The RSPCA is appealing for London animal lovers to foster a homeless pet for Christmas...

The organisation's Central and North East London branch is looking for volunteers who will be staying at home over Christmas and be willing to take in a cat or rabbit to care for over the festive period.

The branch is already inundated with unwanted cats and is expecting even more to be abandoned over Christmas.

Branch manager Jenny Eden said: "We want to hear from people who would like to do something special and help an unwanted animal over Christmas.

"We take in so many cats that have been unloved, abused and dumped on the street and desperately want some comfort and some care.

"You could give a cat its best Christmas ever and help it get a new home in the New Year.

"The animals are all looking for new permanent homes so fosterers would only be asked to keep them for a couple of weeks over the festive period. As well as cats the branch is also looking for foster homes for rabbits."