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There was a reminder from the RSPCA today that owners must provide adequate care for their pets when they go on holiday. Of course, such a reminder should not be necessary, but the case of a couple who left their dog and two cats home alone has highlighted the need for the warning. Unbelievably, three pets were abandoned at home while their owners enjoyed a fortnight’s holiday. The consequences were tragic.

For Halloween, two of the RSPCA’s long-stay pets are having their portraits painted on pumpkins to highlight their search for a new home.

Kai the dog and Fred the cat are both currently residents at RSPCA South Godstone animal centre. They were rescued by RSPCA inspectors, but they are still waiting for their forever homes after several months at the centre. The charity hopes the pair might be in their new homes for Halloween, and have released a special time-lapse video showing the creation of their pumpkin portraits.

Kai is a three year old Lurcher cross who has been in the RSPCA’s care for over 18 months. He has appeared on Channel 5’s The Dog Rescuers, but still has not managed to find a new loving owner.

Tony Shaw, deputy manager at RSPCA South Godstone said: “Kai is such a handsome boy, he certainly looks good on a pumpkin! This lovely boy has been waiting patiently to find a family who will spoil him and give him plenty of walks where he can stretch his long legs. Although Kai hasn't had the best start, he is an affectionate chap who enjoys human company and he will therefore require his owners to be home for the majority of the day to give him the attention he deserves. Kai is a clever dog who has some basic training, however will require further training to improve his manners and teach him more basic commands.

“Swimming is one of Kai's favourite hobbies, he recently had a great day out at the beach with some of the centre staff, he travelled brilliantly and his behaviour was perfect. Kai cannot live with cats or small animals, he also needs further socialisation with other dogs so he will need to be the only household pet. Kai will be happy to live with children of secondary school age.”

Poor Fred, a four year old cat, was abandoned by his owners, and has been at the RSPCA shelter for over five months.

Tony said: “Fred has been with us for some time and has been steadily growing in confidence every day since coming into our care. He does enjoy fuss but prefers to keep his feet firmly on the floor. We are confident he’ll really come out of his shell with an understanding family, and believe he could be happy living with a female cat as he did before his rescue, but are sure that living with a dog would be too much for this sensitive boy.

“Fred is going to need a space of his own while he settles in and it would suit him if someone was around for part of the day, so that he knew someone was around but also knew he had some time to himself. We would also be looking for a home with older children who can understand Fred's needs and will allow him the time and space while he finds his way.

Tony added: “Let’s hope these handsome boys will catch a few eyes this Hallowe’en with their pumpkin portraits. You never know, the new owners may just get to keep the pumpkin too!”

If you feel moved to offer Kai or Fred a loving forever home, please contact Tony Shaw at RSPCA South Godstone Animal Centre on 0300 123 0741.

From downward-facing cats to strays who stretch, the residents of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home’s cattery are feline flexible and showing off their moggie moves today to mark International Yoga Day.

The world renowned charity have an average of 220 cats across their three centres at any one time who are all practising their best balanced yoga moves in the hope of attracting a new home fur life.

You know that fridge magnet that says, “You don’t have to be mad to work here, but it helps!”? Well you don’t have to love animals to enjoy The Secret Life of Pets, but it will help.

OK, this is not strictly speaking a dog story, but these poor older cats are in Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, and they deserve a loving forever home.

The cattery at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home in Old Windsor has reached full capacity, with the charity issuing an urgent appeal for people to consider giving a home to an unwanted cat.