DO you have the purrrfect place for a cat, room to give a dog a home, or fancy making friends with a ferret?If so the RSPCA centre in Martlesham would love to hear from you.

By Tina Heath

DO you have the purrrfect place for a cat, room to give a dog a home, or fancy making friends with a ferret?

If so the RSPCA centre in Martlesham would love to hear from you.

There are just some of the adorable animals currently up for adoption – and with more being brought in every week the need for suitable homes is no shaggy dog story!

Like this friendly albino ferret abandoned on a building site and brought in to the centre by concerned workmen.

"She's very tame and loves being handled," said centre manger Glen Cronin. "She'll sit in your pocket if you let her or she'll disappear up your sleeve."

If it's something a little larger you are looking for, how about 10-month-old Tyrone, an excitable German Shepherd who was brought to the centre when his owners found him too much of a handful.

"He's big and bouncy and would be better with somebody that knows the breed," admitted Mr Cronin.

For a similar tale take a look at Ziggy, a Doberman cross, pictured here with centre assistant manager Graham Marwood. The 10-year-old canine has a tendency to nip when excited, but there's no bite in her chops and after nearly three months at the centre she could really do with a more permanent home.

Spot the difference with Jasper a three-year-old male neutered Dalmatian cross. Up for adoption after boisterously knocking over his owner's young children, he's excitable too but very well behaved and trained.

All three dogs would be better suited to a home without young children.

Lucky Tom was a cat in a flap until somebody came and reserved him – just moments after our photographer had left the centre. Tom's previous owners had to give him up when they moved to accommodation that didn't allow animals, but he will soon be off to a new pad.

Still looking for love is this black-faced puss who was found wandering the streets of Eyke, near Woodbridge, earlier this week and was brought to the centre after a check up at the vets.

He wasn't wearing a collar or identity chip but staff are convinced somebody must be looking for him and will be asking for proof of ownership before handing him over.

In total there are 10 dogs, 17 cats and plenty of rabbits as well wildlife and even a tame rat at the centre.

Adoption will be granted pending a home visit to make sure new-found owner and pet will be comfortable living together and there is an adoption fee plus extras for neutering, spaying or chipping.

If you can't take an animal then the centre is in need of help in other ways. There is a desperate need for blankets after a batch of puppies chewed their way through much of the supply, and with weekly running costs at nearly £2,500, cash donations are always welcome.

If its time and not money you have on your hands help is always needed at the RSPCA charity shops across the county.

The centre at Sunnyland Mill Lane, Martlesham is open every day except Wednesdays from 2pm to 4pm.

For more information try www.martlesham.rspca.btinternet.co.uk or call 01473 623280.