HARVEY is a friendly adult pole cat who needs lots of petting from his new owners.

Now living at the RSPCA's Altham shelter, Harvey, like most pole cats and ferrets, is easily tamed by a lot of handling by friendly people.

Manager Jeanette Ainscough said: "Pole cats can be tame enough to keep in the house without a cage and they love going for walks in a harness."

Ten domesticated, neutered ferrets and pole cats at the RSPCA's shelter are now in need of new homes with experienced owners.

They aren't suitable for families with children under 10 as they may bite if roughly grabbed and frightened by a small child.

As they are predators in the wild, pole cats and ferrets can't be kept with rabbits or smaller rodents, but they can sometimes live happily with cats and dogs.

They can catch some canine diseases, so may need vaccinating if kept with dogs. They need hutches with strong wire, as they can chew through chicken wire, and they can be fed on dry ferret food, tinned cat food or raw meat. Anyone who can give a home to Harvey, or any of the shelter's other animals, can contact Jeanette on 01254 231118.

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