CHORLEY residents have the purr-fect excuse to think about their cats this week.

Cats Protection -- the largest national cat charity -- is running its annual week to encourage responsible pet ownership and tell the public about the charity's work.

The event started last weekend and will run until this Saturday (September 16).

This year's theme -- Tough and Tender -- reflects the organisation's approach to cat care standards and procedures.

Chorley is covered by the Preston branch of Cats Protection, and spokesman Jeanette Greaves hopes the event will highlight the need for help in the town.

She said: "We are always looking for good homes in the Chorley area and if anyone is interested in becoming a foster home they can contact us on 01772 744905."

Last year, the Preston branch rehomed 259 cats and kittens and helped nearly 2,000 others.

Nationwide the charity rehomes on average 70,000 cats a year, with another 165,000 receiving help.

Cats Protection say their tough standards include neutering cats -- to help reduce the eight to ten million strays in the country -- microchipping and vaccination.

CP's veterinary officer Rhona Simms added: "Primary vaccination of kittens is essential in order to protect cats against potentially fatal disease, such as cat flu, feline enteritis and viral leukaemia."

Preston branch volunteers have been using the special Cats Protection Week to boost funds.

Chorley shoppers may have seen volunteers collecting in the town centre last weekend, and there are other events coming up which the charity hopes will interest Chorley folk.

Jeanette said: "We are running a stall all week at Pets at Home on Preston Riversway. We are also holding a sponsored walk on September 17 around Glenridding in the Lake District."

Anyone who wants to take part can phone Shirley on (01772) 436885.