An adorable cat has become the longest-staying resident at his rehoming centre and is still looking for his forever home 230 days after being rescued.
Sweet Eddie is said to be "loving and easygoing", and is understood to absolutely "loves human company". Despite his many amazing qualities, however, nobody wants to adopt poor Eddie, and it's believed this is because he has black fur.
Black cats, and black and white cats, are understood to take longer to rehome, and Eddie is struggling to find a home to call his own.
Eddie, who is thought to be around two years old, was first brought to RSPCA shelter branch on Yarm Lane, Great Ayton, back in September after being collected from a shed where a concerned member of the public had kept him contained.
Both of poor Eddie's ears were ulcerated, leaving him with painful, bald patches requiring months of treatment. Now healed and ready to move on from the shelter, Eddie would ideally like to live in a home where he would be the only pet, but so far, there's been no interest.
Cattery supervisor, Beverley Dunn, said: "Eddie is an amazing cat who came to us as a stray after being found with extremely bad ears.
"He had to endure weeks and weeks of treatment and wear a protective cone to stop him from scratching them, but he coped so well and just got on with it. His ears are now fully healed and he really deserves to find his forever home after the health issues he's endured.
"He's a gorgeous, affectionate boy who loves human company and as much fuss and attention as you can give him, although his second favourite pastime is playing with a ping pong ball."
She continued: "Unfortunately black, and black and white cats, are not as popular as tabby and ginger cats - and it always takes us considerably longer to find them loving new homes.
"The perfect owners are out there somewhere for Eddie and we'd encourage anyone who has been moved by his story, and is in a position to be able to offer him a wonderful new home, to apply through our website."
Eddie is able to live with older children, and will need to have access to an outdoor space. If you think you can offer Eddie the loving home he deserves, then you can apply through the Great Ayton Animal Centre website.
Do you have a pet-related story to share? Email us at julia.banim@reachplc.com
