively with furniture, plants or other objects in a household. This can be overcome by providing objects for a cat to explore, such as cardboard boxes, paper shopping bags and toys that encourage the cat to investigate.

Niki said: 'You can make your own toys from objects such as tennis balls or clean yoghurt containers with plastic lids. Cut a hole into the ball or container, fill it up with a few cat biscuits and your cat is very likely to be entertained.

'Interactive toys help strengthen the bond between a cat and a member of staff or a volunteer. Both parties have a great time playing with wand-type toys with strings, feathers, and fabric attached.

'Just like people, cats and dogs are social animals. They love people to spend time with them and we are always in need of volunteers. If you think you could spare some time to come and cuddle a rescue cat or walk a rescue dog, please get in touch.' 

For more information on cat enrichment, volunteering, or to donate, please call the Devon team on 01822 810 215.

Some examples of possible gifts for the cats include foil balls, string, plastic milk bottle tops, cardboard toilet roll tubes, paper bags, cardboard boxes, shoelaces, balls of wool, clean, empty plastic containers, cat treats, ping pong balls, hair bands, feathers and new, shop-bought cat toys.