POOR tabby cat Sparta was extremely nervous and wary of people until Albert, a friendly cat with a heart condition, came into her life.

Two-year-old puss Sparta had made her home at a business estate in Droitwich where she was being fed by some of the staff who worked there.

They contacted the RSPCA for help and Sparta arrived at the RSPCA Worcester branch in November, shortly followed by her two four-week-old kittens who were later discovered at the site as well.

Once Sparta’s kittens were old enough, they were rehomed and now the branch’s 300th cat is looking to find her forever home too.

Daniel Spencer, supervisor at RSPCA Worcester said: “Poor Sparta was not having much luck until she met Albert. She was very nervous when she first came into our care. She would hiss and spit and swipe so we initially thought perhaps an outdoor home where she can do her own thing would suit her best.

“However, over the Christmas period as there were less people around she gained a bit of confidence and started to mooch around the hallways and was eager to see the other cats. We soon realised she is incredibly sociable with other cats.

“Then she met Albert, a lovely cat with cardiomyopathy, and the pair have been inseparable ever since. They will rub up against each other and have now started curling up and sleeping in the same bed. This also improved Sparta’s confidence with people, with another cat by her side, she would let us stroke and fuss her.

“We’d really like to rehome them together as they have developed such a close bond and having a cat friend around really helps to calm Sparta.”

Albert, the black and white cat, was also a stray, living in a cat colony before he ended up in RSPCA care. Thankfully his heart condition is not stopping Albert live his life to the fullest.

Daniel added: “It really does show that some cats just need a bit of time, attention, and in Sparta’s case a lovely cat friend to help them come out of their shell.”

If you think you can give Sparta and Albert a loving home, please contact RSPCA Worcester and Mid-Worcestershire branch on 01905 821272.