A characterful cat who spends his days 'meowing through the window' in a rescue cattery, is hoping to find a new home to call his own.

The plucky puss named Darwin has been in the care of RSPCA Hants and Surrey Border branch for 168 days, waiting to be adopted, but has yet to be chosen by a new family.

The one year old domestic short breed cat was taken in by the RSPCA after he and many other cats were rescued from a property.

Sadly, the cats had not been socialised so staff had to work hard to gain Darwin's trust before his character shone through.

The RSPCA is highlighting his story as part of its month-long Adoptober rehoming campaign which aims to shine a light on the many animals like Darwin who are still waiting for their forever home.

The charity's rehoming centres are full as more pets come into rescue than are being adopted, with a six percent increase in dogs and a four percent rise in cats reported between 2021 and 2022.

Darwin's search for a home comes after a three-year collapse in rehoming rates. In 2022, the RSPCA rehomed 27,535 animals - falling 30% compared with 2019, when 39,178 were rehomed.

Liz Wood, rehoming and welfare coordinator at RSPCA Hants and Surrey Border branch said: "Darwin is such a characterful cat and he can't wait to leave the cattery and go to a home of his own. He often sits looking through the glass window of his cat pod meowing to get our attention.

"Out of all the cats removed from the property, Darwin has always been the most vocal. He knows how to attract our attention in the hope of playtime or his favourite thing - food. He also loves to play with toys, so he will make a really fun and rewarding companion for the right home.

"Although Darwin is unsure about being stroked and handled, we believe that once he's settled into his new home and given plenty of time to himself, he will really come out of his shell, and potentially another friendly cat in the household could really help build his confidence even further."

The RSPCA is currently facing the biggest rehoming crisis in recent memory, leaving rescue centres and branches "full to bursting" with more unwanted animals coming into care than are being adopted.

This comes at a time when seven in 10 people say they are not planning on getting a new pet

To try and revive adoption rates, the RSPCA's month-long Adoptober rehoming campaign launched this month (October), celebrating the wonder of rescue pets, and highlighting the many animals the charity has waiting to find their perfect match.

Visit the RSPCA's Find A Pet to see all of the animals currently in the charity's care who are looking for their paw-fect match, or help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming by donating online or calling their donation line on 0300 123 8181.