THEY have been together through thick and thin.

And that didn’t change this year as these adorable feline companions spent the new year away from their home for the first time.

JD and Scruffy, who are both 12, were brought into the Blue Cross centre in Felixstowe last month by their heartbroken owners because they were moving abroad.

The duo are two of more than 30 pets currently waiting for a new home.

Andy Gillon, centre manager, said: “We want to make sure the animals go to a loving home and stay there for the rest of their lives.”

Mr Gillon said Blue Cross volunteers gave up some of their Christmas Day to look after the animals.

The charity’s bosses are now calling on people in the area to help rehome animals over the next few weeks.

JD and Scruffy will need to be rehomed together as the only pets in the house. They would be suitable for a home with older children and away from busy roads.

The pair have the FCV and FHV viruses but they are currently well.

Symptoms of the viruses include conjunctivitis, sneezing and mouth ulcers. It is impossible to totally eliminate the virus from a pet but there are vaccinations and they do not transfer to humans.

Mr Gillon added: “Some visitors to the centre can be put off rehoming a cat that has a virus like FCV or FHV as they fear it could pass on to humans. This simply isn’t true and infected cats can have a full and happy live with the right owners.”

If you are interested in JD and Scruffy, or any other animals at the Blue Cross, call 0300 7771480 or visit www.bluecross.org.uk